Encyclopedia / Rolex / Explorer II
No real new deal right now · checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET
$10,800 – $14,000 pre-owned street range
Ref. 226570 · 58 listings sampled (median ~$12,400)
No new deal: grey-market new prices were at or above retail, so pre-owned is the realistic way to save. Ranges are asking prices (middle 80% of the first results page), fixed-price listings only.
Price comparison: fixed-price listings
| Store | Condition | Box & papers | Asking price | Link | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jomashop | new | Yes* | $11,950 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Watchfinder | pre-owned | Yes | $11,995 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Chrono24 marketplace seller | pre-owned | Yes | $12,250 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Chrono24 marketplace seller | new | Not stated | $12,490 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
Fixed-price (buy-now) asking prices in USD for ref. 226570, cheapest new and cheapest pre-owned with box and papers per store, sorted low to high and checked Oct 20, 2026 (ET). Buy-now listings only. Pre-owned listings are shown only when the listing states box and papers. * New from a grey-market dealer: comes boxed, but the warranty card may be the dealer's rather than the brand's. Chrono24 rows are individual third-party marketplace sellers. Prices change fast; confirm with the store.
What it really costs
| Market | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex US retail | $10,600 (ref. M226570-0001) | rolex.com |
| New (grey) at Jomashop | $12,250 asking, $11,950 after coupon | Jomashop |
| Pre-owned (Chrono24 asks) | about $10,800 – $14,000 (median ~$12,400, 58 listings sampled) | Chrono24 |
All prices in USD, checked Oct 19, 2026 (ET). Pre-owned ranges are the middle 80% of asking prices on the first Chrono24 results page for that ref (about 60 listings, used and some unworn), fixed-price listings only. Grey-market = brand-new from a non-authorized dealer.
Buying guide
Key references
| Ref. | What it is | US retail |
|---|---|---|
| 226570 | Explorer II Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men's Watch | $10,600 |
Which one I'd pick
White or black: white-dial 'Polar' is -0001, black is -0002. Rolex lists 226570 at $10,600.
What to check before you buy
- Exact reference: dial colour, size and strap change the price. Match the full ref (226570) before comparing deals.
- Fakes and red flags: be wary of prices far below the ranges above, stock photos only, or sellers who won't show the caseback, serial and papers.
Alternatives worth a look
- Rolex GMT-Master II: The GMT with rotating bezel. (40 mm Oystersteel, Calibre 3285, retail $11,800 (126710BLNR-0003 and 126710GRNR-0004, Oyster bracelet))
- Tudor Black Bay GMT: Cheaper GMT. (41 mm steel, Manufacture Calibre MT5652 (GMT), retail $5,275 (m79830rb-0001, per Tudor))
- Rolex Explorer (36 mm): The 36/40 mm Explorer. (36 mm Oystersteel, Calibre 3230, retail $7,900 (124270))
History
Rolex introduced the Explorer II in 1971 with a fixed 24-hour bezel and an independent 24-hour hand to help cave explorers tell day from night.
The current Explorer II, ref. 226570, is a 42 mm Oystersteel watch with a date, an orange 24-hour hand and a fixed 24-hour bezel, per Rolex.
Specifications
| Brand | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Model | Explorer II |
| Key references | 226570 |
| Launch year | 1971 |
| Case | 42 mm Stainless Steel |
| Band width | 21 mm |
| Crystal | Scratch Resistant Sapphire |
| Caseback | Solid |
| Bezel | Fixed |
| Bezel material | Stainless Steel showing 24 Hour Markers |
| Dial | Black |
| Strap/bracelet | Stainless Steel |
| Functions | Date, GMT, Second Time Zone, Hour, Minute, Second, Chronometer |
| Movement | Rolex Calibre 3285, automatic |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Approx. US retail (Oct 2026) | $10,600 (m226570-0001, per Rolex) |
Specs from the retailer (Jomashop/WatchMaxx) or brand product page linked above for the main reference; see our research notes for which. Retail prices are list prices, not market value, and change often.
Highlights
- 42 mm Stainless Steel case
- Rolex Calibre 3285
- 100 m water resistance
FAQ
How much is the Rolex Explorer II?
Rolex retail is $10,600. Pre-owned asking prices on Chrono24 mostly ran $10,800 – $14,000 (median ~$12,400), checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET.
What movement does the Explorer II use?
The 226570 checked here uses the Rolex Calibre 3285 (automatic) with about 70 hours of power reserve.
How big is the Explorer II?
42 mm Stainless Steel.
Is the Explorer II water resistant?
Yes, it's rated to 100 m.
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Get the free weekly issuePrices and availability last checked Oct 19, 2026. No affiliate links: I don't earn anything if you buy. Sources are listed in our research notes and linked above.