Compared with other series, the Explorer is low-key, without complex functions, and even omits the calendar with only a simple three-hand watch. It was not until later that Explorer II’s slightly more complex calendar plus dual time function was launched.
As early as the 1930s, Rolex began sponsoring exploration projects to promote its watches’ sturdy and durable image, including the Himalayan climbing project. Explorers wear Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, thanks to their oyster case and automatic movement, which ensure accurate timekeeping. This allows explorers not to fear the peak, calmly deal with extreme weather, and complete tasks excellently. Replica watch china.
By the end of the 1940s, Rolex watches were recognized by everyone, and their wings had become complete. At this time, Rolex’s senior management began to plot how to position and differentiate its products. After market research, they launched several epoch-making styles in the 1950s. The Explorer was the first series of Rolex professional watches.
Coincidentally, on May 29, 1953, the first climb of Mount Everest in human history coincided highly with the Rolex Explorer series. Rolex vigorously promoted the combination of mountaineering and exploration, which immediately ignited this long-lasting professional sports watch with three large hands and 369 scales that have swept the world.
These three belong to early explorers. Due to strength issues, I can’t get the real thing to take and evaluate pictures, so I can only share them with you through online pictures. The table below shows that these three antique Explorers were released in the golden age of Rolex.
Although the dial design resembles the predecessor bubble, it has been a classic. The 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions use digital scales, the noon position is a significant triangle indicator, and the other positions are bar scales. The representative Mercedes-Benz needle is also indispensable. Here is a small episode: The Mercedes-Benz needle first appeared on the bubble back and later became the identification mark of Rolex professional watches. Since then, it has mostly stayed the same.
Ref.1016 Gilt Dial
Let’s start directly from the fourth generation, 1016. Since the production time of the first three generations is relatively short and the quantity is also scarce, there is no need for most watch friends to delve into this field. Ref.1016 is the model with the longest production time in the Explorer series. There are various historical versions in the 26 years of manufacturing, from 1963 to 1989. For Explorer fans, the plaster dial is a must. In addition to the luminous plaster radium, the early dial craftsmanship also had the gold coil Gilt Dial craft. This extinct craftsmanship is also one of the selling points that Vintage Rolex has excited. Swiss models.
Ref.1016 Late Period
In the later period, the luminous dial of 1016 was replaced with T25 tritium luminous, but this did not affect the luminous scale of the dial, which turned yellow and became ineffective after a long time. The high-arched plastic mirror with a solid antique flavor makes it interesting.
Ref.14270
14270 was produced from 1989 to 2001. The appearance has changed dramatically from the antique Explorer: the original acrylic mirror was replaced with more complex sapphire glass; the scale was filled with luminous platinum inlay, and the number 369 was not filled with luminous paint because the area was too small. This watch is also greatly loved and pursued by watch fans due to the star effect of Kimura Takuya, and it has become a popular style for beginners.
Ref.114270
114270 is a perfect version of 14270, produced from 2001 to 2010. While the dial remains unchanged, a new movement and new luminous paint are replaced. Although 14270 is more popular, from a rational point of view, the configuration 114270 is much higher. Let’s not talk about the difference between the 3000 and 3130 movements.
When choosing a 36MM Explorer, I suggest choosing 114270, which is generally in better condition, rather than unthinkingly pursuing 14270. After all, the probability of problems will be higher as one ages. Of course, if you see a 14270 with bright spots on the dial, you can also focus on it.
Ref.214270
In 2010, 214270 became a new epoch-making product of the Tan-1. The watch’s diameter expanded from 36MM to 39MM to accommodate the customer’s demand for a large size, and the dial’s design also changed accordingly. The digital scale of 369 was replaced with a solid white gold configuration, and the logo of EXPLORER was moved from the top to the bottom.
The pointer became a point of criticism among Rolex fans. The pointer proportion of the new Tan-1 did not match the dial. The pointer was the stock pointer on the old Rolex Submariner. The second hand was a little longer, but the hour and minute hands did not match the dial scale proportion; the worst was the minute. The inner circle scale clearly showed that there was still a distance of two millimeters before it could be connected.
Maybe Rolex found its conscience and stopped producing this Tan-1 in 2016 and launched the new Tan-1 1.5 version. Because the new Tan-1 only slightly changed the dial, the model number retained the original 214270. For the convenience of description, I named Explorer 1, released in 2016 214270 New to distinguish it.
Ref.214270 New
The design of 214270 New essentially returns to the style of 114270. Thanks to the larger dial, the 369 numbers are hollowed out and filled with luminous materials, making it easier to tell the time in a dark environment.
The proportion of the pointer has also been re-optimized, which pleases Rolex fans. After only a few years, the platinum scale of 214270 disappeared; instead, its design was replaced with the new Airmaster 116900, which is probably a concession made to balance the characteristics of each series.
To sum up Explorer 1’s evolution, it has developed steadily in innovation. Each change has injected fresh blood to awaken vitality, but it can keep the classic elements of the dial throughout the whole process. I have to praise Rolex as a watch manufacturing company that strives for excellence and a brand master of cultural marketing.
Simple but not simple, coupled with a size suitable for Asian wrists, the Explorer 1 can be called the most versatile style in the sports series. Those with smaller wrists can choose 36MM, and those who like novel and larger sizes can choose 39MM. With flexible choices, an explorer can accompany you to untouched places together.