Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

Rolex Explorer 36 124270 vs. 124273: What’s Different?

The 36 mm Explorer 124270 is all Oystersteel; the 124273 adds yellow-gold Rolesor accents. Compare their shared specifications and Rolex US listed prices.
Estimate2–3 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Rolex Explorer 124270 and 124273 share the same 36 mm case size, black dial, automatic calibre 3230, approximately 70-hour power reserve and 100 m (330 ft) water-resistance rating. The decisive difference is construction: the 124270 is all Oystersteel, while the 124273 is Yellow Rolesor, combining Oystersteel with yellow gold, including a gold smooth bezel. Rolex’s US pages displayed prices of $7,900 and $14,600, respectively, when accessed on October 4, 2026; those are listed prices, not confirmation of stock or a final transaction price. Rolex 124270; Rolex 124273.

What is the difference between the Explorer 124270 and 124273?

They are two material versions of the 36 mm Explorer. Rolex names the 124270’s case and bracelet material as Oystersteel. The 124273 is Yellow Rolesor, Rolex’s combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold; its smooth bezel is yellow gold. Both have a black dial with the 3, 6 and 9 numerals and Chromalight display, and both use the same calibre 3230. Rolex 124270; Rolex 124273.

Specification Explorer 124270 Explorer 124273
Case diameter 36 mm 36 mm
Material Oystersteel Yellow Rolesor: Oystersteel and yellow gold
Smooth bezel Oystersteel Yellow gold
Dial Black; 3, 6, 9 and Chromalight display Black; 3, 6, 9 and Chromalight display
Movement Automatic calibre 3230 Automatic calibre 3230
Power reserve Approximately 70 hours Approximately 70 hours
Water resistance 100 m / 330 ft 100 m / 330 ft
US list-page price observed October 4, 2026 $7,900 $14,600

How the shared movement and specifications compare

Rolex describes calibre 3230 as a self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional winding, central hour, minute and seconds hands, and a stop-seconds function. The manufacturer also lists a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. Its published precision is −2/+2 seconds per day after casing, and Rolex describes both watches as Superlative Chronometers. These are Rolex specifications, not results from an independent comparative test. Rolex 124270; Rolex 124273.

Rolex gives both models an approximately 70-hour power reserve and a 100 m (330 ft) water-resistance rating. Those ratings are the same on the two product pages; they do not establish how a particular watch performs after wear, impact or inadequate maintenance.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
OLEVS Mens Watch Green Watches for Men Luxury Classic Gold and Silver Watch
  • 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

Why is the Explorer 36 mm again?

The size connects the current watch to the Explorer’s earlier proportions. Rolex’s 2021 brochure says the new-generation Explorer returned to the original 36 mm size associated with the model’s 1953 release. Rolex’s collection history records the move to 39 mm in 2010 and the return to 36 mm in 2021. Rolex 2021 exploration presentation; Rolex 2021 exploration brochure; Rolex Explorer collection history.

Case diameter alone cannot tell you how either version will sit on your wrist. If fit matters, compare them in person rather than treating 36 mm as a guarantee of a particular wearing feel.

Rank #2
Invicta Men's 14878 Specialty Chronograph Dark Blue Textured Dial Gold Ion-Plated Stainless Steel Watch
  • 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.

Is the two-tone Explorer worth the price difference?

At the prices shown on Rolex’s US pages when accessed October 4, 2026, the displayed gap is $6,700: $14,600 for the 124273 versus $7,900 for the 124270. The difference buys the Rolesor material treatment and gold bezel, not a larger case or a different movement according to Rolex’s listed specifications. Whether that premium is worthwhile depends on how much you value the visible gold accents and whether you prefer the quieter all-steel look. The prices are volatile US list-page observations; they do not establish availability, waiting time, a discount, or the price in another market. Rolex 124270; Rolex 124273.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Where to buy or service either reference

Rolex states that only its official retailers are allowed to sell and maintain a Rolex watch. Use Rolex’s official retailer channel for purchase and service inquiries, and verify the status of a specific seller rather than assuming a marketplace listing is authorized. The product pages’ displayed prices do not confirm that either reference is currently in stock. Rolex 124270; Rolex 124273.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Ewatchparts 20mm 18KW PRESIDENT WATCH BAND WITH ALL NATURAL DIAMOND LINKS COMPATIBLE WITH ROLEX 8CTS
  • 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.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.