Rolex Explorer

About the Rolex Explorer

The Explorer is a collection of Rolex watches made for the ultimate adventurer. Inspired by the 1953 expedition to Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Rolex launched the Explorer which resulted in various real-life test expeditions. One of Rolex’s first professional pieces, it’s designed to withstand high humidity, intense heat and freezing temperatures. Rolex Explorer watches are expertly crafted, extremely durable and reliable pieces offering a highly readable dial, strong and waterproof Oyster case up to 100m, and long-lasting mechanism with beautiful yet simple designs.

The Rolex Explorer is known it’s defining features such as the large Arabic numerals at 3,6 and 9 0’clock positions, along with the inverted triangle at 12 o’clock and a luminous dial.

For more information, check out our Rolex Explorer Guide.

Rolex Explorer Models

The Explorer collection is split into two versions: the Rolex Explorer I and II. While they share a name, each collection has differences in functionality and visual aspects. And while there are a few variations of both, you can find newer and older models on the market when buying preowned.

The Rolex Explorer 1 references that you could find are:

• Ref. 6350: Launched in 1953, this was the first Rolex Explorer watch, with a stainless steel 36mm case, matching Oyster bracelet, a self-winding chronometer-certified movement, calibre 1030, and 50m of water resistance. This original model boasts the defining design elements such as the black dial, Arabic numerals, the large triangle, and radium luminous markers.
• Ref. 6610: Released in 1956, this Explorer 1 model kept the same design and look, just updated the watch movement and case size.
• Ref. 1016: The longest-running model, launched in 1963 and still in production today, the Rolex Explorer 1016 still embodies the distinctive elements like the 3-6-9 dials and triangular marker and luminous dial but now made with tritium. It also introduced the usage of the calibre 1560 and 1570 in later models. This Explorer was longer-lasting, and with its Oyster case and Twinlock crown, has an improved water resistance of 100m.
• Ref. 14270: Made in 1989, it featured a new sapphire crystal, new movement and 36mm case. With a more powerful calibre 3000 and refreshing the design of the dial, the Rolex Explorer 14270 now has a more modern style and featured numerals and indices crafted out of 18ct white gold which doesn’t tarnish over time.
• Ref. 114270: In 2001, this model was released with some major changes. The exterior still featured the iconic style, except for the bracelets solid end links and Fliplock clasp and this model now used a different luminous material called Super-LumiNova. The interior also had some changes, including the use of the calibre 3130.
• Ref. 214270: Compared to the other models which had a 36mm case, this Rolex Explorer launched in 2010 with a larger 39mm size. With an upgraded calibre 3132, Paraflex shock protection system and a blue Parachrom hairspring, the Rolex Explorer 39mm has impressive resistance to temperature, magnetic fields and shocks alongside the 100m of water-resistance. Boasting a certified “Superlative Chronometer” this model also switched to a blue Chromalight for the luminous material, which appears white and contrasts with the black dial and the glow in the dark 3-6-9 numerals.
• Ref. 124273: This 36mm Rolex Explorer was released in 2021 and was the first two-tone Explorer made from Oystersteel and yellow gold. Fitted with the new calibre 3230, a self-winding and in house movement, it incorporates Rolex’s patented Chronoeegy escapement and blue Parachrom hairspring. Featuring shock resistance and a higher power reserve to 70 hours, the two-toned Explorer is a stunning smaller sized watch.
• Ref. 124270: Also released in 2021, the stainless steel Rolex Explorer also in 36mm boasted all the new technical and style features just in a smaller size.
• Ref. 224270: Early 2023 saw the first 40mm Rolex Explorer which used the calibre 3230 and boasted the impressive resistance to water, temperatures, magnetic fields and shock as well as in the beautifully crafted iconic luminous style.

The Rolex Explorer II models that you might find are:

• Ref. 1655: Released in 1971, this Rolex Explorer 36mm used a calibre 1575 and came with a date indictator at 3 o’clock and larger fixed bezel with an additional 24-hour indicator. A step up from the Explorer I, it features a GMT hand and was designed to aid professional cavers to know whether it’s day or night outside and to track another timezone.
• Ref. 16570: This watch model just saw updated case sizes to 40mm and calibre 16550 movement in 1985 and then again to calibre 3085 in 1989. This models also saw the introduction of the Rolex Explorer white dial alongside the classic black option.
• Ref. 216570: The current model, launched in 2011, it uses the modern calibre 3187 movement and embodies the GMT hand, date and extra 24-hour indicator as well as offering the black and white dial Explorer watches.

Rolex Explorer Features

Resisting temperature and harsh conditions, water, shock and magnetic fields, this watch is the ideal tool. With luminous markers and the distinctive 3-6-9 indicators and the triangle at 12, the Explorer collection boasts easy readability.

Although all references differ in terms of the power and calibre movements, the exterior style is one thing that stays roughly the same in this collection. Except for the colour of bracelets, dials and case sizes.

The classic older models boast the traditional Explorer black dial, stainless steel bracelet and 36mm size, except for the newer 124273 reference. That 36mm Rolex Explorer can be found with a black dial but a two-toned steel and gold bracelet. Newer models still have the black dial and steel bracelet, but you can also find a Rolex Explorer with a white dial, as well as sizes such as 39mm and 40mm.

The main difference between Explorer 1 and 2 is that the Explorer 1 mostly comes in smaller models and has an iconic style with mountaineering heritage. Where the 2 features the GMT hand, date and extra 24-hour indicator.

Rolex Explorer For Men & Women

Originally designed as a men’s Rolex Explorer, this watch has a distinctive sporty look yet modern professionalism with the ultimate readability, durability and tools such as date display. For more luxury choices, check out our full range of men’s Rolex watches.

While the Explorer 1 or 2 isn’t exclusively for men, women can also wear this timepiece, but for slimmer styles we have a range of more suitable Rolex watches for women.

Preowned Rolex Explorer At Ramsdens

All of our Rolex Explorer watches are preowned, and while this doesn’t always mean the watch is vintage, you can find older and discontinued models. Even if the watch is a newer model, if it’s not coming from the distributor it’s considered to be second-hand. No matter how old, all our used Explorer models are all genuine pieces checked by our watch experts, and all are in great condition and still hold the luxury of the Rolex name. Many even come with their original box and papers for that extra level of authenticity.

Buying a second-hand Rolex Explorer is a great way to get in the market, as many Rolex watches have a waiting list to buy. Also, you can find newer and even older vintage Rolex Explorer models at a lower price. Here at Ramsdens, we have a wide range of preowned Rolex watches including the Explorer 1 and 2 collections. All available to buy with finance options and free delivery.

Once you have your preowned Explorer, you’ll want to take care of it, especially if it’s a vintage model. We have a handy watch care and cleaning guide which will help to make sure that your luxury piece stays looking pristine.

For more information, check out our watch guides, or if you have any questions or need help finding the right watch for you, contact us; we’d love to help!