The Vault › All references › Explorer
Explorer · 1955 to 1959
“Original Explorer”
Grade A · 84/100Today's call: Buy
A: strong buy-and-hold. Ranked #27 of 164 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (1957) | $150 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Vs original retail | +19900% |
| 1-year trend | +5% |
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, still the most accessible way to own a 1950s Rolex sports watch.
Our verdict: A: the original Explorer. Gilt dial and original hands are what you pay for.
| Sizes | 36mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Smooth polished steel |
| Notable dials | Gilt black 3-6-9 |
| Caliber | 1030 |
| Production | 1955 to 1959 (discontinued) |
Live eBay listings ↗ Open in the interactive Vault