The Rolex Explorer tells the time and nothing else, and that restraint is the point: Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9, a smooth bezel and no date. Rolex created it after the 1953 ascent of Everest. We inspect every pre-owned Explorer in our independent Athens workshop before sale; our master watchmaker has more than 50 years of experience, including years working for Rolex. Listings with a price are in stock; "Price upon request" marks a reference we can source to order.

Rolex Explorer ref. 224270 — GrecoWatch Athens Rolex Rolex Explorer 224270 Explorer 40 Ref. m224270-0001 9.100,00 € Inquire -> Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 — GrecoWatch Athens Rolex Rolex Explorer 124270 Explorer 36 Ref. m124270-0001 8.300,00 € Inquire ->

Buying a Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer in Athens

Start with the reference, because the Explorer has changed size and movement more than its dial suggests. The 36 mm ref. 1016 (1963–1989), the longest-produced Explorer, is the vintage choice, with an acrylic crystal and calibre 1560 or 1570. The 14270 (1989–2001) kept 36 mm but added a sapphire crystal and calibre 3000, and the 114270 (2001–2010) moved to calibre 3130 with solid end links. The 214270 (2010–2021) grew to 39 mm with calibre 3132. In 2021 the 124270 returned to 36 mm with calibre 3230 and about 70 hours of power reserve, joined by the two-tone 124273, and the 40 mm 224270 followed in 2023.

Several references look alike. A 214270 and a 224270 are close at a glance, as are a 114270 and a 124270, so identify a watch by its papers, case and movement, not a listing title. Rule out an Explorer II as well: an extra 24-hour hand, a fixed graduated bezel or a date window means it is an Explorer II, a separate model.

  • Match the calibre to the reference: 1560 or 1570 in a 1016, 3000 in a 14270, 3130 in a 114270, 3132 in a 214270 and 3230 in a 124270, 124273 or 224270. A mismatch points to a mixed-parts watch.
  • On a 214270, tell Mark I from Mark II. The Mark I (2010–2016) has a short minute hand that does not reach the minute track and non-luminous 3, 6 and 9 numerals; the Mark II (2016–2021) has longer hands and luminous numerals. Mark II parts on a Mark I probably mean a swap at service, so ask for the history.
  • On a 14270 sold as a "Blackout", the 3, 6 and 9 should be black-filled on an early tritium dial, with dial and hand lume aged alike. Mixed tritium and LumiNova parts suggest replacements.
  • On a 1016, check that the dial and hands are original rather than service replacements: gilt dials came first, matte dials from around 1967, and the hands and lume should match the dial's period.
  • Inspect the smooth bezel and lug edges for over-polishing, and check that the screw-down Twinlock crown seats cleanly and the watch passes a pressure test.

Rolex Explorer FAQ

What is the difference between the Explorer 36 and the Explorer 40?

The Explorer 36 (ref. 124270, or the two-tone 124273) measures 36 mm and the Explorer 40 (ref. 224270, unveiled in 2023) measures 40 mm. All three use calibre 3230 with about 70 hours of power reserve. The earlier 214270 sits between them at 39 mm, so compare sizes on the wrist before you decide.

Can I sell or trade in my Rolex Explorer in Athens?

Yes. We buy Rolex Explorers outright and take them in part-exchange. Bring the watch with its box, warranty card or papers and any service records to Spyrou Merkouri 4, Pangrati, Athens, or send photos on WhatsApp to +30 697 546 1445. Photos give a first indication only; we confirm an offer after inspecting the watch in person.

For the full reference-by-reference picture, read our guide to buying a Rolex Explorer. If you own one, see how we buy and trade in Rolex watches in Athens, and for servicing, our independent watch workshop uses original parts only and gives a written 2-year service warranty.