Scale: 36 mm case
Rolex
Explorer 36
124270-0001
$7,900
Everyday, office, active, travel, adventure
The Explorer 36 is the most wearable steel Rolex you can buy at retail without a long wait. At 36mm with a 43mm lug span it suits small and large wrists alike, and the 3230 calibre gives 70 hours of reserve inside Rolex's own two seconds a day tolerance. Next to a Tudor Black Bay 36 or Grand Seiko SBGR315 it offers a better bracelet and a black dial you read at a glance in any light.
It is the one steel Rolex sports model that dealers can usually sell you at list price.
Specifications
| Diameter | 36 mm |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 11.5 mm |
| Lug to lug | 43 mm |
| Lug width | 19 mm |
| Case | Oystersteel (904L family stainless steel) |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Calibre | 3230 |
| Power reserve | 70 hours |
| Accuracy | −2 / +2 s per day after casing (Rolex Superlative Chronometer) |
| Strap | Oyster steel bracelet, Oysterlock folding clasp with 5 mm Easylink extension |
Pros
- Short 43mm lug span wears comfortably
- 70 hour reserve with chronometer accuracy
- Solid bracelet tapers neatly from 19mm to 14mm
- Easy to buy at list from dealers
Cons
- Only 5mm of clasp adjustment, no Glidelock
- 19mm lugs limit aftermarket straps
- Feels small if you are used to 40mm
Rivals
Tudor Black Bay 36, Grand Seiko SBGR315, Rolex Explorer 40 224270
What owners say
WatchUSeek owners describe the 36mm as a goldilocks size that wears larger in person than in photos, and several who moved up from the 114270 prefer the new proportions. The recurring complaints are the steep 19mm to 14mm bracelet taper, which some dislike, and the lack of a fine adjust clasp. Early 32xx amplitude reports lead some to recommend a recent production date.
Sources
- watchesofswitzerland.com Official
- wornandwound.com Review
- teddybaldassarre.com Review
- monochrome-watches.com Review
- chrononautix.com Review · German list price 7,650 EUR from 1 January 2026
- thewatchology.com Review
- watchuseek.com Forum
- watchuseek.com Forum · Owner debate on the 19mm to 14mm bracelet taper
- watchuseek.com Forum