Selling a Rolex Explorer: the quietest model, and surprisingly saleable
Explorer or Explorer II, 36 or 40 millimetres, black or white. No bezel, no complications – and for exactly that reason a watch that is always in demand.
- Locations
- 45
- Valuation
- Free
- Payment
- 24 hours
- Since
- 1992
Two models that share only the name
The Explorer is the simple one: a black dial with 3, 6 and 9, no date, no bezel. The references run from the 1016 via the 14270 and 214270 to the current 124270 with calibre 3230. In 2021 it went from 39 back to 36 millimetres, the size it had carried for decades.
The Explorer II is a different watch: 42 millimetres, a fixed 24-hour bezel and an extra hand. The 16570 ran from 1989 to 2011 in black and white; the white dial is known in the trade as the "Polar" and generally sits higher. Since 2021 the 226570 has run with calibre 3285.
What we look at
- Model and size – Explorer 36/39 mm or Explorer II 40/42 mm
- Dial – black or Polar white, and whether the lume has aged evenly
- Case – the Explorer was often worn daily; wear is the norm here
- Movement – 3000, 3130, 3230 or 3285
- Completeness – box, card and the original links
Unevenly aged lume is a point of attention on older Explorers: hands and indices should share the same tone. If they do not, parts have been replaced, and that counts.
What we pay for the other models is listed on our Rolex page. If yours is an older piece, also have a look at vintage watches.
Not sure about your item? Book a free valuation or read how we work.
Who values your watch at XGOUD
- Our own watchmaker values watches at the head office in Eindhoven: he opens the case, reads the calibre and numbers, and judges whether the parts belong together.
- Also without box and papers: he then checks the movement and the finishing more thoroughly.
- Since 1992 in the buying trade, with 45 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) under number 95774297, with its head office at Piuslaan 26 in Eindhoven.
- Free, no-obligation valuation: you only decide once you know our offer.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 54 reviews
How to sell your Rolex Explorer
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Make an appointment
We appraise watches in Eindhoven, where our watchmaker works.
Case open
We read the reference and the serial number and assess the movement.
A substantiated offer
With the current trade figures for that exact reference alongside it.
Paid out straight away
By bank transfer, in your account within 24 hours.
Near you
Everything above applies everywhere. These pages add where you can take it, with the address and opening hours of that office.
- Arlon
- Alkmaar
- Almelo
- Almere
- Amersfoort
- Amsterdam
- Antwerp
- Apeldoorn
- Arnhem
- Mons
- Breda
- Bruges
- Brussels
- Charleroi
- Den Bosch
- The Hague
- Deventer
- Dordrecht
- Eindhoven
- Emmen
- Genk
- Ghent
- Groningen
- Haarlem
- Hasselt
- Kortrijk
- Leeuwarden
- Leiden
- Leuven
- Liège
- Maastricht
- Mechelen
- Middelburg
- Namur
- Nijmegen
- Roermond
- Roeselare
- Rotterdam
- Tiel
- Tilburg
- Turnhout
- Utrecht
- Zoetermeer
- Zutphen
- Zwolle
How customers look back on their sale
„On Saturday we went to see Ken at the head office in Eindhoven. What a pleasant and honest man! 2 of our 3 kids came along, which was no problem. He explained everything well and knew what he was talking about, so the children also found it interesting to listen and didn't get bored with the 'grown-up' stuff. It was immediately clear how many grams it was and which calculation went with it. He even advised us to visit other companies as well; it was our own choice to go straight for xgoud, and we would do it again. I received the amount for the gold jewellery I handed in today.”
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„Helped very well in Eindhoven and received a really decent price! It was a good €500 more than the competitor. Friendly, honest, transparent and open. No smart suits and expensive premises, just honest and pleasant service. Thanks again!”
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„Xgoud is a no-nonsense little company that, instead of an elaborate entourage, simply offers good service and above all a good price. Think at least 10% more than the slicker buyers at the top of the search engine.”
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„Last Friday I went to XGoud in Eindhoven without an appointment. Helped by Ken. The service and advice were excellent. Ken saw straight away what carat the gold was. Another important point: you get a good price. I had also looked at other gold buyers, but they came out much worse.”
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„Very trustful, honest and open negotiation. I deep recommend and is not necessary go far away to get a fare and honest trade. I will return in case needed.”
„Great service from Ken and Esther. There were some problems with the bank regarding the transfer, but this was neatly resolved. Good daily price, and I recommend everyone to go here!”
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„Xgoud in Eindhoven is really worth recommending, with a good price. I called several shops and asked what I could get per gram for my gold at that moment; most of them couldn't tell me and said I should just make an appointment. Then I came across xgoud through their website and called them, asking whether any costs or commission would be deducted from the price on the website. The answer was no: you get the price per gram shown on the website at that moment. I made an appointment and sold my gold there the same day. A very nice man, no fuss or expensive suits and ties, who knows his stuff. He also gave me some tips, for example how to test a scale with a 10 euro cent coin, which should always weigh 4.10 g. One more tip: stay away from the gold exchange office in Weert, they quickly notice when you don't know much about it. The offer I got there was hundreds of euros lower than at xgoud.”
