Rolex Explorer I straps for 36mm and 39mm

Rubber straps for the Rolex Explorer from the vintage 1016 through the 214270 discontinued in 2021. Nearly six decades of the same 20mm lug, so our curved-end rubber mounts directly on the case with standard spring bars. Available from €76.50 in over 25 colors, or FKM Vulcanized with the Rolex Deployant from €140.

Compatible Explorer references

Straps here match the four Explorer generations built on a 20mm lug. Check the reference on the caseback if you're not sure.

The 214270 has two dial variants that don't affect the strap fit. The Mk1 (2010-2016) uses short Mercedes hands and non-luminous 3, 6 and 9 numerals. The Mk2 (2016-2021) has longer hands sized to the 39mm dial and Chromalight-filled numerals. Either takes the same 20mm strap.

Colors that work on the Explorer

The Explorer has one of the plainest dials in the Rolex range: black background, applied Mercedes hands, 3, 6 and 9 numerals in white gold. The strap does most of the character shifting.

• Neutral options that keep the tool-watch look. Black, grey, navy and dark olive stay in the same visual register as the dial. Good default if you want the strap to disappear and the watch to lead.
• Contrast options with character. Brown, orange and red counter the black dial without loud dissonance. Brown fits the vintage 1016 and 14270 especially.
• Statement options. Pepsi, Batman and neon colors from the catalog work but change what the watch is on the wrist. The Explorer stops being minimalist and reads casual. Fair game if that's the point.

The Explorer generations that don't fit

When Rolex refreshed the 36mm case in 2021, the lug width dropped from 20mm to 19mm (reference 124270 and the Rolesor two-tone 124273). In 2023 they added the 40mm Explorer 40 on 21mm lugs (reference 224270). Neither fits the straps on this page. If you own one of them, contact us before ordering and we'll tell you what's covered.

How the strap goes on

• Curved-end 20mm. Installs with standard spring bars. Rolex spring bars run slightly thicker than aftermarket, so every strap ships with 20mm Swiss Made spring bars sized to Rolex tolerance.
• FKM Vulcanized with Rolex Deployant. Mounts on the factory clasp screws (no spring bars needed). It uses the original Rolex Oyster clasp with no modification, so features like the Oysterlock safety keep working as intended.
• Shipping. Every order ships worldwide with tracking.

More Rolex straps

If you own the Explorer II instead (16570, 216570 or 226570), the sizing runs across 20, 21 and 22mm depending on the reference. Those live on the Rolex Explorer II straps page. For universal leather in the right mm, see Rolex leather straps. The full Rolex catalog by material sits under Rolex rubber straps and the Rolex straps hub.