Rolex Vault › All references › Explorer
Explorer · 1955 to 1959 · Discontinued · Vintage
“Original Explorer”
Not ranked: too few recorded sales
Market range is an estimate from dealer and auction pricing: too few recorded eBay sales to set it.
Average market price for an example in excellent condition. Dashed line marks the 1957 retail price.
One of the first watches to carry the Explorer name, created after Rolex Oysters went up Everest with the 1953 expedition.
It set the template every Explorer still follows: a 36mm steel case, a black dial, and those bold 3, 6 and 9 numerals.
Its gilt dial, with gold-colored printing on glossy black, is what separates it from the later matte-dial 1016.
It is far rarer than the 1016 and, at these prices, one of the more accessible ways to own a 1950s Rolex sports watch.
Our verdict: The original Explorer. Gilt dial and original hands are what you pay for.
| Sizes | 36mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Smooth polished steel |
| Notable dials | Gilt black 3-6-9 |
| Caliber | 1030 |
| Production | 1955 to 1959 (discontinued) |