Rolex Explorer
Adventure on a grand scale
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer evolved from Rolex’s deep involvement with exploration.
![Rolex Explorer II [M226570-0001] in oystersteel with a white dial, fixed, 24-hour graduated bezel, and oystersteel bracelet.](https://kirkfreeport.net/wp-content/themes/kf2015/src/images/rolex/collection/2025/upright_watch_assets_landscape/m226570-0001.webp)
![Rolex Explorer 36 [M124270-0001] in oystersteel with a black dial, smooth bezel, and oystersteel bracelet.](https://kirkfreeport.net/wp-content/themes/kf2015/src/images/rolex/collection/2025/upright_watch_assets_landscape/m124270-0001.webp)
![Rolex Explorer 40 [M224270-0001] in oystersteel with a black dial, smooth bezel, and oystersteel bracelet.](https://kirkfreeport.net/wp-content/themes/kf2015/src/images/rolex/collection/2025/upright_watch_assets_landscape/m224270-0001.webp)
Created following the historic ascent of Everest in 1953, the Explorer offers exceptional chronometric precision even in the most extreme conditions.
From the 1930s, Rolex began to equip numerous expeditions with Oyster Perpetual watches. The feedback received was used to develop what became known as the Professional category: watches that serve as tools, such as the Explorer. Rolex watches have taken part in some of humanity’s greatest adventures. One such occasion was the 1953 expedition to Everest, led by Sir John Hunt, on which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first to summit the world’s highest mountain.
Designed for exploration
The Explorer, launched in 1953, sets itself apart with a simple design and a highly legible black dial with characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals and large index hour markers. It is a tool watch, created to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances. Even in the dark, the dial is easy to read, thanks to the Chromalight display. Today, the Explorer is available in a 36 mm diameter – the size of the 1953 original model – as well as in a 40 mm diameter.
The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 and, in the same spirit as the Explorer, perpetuates the privileged relationship Rolex enjoys with exploration. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours – a practical option in places where distinguishing day from night is difficult, such as at the poles at certain times of the year, and in caves – or to read the time in a second time zone.
Resisting the extremes
Watches in the Explorer range have constantly evolved to meet explorers’ needs, each time becoming more robust and reliable. The Explorer 36 is available in Oystersteel or in a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), while the Explorer 40 is made exclusively in Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel is a unique alloy with excellent anti-corrosion properties.
The models are fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet known for its robustness. Featuring the Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, it is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link; developed by the brand, this allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.
Calibre 3230
The Explorer 36 and Explorer 40 are equipped with calibre 3230, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement carries a number of patents. It offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Superlative Chronometer certification
The Explorer is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive designation is issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, attesting to its excellent performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
