Free Valuations & Sales Advice on Your Rolex Explorer

The first Explorer appeared in 1952 as a series of unnamed watches that were sent out on a variety of expeditions and adventures to test their calibre. They excelled at their intended job making it up Mount Everest amongst other achievements. As well as being a good test for the watches themselves these expeditions were an equally good marketing platform for what would become a core model in Rolex’s sport watch series. The Rolex Explorer is one of the most collectable vintage sports watches and is highly sought-after.

At Mark Littler Ltd we can help you value and sell your Rolex Explorer watch. Read our quick guide of things to look out for when identifying your Explorer and get in contact for a free valuation and some no obligation offers.

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Expert Rolex Watch Valuation

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How To Value Your Rolex Watch

How It Works
Simply complete our contact form, and we’ll begin working on your behalf. We offer trusted, independent advice to help you sell your Rolex watch for the highest possible price. Our team will guide you through various options, whether it’s auction or private sale, to ensure you find the best solution tailored to your needs.

How to Sell
If you’re considering selling your Rolex watch at auction, this can be an effective way to reach competitive buyers. However, not all auctions offer the same advantages, so selecting the right auction house is essential. While the internet may appear to level the playing field, each auction house has its unique strengths. Mark Littler Ltd can introduce you to the most suitable auction house based on your location, free of charge, giving you confidence that your Rolex will achieve the best possible price.

If a private sale is more advantageous, we can help negotiate this option, often saving you significantly on commission fees. Private sales can also be arranged swiftly, allowing you to receive payment more quickly than an auction might provide.

Rolex Valuation Tips
To ensure the most accurate valuation of your Rolex, please provide the following details. Note – if you don’t have this information to hand, don’t worry. Just send over as much as you can.

Model and Reference Number: Include the model and reference number (often found between the watch lugs or on paperwork), as it’s essential for determining the exact variant.
Condition: Let us know if the watch is operational and if it has any cosmetic wear. Even minor details like scratches can impact value.
Year of Production: Knowing the approximate year of production can help refine our valuation, especially for vintage or rare models.
Provenance: If the watch has a notable history—such as being owned by a prominent figure or handed down within a family—please share it, as this can add unique value.
Boxes and Paperwork: Original box, warranty card, and service history records can significantly impact value, so be sure to include this information if available.

Six things to look for in your Rolex Explorer

Dial

Subtle variations in the dial and text decoration on your Rolex Explorer can help you to identify not just your model but the specific edition of that model. Things to look for:

The position & colour of ‘EXPLORER, if it is present at all
Numbers or just markers at 3/6/9 hour points
Is the 12o’clock triangle equilateral or isosceles?
Is the dial gloss or matte black?

Hands

There are changes and progressions of hand style, size, colour and decoration that can help identify a specific Rolex edition:

Pencil hands were used on the earliest edition
Mercedes hands were used from 1953–1955 onward
Stylised ‘retro’ hands were introduced on model 1655
Size & position of the seconds hand dot?
What material are the hands made from?

Crown & Bezel

Like with other factors, subtle variations in the crown, crown guards and bezel were introduced over the years and can be used to distinguish different models and specific editions of your Explorer.

Plain dial surround or bezel?
Crown guards were introduced from 1971 on model 1655
All Explorer II have the metal bezel

Box & Papers

When looking to value your vintage Rolex Explorer the original box and papers should be present to get the best valuation for your timepiece. If your Explorer has an interesting history or story to tell it may fetch a premium if you can also provide the proper provenance and proof (corresponding paperwork, photographs etc.).

Condition

When considering the condition of your Rolex Explorer first check that wear is the same all over. If a certain part of the watch shows more or less wear than the rest then this may indicate some parts have been replaced or repaired, which can impact the value. However, damaged watches can still be valuable with the right provenance.

Reference & serial No.

Found at the 6’oclock side of the case on vintage Rolex, the serial number shows the watch’s unique identity and age. The reference number is engraved on the 12o’clock edge and describes the model and material of your Rolex Explorer. The model and age are two of the most important factors in determining the value of your Rolex.