Rolex
Explorer
124273
The classic Explorer reborn in steel and gold at its original 36 mm.
An estimate from current market data — not an offer. Your actual value depends on condition, completeness, and authentication.
Get an instant offerFree insured shipping. Paid within 48 hours of inspection.
Overview
The Rolex Explorer reference 124273 represents the two-tone chapter of one of watchmaking's most enduring field watches, pairing Oystersteel with 18 ct yellow gold in the historically significant 36 mm case diameter. Introduced in 2021, it coincided with Rolex's restoration of the Explorer to its original case size after a period at 39 mm, a move widely welcomed by collectors and purists alike. The black dial, Mercedes hands, and applied hour markers maintain the legibility-first design philosophy that has defined the Explorer line since the 1950s.
History
The Explorer's lineage is rooted in the high-altitude expeditions of the early 1950s, with Rolex cultivating a narrative of proven performance in extreme environments. The two-tone Rolesor configuration — combining Oystersteel and yellow gold — has appeared across multiple Rolex families for decades, and its application to the Explorer gives the 124273 a dressier character without departing from the model's functional identity. The reference 124273 was unveiled as part of a broader 2021 Explorer refresh that also introduced the calibre 3230, bringing a modernised movement architecture to a classically proportioned case.
Notable points
- Calibre 3230 features the Chronergy escapement and a roughly 70-hour power reserve, representing a significant movement upgrade over its predecessor.
- The 36 mm Oystersteel and yellow gold case marks a return to the Explorer's original case diameter, abandoned for a period in favour of 39 mm.
- The black dial employs Rolex's characteristic chromalight luminescent material on the 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals alongside applied hour markers.
- The two-tone Rolesor construction places yellow gold on the bezel, crown, and bracelet centre links, contrasting with the polished and brushed Oystersteel surfaces.
- As a field watch in the Rolesor configuration, the 124273 occupies a distinctive niche — combining Explorer robustness with a more formal aesthetic appeal.
