Independent reference · Rolex
Explorer.
The case
One design, two sizes.
The Explorer is made in Oystersteel, Rolex's own steel, in two sizes: 36 mm (reference 124270) and 40 mm (reference 224270). Everything else Rolex publishes about them is the same.
Rolex builds the case from a single block of steel for the middle, closed by a screw-down back and a screw-down crown with its double-seal system. The bezel is smooth and the sapphire crystal scratch-resistant. Water resistance is 100 metres.
The movement
Calibre 3230.
Rolex's own automatic movement, wound in both directions by its Perpetual rotor, with centre hour, minute and seconds hands and a seconds hand that stops when the crown is pulled, so the time can be set to the second.
Rolex states a power reserve of about 70 hours and a rate of −2/+2 seconds a day after casing. The hairspring is Rolex's blue Parachrom, paramagnetic, and the balance is protected by its Paraflex shock absorbers. The watch is certified as a Superlative Chronometer: the official chronometer certification, then Rolex's own test after casing.
The dial
A black face, three numerals.
The Explorer's dial is black, with the numerals 3, 6 and 9, a triangle at twelve and baton markers between them. The numerals, markers and hands are filled with Chromalight, Rolex's luminescent material, which glows blue in the dark for a long time.
Rolex makes the dial itself, largely by hand. The bracelet is the three-piece Oyster in Oystersteel, closing on a folding safety clasp with a 5 mm extension link that adds a little length when it is needed.
Specifications
Factory specifications.
As Rolex publishes them, read on 29 September 2026. The two sizes share every row below except the first.
- Explorer 36
- Reference 124270 · 36 mm · US$7,900
- Explorer 40
- Reference 224270 · 40 mm · US$8,350
- Architecture
- Oyster: monobloc middle case, screw-down back and crown
- Material
- Oystersteel
- Bezel
- Smooth
- Crown
- Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system
- Crystal
- Scratch-resistant sapphire
- Water resistance
- 100 m / 330 ft
- Calibre
- 3230, Manufacture Rolex; self-winding, bidirectional Perpetual rotor
- Functions
- Centre hour, minute and seconds; stop-seconds for setting
- Precision
- −2/+2 seconds a day, after casing
- Power reserve
- Approximately 70 hours
- Oscillator
- Blue Parachrom paramagnetic hairspring; Paraflex shock absorbers
- Certification
- Superlative Chronometer (official chronometer certification, plus Rolex certification after casing)
- Dial
- Black; Chromalight display, blue long-lasting luminescence
- Bracelet
- Oyster, three-piece solid links, Oystersteel
- Clasp
- Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with 5 mm Easylink extension link
Rolex publishes no thickness, lug width, lug-to-lug or weight for the Explorer, so none is shown. Sources: Rolex, Explorer 36 (124270); Rolex, Explorer 40 (224270). Each opens in a new tab.
In the application
Add it to your collection.
Download this watch as a spreadsheet Watch Vault Archive imports. One file serves both sizes, so it leaves the size and reference blank: fill in your own, along with what you paid, where you bought it and the serial number.
In the application: Data room, then Import watches (.xlsx, .csv). Before anything is added it shows you every column and where it will go, and nothing already in your collection changes. Until you enter what you paid, the watch is listed as one you are seeking and left out of your totals.
Keep its record from the first day.
Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Explorer, Oystersteel, Chromalight and Parachrom are trademarks of Rolex SA. Watch Vault Archive has no connection with Rolex, and this page was not prepared, reviewed or endorsed by Rolex. The figures are reproduced as Rolex publishes them, with their dates; where Rolex's current sheet differs, Rolex's sheet is the one to follow.
An independent reference: Rolex has not submitted this watch and had no part in this page. The figures are Rolex's own, as published on rolex.com on 29 September 2026. The photographs are original to Watch Vault Archive.