The Explorer was born in 1953 after a British expedition wore Oyster Perpetuals to the summit of Everest. Over seven decades it has stayed focused on outdoor utility, with little visual change but several size shifts.
The sixth generation, the 214270, ran from 2010 to 2021 with a 39mm case. Rolex discontinued it in 2021 and replaced it with the 36mm 124270 and the first two-tone 124273. For the line's 70th anniversary in 2023, the brand added the 40mm 224270, so 36mm and 40mm now coexist, all using the calibre 3230.
October 2026 retail: the 36mm 124270 at NT$268,500, the 40mm 224270 at NT$283,500 and the two-tone 124273 at NT$494,000. Secondary averages are roughly NT$264,000, NT$282,000 and NT$332,000, leaving the steel models with only about 3–4% premiums.
The Explorer has largely left the over-retail club, making it far more approachable than Rolex's hottest sports models. For a tough, understated daily Rolex, now is a reasonable moment; the choice is between traditional 36mm proportions and the more contemporary 40mm.
