Rolex Explorer Watches
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Rolex Explorer watches are testament to the brand's deep ties to exploration. Launched in 1953, the Explorer stands as Rolex's original sports watch and remains the longest-standing tool watch still in production today.
Over the years, the Explorer collection has expanded to encompass two distinct watch families - the Explorer I, designed for conquering peaks, and the Explorer II, tailored for delving into the depths of caves.
Built to last and highly legible, the Rolex Explorer is the preferred choice for individuals seeking durable and dependable timepieces that effortlessly complement any occasion.
Over the years, the Explorer collection has expanded to encompass two distinct watch families - the Explorer I, designed for conquering peaks, and the Explorer II, tailored for delving into the depths of caves.
Built to last and highly legible, the Rolex Explorer is the preferred choice for individuals seeking durable and dependable timepieces that effortlessly complement any occasion.
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Rolex Explorer II Steel Parachrom Polar White Dial Mens Watch 16570 Box Card
Stock Number: 80473
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Rolex Explorer II Steel Parachrom Polar White Dial Mens Watch 16570 Box Card
Stock Number: 80255
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Rolex Explorer II Steel Polar White Dial Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers
Stock Number: 80033
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Rolex Explorer I 36 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 114270
Stock Number: 80104
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Rolex Explorer I 36 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 114270
Stock Number: 80103
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Rolex Explorer I 36 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 14270
Stock Number: 80037
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Rolex Explorer II Steel Parachrom Polar White Dial Mens Watch 16570
Stock Number: 80155
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Rolex Explorer I 36 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 114270
Stock Number: 80041
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Rolex Explorer I 36 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 14270
Stock Number: 79999
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Rolex Explorer I 36 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 14270
Stock Number: 80067
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Rolex Explorer II 42 Steel Black Dial Mens Watch 226570 Box Card
Stock Number: 79315
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Rolex Explorer II Steel Polar White Dial Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers
Stock Number: 79542
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Rolex Explorer II Steel Parachrom Black Dial Mens Watch 16570 Box Card
Stock Number: 79593
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Rolex Explorer II Black Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570 Box Papers
Stock Number: 79308
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Rolex Explorer II 42 Steel Polar White Dial Mens Watch 226570
Stock Number: 77188
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The Rolex Explorer stands as a timeless tribute to the resilience of humanity and the thrill of exploration. Inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's historic ascent of Mount Everest with their trusted Rolex timepieces in 1953, the Explorer has established itself as a symbol of precision and dependability.
Comprising two distinct watch families within the Rolex catalog, the Explorer collection features the Rolex Explorer I and Rolex Explorer II. Crafted with adventurers in mind, both models are self-winding timepieces with a water resistance of up to 100m, yet they each possess unique characteristics.
The Rolex Explorer I exudes a minimalist charm, bridging the gap between a sports and dress watch. On the other hand, the Rolex Explorer II exudes a more pronounced sporty aesthetic with a larger case, enhanced markers and luminescent plots, a 24-hour bezel, and a vibrant 24-hour hand. Today, the Rolex Explorer collection remains the preferred choice for individuals seeking durable, reliable watches that effortlessly complement any ensemble.
Whether you are embarking on a mountain ascent or navigating the urban landscape, the Rolex Explorer captures the adventurous spirit that resides within us all.
Rolex Explorer Watch Prices
Rolex Explorer prices will vary based on case size, generation and dial color. Buyers can find accessible entry points between $6,000 and $8,000 by targeting neo-vintage 36mm references like the 114270. For current production, standard steel options trade in a tight bracket. Both the modern 36mm and 40mm Explorer I models sit securely in the $8,500 to $9,500 range.
Prices step up when evaluating the Explorer II or entering deep vintage territory. Current 42mm Explorer II models, specifically the highly requested Polar dial, command $12,500 to $14,500. Older 40mm versions like the 16570 offer a lower baseline starting around $8,000. Meanwhile, the true vintage market operates on entirely different multiples. Iconic early pieces such as the 1016 and the "Steve McQueen" 1655 carry massive premiums, regularly trading from $20,000 to well over $40,000.
