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Sell Your Rolex Explorer II watch

The Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971, designed for explorers and cavers who needed to distinguish between day and night in environments without natural light. Unlike the Explorer I, it features a fixed 24-hour bezel and a separate 24-hour hand — a genuinely functional complication rather than a decorative one.

Today the Explorer II attracts a dedicated collector following, particularly for the original 1655 “Steve McQueen” reference and the current 226570. We buy all Explorer II references at Sell Rolex Watch, with free instant valuations and same-day payment.

Call us on 020 3336 0300 or complete our free online valuation form to get started.

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Features of the Rolex Explorer II Watch

  • 39-42mm case
  • Mechanical self-winding movement (calibre varies by reference — from the early 1575 through to the current 3285)
  • Water resistant to 100m
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Steel bracelet and case

The Explorer II is available exclusively in Oystersteel with a choice of white or black dial. The current reference is the 226570, introduced in 2021 with the calibre 3285 movement.

Rolex Explorer II watch with white dial and 24-hour hand — sell yours in London
Rolex Explorer II Watch

Our Simple & Secure 4-Step Process

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1. Get Your Expert Valuation

Tell us about your Rolex using our simple form. Our experts will provide a fast, no-obligation price estimate for your watch.

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2. Ship Securely with Free DHL

We'll send you a free, fully insured DHL postage pack. Ship your watch to our London centre securely and at no cost to you.

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3. Final Safe & Secure Inspection

Our London-based specialists will inspect your watch to verify its authenticity and condition, confirming your final, fair offer.

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4. Receive Your Instant Payment

Once you approve our final offer, you will receive your payment instantly via a secure same-day bank transfer.

Our Client's Testimonials

Selling my Explorer II was a smooth process. Sell Rolex Watch gave me a fair valuation, and the whole transaction was very professional. I appreciated their clear communication and quick service. Highly recommended.
Thomas Finch⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Richmond, London
I was a bit nervous about selling my watch, but 'Sell Rolex Watch' made it easy. They were very knowledgeable and gave me a great price for my Explorer II. The team was friendly and efficient.
Sarah Jenkins⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Greenwich, London
Excellent service from start to finish. I sold my Rolex Explorer II and was very pleased with the price offered. The process was transparent, and the staff were very helpful. I would definitely use them again.
David O'Connell⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ealing, London
I had a positive experience selling my Explorer II. 'Sell Rolex Watch' provided a competitive quote, and the transaction was completed quickly and securely. I found them to be trustworthy and reliable.
Emily Carter⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hampstead, London
Very happy with the service. 'Sell Rolex Watch' made selling my Explorer II straightforward and hassle-free. The valuation was fair, and the payment was processed promptly. A very professional company.
James Williams⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bromley, London
I was impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of Sell Rolex Watch. They offered a good price for my Explorer II and the whole process was very smooth. I would recommend them to anyone looking to sell their Rolex.
Olivia Brown⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Islington, London
Selling my watch was a breeze with 'Sell Rolex Watch.' They provided a clear and honest valuation, and the transaction was completed without any issues. Their customer service is excellent.
Richard Smith⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kingston upon Thames, London
I had a great experience selling my Rolex Explorer II. 'Sell Rolex Watch' made the process simple and stress-free. They were very professional and offered a fair price. I'm very satisfied.
Sophia Jones⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stratford, London
The team at Sell Rolex Watch were fantastic. They were knowledgeable, helpful and provided a great service. I was very pleased with the price I received for my Explorer II. Highly recommended.
Peter Davis⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Harrow, London.

All Rolex Explorer II Watch Models Welcome

We buy all Rolex Explorer II references. If you have a Rolex Explorer I, see our dedicated Explorer I page for a specific valuation. Below are the key Explorer II references we regularly buy — older references in original unmodified condition consistently attract the strongest offers.

