Rolex Explorer 40 Review (Read BEFORE You Buy!)

The Rolex Explorer is often seen as the “undercover” Rolex, more of a piece for true enthusiasts than some of the more flashy models in the Rolex collection. 

It has a long history of being the “if you know, you know” Rolex for a good reason. When watch lovers talk about a GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch, the Explorer is always mentioned. 

The current Explorer comes in two sizes: 36mm and 40mm. The 36mm version is available in an all-stainless steel version and a two-tone option. While the two-tone might not be for everyone, it’s actually one of my personal favorites. 

Today, we’re focusing on the 40mm Explorer, which is especially popular among enthusiasts for its size. It’s perfect for people who like the Explorer but found the 36mm too small for their larger wrists.

History

In 1953, Rolex introduced both the Submariner and the Explorer. The original Explorer was released with a 36mm case, designed for easy readability in any situation or environment. There’s a popular story that the Explorer made it to the top of Mount Everest, but this isn’t actually true. 

However, the watch became closely associated with rugged outdoor adventures because it was built to handle extreme conditions, including different temperatures and tough environments. While the Explorer never reached the same level of fame as the Submariner, it stayed a reliable part of the Rolex lineup for many years. 

Over time, the Explorer has mostly been available in the 36mm size, though it has also been offered in other sizes like 39mm and 40mm. One feature that has remained the same across all versions of the Explorer is the 3-6-9 dial design, which makes the watch easy to read at a glance.

Case

GADA stands for “go anywhere, do anything” when it comes to watches, and the Rolex Explorer certainly fits that description with its classic case shape, making it a standout in the Rolex lineup. 

It features the iconic Oyster-style case with polished sides and a polished bezel. Rolex polishes the bezel to create a balance between durability and elegance. This watch truly embodies that idea – it can handle tough situations, yet still looks sleek enough to wear under a suit cuff. 

The case is 40mm with a thickness of 11.6mm, which is a comfortable and wearable size. The watch also has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. The Explorer is protected by a sapphire crystal, which has an anti-reflective coating on the inside to improve legibility in bright conditions. 

The sapphire crystal itself is highly scratch-resistant, making it a smart choice for durability. Rolex wisely applied the anti-reflective coating only to the inside of the crystal, preventing marks on the outside when the coating is scratched off, which can happen with other watches. 

Since the Explorer is designed for outdoor use, where readability is essential, this design choice makes perfect sense.

Dial 

The dial is one of my favorite features of this watch. Unlike some people, I actually use my watch to tell time, and that’s always a key factor in whether I decide to buy one. When I look at the black dial of the Rolex Explorer, it’s incredibly easy to quickly tell the time. 

The 3-6-9 numbers on the dial make it simple to figure out the hour at a glance. Some might think the lettering at the 12 o’clock position looks crowded compared to the 6 o’clock side, but I personally don’t pay much attention to the lettering when reading the time. The Mercedes hands are a great match for the dial, giving it a polished, complete look. 

There’s no date display on the dial, which helps maintain its symmetry. The lume on the dial also adds to the watch’s overall readability. The hour markers, along with the 3-6-9, are filled with Chromalight, a blue glow that stands out when you go from outside to inside. 

Some brands skimp on the lume for their watch hands, but Rolex didn’t cut corners. The hands are perfectly illuminated, matching the balance of the watch and making it easy to read in low light.

Movement

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The Rolex Explorer is powered by the 3230 movement, which provides a 70-hour power reserve and keeps time within +2/-2 seconds per day, making it perfect for everyday wear. Since it’s a time-only watch, setting it is straightforward. 

It’s also self-winding, so as you move through your day, it continues to stay powered. This movement was designed to handle heavy shocks and resist magnetic fields. It has been part of the Explorer collection since 2020 and has proven to be reliable. 

The 3230 movement is also used in other Rolex watches, most notably in the Submariner no-date version. Even though this movement doesn’t include a date function, it’s still impressive, with 31 jewels and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph).

Straps

The Rolex Explorer comes with the Oyster bracelet, which is one of the most comfortable options available. It has a brushed finish with polished edges and a lug width of 21mm. The watch also looks great on other straps, like a classic brown leather strap or a NATO strap for a more rugged style.

I’ve often seen older Explorers paired with a green NATO strap, which gives the watch a unique look. One of my favorite alternatives to the Oyster bracelet is a black sailcloth strap. However, after wearing this watch for a while, I always find myself preferring it on the bracelet. 

The Oyster bracelet also features the Easylink system, which allows you to adjust the fit on warmer days or when you need a bit more comfort. To keep the Explorer securely on your wrist, the bracelet includes the Oysterlock safety clasp, ensuring that the watch stays put as you go on your adventures.

On-Wrist Experience

The real standout of this watch is how it feels on the wrist. I’ll admit I’m a bit biased since I’ve owned it for a year, and it’s been my everyday watch. I work in an office, so I wear a button-up and tie, and I’ve never had any issues with the watch getting caught on my cuff. 

It’s incredibly versatile and easy to pair with any outfit. I’ve worn it in all sorts of situations—from gardening and traveling to even changing the oil. When people say this is a go-anywhere, do-anything watch, they’re spot on. It’s hard to reach for any other watch because this one always looks great, no matter the occasion. 

I have a 7-inch wrist, and the size of this watch is just right for me. With its dimensions, it fits comfortably on wrists, ranging from 6.5 to 8 inches. 

While I haven’t tested the 100-meter water resistance yet, I’m confident there won’t be any problems, especially with the screw-down crown. I have occasionally washed my hands and gotten water on the watch, and I can confirm that it survived getting wet. 

On the wrist, the watch is very comfortable, and I don’t have to worry about it digging into my wrist. Even though the watch is listed at 40mm, it doesn’t have a large presence that would make it uncomfortable. The Explorer has a medium weight—it’s not as heavy as a solid gold watch, but it’s also not as light as some titanium watches.

Price & Availability

In an ideal world, you’d walk into an authorized Rolex dealer and have the option to buy the Rolex Explorer 40mm for $7,800. While availability can vary from dealer to dealer, I’ve been lucky enough to walk in and find one ready for purchase without any wait. Online, you can find a few listings ranging from $7,300 to $8,800.

Conclusion

A theme that keeps coming up in my writing is how this watch will go with you wherever you go, no matter the adventure. For those of us with more settled lifestyles, this watch is just as great for running errands at warehouse stores or attending a black-tie event at your kid’s school. 

As someone who’s often indecisive and does tons of research before buying anything, I know it can make purchasing things tricky. But if you’re unsure about this watch, don’t hesitate—just buy it. It’s brought me so much joy and has been with me through many different situations. 

I’m not worried about scratching it or damaging it if I’m out doing something a little more daring. With all this information and my personal experience, I’ll say it again: get the watch, it’s worth it.