Rolex Explorer vs Rolex Explorer II
Ref. 124270 vs Ref. M226570-0002
The Rolex Explorer and Rolex Explorer II both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Explorer as a field watch and the Rolex Explorer II as a field watch. At $7,650 and $10,750 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Explorer
Rolex
Explorer II
At retail, the Rolex Explorer is listed at $7,650 while the Rolex Explorer II comes in at $10,750. The Rolex Explorer saves you $3,100 (41% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Explorer trades around $9,500 and the Rolex Explorer II around $12,000, a difference of $2,500 favoring the Rolex Explorer. This watch trades at 24% above retail on the secondary market and is trending upward — a strong indicator of collector demand. The Rolex Explorer II also shows a healthy market premium of +11.6%, 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 | Oystersteel | Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Oystersteel, smooth | Oystersteel, fixed 24-hour graduated bezel |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3230 | Rolex calibre 3285 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oyster, three-piece solid links |
| Clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Explorer features 36mm for case diameter compared to the Rolex Explorer II's 42mm. With 4 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 $264 versus $286 for the Rolex Explorer II. For water resistance, the Rolex Explorer delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Explorer 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, better value retention. Go with the Rolex Explorer II if you prioritize the Rolex heritage. 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 is more accessible, priced at $7,650 compared to $10,750.
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 currently trades at 24.2% 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 3230 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Explorer II runs on the Rolex calibre 3285 offering 70 hours of power reserve.