My Watch LLC — New and Pre-Owned Luxury Watches My Watch LLC — New and Pre-Owned Luxury Watches
My Watch LLC — New and Pre-Owned Luxury Watches My Watch LLC — New and Pre-Owned Luxury Watches

Rolex Explorer

The Explorer traces its lineage to the 1953 expedition that first summited Everest, and it has stayed true to that brief for over seventy years: a legible black dial, a rugged Oyster case, and nothing you do not need. The 3-6-9 dial layout is one of the most quietly iconic designs Rolex makes. We stock both sides of the family, from 36mm and 40mm Explorer models to the Explorer II with its fixed 24-hour bezel and orange hand, a favorite of cavers and pilots since 1971. Polar white and black dial Explorer II references both come through regularly. For collectors who value capability over flash, this is the line.

Born on the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, the Rolex Explorer was built to go where no watch had gone before. Designed for extreme conditions, it features a black lacquer dial with characteristic 3, 6, and 9 numerals in Chromalight luminescence, Oystersteel construction from the 904L family, and Paraflex shock absorbers for maximum resilience. Available in 36mm and 40mm, the Explorer remains the ultimate tool watch for those who push boundaries. Shop new and pre-owned Rolex Explorer watches at My Watch LLC, authenticated, competitively priced, and ready to wear.

Our inventory spans both lines. The classic Explorer runs from the vintage 6350, 6610, and long-running 1016 through the 14270, 114270, 214270, and current 124270 (36mm), 124273 (two-tone), and 224270 (40mm). The Explorer II, with its fixed 24-hour bezel, runs from the cult-favorite 1655 "Freccione" through the 16550, 16570, 216570, and current 226570. Compare with other adventure-ready Rolex in the Submariner and GMT-Master II collections.

Ships fully insured nationwide from our Oak Park, Michigan showroom via FedEx Hold for Pickup at your nearest FedEx location. Questions on a specific Explorer? Call or text 248-422-0909 or reach us through our contact page.

Rolex Explorer FAQ

How much does a Rolex Explorer cost?

Pre-owned 114270 and 14270 models typically run $5,500–$7,500, among the best values in steel sports Rolex. The 214270 and current 124270/224270 trade $7,000–$10,000, Explorer II 16570s run $7,500–$10,500, and current 226570s $9,500–$12,500. Vintage 1016s start around $15,000 and the 1655 Freccione commands $25,000+.

What's the difference between the Explorer and Explorer II?

The Explorer is the pure three-hander born on Everest; the Explorer II (1971) adds a date, a fixed 24-hour steel bezel, and an orange 24-hour hand, originally designed for cave explorers to distinguish day from night. The Explorer II comes in black or polar white dials at 42mm.

Is the Rolex Explorer a good investment?

The Explorer's low profile keeps it undervalued relative to the Submariner and GMT, and discontinued references like the 36mm 114270 and the polar 16570 have appreciated steadily. Vintage 1016s and the 1655 are established collectibles.

Is it safe to buy a used Rolex Explorer online from My Watch LLC?

Yes. Every watch we sell goes through a rigorous multi-point inspection before it ever leaves our showroom: authentication by our in-house experts, timekeeping accuracy testing, and pressure testing to verify water resistance. My Watch LLC is a Chrono24 Certified dealer, an eBay Top Rated Seller, and a trusted seller on Reddit's Rolex community, with over 800 five-star Google reviews and nearly 300 Trustpilot reviews. We're not just an online storefront. We operate a physical showroom in Oak Park, Michigan, and we're happy to hop on FaceTime or a video call to show you any timepiece in hand before you buy. Every order ships fully insured via FedEx Hold for Pickup at your nearest FedEx location, so your watch is never left on a doorstep. Questions? Call or text 248-422-0909.

Do you buy and trade Explorers?

Absolutely. We buy, sell, and trade Explorer and Explorer II references of every generation. Start a quote on our Sell My Watch page, call or text 248-422-0909, or visit our Oak Park, Michigan showroom by appointment.

Complete Explorer Reference Index

Explorer (1953–present)

6350, 6610, 1016, 14270, 114270, 214270, 124270, 124273 (two-tone), 224270 (40mm)

Explorer II (1971–present)

1655 "Freccione", 16550, 16570, 216570, 226570

Don't see your reference listed or in stock? Call or text 248-422-0909 or use our contact page and we can source nearly any Explorer through our dealer network.

Browse all Rolex watches in stock at My Watch LLC.