Want to enjoy one of the world’s most famous tool watches but for cheaper? Consider these Rolex Explorer Alternatives.
The Rolex Explorer tool watch can take you beyond your normal, natural limits. It’s a superior outdoor companion, making it a great addition to your exploration kit list.
If you’re considering adding this model to your list, one thing you should know: It’s expensive!
If the Rolex Explorer happens to be out of your price range, fear not. I’ve got some excellent alternatives lined up that you’re going to love! First, let’s examine what makes the modern-day Explorer and Explorer II so special.
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Key Features of the Rolex Explorer and Explorer II
The Rolex Explorer has a legible dial and a rugged case and comes complete with several of Rolex’s proprietary features. Additionally, the Explorer II has a date display and an additional 24-hour bezel, allowing you to track a second time zone.
Today, these features appeal to speleologists and volcanologists alike. But at the time of the Explorer watch’s release, nothing else was on the market.
To understand the appeal of the Explorer, it’s important to explore Rolex’s history. The brand launched the first Explorer in 1953 following Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s expedition to Mount Everest.
Rolex wanted the watch to become every adventure-seeker’s favorite companion. It rose to the challenge, accompanying many other explorers on similar challenges.
The Explorer had a legible black dial with numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Today, the watch, along with the Explorer II, comes in several iterations. Both were the first to benefit from the company’s proprietary Chromalight display for extra legibility.
Why You Should Get a Rolex Explorer II Alternative
No Rolex watch is cheap, and the Explorer and Explorer II are no exceptions. These watches boast the best materials the industry offers and feature several of Rolex’s patents.
If you prefer metal bezels to colored ones, the Rolex Explorer II will definitely appeal to you. Like many of Rolex’s innovations, the iconic tool watch is a huge collectible.
One of the model’s key features is a practical and highly robust steel bezel with 24-hour markers in relief.
Collectors will wait months or years for some of the brand’s most desirable models. They’ll also think nothing of shelling out a mere $16k on a new design! But that’s not reality for a lot of us.
Yes, the Rolex Explorer and Explorer II make for great daily companions. But if they exceed your budget, then don’t worry.
There are plenty of alternative options out there on the market for a fraction of the price. Whether homage watches or tool watches that carry similar qualities, you have options. You just need to know where to look for them.
A Rolex Explorer II Alternative Is Practical
Let’s face it, at least when you buy an alternative to the Rolex Explorer II, you know you’ll use it.
Now, I’m not saying the Explorer is impractical by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Rolex is an expert at equipping its watches with some of the industry’s toughest materials. You get ample shock, scratch, and fade resistance with any Rolex watch.
These features generally make them excellent companions for all manner of outdoorsy stuff. But that doesn’t mean every Rolex wearer will use their watch for these purposes.
You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t worry about bashing up a watch you’ve spent thousands of dollars on. It’s quite common to want to preserve your Rolex, too, in case you want to sell it one day.
These watches cost a lot of money. And like superior dive and dress watches, many reserve them for special occasions. (Come on, dive watches never really see the bottom of the ocean, do they?)
Luxury watches, whether tough and durable or not, are prize processions. It makes sense that even avid Rolex collectors have a cheaper tool watch for yard work.
It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford a Rolex. Nor does it matter if you’re an experienced Rolex collector looking for a cheaper daily option. This guide will help.
The Best Rolex Explorer Alternatives
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, know what a Rolex Explorer watch offers.
While the original Explorer features a smooth, fixed, unadorned bezel, the Explorer II looks bolder and more aggressive. This second generation has a rotating bezel for tracking another time zone.
In this guide, we’ll look at alternatives for both designs. For reference, here’s a quick look at one of the latest Rolex Explorer II watches — the reference 226570.
You can get the Rolex Explorer II ref 226570 in Polar (white) or black. Each one features a brushed steel bezel that resists the impact of stalagmites and stalactites while cave exploring.
The orange text on this model’s dial matches the 24-hour hand, propelled by a new and improved movement.
The adventure tool also benefits from a Chronergy escapement for a longer power reserve. Compared to older models, the redesigned case features narrower lugs and a wider Oystersteel bracelet.
This 42mm model looks hard to beat on paper. But when you look at cheaper options on the market, you’d be a fool not to consider some of them. But which affordable alternatives to the Explorer should you trust on the market? It’s a valid concern.
This guide outlines some great options. So, sit back, grab a drink, and unwind with this guide to the best Rolex Explorer Alternatives.
Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT
The Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT belongs to a collection expertly designed for sports watch lovers. We have recommended this model before, mainly for its legibility. It is a wearer-friendly GMT that’s easy to manipulate with the fingers.
The five-sided red GMT hand points to a 24-hour scale engraved onto the bezel. Alongside this, you get a legible hour track. To complete the watch’s ergonomic design, Seiko equips it with a comfortable steel bracelet and curved Hardlex glass.
Ball Engineer Pioneer III
One of the key qualities of the Explorer watch is its legibility, both during the day and through the night. Ball’s luminous light tube technology supersedes any standard luminous material, making this model stand out.
Like the Explorer, the Ball Engineer Pioneer III features an unadorned fixed bezel and a black, easy-to-read dial. Arabic numerals sit at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, holding glass light tubes against their surfaces.
