The Rolex Explorer is Rolex’s simple, rugged three-hand watch, introduced in 1953 after Rolex equipped the British expedition that made the first ascent of Mount Everest. Today it comes as the 36mm Explorer ref. 124270 (about $7,900 retail) and the 40mm Explorer 40 ref. 224270 (about $8,350), both with the famous 3-6-9 dial. An Explorer is also strong collateral: Borro lends up to 65% of a watch’s value, so owners can raise cash fast without selling.
Rolex Explorer Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Explorer ref. 124270 | Explorer 40 ref. 224270 |
|---|---|---|
| Case | 36mm Oystersteel | 40mm Oystersteel |
| Movement | Calibre 3230, about 70-hour power reserve | Calibre 3230, about 70-hour power reserve |
| Water resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Dial | Black, 3-6-9 Arabic numerals | Black, 3-6-9 Arabic numerals |
| Introduced | 2021 | 2023 |
| Retail price | About $7,900 | About $8,350 |
Own a Rolex? Borro lends up to 65% of the value of luxury watches, with loans from $2,500, no credit check and funding in as little as one business day. Get a no-obligation quote or call 720-458-6788.
Rolex Explorer vs. Oyster Perpetual
The two look similar: both are steel, time-only Oyster watches rated to 100 meters with Rolex’s 70-hour movements. The difference is character. The Explorer has a black dial with luminous 3, 6 and 9 Arabic numerals and an adventure heritage, while the Oyster Perpetual family uses baton markers and comes in a range of dial colors and sizes. Choose the Explorer for its tool-watch history and instant legibility, or an Oyster Perpetual for color and a dressier look.
History of the Rolex Explorer
Rolex supplied Oyster Perpetual watches to the 1953 British Everest expedition, on which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, and launched the Explorer name that year. The 36mm ref. 1016 was made for decades. The Explorer grew to 39mm in 2010 (ref. 214270), returned to 36mm in 2021 (ref. 124270, including a steel-and-gold version) and was joined by the 40mm Explorer 40 in 2023. The Explorer II, with its 24-hour hand, is a separate model.
How Much Is a Rolex Explorer?
Retail is about $7,900 for the 124270 and about $8,350 for the 224270. Pre-owned 124270s have been quoted from about $6,800 to more than $9,000, depending on condition, papers and source. Vintage references such as the 1016 can command much more.
Can You Get a Loan Against a Rolex Explorer?
Yes. Borro lends up to 65% of a watch’s value, with a minimum loan of $2,500. An Explorer valued at $8,000 could support a loan of up to about $5,200.
- No credit check and no personal guarantee. Your watch secures the loan, and Borro does not ask for personal or business financial statements.
- Fast funding. Once your loan is approved, funds can arrive in as little as one business day.
- You keep ownership. Your Rolex is held in fully insured, secure safekeeping for the loan term and returned when you repay.
- Private and discreet. Borro has lent more than $1 billion to clients across the country and holds an A+ BBB rating.
Learn more about Rolex loans with Borro, read how to value your Rolex, or explore vintage Rolex models.
The Understated Watch With Mountains Behind It
Some watches shout. The Explorer clears its throat, once, and lets you decide whether to listen. Steel case, black dial, three numerals at three, six and nine, and a face so legible you could read it by headlamp. There is nothing here that is trying to impress you, which is precisely what impresses.
You feel that restraint on the wrist. It sits flat, light enough to forget until you glance down and find it perfectly calm. It goes under a cuff and out again without complaint, to a boardroom in the morning and a long walk at dusk. It has the manner of an old friend rather than a new acquaintance.
And it carries a story you never have to tell. As the article above notes, it began in 1953 with the expedition that made the first ascent of Everest, and somehow you can feel the cold air in that history every time you turn your wrist. People who know, know. They give you the tiniest nod across a room, and that nod is worth more than applause.
A watch like this is meant to be kept. If you ever need capital, Borro lends against luxury watches without asking you to sell. Your Explorer is held in fully insured, secure safekeeping, ownership stays with you, and when you repay, it returns to your wrist, quiet as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I borrow against my Rolex Explorer?
Yes. Borro lends up to 65% of a watch’s value, with loans from $2,500, no credit check and funding in as little as one business day.
What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer and the Oyster Perpetual?
The Explorer has a black 3-6-9 dial and an adventure heritage; the Oyster Perpetual uses baton markers and offers more dial colors and sizes.
How much is a Rolex Explorer?
About $7,900 retail for the 36mm 124270 and about $8,350 for the 40mm 224270.
When was the Rolex Explorer introduced?
In 1953, the year of the first ascent of Mount Everest.
What sizes does the Rolex Explorer come in?
36mm and 40mm.
See how much your Rolex could unlock. Borro’s watch loans start at $2,500, with no credit check and no personal guarantee. Apply now or call 720-458-6788 to speak with a valuation expert.
