Pre-Owned
Rolex Explorer Watches

The Rolex Explorer emerged in the 1950s when the brand produced a number of prototype watches intended for explorers and mountaineers. It earned its fame when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay sported early versions of the watch during their historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.

Over the decades, Rolex has updated the Explorer several times, improving the watch with incremental changes to the design and movement. However, there are some things about the Explorer that have remained reassuringly consistent.

These include the minimalist, highly legible “Quarter Arabic” dial, and the movement, which has always been self-winding. Also, the Explorer has always been a time-only model and come with a plain black dial—besides some rare early models that featured a white dial.

Early models featured a case size of 34mm or 35mm before they settled on 36mm. Perhaps the most celebrated model is the 36mm Rolex Explorer 1016 whose production run spanned around 30 years, from 1959 to the late 1980s.

A larger 39mm Explorer, the reference 214270, was introduced in 2010 and featured improved luminescence, plus a new movement for enhanced precision. This was followed by the 40mm reference 224270, which again introduced an improved movement.

These days the Rolex Explorer, like all modern Rolex models, is forged from 904L Oystersteel, a superior-grade material known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. This material is engineered to endure the most severe conditions, making the Rolex Explorer a stalwart companion for thrill-seekers.

Another distinguishing feature of the Rolex Explorer is its black dial. Its deep black hue exudes class and sophistication, while the luminescent hour markers and hands ensure optimal readability under any light conditions. Whether you're navigating through a dark cave or attending a black-tie event, the Explorer’s dial adds a touch of elegance.

In 2021 Rolex launched a two-tone Explorer, bestowing an element of glamour on this iconic tool watch. This model, the reference 124273, featured a 36mm case and came in steel and yellow gold.

In essence, the Rolex Explorer is a timepiece that encapsulates exceptional reliability and a rich exploration history. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or a connoisseur of fine craftsmanship, choosing the Rolex Explorer ensures you have a timepiece that can weather any adventure and stand the test of time.

Watchfinder’s selection of pre-owned Rolex Explorers is second to none, with a range of contemporary versions and vintage models to choose from. Discover your perfect Explorer today and wear a piece of horological history that has been the timepiece of choice for countless intrepid adventurers over the decades.