Both Explorers carry Rolex's adventuring heritage, but they serve different purposes. Here's how to choose between them.
The Explorer: Pure Simplicity
The Explorer (ref. 124270 at 36mm, or the popular discontinued 214270 at 39mm) is Rolex distilled to its essence. Time, and nothing else. The 3-6-9 dial is instantly legible, the case slides under a shirt cuff, and 100m water resistance handles everything except diving.
The Explorer II: Built for Expeditions
The Explorer II (ref. 226570) adds a GMT hand and fixed 24-hour bezel — originally designed for cave explorers who lost track of day and night. At 42mm, it has more wrist presence. Available in black or white ("Polar") dials.
Key Differences
| Explorer | Explorer II | |
| Size | 36mm | 42mm |
| GMT | No | Yes |
| Bezel | Smooth | Fixed 24hr |
| MSRP | $7,350 | $10,550 |
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