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„Great service and good advice. And 100% transparent communication!! You get the best price for your gold at XGold.”
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„Very friendly and helpful. Treated fairly and everything was clearly explained. Got a good price for my gold.”
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„Transparent, knowledgeable, professional.”
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„Good communication. Arranged quickly and professionally. Good price! I can recommend it.”
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„I'll start by sharing my experience at the Goud-Wissel office in Eindhoven, where I initially ended up on the advice of an acquaintance. I already found it strange that their website didn't tell me roughly what I would receive per gram [in my case 18-carat gold] for the jewellery I wanted to sell. When I came in, the introductory questions felt like a kind of check on whether I knew what I was talking about. Even more: it gave me the creeping feeling that this conversation would be directly linked to the amount they would offer me for my gold. As a layman, I admitted that the generally known current gold price was my only 'knowledge'. What followed was a whole story about the broad concept of this valuation and a list of elements that made it logical that the buying price came nowhere near it. I had to realise that the basic costs of the gold exchange office: rent / fittings / staff / outsourced melting etc. were taken into account [read: deducted] from what was paid out to the customer at the bottom line. After testing, I was then offered 4,000 in short order. I had seen on a website that X-Goud also has a branch in Eindhoven, and it turned out to be almost around the corner. The owner happened to be there because the premises were being fitted out, but even though I had no appointment I was still received very warmly. After a clear, expert, no-obligation explanation and testing, Ekin named a rather different buying price compared to the Goud-Wisselkantoor where I had been an hour earlier. And luckily I had left to look for a kind of second opinion. X-GOUD bought my jewellery for 7,150!!!!!!!! A GOOD 3,000 MORE! Sorry for the long-winded build-up, but this piece really should have been written entirely in capitals so that everyone clearly reads how, in my view, to put it politely, they rip you off right to your face at the Goud-Wisselkantoor. Ekin, thanks again for your friendly service... a pity you couldn't offer coffee yet haha, but the offer for my jewellery more than makes up for it.”
Translated from Dutch
„It took a while before we could make an appointment with Ken, but when he visited us at home we hit it off straight away. Ken explained very clearly how he could assess the different metals. He gave us a very good price. We also had a pleasant conversation with this likeable man.”
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„Keeps his appointments. Good and fair prices. Friendly. A good partner to do business with.”
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„It felt right from the very first contact. Because of how busy it was, it took a little while before we could actually make an appointment, but today everything was neatly settled: no hassle or strange rules, just a fair, good price. We had a nice chat too. I'm very satisfied and will certainly contact Ken again in the future.”
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„Making an appointment took a bit of juggling, because Ken is a busy man, but it was absolutely worth it. He gives a fair price based on the actual daily value and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Transparent and reliable. Definitely recommended!”
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„Meeting up was a bit of a problem at first. But that was made up for with a sincere apology and the price offered for the items I brought. Recommended. In short, fine.”
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„It was a bit difficult to make an appointment, because the owner is always busy and on the road. But in the end I was helped very well and expertly. Everything was clearly explained, and at XGoud I really got the highest price for trading in a gold piece of jewellery!! Very satisfied with how it was handled.”
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„Good price and honest advice. Ekin is likeable and reliable.”
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„Had a small problem with the communication. Afterwards they called me properly, made an appointment and everything was neatly resolved. The company takes responsibility and sorts things out in a relaxed atmosphere 👍”
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„Because of a traffic jam the first appointment didn't go ahead, but the owner kept his word and came to my home. Got a really good price. What a difference from other buyers! A very busy man, but he absolutely keeps his word. A truly reliable company. I can recommend this company to everyone!”
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„Great service and very good contact, keeps appointments well and is very friendly!”
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„XGOUD's service is unmatched! Selling my gold jewellery went quickly and efficiently, and I got a great price. The gentleman even took the time to explain everything step by step. I can't recommend XGOUD enough!”
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„To sell a number of pieces of jewellery and watches, we took them to Ken at Xgoud and to several similar companies. Our conclusion is that at Xgoud the openness, the time taken for advice and of course a high real-time price gave us a good feeling about selling our items there. It went more than fine. Thank you!”
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„Good prices, a decent gentleman who keeps his appointments. I recommend this company to everyone!”
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„Made an appointment quickly and easily and completed the transaction. Also a very enthusiastic and reliable entrepreneur you can have a nice chat with.”
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„Really good service, nice man, fair price for your gold and immediate payment. I recommend XGoud to everyone.”
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„They are transparent about their prices in advance. Sometimes a bit hard to reach, but once you have the appointment, very correct and honest. And a nice price.”
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„I was a bit sceptical at first, because it was my first time. But in the end it was a pleasant meeting with Ken, in line with what we had agreed beforehand. We quickly reached a deal. Meeting at the agreed location was great too. Very good price. Would do it again!”
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„Despite the small amount of gold, just 2 small coins, I got a good price. Paid out in cash without any problem. Thanks Ken, good deal.”
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„Did good business with Ken, received a good price and everything was handled as agreed, and I quickly received the remaining amount in my bank account.”
