Rolex Explorer vs Rolex Explorer II
Ref. 1016 vs Ref. M226570-0001
Comparing the Rolex Explorer to the Rolex Explorer II means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At ~$42,000 (market value) versus $10,750, these two watches serve different segments of the market. Here's how they stack up on specifications, value retention, and investment potential.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Explorer
Rolex
Explorer II
The Rolex Explorer is priced at ~$42,000 (market value) while the Rolex Explorer II comes in at $10,750. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Explorer trades around $42,000 and the Rolex Explorer II around $12,500, a difference of $29,500 favoring the Rolex Explorer II. Currently trending upward at just 0% below retail, this watch retains most of its value on the secondary market. The Rolex Explorer II commands an even stronger market premium of +16.3%, holding steady. For investors, the Rolex Explorer edges ahead with a flip potential score of 6/10 compared to 5/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Explorer | Rolex Explorer II |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 36mm | 42mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.5mm | 13.0mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel | Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Stainless steel, smooth | Oystersteel, fixed 24-hour graduated bezel |
| Crystal | Acrylic | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 1570 | Rolex calibre 3285 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, riveted or folded links (varies by year) | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oyster folding clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Explorer II offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Explorer uses Stainless steel while the Rolex Explorer II opts for Oystersteel. With 7 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Explorer costs $1,167 versus $298 for the Rolex Explorer II. For water resistance, the Rolex Explorer II delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Explorer II offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Explorer if you value a lower entry price, stronger flip potential. Go with the Rolex Explorer II if you prioritize better value retention. For pure investment potential, the Rolex Explorer has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Explorer or the Rolex Explorer II?
The Rolex Explorer II is more accessible, priced at $10,750 compared to ~$42,000 (market value).
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex Explorer has a higher flip potential score of 6/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Explorer II currently trades at 16.3% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Explorer and Rolex Explorer II compare in size?
The Rolex Explorer measures 36mm in diameter and 11.5mm thick, while the Rolex Explorer II is 42mm by 13.0mm.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Explorer uses the Rolex calibre 1570 with 48 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Explorer II runs on the Rolex calibre 3285 offering 70 hours of power reserve.