About the Rolex Explorer 124273
The Rolex Explorer line traces its heritage to the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest and has remained one of the most legible, purposeful sport watches in the Rolex catalog ever since. Reference 124273 continues the 36 mm format that defined the original Explorer, housing the movement inside an Oyster case crafted from a combination of Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold — the configuration Rolex calls Rolesor. The black dial with Mercedes hands and luminous hour markers preserves the Explorer's signature high-contrast readability, while the Rolesor construction elevates the watch into a distinctly dressy sport territory. The B1 variant, 124273B1, features diamond hour markers on that same black dial, adding a precious stone element without departing from the core Explorer silhouette.
What to Look For
Buyers choosing between the 124273 and the 124273B1 should note that the primary difference lies in the hour markers — applied index markers on the standard reference versus diamond-set markers on the B1. Condition of the two-tone Oyster bracelet, originality of the black dial, and presence of box and papers are the key factors that drive value and resale for both variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer 124273 and 124273B1?
The 124273 features applied luminous index hour markers on its black dial, while the 124273B1 replaces those indexes with factory-set diamonds. Both share the same 36 mm Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold Rolesor case and bracelet configuration.
Is the Rolex Explorer 124273 a good buy as an investment piece?
The two-tone Rolesor Explorer occupies a distinctive niche between Rolex's sport and dress categories, which has historically supported strong demand. The relatively compact 36 mm case size has seen renewed collector interest, and the rarity of the Rolesor configuration compared to the all-steel 124270 adds to its appeal.
How do I verify authenticity when buying a Rolex Explorer 124273?
Authentic examples will display a matching reference and serial number engraved between the lugs, a correctly signed Rolex crown at the crown stem, and a Cyclops lens magnifying the date — note that the Explorer 36 does not feature a date, so any date window would indicate an incorrect reference. Bizak and Co. authenticates every piece before listing and provides documentation with each sale.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