| Model / Ref | Era | Popular Name | Metal | Bezel/Dial | Retail Price in USD | Pre-Owned Price (Approx) in USD - With Box and Papers | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer I 124270 | Current | Classic | Oystersteel | Smooth Steel | 7900 | $8,500 - $9,500 | Return to classic 36mm size with updated cal. 3230 |
| Explorer I 124273 | Current | Two-Tone | Yellow Rolesor | Smooth Gold | 14250 | $11,000 - $14,000 | First two-tone Explorer in the collection's history |
| Explorer I 224270 | Current | Explorer 40 | Oystersteel | Smooth Steel | 8350 | $8,500 - $9,500 | Newly introduced in 2023 at a larger 40mm case size |
| Explorer I 214270 | Discontinued | T-Rex (Mark I) | Oystersteel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $7,000 - $8,500 | 39mm case with short hands and non-lumed 3-6-9 |
| Explorer I 214270 | Discontinued | Mark II | Oystersteel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $7,500 - $9,500 | 39mm case with longer hands and fully lumed 3-6-9 |
| Explorer I 114270 | Neo-Vintage | - | Oystersteel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $6,000 - $7,500 | Solid end-links and updated cal. 3130 movement |
| Explorer I 14270 | Neo-Vintage | Blackout (early) | Oystersteel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $6,000 - $8,000 | First Explorer with a sapphire crystal and gloss dial |
| Explorer I 1016 | Vintage | - | Stainless Steel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $20,000 - $40,000 | Iconic vintage tool watch produced for nearly 30 years |
| Explorer I 6610 | Vintage | Gilt Dial | Stainless Steel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $30,000 - $50,000+ | Early iteration featuring sought-after gilt dial |
| Explorer I 5500 | Vintage | Explorer Air-King | Stainless Steel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $5,000 - $8,000 | Unique crossover reference sharing the Air-King case |
| Explorer I 6150 | Vintage | Pre-Explorer | Stainless Steel | Smooth Steel | Discontinued | $25,000 - $40,000+ | Earliest iteration associated with Everest expeditions |
| Explorer II 226570 | Current | Polar | Oystersteel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | 10600 | $12,500 - $14,500 | Current 42mm generation with white dial and cal. 3285 |
| Explorer II 226570 | Current | Black Dial | Oystersteel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | 10600 | $11,500 - $13,500 | Current 42mm generation with black dial and cal. 3285 |
| Explorer II 216570 | Discontinued | Polar | Oystersteel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $11,000 - $12,500 | 40th-anniversary 42mm model with orange 24-hour hand |
| Explorer II 216570 | Discontinued | Black Dial | Oystersteel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $9,500 - $11,500 | 42mm case with floating hands effect on black dial |
| Explorer II 16570 | Discontinued | Polar | Oystersteel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $8,500 - $10,500 | Last 40mm Explorer II with classic proportions |
| Explorer II 16570 | Discontinued | Black Dial | Oystersteel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $8,000 - $9,500 | Red 24-hour hand and versatile 40mm case size |
| Explorer II 16550 | Transitional | Cream Dial | Stainless Steel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $15,000 - $25,000 | Transitional reference known for dials turning cream |
| Explorer II 16550 | Transitional | Black Dial | Stainless Steel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $12,000 - $15,000 | First Explorer II to feature a sapphire crystal |
| Explorer II 1655 | Vintage | Steve McQueen / Freccione | Stainless Steel | Fixed Steel 24-hr | Discontinued | $25,000 - $40,000+ | Original Explorer II with distinctive orange arrow hand |
How to Sell My Rolex Explorer
Sell or trade-in your Rolex Explorer for the best price with SwissWatchExpo. SwissWatchExpo makes it easy to sell or trade in your used or pre-owned Rolex Explorer to keep your luxury watch collection fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Rolex Explorer Hold Its Value?
As one of Rolex's longest-running collections, the Explorer enjoys ubiquitous recognition. The versatile design also stands to continue gaining value, as even older designs remain wearable even decades after. With the introduction of new models in 2021, the Rolex Explorer also enjoyed a resurgence in interest. All these factors help secure the value of the Rolex Explorer.
How Will I Know If My Rolex Explorer Is Genuine?
Rolex Explorer watches are built for extreme conditions, and are crafted in keeping with Rolex's uncompromising quality standards. If the watch is lacking in heft, or if you see any sign of imperfection on the watch - such as misaligned and misspelled text or unfinished surfaces - it is likely a fake. Rolex Explorer models are also well-documented. It is always advisable to do research beforehand so you can make yourself familiar with the model's supposed features.
We also advise clients to only purchase a watch from a reputable and trusted retailer, such as SwissWatchExpo, who can provide a guarantee of authenticity on the watch.
Is The Rolex Explorer Waterproof?
The Rolex Explorer I and Rolex Explorer II are guaranteed water resistant to a depth of 100 meters or 330 feet. They come with Rolex's signature screw-down crowns and case backs, which protect the movement from moisture and dust that can be encountered with daily or sporting use.