  • Sell Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655
  • The original Explorer II, introduced in 1971. Often called the "Steve McQueen" reference — incorrectly, as McQueen is not definitively linked to this watch, but the nickname persists in collector circles. Stainless steel 39mm case, orange 24-hour hand, black dial, fixed aluminium 24-hour bezel. Early examples with the "freccione" (big arrow) hand are particularly sought after. Calibre 1575 movement. If you have a 1655 in original unmodified condition, contact us before obtaining any other valuation.
  • Sell Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16550
  • Introduced in 1984. Stainless steel 40mm case, sapphire crystal replacing the earlier acrylic, calibre 3085 movement, available in black or cream ("ivory") dial. The cream dial variant is less common and attracts collector interest. Produced until approximately 1989.
  • Sell Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570
  • Introduced in 1989. Stainless steel 40mm case, calibre 3185 movement, available in black or white dial. Produced until 2011 when the 216570 was introduced — a long production run of over 20 years. Good original condition examples with unpolished cases are increasingly collectible.
  • Sell Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570
  • Introduced in 2011 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II. Stainless steel 42mm case — a significant size increase from the earlier 40mm. Calibre 3187 movement, black or white dial. Discontinued in 2021 when the 226570 was introduced.
  • Sell Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570
  • The current production Explorer II, introduced in 2021. Stainless steel 42mm Oyster case, calibre 3285 movement with improved power reserve of approximately 70 hours, black or white dial, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, water resistant to 100m. If you have a recently purchased 226570, contact us for a current market valuation — prices for new references change as the secondary market establishes itself.
Unlock the value of your Rolex Explorer II watch today!
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The Rolex Explorer II 1655 — What Makes It Special?

The Ref. 1655 is the most collectible Explorer II reference by a significant margin. Produced from 1971 to approximately 1984, it features the distinctive “freccione” (Italian for big arrow) orange 24-hour hand and a fixed aluminium 24-hour bezel — functional details that make it visually distinctive from all later Explorer II references. The “Steve McQueen” nickname attached to this reference is not definitively supported by photographic evidence, but it has entered collector vocabulary and affects how the watch is searched for and discussed.

Early examples with original unrestored dials, sharp unpolished cases, and matching serial-to-production-year paperwork can command significant premiums. If you believe you have an early 1655, bring it in for an in-person assessment — this is not a reference to value from photographs alone.

Where can I sell my Rolex Explorer II Watch for cash in London?

You can sell your Rolex Explorer II at our Marylebone boutique, 35 Blandford Street, London W1U 7HA, where most in-store valuations are completed within 30 minutes and payment is made the same day. If visiting London is not practical, our fully insured UK-wide collection service handles pick-up, assessment, and payment.

Online marketplaces such as eBay are an alternative but carry real risks for sellers — disputes are typically resolved in the buyer’s favour and there is always a possibility of fraudulent buyers or payment reversals. Working with a specialist buyer removes these concerns entirely.

Call us on 020 3336 0300 or use the online form to get started.

Exterior view of our London Rolex boutique at 35 Blandford Street

Sell Your Pre-owned Rolex Explorer II watch in London: Easy, Hassle-Free Process

Our team buys Rolex Explorer II watches across every reference and condition. Visit us in Marylebone, use our UK-wide insured collection service, or get an online quote. Payment is made the same day your offer is accepted — cash or bank transfer, your choice.

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FAQs on Selling Rolex Explorer II Watch

Will my Rolex Explorer II watch go up in value?

The Explorer II Rolex watch is a great sports model produced in 1971. With a case size of 42mm, some regard it as too large, but it is still a popular model. If you buy the Rolex at retail, it will increase in value to a point. As to whether or not it will increase value over time on the second-hand market, it’s difficult to predict but is unlikely as the demand for this model is not too high. You can always get a current market assessment by requesting a free Rolex quote.

What is the best way to sell my Explorer ii Rolex watch?

If you would like to know ‘what is the best way to sell my Rolex Explorer II watch’ then you have come to the right place. Here at Sell Rolex Watch, we offer the best prices for your Rolex. Our process is simple and secure, and having been in business for over 25 years, we are very reputable. Fill out one of our forms or visit us in person for a free quotation to sell your Rolex watch.

Do you need proof of purchase to sell my Explorer ii Rolex watch?

No, you don’t necessarily need proof of purchase to sell your Rolex Explorer II, but having it can increase buyer confidence and help you get a better price. Most reputable buyers, including luxury watch dealers and pawnbrokers, will authenticate the watch based on its serial number, condition, and other factors. However, if you have the original receipt, box, and papers, it can make the selling process smoother and enhance the watch’s resale value.

If you’re looking to sell your Explorer II, we offer a hassle-free process with expert authentication and competitive offers. Get in touch with us today for a free valuation!

How much is my Explorer ii Rolex watch worth?

The suggested retail price of the Rolex Explorer II is around £8,000. However, this may vary annually. The value of the watch on the second-hand market depends on several factors. For a more precise valuation of your Rolex Explorer II, contact us today. Visit our shop in Central London if you want to sell your Rolex Explorer II for cash.

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