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Rolex Explorer 36
Ref. 124270
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Stepping up in Rolex's range
The original Explorer launched in 1953 at 36mm, and for decades that was simply what an Explorer was. A 39mm version ran from 2010 until 2021, when this reference brought the case back to its correct dimensions — a decision that went down well with those who had been waiting. At 43mm lug-to-lug it sits close to the wrist and disappears under a cuff without negotiation, and narrowing the lug width to 19mm gives the Oyster bracelet a taper that earlier 36mm references lacked. The black lacquer dial carries applied 3-6-9 numerals in 18k white gold, and the Chromalight fill glows blue rather than the more common green — a detail that is immediately obvious in a dark room and quietly distinctive in daylight. Beneath the case, the Calibre 3230's Chronergy escapement earns Rolex's Superlative Chronometer rating, which means independently verified accuracy to within ±2 seconds per day. The 70-hour reserve gives a weekend off the wrist without resetting on Monday morning. The Oysterlock clasp includes Easylink, a 5mm bracelet extension that adjusts without tools — useful across seasons, or simply across a day.
- Reference
- 124270
- Brand
- Rolex
- Collection
- Explorer
- Case size
- 36mm
- Case thickness
- 11.5mm
- Lug width
- 19mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- 3230
- Water resistance
- 100m
- Bracelet / strap
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Strap colour
- Silver
- Clasp
- Folding clasp
- Lume
- Luminous
- Condition
- Pre-owned
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Additional specifications
- Lug-to-lug
- 43mm
- Power reserve
- 70 hours
Learn more about Rolex
Hans Wilsdorf founded Wilsdorf & Davis in London in 1905 with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis, importing Swiss movements and casing them in England. He registered the name Rolex in 1908 — short, pronounceable in any language, and easy to fit on a dial.
Wilsdorf's conviction was that the wristwatch, then regarded as a woman's ornament and hopelessly fragile, could be made accurate and durable. He proved the first half in 1910 by obtaining the first chronometer certification for a wristwatch, and the second in 1926 with the Oyster case, sealed by a screw-down crown and caseback. Mercedes Gleitze swam the Channel wearing one in 1927, and Wilsdorf bought the front page of the Daily Mail to say so — arguably the first modern watch marketing campaign.
The Perpetual rotor followed in 1931, giving automatic winding in a form the whole industry eventually copied. The company relocated to Geneva during the First World War to escape British wartime duties.
The professional models arrived in a compressed burst in the 1950s: Submariner, Explorer, GMT-Master, Milgauss, and later the Daytona. Each was built for a specific job — diving, exploration, aviation, laboratory work, racing — and each became a design template.
Wilsdorf left his shares to a private foundation on his death, so Rolex answers to no shareholders. It remains the largest producer of certified chronometers in Switzerland by a wide margin.
- 1905
- Hans Wilsdorf founds Wilsdorf & Davis in London.
- 1908
- The Rolex name is registered.
- 1926
- The Oyster case introduces genuine water resistance.
- 1931
- The Perpetual rotor brings modern automatic winding.
- 1953
- The Submariner and Explorer launch.
- 1963
- The Cosmograph Daytona arrives.
Also in 6 collections
This watch appears in Back in Stock (5,399), Stainless Steel Watches (3,501), Watches Under 37mm (1,867), Automatic Watches (1,861), Watch Price Drops (377) and Pre-Owned, Ex-Display & Vintage Watches (375).
2-year Goldsmiths warranty
What the specifications mean
A mechanical watch for everyday wear.
Strengths
- 100m water resistance covers swimming and watersports
- 36mm suits most wrists
- Sapphire crystal, which resists scratching
- 70-hour reserve survives a weekend off the wrist
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
Price history
This watch is currently at its lowest recorded price. It reached £8,650 on 5 October. Prices are checked every day, and we record any changes.
Rolex Explorer 36 alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification |  124270 | 278559-3025 | 03.9400.670 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £8,150 | £7,990 | £5,950 |
| Case size | 36mm | 36mm | 36mm |
| Water resistance | 100m | 30m | 100m |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Power reserve | 70 hours | 42 hours | — |
| This watch |
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|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Yes. At 100m it is rated for swimming and snorkelling, though not for diving.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedHow long does it run for when it's not worn?
About 70 hours fully wound — enough to sit off the wrist over a weekend and still be running.
What size strap does it take?
19mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.
Will it fit my wrist?
Lug-to-lug is 43mm, which suits wrists from roughly 15cm (6 inches) upward.
Lug-to-lug decides fit more than case diameter does.
How to size a watch to your wristIs it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's, though at 36mm it sits in the range that suits anyone.
Cheapest place to buy
Goldsmiths at £8,150 is the cheapest of 4 UK retailers, against £8,650 at the dearest — a difference of £500.
Has the price changed recently?
It's currently at its lowest recorded price since we began tracking it. It's ranged between £8,150 and £8,650, today it's £8,150.
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