Rolex Explorer Watches

One of the fact of Rolex is that it consistently produces fine watches that are industry’s benchmarks. Now they are popularly known for manufacturing iconic watches, and one of their iconic product is the Rolex Explorer. The name ‘Explorer’ itself gives out the vibe that it is manufactured for the people who love exploring. And yes, you got that right, the Rolex Explorer is the first watch to reach the top of Mt. Everest.

The Rolex Explorer is one of the tool-watches produced by the company and also labeled as one of the important Oyster Professional watches. As mentioned earlier, the Explorer supported the Himalayan expeditions since 1933, and later in Everest expeditions.

Now let’s explore Rolex Explorer history and check the various references and see the evolution of this Rolex Explorer I.

The model was introduced in the year 1952 with the references 6098 and 6150 and both of these references came with the A296 movement and these were the first prototype of Explorers to be used by the climbers. The watch did not mention the name Explorer but it consisted of a white dial and leaf shaped hands. Later in 1953, these references were renamed as 6298 and 6350 and were fitted with the typical Explorer type 3-6-9 dial which was later replaced by the Mercedes' hands. Now, these watches were worn by Hillary and Norgay when they first climbed the Mt. Everest and until then the Rolex did not name their watches Explorer.

The Rolex Explorer 6350 was specially made for the explorers, the dial design of this reference was highly legible, the case was strengthened enough and the movement of the watch used special lubricants which made this watch functional between -20° C and +40° C. After the manufacturing of this watch for a year, it was replaced by the ref. 6150, which later stopped in the year 1959 and was replaced by the ref. 6610. Now although the looks of this ref. 6610 was the same as compared to the previous models, but it was equipped with the new Calibre 1030 and it was a 36mm watch which was water resistant to 50m.

Later in the following years, the Rolex Explorer I was introduced in various references and functions including the Ref. 1016, which was introduced in 1963 and was one of the famous edition with the longest production period and this was replaced by Rolex Explorer 14270 in the year 1989 which was associated as the archetypal Explorer.

The Rolex Explorer 14270 which was launched in the year 1989 surprised the Rolex collectors. This ref. when compared with the previous models had acquired more of a modern look and was much refined. It was in 36mm diameter but the case of the watch was manufactured a bit different with the quality of being beefier and slightly thicker. The bracelet of the watch remained the same as Oyster, but the Plexiglas was replaced with a sapphire crystal and with Calibre 3000, the movement of the watch had now become much faster.

In 2001, this model with the ref. 14270 was replaced by Rolex Explorer 114270 and although it was similar to the previous ref. but the only new feature which was added to the collection was the Calibre 3130 movement.

The biggest change which occurred in the family of the Rolex Explorer was in the Baselworld 2010 when the Explorer was introduced with the new reference number of Rolex 214270. The notable change which took place was with the dial which was now built in 39mm. The previous Oyster bracelet was now made in solid, including the end-links. The movement of the watch was being updated with the use of 3132 calibre and this had an this had an in-house self-winding mechanical movement which was featured using a bigger base plate. The watch also offered great resistance to shock and extreme conditions using its parachrom hairspring and paraflex shock absorber. It came with the power reserve of 48 hours and was COSC tested.

The latest addition to the family was made in the Baselworld 2016, and it came out with the same reference number as that of the one in 2010. Both the watches Explorer 214270 and Explorer 214270 2106 model are the same, that is, both are 39mm in diameter and have a very slim profile that gives a very comfy feeling. The Oyster case of the Explorer’s is guaranteed to be waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. The watch is crafted from 904L steel which is a solid block of corrosion-resistant and is fitted with the twinlock double waterproof system. The crystal of the watch is made of flat and scratchproof sapphire. The classic variations in which the Explorer is available is considered as one of the best-designed cases of all time.

Thus this Rolex Explorer 1 is a perfect companion for all the adventure seekers who love to go out for trekking in extreme conditions.