Sell My Rolex Explorer
Do you want to know the value of your Rolex Explorer?
We can value your vintage sports watch and help you find the best price if you are looking to sell your Explorer.
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.
Vintage Explorer models:
- Prototype 6098/6298
- 6150/6350
- 6610
- 5500
- 5504
- 1016
- Explorer II 1655/16550
Free Valuation Request
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.
-
- Rolex Explorer 6098
-
- Rolex Explorer 6298
-
- Rolex Explorer 6150
-
- Rolex Explorer 5504
The Process of Selling Your Explorer
The process to get a no-obligation quote for your vintage watch is easy.
Send us details about your watch directly via email or use the form below.
We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.
If you decide to proceed with an offer we issue you with a contract.
Send us your watch. We have a fully insured courier service available.
We complete the sale with the buyer and send your funds via BACS.
Sell your vintage Explorer
In order to provide you with an accurate valuation please provide as much of the below information as you can. Valuations are free and offers are sourced with no obligation.
Watch Selling FAQs
-
The easiest way for us to give you a price for your watch is to send us a photograph of your watch, please include the box if you have it.
We use the photograph to check:
- The condition of the watch, strap and box
Please send you images to [email protected] or use the contact form
-
Selling your watch with Mark Littler Ltd is the same process as selling at auction, except you know the price you are going to achieve beforehand.
The process is simple:
- Once you have accepted an offer, we issue you a contract which you return with your watch. You can use our fully insured courier service to send us your watch (see below).
- Once we receive the watch we arrange a meeting with the buyer and complete the sale.
- Once the sale is complete we send you the balance minus our commission, and postage charge if you decide to use our courier service. This is usually between 1 – 5 days after receiving the bottle.
Our commission is 10%, including VAT.
-
Once the contract has been signed you send your watch to Mark Littler, you can arrange this yourself, or you can use our fully insured courier service (if you’re based in the UK).
Our courier service includes all packing material and is insured up to £40,000. It also includes a pre-paid return postage label and an instruction sheet on how to pack your watch.
Once packed you simply drop the parcel at your local post office.
The cost for this service is £15.
-
When we have completed the sale we send the balance via BACS using the details you provide us in the contract.
Payment is usually between 1 – 5 days of receiving your watch, the average is within 48 hours.
“I found Mark’s details online after looking to sell a collectable bottle of whisky. I was going to use a well know auction site but Mark secured an offer higher than the highest estimation from any auction house, within days, even after the 10% commission was deducted. Communication was perfect; punctual, to the point and polite. Collection and delivery were taken care of by Mark and instruction was clear and easy to follow. Payment was received to my bank within days of posting the bottle. I can’t recommend Mark enough; he runs a tight ship gets top end offers from his clients and delivers quickly.”
Rod Fountain, via Google
“Mark conducted a high value sale transaction for me acting as broker. A complex process, clearly explained at each step of the way. Great communication and willing to go the extra mile when it mattered. Entirely trustworthy and highly recommended.”
Mark Williams, via Google
“Wow, what a refreshing change it was to meet Mark. He was the consummate professional with an approachable and warm personality who clearly had an in-depth knowledge of his subject which he used to give me a first-class service when I wanted to sell a whisky collection. For anyone who is considering any similar specialist whisky transactions I can certainly recommend him without reservation.”
Duncan Chambers, via Google
Do you want to know the value of your Rolex Explorer?
We can value your vintage sports watch and help you find the best price if you are looking to sell your Explorer.
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.
Vintage Explorer models:
- Prototype 6098/6298
- 6150/6350
- 6610
- 5500
- 5504
- 1016
- Explorer II 1655/16550
Free Valuation Request
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.
The Process of Selling Your Explorer
The process to get a no-obligation quote for your vintage watch is easy.
Send us details about your watch directly via email or use the form below.
We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.
If you decide to proceed with an offer we issue you with a contract.
Send us your watch. We have a fully insured courier service available.
We complete the sale with the buyer and send your funds via BACS.
Sell your vintage Explorer
In order to provide you with an accurate valuation please provide as much of the below information as you can. Valuations are free and offers are sourced with no obligation.
Watch Selling FAQs
-
The easiest way for us to give you a price for your watch is to send us a photograph of your watch, please include the box if you have it.
We use the photograph to check:
- The condition of the watch, strap and box
Please send you images to [email protected] or use the contact form
-
Selling your watch with Mark Littler Ltd is the same process as selling at auction, except you know the price you are going to achieve beforehand.
The process is simple:
- Once you have accepted an offer, we issue you a contract which you return with your watch. You can use our fully insured courier service to send us your watch (see below).
- Once we receive the watch we arrange a meeting with the buyer and complete the sale.
- Once the sale is complete we send you the balance minus our commission, and postage charge if you decide to use our courier service. This is usually between 1 – 5 days after receiving the bottle.
Our commission is 10%, including VAT.
-
Once the contract has been signed you send your watch to Mark Littler, you can arrange this yourself, or you can use our fully insured courier service (if you’re based in the UK).
Our courier service includes all packing material and is insured up to £40,000. It also includes a pre-paid return postage label and an instruction sheet on how to pack your watch.
Once packed you simply drop the parcel at your local post office.
The cost for this service is £15.
-
When we have completed the sale we send the balance via BACS using the details you provide us in the contract.
Payment is usually between 1 – 5 days of receiving your watch, the average is within 48 hours.
“I found Mark’s details online after looking to sell a collectable bottle of whisky. I was going to use a well know auction site but Mark secured an offer higher than the highest estimation from any auction house, within days, even after the 10% commission was deducted. Communication was perfect; punctual, to the point and polite. Collection and delivery were taken care of by Mark and instruction was clear and easy to follow. Payment was received to my bank within days of posting the bottle. I can’t recommend Mark enough; he runs a tight ship gets top end offers from his clients and delivers quickly.”
Rod Fountain, via Google
“Mark conducted a high value sale transaction for me acting as broker. A complex process, clearly explained at each step of the way. Great communication and willing to go the extra mile when it mattered. Entirely trustworthy and highly recommended.”
Mark Williams, via Google
“Wow, what a refreshing change it was to meet Mark. He was the consummate professional with an approachable and warm personality who clearly had an in-depth knowledge of his subject which he used to give me a first-class service when I wanted to sell a whisky collection. For anyone who is considering any similar specialist whisky transactions I can certainly recommend him without reservation.”
Duncan Chambers, via Google