Shop Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer Watches With Bezel
The Rolex Explorer is one of Rolex’s first-ever sports watch collections and one of the most popular timepieces in this luxury watch niche. If you’re looking to buy this elegant and sporty adventure-themed watch, Bezel offers a curated selection of pre-owned Explorer models.
You will find the perfect Rolex Explorer watch model in our highly curated catalog of pre-owned luxury watches from vintage to modern references. The Explorer is a worthwhile store of value, partly because it holds its value well but also due to its durable design, which makes it a perfect everyday timepiece for the office and all kinds of outdoor adventures.
The Legacy of Rolex Explorer Watches
The Explorer is Rolex’s oldest sports watch and is still in production today. This simple yet durable sports watch laid the foundation for the other tools and sports watches that Rolex has released over the years, contributing to the watchmaker’s legendary reputation.
The First Explorer made its debut in 1952. Unlike other Rolex watches, the Explorer was not designed for a sole activity. Instead, it was a product of Rolex’s connection to the world of adventure and outdoor exploration. With its durable build and legible display, this simple, time-only watch was designed to meet the highest durability standards, making it perfect for the active individual.
The Explorer was released the same year as the first successful expedition to the summit of Mt. Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s expedition was equipped with different watches, one of which was the Rolex Ref. 6098, which is today considered a “pre-Explorer” model. The Ref. 6150, which was the first Rolex watch labeled as an “Explorer” timepiece, was released shortly after this expedition.
Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Rolex successfully tested its Explorer watches in various challenging situations, including polar adventures, cave expeditions, and mountaineering. This tested their reliability under the toughest conditions and helped the watchmaker modify its durable adventure watches to perfection.
The Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971 to continue the legacy of exploration and unbridled adventure established by the original Rolex Explorer I. Rolex Explorer watches were produced exclusively in durable stainless steel casings until 2021, when the first two-tone model was introduced.
What Does a Rolex Explorer Watch Cost
The Rolex Explorer is an embodiment of exceptional reliability with a rich horological history. Needless to say, it’s highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts. The Explorer is a relatively affordable collection. While prices vary for different references, you can look to this catalog for accessible, entry-level models. The relatively friendly price tag of this watch can be attributed to its simple design and the use of 904L stainless steel, rather than precious metals.
Retail Cost
The current retail price for a brand-new Rolex Explorer model is about $7,500 to $12,000 on average. The specific price depends on the model or reference you’re buying.
How Much Does a Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer Cost
The Rolex Explorer enjoys a relatively stable price tag. The lack of volatility makes it a good investment piece likely to retain its value for a long time. However, this also means that the difference between the retail price and the cost of a used Rolex Explorer isn’t so remarkable.
Modern versions of the Explorer cost between $9,500 and $12,000 on average. However, Vintage references are more highly sought after among collectors. Some vintage references, such as the Explorer Ref. 6610 and 1016, carry significantly higher price tags, ranging from $25,000 USD to even more in the secondary market.
Key Features of Rolex Explorer Watches
Simple, functional design
Rolex has updated the Explorer’s design several times over the past few decades. However, one aspect that has remained consistent is its simple, minimalist design. It is a simple tool watch created to tell time accurately under the most extreme conditions. Consequently, this watch does not boast any superfluous bells and whistles. All Explorer models are simple time-only watches presented in a case that varies between 36mm and 40mm. These are discreetly wearable sizes perfect for most wrist sizes.
Durable Build
A durable build is the hallmark of a watch built for outdoor exploration. Earlier examples of the Rolex Explorer were constructed using 316L stainless steel cases–the industry standard at the time–with Plexiglass crystals and an Oyster case design that kept the watch waterproof to a depth of 50 meters.
In later years, Rolex upgraded the case material to Oystersteel, a proprietary alloy of 904L stainless steel renowned for its distinct sheen and high corrosion resistance. This material has been engineered to endure the most severe conditions, making the Rolex Explorer the perfect companion for thrill-seekers.
Its crystal was also upgraded to a sapphire crystal. Modern versions of the Explorer are water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters. All Explorer models come fitted with an Oyster bracelet. The three-piece link bracelet, along with its patented folding safety clasp, further enhances the robustness of this timepiece.
Luminous Black Dial
One of the distinguishing features of the Rolex Explorer is its iconic black dial (only a few models come with a white dial). The deep black color exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance. The hour marker and hands are also coated with luminescent materials. This luminous material, known as Super-LumiNova, promotes optimal legibility under low-light conditions.
Versatile Timepiece
Although originally built and marketed as an exploration watch, the Rolex Explorer is a versatile timepiece. Unlike other tool watches, the Explorer doesn’t have a specific functionality that limits its applications. Instead, the clean aesthetics of this watch, with its simple and smooth bezel and its versatile Oyster bracelet, make it suitable for both casual and more formal settings. The Explorer has an understated design that exudes quiet confidence anywhere it is worn.
Popular Rolex Explorer Watches
As one of the longest-running Rolex collections, the Explorer's back catalog includes several vintage and modern references. Until recently, Rolex had released the Explorer in stainless steel, but a wide range of sizes, dial designs, and movement variants have been introduced over the years. Some of the most popular Rolex Explorer watches released so far include:
Selling Your Rolex Explorer is Easy and Profitable with Bezel
Got a Rolex Explorer for sale? You can get the best value for your treasured timepiece by selling it with the Bezel. We have built a robust pre-owned luxury watch marketplace where active buyers shop for their favorite timepieces from the biggest watchmakers.
We offer a seamless process to help you sell your Rolex Explorer watch with no stress. Our expert team will handle everything from marketing your Rolex Explorer to interacting with buyers and negotiating the best deal for you, all for a low seller’s commission.
Turn to Bezel for All of Your Luxury Wristwatch Needs
Whether you’re an exploration enthusiast looking for a durable timepiece for your adventures or a regular buyer in search of a simple but elegant watch suitable for everyday use, the Rolex Submariner is your best bet. Buying this timepiece ensures you have a timepiece that can survive the toughest conditions and stand the test of time.
You can browse the Bezel Marketplace for our selection of the best pre-owned luxury watches. Our catalog includes contemporary versions and modern vintage models of the Rolex Explorer. You can discover your perfect Explorer reference by filtering your search based on the model, case size, and dial color.
In addition to Rolex Explorers, the Bezel platform lists some of the most elusive watches from other top brands, so you’re never out of options if you want alternatives to the Explorer. You can also use our special concierge service with dedicated client advisors to find specific watch models or references not listed on our site right now.
Our buyer protection policy and comprehensive in-house authentication process guarantee the quality and genuineness of every timepiece listed on our site. Visit our online marketplace or download the Bezel app for iOS devices to shop for your Rolex Explorer.
