Quick Guide to the Rolex Explorer 39, Ref. 214270

The Rolex Explorer, with its signature 3-6-9 hour markers, has one of the most recognizable dials in the watch world. Introduced in 1953, aside from some early quirky 34mm variants, the Rolex Explorer was historically a 36mm stainless steel watch with an Oyster bracelet and a black dial. No options, no variants, no complications. So it was a big deal in 2010 when a 39mm Explorer joined the lineup. It was discontinued in 2021, and later superseded by the Explorer 40. Here’s our guide to the Rolex 214270, the Explorer 39.

Rolex 214270: The Basics

Rolex ref. 214270 is the only Explorer 39 model ever made (although the Explorer 40 debuted in 2023) and it only came in one configuration: like most Explorers, the Explorer 39 sports a black 3-6-9 dial, Mercedes hands, and a stainless steel Oyster case with an Oyster bracelet.

Because it debuted in 2010, the Rolex 214270 had modern features like a laser-etched coronet, EasyLink clasp, engraved Rolex rehaut, magnetic-resistant Parachrom hairspring, and blue “Chromalight” lume (instead of the older green Super-Luminova) since its inception. As with almost all Rolex watches, the caseback is solid.

The reliable caliber 3132 movement inside the Rolex 214270 never changed during its run, and although it “only” has a power reserve of about 48 hours instead of 70, some people prefer the 31xx family of movements (1988 debut) to the newer 32xx movements (2015 debut) due to oft-reported amplitude issues (though some argue they’re overblown). But Rolex updated the dial and hands in the spring of 2016, about halfway through the 214270’s run.

Rolex Explorer 39 Mark 1 vs. Mark 2

The original Rolex Explorer 39, ref. 214270-0001, is known as the “Mark 1” to collectors. It was replaced by the “Mark 2” Explorer 39, ref. 214270-0003, at Baselworld 2016. The Mark 2 has lume-filled 3-6-9 markers instead of the Mark 1’s solid white gold ones. Also the Mark 2 has larger hands. That’s it.

For some reason, when the Rolex 214270 first came out, there was a lot of criticism that its hour hand was “too short.” And not everyone loved the white gold 3-6-9. Personally, I think the Mark 1 Explorer 39 is perfectly legible, and in fact I prefer it to the Mark 2, but they both look good. Not only is the hour hand of the Mark 2 214270 longer then the Mark 1’s, but it’s also fat at the base, like a modern Explorer 2’s hour hand. For the Explorer 40, Rolex went back to the “thin stem” for the hour hand.

214270 on the Wrist

The Rolex Explorer 39 ref. 214270 feels great on the wrist. The Rolex Oyster case, I think, doesn’t get enough credit for how comfortable it is, and the 11.2mm case height is relatively thin for a tough sports watch rated to 100m. While it’s not as beloved as the Glidelock clasp on modern Rolex dive watches, the EasyLink clasp offers 5mm of tool-free expansion for a quick on-the-go size tweak. Shutting the clasp feels satisfying, and modern Rolex bracelets all have a nice weight to them.

The Explorer 39 could easily be a “one watch collection” and is often recommended as a first/only Rolex. And for good reason. Plus, you can easily get one for under $10,000 without spending any time on a Rolex waitlist. Expect to pay about $8,500 for a nice example of a Mark 1 Rolex 214270. Mark 2’s sell for about $500 more.

Rolex Explorer 39 ref. 214270 Specs

Model	Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 39
Reference number	214270-0001 (Mark 1, 2010-2016) 214270-0003 (Mark 2, 2016-2021)
Case material	904L stainless steel
Case width	39 mm
Case thickness	11.2 mm
Lug-to-lug	47.4 mm
Crystal	Flat sapphire
Bezel	Fixed smooth Oystersteel bezel
Hands	White gold Mercedes hands filled with Chromalight
Movement caliber	Rolex manufacture caliber 3132 (automatic, 8 beats per second, Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorber)
Power reserve	48 hours
Water resistance	100 m
Bracelet	Oyster (three-link) bracelet with folding clasp featuring Easylink 5mm comfort extension
Final U.S. MSRP (2021)	$6,550
Market Value (2026)	$7,500-$9,500

I generally wouldn’t say that any stainless steel Rolex sports watch is “underrated” but, the Explorer 39 does feel relatively overlooked compared to some other references. For a low-key everyday stainless steel Rolex, the 214270 is a difficult choice to argue with.