The Rolex Explorer 36 (reference 124270) and Explorer 40 (reference 224270) are the same watch in two sizes: both are Oystersteel, time-only, black-dial Explorers with the calibre 3230, a 3-6-9 dial and 100 metres of water resistance, and the real choice is 36 mm versus 40 mm on the wrist. Choose the 36 mm for the classic, smaller proportions and the lighter feel; choose the 40 mm for a larger presence and a bracelet that matches the Submariner and Datejust 41. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk, not an authorised Rolex retailer, so each watch below is sourced to order once you ask.
Last reviewed on October 27, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Specifications come from Rolex's launch announcements as reported by trade press; we quote no prices here because market asks move weekly. Sources: Rolex, Explorer collection and Rolex, watch care and service.
What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer 36 and Explorer 40?
The difference is size and lug width, not character. The 124270 has a 36 mm case and the 224270 a 40 mm case; both are listed at about 11.6 mm thick, both use the same movement, and both carry the same black dial layout with Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9. The 40 mm also has wider lugs, 21 mm apart against 19 mm on the 36 mm, so the bracelets and straps do not interchange. Rolex launched the 36 mm in April 2021, returning the Explorer to its original size after a decade at 39 mm, and added the 40 mm at Watches & Wonders in 2023.
Explorer 36 vs Explorer 40: spec comparison
| Attribute | Explorer 36 (124270) | Explorer 40 (224270) |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 36 mm | 40 mm |
| Case material | Oystersteel (904L steel) | Oystersteel (904L steel) |
| Lug width | 19 mm | 21 mm |
| Movement | Calibre 3230, automatic, time only | Calibre 3230, automatic, time only |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 metres | 100 metres |
| Dial | Black, 3-6-9, Chromalight lume | Black, 3-6-9, Chromalight lume |
| Bracelet | Oyster, Oysterlock clasp, Easylink extension | Oyster, Oysterlock clasp, Easylink extension |
| Introduced | April 2021 | Watches & Wonders 2023 |
| Predecessor | 39 mm 214270 | None; added beside the 36 mm |
Rolex rates the calibre 3230 as a Superlative Chronometer, meaning the finished watch is held to an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day. Both references share that standard.
Which Explorer size fits your wrist better?
The 36 mm suits wrists from roughly 15 to 17 cm and anyone who wants the watch to disappear under a cuff, while the 40 mm suits wrists from about 17 cm upward or anyone used to modern sport watches. Because the two share the same case height, the 40 mm looks flatter and wider rather than taller. The 3-6-9 dial scales with the case, so the 40 mm has bigger numerals and a more open dial, and the 36 mm reads denser and more vintage. If you are between sizes, try both before you commit; the wrong size is the easiest mistake to avoid here. Our Explorer 40 224270 guide goes deeper on how the larger watch wears.
Which Explorer is the better buy: the 124270 or the 224270?
Neither is objectively better, because the movement, finish and water resistance match; the 36 mm is the classic and the 40 mm is the modern. Pricing differs a little between the two and moves with the market, but that gap is small next to the cost of buying the wrong size, so decide on fit first. Our Rolex Explorer I 36 mm reference 124270 in steel with black dial and Rolex Explorer 40 mm reference 224270 in steel with black dial pages show the from-prices on the linked listings, and both are sourced to order rather than held on a shelf.
Should you consider a pre-owned Explorer 40?
Yes, if you want the 40 mm sooner or for less than new, because the 224270 has been in production since 2023 and a pre-owned example from the last few years often still has most of its warranty period. The condition checks are the usual ones: matching serial and card, even case edges, a bracelet without sag, and photographs of the exact watch. See the pre-owned Rolex Explorer 40 mm 224270 sourcing listing for the from-price, and read our authenticity page for what we verify and what our buyer protection covers. A pre-owned 36 mm is the same idea; ask us and we will source one.
How hard is it to get an Explorer from an authorised dealer?
It is hard at either size, since steel Rolex sport models are allocated and waitlists are common in most markets. That is the main reason buyers ask a sourcing desk to find a specific watch instead of waiting for a call. We seek the exact configuration you name, confirm photographs, papers and final price with you, and only then do you commit. The waitlist guide explains how allocation works.
Where can you see every Explorer we can source?
The collections below group the references by size, and you can ask us for any of them. Browse the Rolex Explorer I watches we can source for the 36 mm, the Rolex Explorer 40 mm models for the larger watch, or the full Rolex Explorer collection for both and the older 39 mm. If you want a GMT hand as well, see our Explorer II 226570 vs 216570 comparison. If you are choosing a first Rolex rather than a second, the best first Rolex guide sets the Explorer against the Datejust and the Submariner.
How a sourced-to-order purchase works: Bizak & Co. does not hold these watches on a shelf, and each listing is a catalogue entry for a reference we can seek to order. You tell us the reference, dial, bracelet and whether you want new or pre-owned, we locate a specific watch, and we send photographs of that exact piece, its card and its serial before any commitment. Asks on the linked listings are dated observations that move with the market, and the final figure is confirmed in writing for the specific watch, with the deposit credited in full to the price. Our authenticity and buyer-protection page explains what we check before a watch ships.
Quick answers
Is the Rolex Explorer 36 or 40 better?
Neither is better in quality. The 36 mm 124270 is the classic size; the 40 mm 224270 is the larger modern option. Pick by wrist size and taste.
Do the Explorer 36 and 40 use the same movement?
Yes. Both use the calibre 3230, a time-only automatic with about 70 hours of power reserve.
When did Rolex release the Explorer 40 224270?
Rolex introduced the 224270 at Watches & Wonders in 2023, two years after the 36 mm 124270 launched in April 2021.
Can you swap bracelets between the 124270 and 224270?
No. The 36 mm has 19 mm lugs and the 40 mm has 21 mm lugs, so the bracelets and straps do not interchange.
Do you have the Explorer on hand?
No. Bizak & Co. sources each watch to order, and we confirm the exact watch, photographs and final price with you before you commit.
Request an Explorer sourcing quote
Tell us the size (36 mm or 40 mm), new or pre-owned, your budget and your timing through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs, card and final price before you commit. Catalogue entries: Explorer 36 124270, Explorer 40 224270, pre-owned Explorer 40 224270; or sell or trade a watch toward your Explorer.
Related reading: Explorer 40 224270 guide · Best first Rolex · Rolex waitlist explained
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