Pre-Loved Rolex Explorer
The understated adventurer's watch that goes anywhere.
The Explorer is one of the most wearable Rolex sports models, and the pre-owned market offers strong value against its cleaner, tool-watch brief. Discontinued 39mm references in particular can be found below current retail on the secondary market.
Current asking prices
As of 13 Oct 2026, 12 pre-loved Rolex Explorer listings are live from the partner retailers we index, with a median asking price of £8,600 (lowest £6,033, highest £20,950).
| Size | Listings | Median | Lowest | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All sizes | 12 | £8,600 | £6,033 | £20,950 |
Asking prices across 12 live listings, updated 13 Oct 2026. These are sellers' current asking prices, not sold prices or valuations.
Live listings — 49 pieces
Prices are sellers' asking prices. Nuvinty may earn a commission if you buy through a link. How we earn
eBay listings here are refreshed daily (the oldest was last checked at 07:33, 13 Oct, UK time), so details can differ from eBay. Check the listing on eBay before buying.
Rolex Explorer auctions ending soon
All Rolex auctions →
The oldest bid shown was last updated from eBay at 03:18, 14 Oct (UK time), so the live bid on eBay may be higher. We refresh auctions several times a day.
Live eBay auctions; the current bid and the seller's terms are on eBay. Affiliate links.
Why the Explorer is iconic
Rolex launched the Explorer following the 1953 Everest expedition, positioning it as a rugged watch built for extreme conditions. Its clean 3-6-9 dial layout and legible design have remained largely faithful for decades.
Checking the price
The asking-price table above shows what partner retailers want for this model right now, by size where titles state one. Within a size, price is driven mostly by materials, condition and completeness (box, receipt, authenticity card).
Sizes & variants
Buyers weigh up the 36mm 114270 and 214270, the reintroduced 36mm 124270 and the larger 39mm 214270, all with the signature black 3-6-9 dial.
How to authenticate
- 1.Verify that serial and reference numbers match across the watch, warranty card and case engravings.
- 2.Have the automatic movement checked by a watchmaker to confirm it is correct for the reference and running to specification.
- 3.Purchase from a seller offering an authentication guarantee and, where possible, original box and papers.
Guidance only — always buy from sellers offering an authentication guarantee.
References listed right now
The reference number tells you the generation, case size and details of a Rolex. These are the references named in the 49 listings above, so you can see what is actually on the market today.
| Reference | Listings in the edit |
|---|---|
| 124270 | 15 |
| 224270 | 8 |
| 114270 | 6 |
| 1016 | 3 |
| 14270 | 3 |
| 214270 | 3 |
Before you buy
Buying a pre-owned Rolex Explorer — FAQs
Is the Explorer 36mm or 39mm better?
It comes down to wrist size and preference; the 39mm wears larger and more modern, while the 36mm is the classic proportion and has returned in current production.
Does the Explorer have a date?
No, the standard Explorer is a no-date, time-only watch; the Explorer II is the separate model with a date and 24-hour hand.
Is the Explorer good value pre-owned?
It is often considered one of the better-value steel Rolex sports models, as it attracts less speculation than the Daytona or Submariner.