Oystersteel Rolex Explorer wristwatch with a black dial with white markers, on a grey surface.

Rolex Explorer
Adventure on a grand scale

The Oyster Perpetual Explorer evolved from Rolex’s deep involvement with exploration.

Rolex Explorer 40 Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel

Rolex Explorer II Oyster, 42 mm, Oystersteel

Rolex Explorer Oyster, 36 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold

Rolex Explorer 36 Oyster, 36 mm, Oystersteel

Oystersteel Rolex watch with black dial resting between rugged gray stone rocks against a soft gray background.

Created following the historic ascent of Everest in 1953, the Explorer offers exceptional chronometric precision even in the most extreme conditions.

From the 1930s, Rolex began to equip numerous expeditions with Oyster Perpetual watches. The feedback received was used to develop what became known as the Professional category: watches that serve as tools, such as the Explorer. Rolex watches have taken part in some of humanity’s greatest adventures. One such occasion was the 1953 expedition to Everest, led by Sir John Hunt, on which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first to summit the world’s highest mountain.

Side-by-side images of Rolex Explorer watches: one in yellow gold and oystersteel, the other in oystersteel with glowing blue luminescent markers.

Designed for exploration

The Explorer, launched in 1953, sets itself apart with a simple design and a highly legible black dial with characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals and large index hour markers. It is a tool watch, created to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances. Even in the dark, the dial is easy to read, thanks to the Chromalight display. Today, the Explorer is available in a 36 mm diameter – the size of the 1953 original model – as well as in a 40 mm diameter.

Close-up of a Rolex Explorer watch with yellow gold and Oystersteel bracelet resting on rugged rocks against a mountainous background.

Resisting the extremes

Watches in the Explorer range have constantly evolved to meet explorers’ needs, each time becoming more robust and reliable. The Explorer 36 is available in Oystersteel or in a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), while the Explorer 40 is made exclusively in Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel is a unique alloy with excellent anti-corrosion properties.

The models are fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet known for its robustness. Featuring the Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, it is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link; developed by the brand, this allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.

Close-up of a Rolex Calibre 3230 watch movement with visible gears, screws, and gold text markings on a silver metallic surface.

Caliber 3230

The Explorer 36 and Explorer 40 are equipped with caliber 3230, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement carries a number of patents. It offers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.

Superlative Chronometer certification

The Explorer is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive designation is issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, attesting to its excellent performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities.

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.