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A Reddit poster says he went to an authorized dealer in Lakeside, Essex, expecting only to browse—and left having bought an Explorer. He reports paying £6,600, but that is the price of his individual transaction, not a current UK retail price or a guide to the wider market.
How the unexpected purchase happened
In a post published October 6, 2026, the author describes a change of heart about buying a Rolex. He had considered one before, then pursued other watches. After his wife encouraged him to revisit the idea, he registered interest in an Oyster Perpetual 36 and heard nothing back.
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During a casual visit to Lakeside in Essex, he says an authorized dealer had an Explorer available and ready for pickup. He and his wife decided to buy it. The author calls it an unexpected purchase and says he likes the watch. These details are his personal account, not independently verified reporting. Read the Reddit discussion.
Which Explorer is shown, and what does it offer?
The discussion identifies the watch as an Explorer 36, reference 124270. The post text alone does not authenticate the pictured watch. Rolex currently lists reference 124270 as the Explorer 36 in Oystersteel. Its published specifications are:
#1 Best Overall
- Imported
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Minor scratches on case and band.
- Case Size/Width: 39mm, Watch Height: 11mm, Band Width: 20mm, Wrist circumference: 7.5"
- Band material: Stainless Steel
- Case material: Stainless Steel
- 36 mm Oyster case in Oystersteel, with a black dial.
- Calibre 3230 self-winding mechanical movement and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.
- Water resistance to 100 metres (330 feet).
- Rolex states a precision of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing and identifies it as a Superlative Chronometer.
These are Rolex’s specifications, not measurements of the particular watch in the post. The manufacturer’s details are on its Explorer 36 product page. Rolex describes the Explorer as being “among the first of Rolex’s Professional watches” on its Explorer features page.
Explorer 36 and Explorer 40: the practical difference
Rolex’s current Explorer range includes a 36 mm model and a 40 mm model. Their published specifications overlap; case diameter is the most immediate distinction to consider when deciding which to try on.
Rank #2
- Imported
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Minor scratches and wear on case and band.
- Case Size/Width: 42mm, Watch Height: 12mm, Band Width: 21mm, Wrist circumference: 8.0"
- Band material: Stainless Steel
- Case material: Stainless Steel
| Model | Reference | Case diameter | Movement | Power reserve | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 36, Oystersteel | 124270 | 36 mm | Calibre 3230 | Approximately 70 hours | 100 metres / 330 feet |
| Explorer 40, Oystersteel | 224270 | 40 mm | Calibre 3230 | Approximately 70 hours | 100 metres / 330 feet |
Specifications are published by Rolex; see the Explorer 36 page and Explorer 40 page. The numbers cannot tell you which case will feel right on your wrist, so trying both sizes is more useful than treating diameter alone as a fit verdict.
How to read the £6,600 price report
The author replies in the thread that the watch cost £6,600. That is a self-reported price for one purchase. It does not establish today’s UK retail price, what another buyer will pay, or the watch’s secondary-market value.
Rank #3
- 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
Rolex’s US product page displayed $7,900 for reference 124270 when searched. That is a US listing, and displayed prices can change. It is not directly comparable with the author’s reported pounds without matching the date, market, taxes, and price basis. Check the relevant local price with an official retailer rather than using either figure as a universal benchmark.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the story can—and cannot—tell a prospective buyer
The account illustrates how an individual purchase can happen through a chance availability rather than the model a buyer originally sought. It does not show that Explorers are generally easy to obtain, that Oyster Perpetual buyers will be offered one, or that the Explorer is a better choice. Availability depends on the specific retailer and circumstances; the post is one person’s experience.
Rank #4
- skoko Rolex Protective Film
- [Scratch Proof] This is a thin PPF (Paint Protection Film) product. This PPF is a specialized protective film created to safeguard high-end products. It has a thickness of merely 180 microns, which is equivalent to a minuscule 0.007 inches. This product has a strong tensile strength that is capable of preventing scratches typically encountered in automotive applications. It can effectively protect against scratches that commonly occur in daily life.
- [Glossy Clear Skin] It has high durability and minimal visibility of flaws during installation.
- [Bubble Free] After attaching, even if there are bubbles, they all disappear within a few days.
- [How to Attachment] Please watch the attached installation video and proceed with the installation. It is not difficult and will require approximately 30 ~ 40 minutes of your time.
If you are considering an Explorer, first compare the 36 mm and 40 mm versions on your wrist, then ask official retailers about local availability and price. Rolex says, “Only official Rolex retailers are allowed to sell and maintain a Rolex watch.” That is the manufacturer’s guidance on the retailer channel; it does not independently verify the watch shown in the post or the author’s transaction.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【GREAT REPLACEMENT】 Fits most 20mm interface watches，For SEIKO,TUDOR,OMEGA & SEIKO, etc.Great replacement for models such as Rolex Rubber Series Submariner GMT Explorer&OYSTERPERTUAL,
- 【Compatible Watches】: 20mm Replacement for Rolex watch band, fits Rolex Submariner, Yacht-Master 40mm, Daytona, Submariner 40mm, GMT-Master 40mm, Sea Dweller 40mm, Air-King 40mm, datejust 36mm, Day-Date 36mm/40mm, Cellini 39, Explorer 39mm/40mm, Milgauss 40mm, Oyster Perpetual 39mm,1908, does not fit Sky Dweller
- 【Fitting wrist】Band Width：20mm ，Short Band：80mm/3.15" Long Band：110mm/4.33" ，can fit for wrist 7.2" to 9.1" approx*Note: The Long Band length can be cut to a minimum of 2.16
- 【SPECIAL MATERIAL】The strap is made of quality fkm, which is more comfortable and durable than ordinary rubber material, and has a breathable raised design inside.
- 【Shopping Guarantee】： You will get rubber watch band*1 + 2 pieces spring bars + 1 remover(screwdriver for removing the clasp，Recommended to use original spring bars), you can remove or install watch straps easily.If you have questions about the suitability of your watch, you can contact us to confirm. Any questions when you get bands please kindly contact us directly, we will reply to you within 24 hours.
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.