The 28 micro gas tubes with a phosphorus powder filling glow continually, rather than using natural light to charge.
This 100-meter water-resistant watch features a sweep seconds hand and a 40mm 904L stainless steel case with impressive anti-magnetic capabilities.
TUDOR Black Bay Pro
The TUDOR Black Bay is a safe bet for anyone on the lookout for a robust watch anyway. But the Black Bay Pro is a step up. It has a 24-hour bezel in steel, just like the Explorer II.
I love this model’s black legible dial, with a vivid yellow GMT hand accompanying the distinctive “Snowflake” hands. This watch features a Manufacture automatic movement inside a robust 200-meter water-resistant case.
This is a compact 39mm model, so it’s great for smaller wrists. It also features a robust steel bracelet and TUDOR’s innovative T-Fit clasp. The clasp has a rapid adjustment feature, enabling it to extend and shorten depending on your wrist’s needs.
Other features of this Rolex Explorer II alternative include a domed scratch-resistant sapphire glass and a TUODR rose-adorned screw-down crown.
Boldr GMT Tarangire
The Boldr Tarangire has a steel bezel that sits at a 40mm diameter on the wrist. The brand nails the Explorer II criteria in this watch.
It features a matte white dial that makes referencing the time an absolute cinch. What’s even better is that it glows superbly at night.
Now, here’s where the Tarangire comes into its own. It showcases a California dial, a rare feature today.
California dials may not feature on the Rolex Explorer, but I like this quirky twist. It features Roman numerals at the top and Arabic numerals occupying the spaces between 3 and 9 o’clock.
This Boldr watch also features a solid stainless steel bracelet with a brushed finish, 200-meter water resistance, and a sapphire lens.
The fixed 24-hour bezel with an aluminum insert is a real treat. It gives the watch an assured, tool-like aesthetic that will appease any Rolex Explorer fan.
Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT.2
Two-tone 24-hour bezels are great for adding a shot of color to the wrist. This Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT watch features black and red, echoing the “Coke” bezel that Rolex fans go wild for.
This stainless steel travel watch features a black dial, luminous hour markers, hands, and a steel bracelet. A closed caseback conceals a tried-and-tested Sellita movement. This very manageable 39mm model combines functionality with bold aesthetics.
You can use the second time zone while traveling or on business or find the best time to call family back home.
This Steinhart watch is closer in design to the TUDOR Black Bay. Still, it carries the masculine, adventure-ready style that many love the Explorer II for.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive GMT
Grand Seiko does a mean Explorer II-inspired design. The robust steel model, measuring a diameter of 41mm, oozes Rolex-esque vibes.
You know you’re investing in quality craftsmanship when you buy a Grand Seiko watch. The Japanese brand pulls out all the stops for this design, including its steel bi-directional 24-hour bezel.
This watch belongs to the Evolution 9 series, which means it follows a specific design language and nine key principles.
GS specialists elevate the design with the distinctive Zaratsu case polishing. All the while, the powerful hands and prominent markers aid readability in testing conditions. I love the practical curved lugs on this watch, chosen to reduce snagging and damage.
If you haven’t explored Seiko’s full capacity for movements, read up on the Spring Drive. With next-level accuracy, this Evolution 9 watch promises one-second-a-day precision. It’s the perfect all-around tool for all kinds of outdoor pursuits.
My Favourite Rolex Explorer 2 Alternative
I’ve saved the best of all the watches on this list until last. This is my favorite Rolex Explorer 2 Alternative.
Christopher Ward Sealander C63 GMT
Last but not least is the Christopher Ward Sealander C63. It has to be one of the best alternatives to the Explorer II. What makes it my favorite? Well, you can pick this watch up for under $1000. It comes with everything you need in a robust adventure watch.
Among its many features are strong sapphire glass, a beautifully crafted case shape, and bucketfuls of luminous material. I love the articulated bracelet on this watch, too. It molds seamlessly to the wrist, fitting snugly with the micro-adjustment system.
If you want to scratch that Explorer II itch, the Christopher Ward C63 is the one to do it with. You’re getting a well-built everyday watch forged from a host of reliable, long-lasting materials, all for a great price.
Tip for you: Go for the 36mm size over the 39mm, as this is true to the original Explorer.
FAQs:
These FAQs should help break down some key pieces of information about alternatives to the Rolex Explorer.
What Omega looks like the Rolex Explorer?
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M looks like the Explorer in terms of design. The brand matches the robustness of a Rolex watch with a sturdy steel case, complete with 150-meter water resistance.
What is the Tudor alternative to the Rolex Explorer?
The best TUDOR alternative to the Rolex Explorer is the TUDOR Ranger. Although this is more of a field watch, its simplified dial and crisp, tough case are similar in many ways.
Did Rolex discontinue the Explorer?
Yes, Rolex discontinued some Explorer watches. In particular, Explorer II references 216570 and Explorer 214270 are no longer available from the brand. However, you can still find pre-owned Explorer watches on the second-hand market.
The Takeaway
When searching for the perfect Rolex Explorer alternative, consider what you really want in a watch. If legibility is important to you, choose the Ball Engineer.
However, if you want the added functionality of the travel bezel, opt for something like the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive. Really, the choice is yours, and thankfully, there are enough options out there to go at.
What’s your favorite Rolex Explorer alternative?
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