Rolex Explorer 124270 Price
A Rolex Explorer 124270 is going for about $9,200 from dealers, 16% over retail (US retail is $7,900). Most asks we saw ran from $8,300 to $10,500. Prices as of October 1, 2026.
Our take
The Explorer is Rolex at its simplest: 36mm, black dial, the 3, 6 and 9 numerals, and a smooth bezel. It is one of the best everyday Rolexes you can buy.
It is also one of the easiest to buy without overpaying. On our checks it sells for not much more than retail.
Asking price from our checks
Each dot is the typical (middle) dealer asking price on the day we checked. Since our first check on September 22, 2026, it is up $200.
See the numbers
| Checked | Typical ask |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2026 | $9,000 |
| September 23, 2026 | $9,300 |
| September 24, 2026 | $9,300 |
| September 25, 2026 | $9,300 |
| September 26, 2026 | $9,300 |
| September 27, 2026 | $9,300 |
| September 28, 2026 | $9,300 |
| October 1, 2026 | $9,200 |
US retail price over time
Rolex and Omega raise retail prices most years, so an old market price only makes sense next to the retail price at that time. The blue line steps up at each documented price. The orange dot is today's typical ask.
| Date | US retail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| first seen November 14, 2023 | $7,250 | rolex.com (saved copy) |
| January 1, 2025 | $7,350 | rolex.com (saved copy) |
| May 1, 2025 | $7,500 | rolex.com collection page (saved copy); rolex.com (saved copy) |
| January 1, 2026 | $7,900 | rolex.com (checked Oct 9, 2026); rolex.com (saved copy); rolex.com collection page (saved copy) |
Where we could not document a price change, the line holds the last price we could confirm. All retail price history
Earlier prices, from published reports
Our own checks started in September 2026. For older context, here is what others reported, credited and linked:
- After the 36mm Explorer returned in 2021, it first traded around $11,000. Source: European Watch Co, "Rolex secondary prices, reference by reference" (June 8, 2026)
Specs
| Case | 36mm Oystersteel |
|---|---|
| Movement | Caliber 3230, automatic, about 70 hours of reserve |
| Bezel | Smooth polished steel |
| Dial | Black with 3, 6, 9 numerals |
| Water resistance | 100m |
| Bracelet | Oyster |
| Introduced | 2021 |
Questions people ask
Is 36mm too small?
Try one on. The Explorer wears bigger than the number suggests because of its wide dial and short lugs.
Explorer or Explorer II?
Different watches. The Explorer is a small, simple three-hander. The Explorer II is bigger, with a 24-hour hand and date.
Compare with
Prices are dealer asking prices, not sale prices. Watches often sell for less than the ask, especially expensive ones. How we track prices.