Our Rolex Explorer Journey: From the Classic Explorer I to the Bold Explorer 40

If you’ve been following our prize drops for a while, you’ll know we’ve been on quite the adventure — and it’s been paved in Rolex Explorers. From the Explorer I to the Explorer II, and now the Rolex Explorer 40, our watch collection has evolved just like the Explorers themselves: tougher, smarter, and a little bit bigger each time.

The Rolex Explorer I — Where It All Began

We kicked things off with the Rolex Explorer I, the original adventurer’s watch. The OG. The one that literally helped climbers summit Everest back when “smartwatches” were called “maps.” It’s clean, timeless, and built for anyone who actually gets their shoes dirty once in a while.

The Explorer I embodies everything that makes Rolex great — durability, precision, and a sense of quiet confidence. It doesn’t shout; it just performs.

The Rolex Explorer II — Stepping Up the Game

Then we upped the ante with the Rolex Explorer II — the one with the extra hand that basically says, “Yeah, I track time zones now.”

Slightly more rugged, slightly more complex, and still dripping with that understated “I’ve got stories” energy, the Explorer II is for those who push boundaries (or at least dream about it while wearing one).

The Rolex Explorer 40 — A Modern Classic with Collector Appeal

Now? We’ve hit the modern era: the Rolex Explorer 40 (Ref. 224270). Same tough-as-nails heritage, but with a little more wrist presence.

The 40mm case gives it that perfect balance — classic Explorer look, just a bit more oomph. Think of it as the Explorer after a growth spurt and a gym membership. It’s bold without shouting, blending adventure-ready engineering with everyday wearability.

But here’s what makes the Explorer 40 particularly interesting — it’s a new addition to the Rolex permanent collection (launched in 2023/24), which makes it a bit of a unicorn. Because it’s still fresh to the lineup, unworn pieces with 2024 warranty cards are already catching collectors’ eyes. Those early production runs tend to carry a certain cachet — they’re the “first-year” Explorers, and that matters if you care about the small details.

A 2024 model also means you’re getting one of the cleanest examples out there: no bracelet stretch, no polish, full links, box, papers, the lot. For those who think ahead (and we know you do), that’s the kind of thing that keeps value — or even builds it — over time.

And because Rolex supply is famously… well, “Rolex,” these 40mm Explorers might become even more sought after as the years roll on. It’s still got that rugged tool-watch DNA, but with a modern size and early-edition bragging rights.

Why the Explorer Line is So Cool

There’s something about the Rolex Explorer range that just gets it right. No diamonds, no fuss — just a beautifully made tool watch designed for people who actually go places.

They’re the perfect mix of sophistication and “I might climb a mountain later.” From boardrooms to basecamps, the Explorer family fits in anywhere.

The One We Haven’t Explored… Yet 👀

And while we’ve ticked off the black-dial Explorers so far, there’s one we haven’t ventured to… yet.
Yep — the white-dial Explorer II, the polar beauty, the final frontier in our Rolex expedition.

Watch this space (pun absolutely intended).

Tell Us What Rolex You’d Love to See

We’ve loved every step of this journey, but we’re not done yet.
Got a dream Rolex you’d love to see as a Fifty20 prize? A grail model? A vintage sleeper? Something weird and wonderful?

Drop your suggestions in the social comments or send us a DM — we’d love to hear from you.

We’ll keep exploring. You just keep playing.

Click here for your chance to get your hands on the Rolex Explorer 40.