Rolex Explorer

Buying Advice

Choosing Your Rolex Explorer

Whether you want to buy a Rolex Explorer as your first serious watch or add one to an established collection, this is one of the most versatile choices in the Rolex lineup. A pre-owned Rolex Explorer offers the same rugged reliability at a more accessible price point, and the collection spans two distinct families: the time-only Explorer I and the GMT-equipped Explorer II. Understanding the differences between them is the fastest way to find the right watch.

Explorer I vs. Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II is not simply a larger version of the Explorer I. The Explorer I is a clean, time-only field watch built around the iconic 3-6-9 dial. The Explorer II adds a fixed 24-hour bezel, a date window, and an independently adjustable GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. If you travel frequently or want a dual-time complication, the Explorer II is the better fit. If you prefer a minimalist everyday watch that transitions from outdoor adventures to the office, the Explorer I is the classic choice.

Size

Explorer I models are available in Rolex 36mm and Rolex 40mm case sizes, depending on the reference. The Rolex 124270 and Rolex 124273 wear 36mm, while the discontinued Rolex 214270 sits at 39mm and the current Rolex 224270 at 40mm. Explorer II references like the Rolex 16570 measure 40mm, while the Rolex 216570 and Rolex 226570 come in at 42mm. Smaller wrists tend to favor the 36mm Explorer I, while those who want more wrist presence gravitate toward the Rolex 42mm Explorer II.

Material: Steel vs. Two-Tone

For decades, the Explorer was produced exclusively in Oystersteel. That changed in 2021 when Rolex introduced the Rolex 124273, a 36mm Explorer I in steel and yellow gold. If you want the traditional tool-watch look, steel is the way to go. If you prefer a dressier edge with a warm gold bezel and center links, the two-tone 124273 is the only Explorer that offers it. Browse all two-tone Rolex watches for more options.

Dial: Black vs. Polar White

Every Explorer I comes with a black dial. Explorer II references, however, are available in both black and the distinctive polar white. The Rolex Polar Dial has become a collector favorite for its high contrast and icy aesthetic. If you want a versatile Explorer II that stands out, the polar white is worth considering alongside the classic black.

Rolex Explorer Price

Pre-owned Rolex Explorer prices vary by family and reference. Steel Explorer I models typically start around $5,000 for older references like the Rolex 14270 and range up to $9,000 or more for current-production models. The two-tone Rolex 124273 commands a premium, generally starting above $10,000. Explorer II models range from roughly $7,000 for the Rolex 16570 to $12,000 and above for the current Rolex 226570. Vintage Rolex references like the Rolex 1016 and the Rolex 1655 (also known as the Rolex Steve McQueen) carry collector premiums well above these ranges. The Rolex Explorer price you pay will depend on condition, box and papers, and market demand for the specific reference.

Robertino's Tip | WatchGuys CEO

"Think about how you will actually wear this watch. Are you looking for something lean and understated for daily wear, or do you want a bolder tool watch with GMT functionality for travel? That answer will tell you whether the Explorer I or Explorer II is right for you. Need help narrowing it down? Call us or text us."

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Rolex Explorer From WatchGuys

When you shop pre-owned Rolex Explorer watches for sale at WatchGuys, every piece is backed by the same guarantees we apply to our entire inventory. We carry Explorer I and Explorer II references from vintage to current production, and each one is inspected, verified, and ready to ship.

Common Questions

Rolex Explorer FAQ

• How Much Does a Rolex Explorer Cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Explorer prices depend on the family and reference. Explorer I models in steel generally range from about $5,000 to $9,000, with the two-tone 124273 starting above $10,000. Explorer II models range from roughly $7,000 to $12,000 or more for current references. Vintage pieces like the 1016 and 1655 carry significant collector premiums. The Rolex Explorer price you pay is influenced by condition, completeness of box and papers, and current market demand.

• What Size Rolex Explorer Should I Buy?

  The Explorer I is available in 36mm (references 124270, 124273) and 39mm to 40mm (references 214270, 224270). The Explorer II comes in 40mm (reference 16570) and 42mm (references 216570, 226570). If you have a wrist under 7 inches, the 36mm Explorer I typically offers the most balanced fit. Wrists over 7 inches can comfortably wear the 42mm Explorer II. Trying on multiple sizes is the best way to decide.

• What Is the Difference Between the Rolex Explorer I and Explorer II?

  The Explorer I is a time-only field watch with the signature 3-6-9 black dial. The Explorer II adds a date display, a fixed 24-hour bezel, and a GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. The Explorer II also offers the option of a polar white dial, which the Explorer I does not. In terms of size, the Explorer II is consistently larger, ranging from 40mm to 42mm compared to the Explorer I's 36mm to 40mm.

• Is a Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer Worth Buying?

  Yes. The Rolex Explorer is built from Oystersteel and designed to withstand harsh environments, so pre-owned examples hold up remarkably well over time. Buying pre-owned also gives you access to discontinued references like the 214270 and older Explorer II models that are no longer available new. When purchased from a trusted dealer with authentication and warranty coverage, a pre-owned Rolex Explorer offers excellent value.

• What Should I Look for When Buying a Used Rolex Explorer?

  Start with authenticity. Buy only from dealers who provide a documented authentication process. Check that all parts are original to the reference, including the dial, hands, bezel, and bracelet. Review the overall condition for excessive polishing, which can round out case edges over time. Confirm whether the watch comes with its original box and papers, as these affect both resale value and provenance. Finally, ask about warranty coverage.

• Does the Rolex Explorer Hold Its Value?

  The Rolex Explorer has a strong track record of value retention across both the Explorer I and Explorer II families. Discontinued references tend to appreciate over time as supply decreases. The Explorer I, in particular, has seen growing demand in recent years due to its versatility and historical significance. While no watch is a guaranteed investment, the Explorer consistently performs well on the secondary market.

• Which Rolex Explorer Reference Is the Best Value?

  For the Explorer I, the 114270 offers the classic 36mm proportions with a proven Caliber 3130 movement at a lower entry point than current-production models. For the Explorer II, the 16570 provides a genuine 40mm tool watch with GMT functionality at one of the most accessible prices in the lineup. Both references are well-established, easy to service, and widely available on the pre-owned market.

• Can the Rolex Explorer II Be Used as a GMT Watch?

  Yes. Modern Explorer II references (16570 and later) feature an independently adjustable 24-hour hand that can be set to a second time zone while the main hour and minute hands keep local time. Combined with the fixed 24-hour bezel, this makes the Explorer II a fully functional GMT watch, ideal for frequent travelers and those who need to track multiple time zones at a glance.