Rolex Explorer II vs Rolex Submariner Date
Ref. M226570-0001 vs Ref. M126613LB-0002
The Rolex Explorer II and Rolex Submariner Date both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Explorer II as a field watch and the Rolex Submariner Date as a dive watch. At $10,750 and $17,550 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Explorer II
Rolex
Submariner Date
At retail, the Rolex Explorer II is listed at $10,750 while the Rolex Submariner Date comes in at $17,550. At $6,800 less (63% savings), the Rolex Explorer II offers a substantially lower entry point. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Explorer II trades around $12,500 and the Rolex Submariner Date around $18,500, a difference of $6,000 favoring the Rolex Explorer II. Trading at 16% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Submariner Date also shows a healthy market premium of +5.4%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 5/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Explorer II | Rolex Submariner Date |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 42mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 13.0mm | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Oystersteel, fixed 24-hour graduated bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 300m / 1000ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3285 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Oyster, three-piece solid links in Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold |
| Clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner Date leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Explorer II uses Oystersteel while the Rolex Submariner Date opts for Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold. With 6 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 II costs $298 versus $451 for the Rolex Submariner Date. For water resistance, the Rolex Submariner Date 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 II if you value a lower entry price, better value retention. Go with the Rolex Submariner Date if you prioritize serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Explorer II or the Rolex Submariner Date?
The Rolex Explorer II is more accessible, priced at $10,750 compared to $17,550.
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 II and Rolex Submariner Date compare in size?
The Rolex Explorer II measures 42mm in diameter and 13.0mm thick, while the Rolex Submariner Date is 41mm by 12.5mm. Water resistance differs too: 100m / 330ft versus 300m / 1000ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Explorer II uses the Rolex calibre 3285 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Submariner Date runs on the Rolex calibre 3235 offering 70 hours of power reserve.