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The 2021 Rolex Explorer 36 references 124270 and 124273 share their 36 mm case size and calibre 3230 movement, but use different materials: the 124270 is Oystersteel, while the 124273 combines Oystersteel with yellow gold in Rolex’s Yellow Rolesor configuration. Their launch prices and current secondary-market estimates also differ—and those figures refer to different dates and markets.
What distinguishes the 124270 from the 124273?
The central difference is the case and bracelet material. Rolex identifies reference 124270 as an Oystersteel Explorer and reference 124273 as an Explorer in Yellow Rolesor, its combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold. Rolex’s history page says the new Explorer generation arrived in 2021 and added a Yellow Rolesor version.
Both have the Explorer’s black dial, including the prominent 3, 6 and 9 numerals. Monochrome’s 2021 review specifies white-gold hands and applied indexes on the 124270, and yellow-gold hands and indexes on the 124273. The contrast in materials gives the 124273 a two-tone look; Monochrome’s reviewer described that configuration as attractive, a personal impression rather than a universal preference.
Shared specifications
Rolex’s official brochures list the same core specifications for both references:
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- Mens Wrist Watch: Features a classic big dial and quartz movement with stable quality. High hardness coated glass mirror is wear-resistant, scratch-proof, Butterfly double buckle ensures comfortable wear
- OLEVS Mens Watches: Unique Classic Design Analog Date Calendar Display Watch Window. Easy to Read, Classic Business Style, Stylish Casual Dress Watch, Stylish Gold Indexes and Round Case, finely designed, stand the test of time, handsome and outstanding
- Business Pointer Quartz Watch: Dial diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm). Case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), steel band width is 0.79 inches (20 mm), length is 8.66 inches (22 cm). The weight of the men's watch is 4.16 ounces (118 g)
- Fashion Gold Green Man Watch: Luminous Hands/Markers and Enlarged Date Window at Three o'clock, Stylish Watch with Roman Scale Bezel, Water Resistance Up to 30M. Usually, Suitable for Swimming, But not Suitable for Deep Diving
- Night-light Function：When Using the Luminous Pointer Function for the First Time, Please illuminate The Watch Under The Light for 30 Seconds to Activate the Luminous Function. Watch Chain Can Be Adjusted in Size
- Case: 36 mm
- Movement: Rolex calibre 3230, self-winding
- Power reserve: approximately 70 hours
- Water resistance: 100 m / 330 ft
- Precision: −2/+2 seconds per day after casing, as stated by Rolex
- Dial: black, with Chromalight luminous details
- Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp and Easylink adjustment
Rolex’s user guide describes the Explorer as having “a self-winding mechanical movement entirely manufactured by Rolex.” These are manufacturer specifications; they do not establish how an individual watch will perform in daily wear.
What did the two references cost?
There is no single price that answers every version of “How much does a 2021 Rolex Explorer cost?” The figures below separate the reported 2021 euro launch prices from later U.S.-dollar secondary-market estimates.
Rank #2
- Gold tone stainless steel case 45mm diameter x 13mm thick; Black and blue dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- Japanese quartz movement, VD57 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR920SW battery included; Watch weight: 170 grams
- Gold tone stainless steel band, 185mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Push/pull crown; Unidirectional blue and gold tone stainless steel bezel; Functional Subdials: 60min, 60sec, 1/10th sec; 50 meter water resistant: Suitable for washing hands, light splashes, swimming in shallow depths.
| Reference | Material | Reported 2021 launch retail | WatchCharts estimate, updated 25 September 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 124270 | Oystersteel | EUR 6,100 (Monochrome Watches, 8 April 2021) | USD 8,024 (WatchCharts Explorer market index) |
| 124273 | Oystersteel and yellow gold (Yellow Rolesor) | EUR 10,300 (Monochrome Watches, 8 April 2021) | USD 10,333 (WatchCharts Explorer market index) |
The launch figures are historical euro retail prices reported by Monochrome on 8 April 2021, not current prices or a conversion into another currency. WatchCharts’ September 2026 figures are market estimates, not dealer quotes, verified completed-sale prices, or guaranteed offers. Its separate price-guide result lists USD 10,585 for the 124273 rather than USD 10,333; the page-level estimates differ, so neither should be treated as an exact sale value. Condition, box and papers, region, and seller can affect an individual offer, but the cited estimates do not quantify those adjustments.
Rolex’s regional 124270 page showed RMB 63,800 when retrieved. That geographically specific figure is not a global price, and no matching official 124273 price was verified.
Rank #3
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Compatibility & Size: 20mm 18KW President Watch Band with All Diamond Links compatible with Rolex Day-Date 8cts.
- Ensure Perfect Fit: Verify the size, color, and model compatibility with your specific watch before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit and avoid returns or exchanges.
- Compatibility Check: Double-check your watch's requirements and compatibility details to ensure the product meets your needs. This will help you avoid any issues with returns or exchanges.
- Aftermarket Product: This is an aftermarket/generic made to original factory specs for a precise fit.
Buying or servicing either Explorer
Rolex says only official Rolex retailers are authorized to sell and maintain its watches. Use the Rolex retailer locator and confirm a seller’s status and service route directly. A secondary-market listing does not, by itself, establish that the seller is an authorized retailer. Current stock, wait times, and live retailer quotes for these references were not established.
Published case dimensions alone cannot establish which reference will suit a particular wrist better. Try each configuration on if possible, especially if the two-tone appearance is a deciding factor.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
