The Vault › All references › Explorer
Explorer · 2023 to present
“Explorer 224270”
Grade B · 70/100Today's call: Value buy
B: solid, selective. Ranked #88 of 129 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (2026) | $8,100 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $8,300 – $9,100 |
| Vs original retail | +7% |
| 1-year trend | +2% |
The Explorer stretched to 40mm (ref 224270) for modern wrists, running alongside the classic 36.
Trades at a small premium; the 36 carries the heritage, the 40 carries the wrist presence.
The Explorer 40 answers the only complaint about the 36: size. Same 3-6-9 austerity, same movement, scaled for the wrist that finds 36mm dainty. Rolex launching both sizes ended a decade of forum civil war.
It's the newest entry point to the Explorer lineage, Everest, Hillary, Fleming, at the friendliest price in the current sports catalog. Boring is the compliment here.
Our verdict: Pick by wrist size, not by spreadsheet. Both Explorers behave the same financially.
| Sizes | 40mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Smooth polished steel |
| Notable dials | Black 3-6-9 |
| Caliber | 3230 |
| Production | 2023 to present |
Live eBay listings ↗ Open in the interactive Vault