Explorer 40

Ref. 224270

Case diameter: 40 mm; Manufacturer spec
Lug-to-lug: 46.5 mm; Measured in a published review
Thickness: 11.6 mm; Measured in a published review
Lug width: 21 mm; Measured in a published review

Retail price $8,350 (US, Oct 2026)

Your wristIdeal fit

Wrist flat: 55.1 mmLug-to-lug: 46.5 mm

How the Explorer 40 wears

Its lugs add 6.5 mm to the 40 mm case, close to the 7.1 mm typical across the almanac, so its diameter is a fair guide to how it wears.

On our fit model it sits best on wrists from 6.5" to 7.75" (16.5–19.7 cm); below 6.5" the lugs start to reach the edge of the wrist.

At 11.6 mm thick it is slimmer than 54% of the 26 other field watches we've measured, so it slides under a cuff more easily than most.

Its 21 mm lug width is one of the most common strap sizes; 28 other watches here share it, so aftermarket straps are easy to find.

Will the Explorer 40 fit your wrist?

With a 46.5 mm lug-to-lug, here is how it wears across common wrist sizes. We estimate the flat top of each wrist from its circumference; measure yours for a closer answer in the fit finder.

Wrist	Flat width (est.)	Fit
6"	47.2 mm	Lugs overhang
6.5"	51.2 mm	Ideal fit
7"	55.1 mm	Ideal fit
7.5"	59.1 mm	Ideal fit
8"	63 mm	Wears small

Specifications

Reference: 224270
Collection: Explorer
Status: In production
Introduced: 2023
Case material: Oystersteel
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Bezel: smooth
Dial: black
Strap / bracelet: Oyster bracelet, three-piece solid links, Oysterlock clasp with Easylink
Style: Field, Everyday

Movement

Caliber: Rolex 3230
Type: automatic
Power reserve: 70 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Jewels: 31
Accuracy: -2/+2 s/day (Superlative Chronometer)

5 other watches use the Rolex 3230

Compare

Takes 21 mm straps. See other 21 mm watches and straps.

More Explorer references

Watches that wear the same size

Other watches within 1.5 mm of its lug-to-lug.

Same 21 mm lug width

All 21 mm watches

These take the same straps as the Explorer 40.