Rolex Explorer I & II

The Explorer is the Rolex watch for mountaineers, explorers and travellers. The Explorer I is the simple watch with the numerals 3, 6 and 9, the Explorer II the model with 24-hour hand and fixed bezel. At HORANDO you will find both in Oystersteel. New watches are unworn, come with box, papers and the international Rolex warranty and are shipped fully insured. The delivery time is shown on every watch.

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Our most popular Rolex Explorer I & II models

Rolex Explorer I & II prices at a glance

As of October 2026. Prices in euros.

  • from €8,590
  • Median €10,740
  • to €11,990
  • Models 4

The figures come from our own range and are recalculated every month.

History of the Explorer

Rolex introduced the Explorer in 1953, the year of the first ascent of Mount Everest, in which Rolex was involved with its watches. It was designed to be robust, legible and resistant to cold. In 1971 came the Explorer II for cave explorers and polar travellers who need to tell day from night in darkness.

Explorer I in 36 and 40 mm

The Rolex Explorer I has a black dial with large Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock and is considered one of the simplest Rolex watches. Since 2021 it has been available again in 36 mm, and since 2023 also in 40 mm. Inside works calibre 3230 with around 70 hours of power reserve, and the case is water-resistant to 100 metres.

Explorer II with 24-hour display

The Rolex Explorer II has a 42 mm case, an orange 24-hour hand and a fixed bezel with 24-hour scale. This makes it possible to tell day from night or read a second time zone. Inside works calibre 3285 with around 70 hours of power reserve. The dial is available in black and white, and collectors call the white version Polar.

Explorer II or GMT-Master II

Both watches show a second time zone with a 24-hour hand. The GMT-Master II has a rotating Cerachrom bezel and can thus show up to three time zones, while the Explorer II has a fixed steel bezel. This makes the Explorer II look more like a tool and more understated, the GMT-Master II more colourful.

Buy a Rolex Explorer at HORANDO

New Explorer watches at HORANDO are unworn and come with box, papers and the international Rolex warranty. Before shipping we check every watch once more and compare the reference and serial number, and shipping is fully insured. The delivery time is shown on every watch, and after payment you can collect your watch from our showroom in Bamberg if you wish. Instalment payments are available via PayPal up to €5,000 and via Klarna up to €10,000.

Rolex Tick Talk Video - Historie, Meilensteine und Kultmodelle

Frequently asked questions about Rolex Explorer I & II

How much does a Rolex Explorer cost?

At HORANDO, the Explorer I starts at around €8,600, the Explorer II at around €11,900. You will find the current prices on the individual watches (as of October 2026).

Explorer I or Explorer II: What is the difference?

The Explorer I is understated and compact at 36 or 40 mm, with the numerals 3, 6 and 9 on the dial. The Explorer II measures 42 mm and has a fixed 24-hour bezel and an orange hand for a second time zone.

Are the Rolex Explorer watches at HORANDO new and genuine?

Yes. Every new Rolex at HORANDO is new and unworn and comes with box, papers and the international Rolex warranty. The warranty runs for five years from the date on the warranty card. Before shipping, we inspect every watch once more and check the reference and serial number.

Are there alternatives to the Explorer?

Watches from other brands in the same understated style are presented in Rolex Explorer alternative.

Can I pay for a Rolex Explorer in instalments?

Yes. With PayPal you can pay in instalments up to €5,000, with Klarna up to €10,000. For higher amounts we are happy to advise you personally. Purchase on invoice is not possible.

Why buy a Rolex from HORANDO?

HORANDO has been an independent online retailer of luxury watches since 2013 and is certified by Trusted Shops. Every new watch is new and unworn, comes with the full manufacturer's warranty and is shipped insured. You have a 14-day right of return, and we cover the cost of the return shipment. If you have questions about model, size or delivery time, we will advise you personally.