Watch reference library
Rolex Explorer 40 224270
In production 2023 to present.
Specifications
- Case size
- 40mm, 11.6mm thick
- Case material
- Oystersteel
- Bezel
- Smooth, polished Oystersteel bezel
- Dial
- Black, with Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9, baton markers and Chromalight lume
- Movement
- Rolex calibre 3230, automatic, Superlative Chronometer
- Power reserve
- Approximately 70 hours
- Water resistance
- 100 meters, with a Twinlock screw-down crown
- Crystal
- Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet
- Oyster bracelet with three-piece solid links, Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink 5mm comfort extension Part number, lug width and links
The story
Rolex launched the Explorer in 1953 as a tool watch for polar and mountaineering expeditions. Rolex supplied Oyster watches to Himalayan expeditions, including the team that made the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. The look that Monochrome Watches calls the Explorer's DNA is a black dial, Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock and a Mercedes-style hour hand.
In 2021 Rolex shrank the Explorer to 36mm with the reference 124270, which ended the 39mm models and returned the watch to the diameter of the 1953 original. aBlogtoWatch noted that plenty of buyers still found 36mm too small.
The 224270 arrived at Watches & Wonders in March 2023 as the Explorer 40. It is a single version in Oystersteel with a black dial, powered by the same calibre 3230 as the 36mm. Rolex still lists it in its current range.
What to check before you buy
The Explorer has changed size twice in recent years, so confirm the number on the paperwork: 224270 is the 40mm and 124270 is the 36mm, while the 39mm Explorer was retired in 2021. Rolex introduced the 40mm as a single version with a black dial in Oystersteel, with no two-tone option, so a 224270 described with another dial or metal deserves questions.
The numerals at 3, 6 and 9 are filled with Chromalight rather than being solid metal, and the applied indices and hands are 18k white gold. The crown is unguarded, so check it for knocks, and look at the polished bezel for wear. On the bracelet, check that the Oysterlock clasp closes firmly and that the Easylink 5mm extension works.
Buying or selling a 224270?
Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands. For live market pricing on this reference, Moda-lytics tracks real Rolex sales data.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Explorer 40 and the 36mm Explorer?
The 224270 is 40mm and the 124270 is 36mm. Both use the calibre 3230, but the 40mm came out in 2023 as a single Oystersteel version with a black dial, while the 36mm also has a Rolesor version.
What movement does the 224270 have?
The Rolex calibre 3230, a self-winding movement with about 70 hours of power reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification.
Does the Explorer 40 show the date?
No. The calibre 3230 is a no-date movement with centre hour, minute and seconds hands.
When did Rolex introduce the Explorer 40?
Rolex introduced the 224270 at Watches & Wonders in March 2023, two years after it returned the Explorer to 36mm.
How water resistant is it?
It is waterproof to 100 meters, with a Twinlock screw-down winding crown.
Related references
Sources
The facts on this page come from the brand and from established watch publications.