Pre-owned Rolex Explorer II: UK prices and what to check
The Explorer II has a fixed 24-hour bezel and an orange 24-hour hand, made for telling day from night in caves and polar regions. Buying one pre-owned in the UK is safest through Rolex Certified Pre-Owned at an authorised dealer, or a marketplace with escrow and authentication; below are the references, what to check on this model, and where to look.
Updated 6 Nov 2026. Watches aren't investments; prices fall as well as rise.
New vs pre-owned
Rolex doesn't publish UK prices online; ask an authorised dealer.
UK pre-owned price index coming soon.
References
| Ref | Made | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 226570 | 2021– | 42mm, calibre 3285, white or black dial |
| 216570 | 2011–2021 | 42mm, orange 24-hour hand |
| 16570 | 1989–2011 | 40mm |
Why people buy it
The Explorer II has a fixed 24-hour bezel and an orange 24-hour hand, made for telling day from night in caves and polar regions. It is usually easier to find than the GMT-Master II and does a similar job.
What to check on a pre-owned Explorer II
- Dial colour: white ('polar') or black. Check the dial matches the reference and papers.
- 24-hour hand: on current models it can be set to a second time zone; check the local hour jumps independently.
- Fixed bezel: it doesn't turn. Check the engraved numbers are crisp and not polished away.
- 16570 dials: some older white dials have aged to cream; condition varies a lot.
- Bracelet: check stretch and clasp.
- Papers and serial: the serial on the papers should match the watch.
More on buying safely: our pre-owned guide.
Where to buy
Dealer links may earn us a commission; it never decides what we recommend.
Questions
How much is a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II in the UK?
It depends on the reference, condition, and whether it has its box and papers. We're building a UK pre-owned price index from authenticated listings; until then, compare like-for-like listings on Chrono24 and eBay's Authenticity Guarantee.
Is it safe to buy a Rolex Explorer II pre-owned?
It can be, if you buy from an authorised pre-owned programme, an established dealer, or a marketplace that holds your money in escrow and authenticates the watch. Check the serial against the papers, ask for service history, and never pay a stranger by bank transfer.
What should I check before buying a used Explorer II?
Dial colour: white ('polar') or black. Check the dial matches the reference and papers. 24-hour hand: on current models it can be set to a second time zone; check the local hour jumps independently. Fixed bezel: it doesn't turn. Check the engraved numbers are crisp and not polished away.
Does a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II hold its value?
Some models have sold above their new price for long spells, but watches aren't investments: prices fall as well as rise. Buy one because you want to wear it.
What is Rolex Certified Pre-Owned?
Rolex's own pre-owned programme: second-hand Rolex watches checked by an authorised dealer under Rolex's rules and sold with a Rolex guarantee. In the UK, authorised dealers including Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb sell them. They cost more than a typical private sale, but you know what you're getting.