Rolex Explorer Ultimate Guide
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- In this video we discuss the Rolex Explorer and the key features of Rolex’s original sports watch. Click here to shop all Rolex Explorer watches: www.bobswatche...
Click here for our Rolex Explorer Ultimate Buying Guide: www.bobswatche...
First launched in 1953 to celebrate the first successful summit of Mount Everest, the Explorer was Rolex’s very first sports watch, laying the groundwork for the range of legendary tool watches that would follow, such as the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and Milgauss.
The Rolex Explorer is a durable and highly legible time-only watch. Rolex had more-or-less been producing these watches as its Oyster Perpetual series for a number of years, and models such as the ref. 6098 and ref. 6298 are often considered to be ‘Pre-Explorer’ models.
The first Explorer references to have the black 3-6-9 dials that now define the collection are the ref. 6150 and ref. 6350. However, not all of these watches featured the ‘Explorer’ name on their dials. These models were replaced by the reference 6610, and by the time the ref. 6610 was released, the vast majority of the Explorer’s core design was set. Its black dial featured large luminous hour markers with 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, and the ‘Explorer’ name and Mercedes hands were both present.
Despite the variation and number of early Explorer references, Rolex released the reference 1016 in 1959, which would go on to become the longest-running model from the collection’s history. Like the ref. 6610, the Explorer 1016 featured a 36mm stainless steel case fitted with a thick acrylic crystal and a black gilt dial.
While the first ref. 1016 watches were fitted with gilt dials, Rolex switched to matte dials around 1967, so later-era 1016 Explorers will have matte back dials with white text. In addition to gilt vs. matte dials, there are also other small differences, and the earliest gilt Explorer dials will feature radium rather than tritium lume, along with chapter ring markings.
The ref. 1016 Explorer would remain in production for about 30 years, finally replaced in 1989 by the reference 14270. The Explorer was still a 36mm time-only watch but much had changed. Internally, it had the new Cal. 3000 movement and its dial was now protected by a sapphire crystal. Rather than having a matte dial, the ref. 14270 was fitted with a gloss black dial with white text and applied 18k white gold hour markers filled with lume.
By 2001, Rolex had replaced the ref. 14270 with the reference 114270, and although the new model was largely identical to its predecessor, it did feature the upgraded Cal. 3130 movement and a bracelet with solid end-links. Beyond the new movement and revised bracelet, the new ref. 114270 was largely the same watch.
Production of the ref. 114270 would last until 2010, when Rolex replaced it with the ref. 214270. The watch saw a movement upgrade to the Cal. 3132, but the biggest update was its larger, 39mm case. Rolex also fitted the ref. 214270 Explorer with a redesigned Oyster bracelet that featured solid links and a more substantial clasp. The dial was still black with white text and applied white gold hour marker, but the one in the ref. 214270 is larger and overall more modern-looking, along with featuring Rolex’s blue-glowing Chromalight.
Originally, the dial of the ref. 214270 featured Arabic 3-6-9 numerals with fully polished white gold surfaces; however in 2016, Rolex updated the dial to feature Arabic numerals that were filled in with Chromalight. Along with the update to the dial, the hands of the ref. 214270 Explorer also received an update, with the minute hand becoming longer to be more proportional with the dial. The early style with solid white gold Arabic numerals and short minute hands are known as the MK1, while the MK2 are the current version with luminous Arabic numerals and a long minute hand.
The current-production ref. 214270 Explorer retails for $6,550; however like all stainless steel Rolex sports watches, the secondary market price of the Explorer is higher than its original retail values, with most trading hands for around $7k to $8k.
Without a doubt, the most expensive Rolex Explorer watches are the vintage models with gilt dials. Matte dial ref. 1016 watches start out at around $10k; however plan on spending around 2 to 3 times that, should you want a nice example with a gilt dial.
The overall design of the Rolex Explorer has changed less than almost any other Rolex sports watch, and regardless of whether you go for a vintage or modern reference, you will be getting a true classic and Rolex’s original sports watch.
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A true Icon in the Rolex lineup that flys under the radar.
Feel like that's changing fast!!
Best guide I’ve seen on the full explorer range. 👍🏻
An " ultimate " guide would have talked about the Explorer 5500 (AirKing case) and the Space Dweller version 👍🏻
214270 mk2 is 👑
Just bought one. Great
Yep.
Idk the 36mm has gone up in value a lot since the release of the 39mm
Scary timing on this one. Get out of my head, Bob's Watches!!
Love this! Great minds think alike - 👊👊
How come no mention of the explorer 5500? It's also not mentioned on the ultimate explorer buyers guide... Is it not considered a real explorer because it shares a ref # with airking?
Exactly. Hardly an "ultimate guide" when you ignore a model that ran for 9 years and threw up a host of interesting variations. That's a whole chapter erased.
Can't go wrong with either the 36mm or 39mm. They both work and make sense on the wrist. Other than full lume and a modern bracelet the only difference is the 39mm pops more. It's more noticeable on the wrist yet it doesn't scream Rolex. It's a great watch for guys who have a wrist over 7 inches. Off the wrist, comparing the 36mm & 39mm. The 39mm dial is way more visible. It's the dial with the size of the bezel that makes it look & wear bigger than 39mm even though the case measures just under 39mm. Expect a new movement on the 2021 Explorer. Maybe a size increase to 41mm similar to the new OP 41mm. Which wear more like a 39/40mm. Also expect a new Explorer II as well, for the 50th anniversary.
Well said!
The 39mm is fine. Just doesn’t have the charm of the 36mm though. There’s something very bloated about the 39mm case. The bezel is also to thick. Hopefully Rolex release 36 and 41 sizes in 2021.
@@nathanf1934 If that happens, no one will be able to get one. I hope so for a 36mm but not any time soon. Let the Submariner hype cool down. It would make more sense to extend the hype a few years, not just give it all within a a year. I doubt Rolex will go back to 36mm. Rolex doesn't look back or listen to their customers.
I'm going to say a bunch of model numbers in quick succession without putting them on screen
Great video putting girl and Explorer together! if slow down the pace of her reading, make it 9-10 mins video would be amazing
Thoughts on the future collectibility mk 1 vs mk 2? If they never release a 39mm explorer 1 again i believe either will sought after
Discontinuing the 39mm is a foolish move
Favourite Rolex watch of all time😍 if I want another and already own the 214270 (Mk.2), where would you guys go next🤔
If you are truly in love with the Explorer and love the history that goes along with it, we'd go as far as getting a vintage reference 1016 to complete the Explorer collection. If you're looking to expand into another sports watch, a classic Submariner will do the trick. Ruling the land with your Explorer and sea with a Submariner.
I still can’t believe that they discontinued the 39. That should be the standard nowadays, the 36 isn’t embraced.
i really want a 14270 because of the female endlinks.
Trusty age old work horse, new or old your choice , will take a beating. P.S.🗽
Beautiful, the watch isn't bad either
One zero one six? Not just ten sixteen?
Would have liked to see refs in the pics you’ve shown. Its better to keep up with your story
I don't understand why they would do a subtle ROLEX text around the circumference. Looks cheap as hell.
39 mm is a disgrace
Cry harder