# Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 36 Blue Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 36 Blue is an iconic sports-adventure watch with a striking blue dial featuring distinctive 3-6-9 Arabic numerals and luminous indices, housed in a robust 36mm Oystersteel case for everyday versatility and rugged reliability, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who value timeless simplicity and precision, powered by the advanced in-house Calibre 3230 automatic movement offering a 70-hour power reserve.

## Overall Watch Rating: 7.6/10.0

**Movement Metric (9.8/10.0)** - Rolex's Calibre 3230 delivers exceptional performance with 70-hour reserve and -2/+2 sec accuracy, outpacing standard Swiss automatics like the ETA 2824.
**Dials & Design Metric (9.8/10.0)** - The blue dial's clean layout, applied indices, and Chromalight lume exemplify masterful craftsmanship akin to the best Submariner dials.
**Material Metric (9.6/10.0)** - Premium Oystersteel construction with sapphire crystal and signature brushed/polished finishing rivals the durability of any modern luxury steel sports watch.
**Versatility Metric (9.3/10.0)** - This 36mm icon transitions seamlessly from office dress to weekend hikes, matching the all-scene adaptability of a classic Datejust.
**History & Innovation Metric (9.3/10.0)** - Rooted in the 1953 Everest expedition legacy with modern Parachrom upgrades, it stands tall against historic tool watches like the Omega Speedmaster.
**Brand Metric (8.7/10.0)** - Rolex's unmatched heritage and craftsmanship place it firmly among elite luxury marques like Omega and Grand Seiko.
**Rarity Metric (7.1/10.0)** - At secondary prices around $7,300, it offers solid exclusivity compared to mass-produced tool watches but trails limited editions.
**Functions Metric (3.5/10.0)** - Basic timekeeping provides reliable utility but lacks extras like date or GMT found in comparably priced multifunction divers.
**Complications Metric (1.0/10.0)** - With no added features beyond hours-minutes-seconds, it lags behind complication-rich peers like the IWC Portugieser.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.2

## WM Collector Grade: C+

## Performance Insights: Excels in movement, materials, and design for enduring quality, but simple functions drag value relative to its luxury pricing versus feature-packed alternatives.

## TPS Interpretation: Premium Pricing: The watch commands a brand-driven markup for superior build and heritage, best suited for Rolex loyalists rather than feature seekers.

## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.rolex.com/content/dam/rolex-product-watches/explorer/m124270-0001.png.asset.210x.jpg; [backPicture] - https://www.chrono24img.com/images/uhren/backs/rolex-explorer-36.jpg; [lumePicture] - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/rolex-explorer-36-lume.jpg; [Nickname] - Explorer 36 Blue; [Brand] - Rolex; [Model] - Oyster Perpetual Explorer 36; [Country] - Switzerland; [Product Link] - https://www.rolex.com/watches/explorer/m124270-0001.html; [reviewLink] - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-explorer-36-review; [Movement Type] - Automatic; [Movement Name] - Calibre 3230; [# Secondary] - 0; [watchDescription] - Iconic 36mm Oystersteel sports watch with blue dial, 3-6-9 indices, and legendary reliability; [caseWidth] - 36; [lugToLugLength] - 44; [thickness] - 11.7; [lug] - 20; [waterResist] - 100; [powerReserve] - 70; [beatFrequency] - 28800; [lume] - Chromalight; [jewels] - 31; [caseMaterial] - Oystersteel; [watchGlass] - Sapphire; [Bezel] - Smooth fixed; [caseback] - Solid; [Crown] - Screw-down Triplock; [Strap] - Oyster bracelet; [Shape] - Round; [Dial] - Blue; [Seconds] - yes; [Date] - no; [Calendar] - no; [Chiming] - no; [Chronograph] - no; [Compass] - no; [dateCompilation] - no; [DigitalDisplay] - no; [Dress] - no; [Field] - no; [GMT] - no; [Mechanical Alarm] - no; [Moonphase] - no; [Tourbillon] - no; [worldTimer] - no; [powerReserveIndicator] - no; [Diver] - no; [Pilot] - no; [racing] - no; [Skeleton] - no; [Vintage] - no; [StyleFormal] - yes; [StyleCasual] - yes; [StyleSports] - yes; [StyleTravel] - no; [StyleAdventure] - yes; [StyleCollector] - yes; [StyleTool] - yes; [StyleStatement] - yes; [StyleVintage] - no; [StyleSmart] - no; [StyleCustom] - no; [TPS_new] - 4.2; [TPSgrade] - C+; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 4200;

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**