Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Explorer 36

A Rolex from the Age of Exploration

This storied example of the innovative Rolex Explorer timepiece is a special take on the classic design with a unique military provenance.

Inspired by the Oyster Perpetual chronometers worn by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their historic first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, the Explorer was born from the deep involvement of Rolex with pioneering exploration. One of the brand's first Professional watches, the Explorer launched a family of watches designed to accompany those who push boundaries, evolving from the brand’s deep involvement with pioneering polar and mountaineering expeditions since the 1930's.

A Professional Watch Pioneer

Launched in 1953, and one of Rolex’s first tool watches, the Explorer is a robust, reliable and accurate timepiece, legible under all circumstances and capable of withstanding high humidity, intense heat and freezing temperatures.

This 1968 Oystersteel edition of the 36mm Explorer comes with official papers stamped by the British military support organisation, the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI). Equipped with the 1570 calibre automatic movement with a power reserve of 44hrs and sporting a matte black dial with the trademark highly legible 3/6/9 Arabic numerals and broad hands, this Explorer is a fine example of a Professional Rolex watch.