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„A very pleasant experience with Ken, a good, fair price-quality ratio, so there will definitely be a next time. Theo Schuiling, Rotterdam.”
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„Good and honest advice / price.”
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„Pleasant contact, appointment at the office or simply at home. Everything was handled quickly and professionally, as agreed.”
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„Was able to do business in a very pleasant way. Good price for my gold. Very reliable, comes to your home, very friendly. Cash on the nail. Definitely recommended.”
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„Ken from XGOUD is honest and gives the best price for your scrap gold. Definitely recommended. Regards, Shahab”
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„Good communication & correct handling.”
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„Very friendly, they come to your home, no pushiness, just honest and reliable.”
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„Good communication, smooth handling, in short a pleasant experience.”
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„Fast and clear contact, absolutely good service👌 Recommended”
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„No idea how it is with gold, but with diamonds you shouldn't come here! They have a calculator on their website that is supposed to give a good idea, but they offered 4x (!) less... not to mention how long it took before I got an offer! Next time I'll just go to Belgium again.”
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„Made an appointment via the website. I was called to agree on a place and time. On arrival we got a clear explanation, and Ken from XGoud took his time to value all the pieces. The price he offered, without obligation, was the price as stated on their website. The payment went smoothly too. A very good experience.”
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„Very fast & friendly service. You also get a fair price for your gold and leave with a good feeling!”
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„Good service, and honest”
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„Very pleasant and fast service. Good, clear explanation, truly recommended. I'll be coming back here more often!”
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„A really great company with a good approach, and immediate cash for my gold jewellery 👍🏻”
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„Good, fast service. Old gold jewellery I never used anyway, exchanged at the current high gold price, because I also needed money and this was a quick way to go, with no regrets.”
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„Reliable / honest shop. The buyer is service-minded and leaves room for negotiation towards a win-win for both parties. Recommended!”
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„After visiting 2 jewellers and searching the internet for gold buyers, I chose XGoud. The description of XGoud on the website was very clear. The various buying prices for gold and gold coins were listed at the buying prices current at that moment. A very transparent business. I made an appointment. Indeed not a modern shop, but a friendly and very skilled buyer. He calmly and clearly explained how the carat was determined and how the weighing took place. Then I was asked whether I agreed with the valuation and the amount. After that, everything was put in writing. The financial settlement went fine. (At 2 jewellers I had had a gold 10-guilder coin valued. Their price was a good €50 lower. I would get a bit more for it if I bought other jewellery for that amount.) XGoud is truly recommended. Next time I would definitely choose them again. 30/07/20 Arnold, Sliedrecht”
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„Xgoud is the right place for all your gold, jewellery and coins. It is very transparent, and he gives the maximum amount for the gold you offer. The difference between the valuation and reality (without stones, movements etc.) was minimal, and the difference could be discussed. So recommended without reservation. Top.”
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„Good service and honesty. Recommended! I'll keep coming back here!”
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„A fine, reliable company. Gives a fair price for your gold and jewellery.”
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„Pleasant and friendly service. Got a fine price.”
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„I sold my necklace. He came to his shop especially for me when it was closed. I'm very satisfied with him and with the price I got.”
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More about Rolex Explorer
Questions about selling Rolex Explorer
My Explorer is heavily scratched from daily wear. Does anyone still want it?
Yes. The Explorer is the model people genuinely wear, and the trade knows it: signs of use are far less exceptional here than on a Day-Date. What does count is whether it has ever been polished, because then material has gone. An honestly worn watch with sharp lugs does better than a gleaming example that has been through the polisher three times.
Is the Polar worth more than the black Explorer II?
Usually yes, though the gap moves with the market. The white dial has become the signature version of the Explorer II and there is more demand for it. On the older 16570 something else comes into play: on some examples the black surrounds of the indices and the hands have discoloured, and how evenly that has happened matters. Our watchmaker assesses that under the loupe.
I have lost the links that were taken out of my Explorer.
That is a shame but rarely decisive. An Oyster bracelet with too few links is a cost for the next owner, and original Rolex links are expensive, so we account for that in the offer. Do have another look in the box or in a drawer: with the Explorer they are often handed over separately at purchase and stay there.
I have the 39 mm 214270. Is that size less wanted now that Rolex has gone back to 36 mm?
No, but the market looks at it differently. The 214270 is the only Explorer made in 39 millimetres; since 2021 the 124270 has run in 36 again, the size the model carried for decades. That makes the 39 mm a closed series, and closed series rarely do badly on the second-hand market. Demand shifts, it does not disappear.
My 1016 has a discoloured dial. Should I have it restored?
No. On a 1016 an evenly discoloured dial is not a fault but part of the value, and a new or touched-up dial takes away from it. The same goes for the hands: they should share the tone of the indices. Bring it in as it is, and our watchmaker will judge under the loupe whether everything belongs together.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about Rolex Explorer?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Fondation de la Haute HorlogerieReference on movements, houses and complications
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Curious what your Rolex Explorer would fetch?
Book a free valuation at a location near you. No obligation, and you will know exactly where you stand.