Setting aside the history, the Explorer is quite simply, the entry to Rolex professional models, and serves a vital role in grounding far more technical models in everyday practicality. Now that I’ve established the personal story behind the watch, I can move into another great aspect of watch enthusiasm: history. Interestingly, Rolex received quite a bit of backlash for the new design, specifically that the minute hand was much too short for the new size of the Explorer. 14270 with the Reference 114270, which housed a new calibre 3130 movement. The most current reference of the Rolex Explorer is the ref. To many, this led to an unsightly dial, defeating the benefits of the increased case size. The case was also bigger and beefier, bringing it into the modern era. Bob's Watches is an independent watch dealer and is not sponsored by, associated with and/or affiliated with Rolex, or any other brand listed. 6610 was first presented in 1959 as the replacement of the Explorer ref. While the black 3-6-9 dial can be seen in some Ref. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. The Rolex Explorer has a long history starting at the top of Mt. Everest. Up until this time, it had used radium, which had been discovered to have detrimental health effects. Rolex Explorer History: To Everest and Beyond, True Dome: Staying true to your vintage Rolex, Rolex, Patek, and a new era of neo-vintage collectibility, ← Previewing Sotheby's Important Watches Auction, Drop: The Polo Bear Watch You Didn't Know You Needed →, In Conversation with Petermann Bédat: Switzerland's Most Exciting Independent Brand, Vintage Vacheron chronographs: Only the best, L.L. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries. A (Very) Brief History Of The Rolex Explorer Many people know the Rolex Explorer as the watch worn by Sir Edmund Hilary when he summited Mt Everest. He is responsible for all the day to day activities from purchasing, receiving, marketing and sales. 1016’s movement was replaced with the Caliber 1570, which included the hacking feature. 1016, manufactured in 1975. The Rolex Explorer first came into fruition to meet the needs of Rolex’s more adventurous customer. On the historic 1953 summit climb, Hillary wore a Rolex and a Smiths, endorsing both watches. If you’re searching for one, look for a serial number in the E (or perhaps early X) range. It’s less bulky than a Submariner and less flashy (and expensive) than a Daytona, leading some to call it the perfect every-occasion watch. Error: API requests are being delayed. Other collectors’ favorites of the Rolex Explorer Ref. In the early 1970s this movement was slightly improved upon when Rolex began using the calibre 1570, which featured a hacking seconds hands. The Rolex Explorer, through the decades It was a case of shock and awe on the Rolex stand at 2010’s BaselWorld when the brand announced that the beloved Explorer model had been revamped. Rolex had indeed been testing watches on Himalayan expeditions since the 1930s to ensure they could keep perfect time at -50°F and 70% less oxygen than at sea level, but these timepieces did not yet bear the Explorer name, nor its signature 3-6-9 dial or Mercedes hand. It’s no surprise it endured for so long as the 1016 is an inherently simple yet captivating watch. The Rolex Explorer first saw the light of day in 1953. With its introduction came a new caliber — the Caliber 1560 — and increased water resistance to 100m. Rolex provided the members of the British Mount Everest expedition of 1953 with Oyster Perpetual watches. From the 1930s, Rolex began to equip numerous expeditions with Oyster watches. Lets retrace their steps. It is the second generation 39mm Explorer after the first generation was introduced in 2010. On the dial we see the upside down triangle, baton hour markers, and 3,6, and 9 numerals configuration. Beautiful example of Rolex steel Explorer ref. 214270 sports a 39mm Oyster case instead of the traditional 36mm, which is more in line with today’s demand for larger watches. Rolex started sending watches on Himalayan expeditions in the 1930s, long before Hillary and Tenzing conquered Everest. In 2001, Rolex updated the Ref. Although Rolex had registered the trade mark of Explorer in Geneva on 26th, Jan of 1953, the Explorer gained its name after Hillary and Norgay climbing up Everest, that is, “Explorer” began to be added on Ref.6350 after the successful climbing of 1953. The Explorer story continues to today and here we take a look at four key references dating back from an early Explorer ref. The vintage Rolex Explorer ref. Looking at these four key references of the Rolex Explorer that spanned five decades gives a clear design and technical evolution of the brand’s most discreet sports watch. As such, all references before the 6350, are often dubbed “pre-Explorer.” As mentioned, all of the pre-Explorer references do not sport uniform dial layouts the way all true Explorer references have the 3-6-9 Arabic numerals. The only way to get all of our content, delivered directly to your inbox every weekend (free!). Reference 1016 was produced from 1959 to 1990 and it represents one of the greatest classics and a milestone in the entire Rolex history. Many had issue with its short hands, which seemed to be the same length as the hands in the 14270, even though the case was 3mm bigger. You’ll also find some variants with the water rating printed in white. But, the 214270 was met with mixed reviews when released. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, that prevents accidental opening. 1016’s movement was replaced with the Caliber 1570. The currently available Explorer reference 214270 sits at the apex of a well-weathered heritage, and it’s more approachable than ever as a result. In production from 1963 until 1989, it went through some small changes, but stayed remarkably true to the signature Explorer look established by the 6610. The Rolex Explorer II was presented by Rolex in 1971 as an addition to the 1954 model Explorer I. 1016 include the “Space Dweller,” realeased only in Japan. Rolex Explorer History. Ref. Rolex Explorer History Brush up on your watch history with our latest series of videos that tell you the stories behind the brands you love. The model didn’t yet bear the iconic Explorer name. While the 14270 isn’t sought after by collectors the way a 1016 might be, there is one exception: the Explorer Blackout. Rescapement is an online publication — highlighted by a weekly newsletter — for in-depth articles and unimportant opinions on important vintage and modern watches. Especially rare, some 6350s sported a beautiful “honeycomb dial.” The Ref. Bob's Watches only sells pre-owned watches and provides its own warranties on the watches it sells. Never quite living up to the popularity of models like the Submariner or GMT Master II, I think the Explorer II has marched to the beat of its own drum since it was introduced and really has stood alone in the brand family. Only problem is, Hilary wasn’t wearing a Rolex at the time. So, Rolex began using tritium, a safer option. 214270 to give it better proportioned center hands, as well as making the 3, 6, and 9 numerals luminescent again. In the mid 1970s the ref. To many, the Ref. Aside from the body and engine updates, the face was also given a lift. The Explorer began to truly differentiate itself from the Oyster Perpetual line in 1959 with the introduction of Reference 6610. It was indeed a wily marketing strategy implemented by the brand to speculate the watch’s success. Independent and unfiltered, Rescapement is dedicated to enthusiasts and spreading horological secrets, both vintage and modern. For almost every great human achievement of the 20th Century, there’s a watch that lays claim to being on the trailblazer’s wrist. The hacking feature meant that the seconds hand stopped when the crown was pulled out all the way for more precise time setting. 6098 and Ref. After the successful summit, Rolex quickly launched its Explorer line to commemorate (and profit) off of Norgay and Hillary’s amazing feat. 1016 over its over 25-year manufacturing run included solid links to the Oyster bracelet and the use of tritium rather than radium for the watch’s luminous accents. It’s less bulky than a Submariner and less flashy (and expensive) than a Daytona, leading some to call it … The Explorer was the result of 20 years' research in extreme conditions. So six years later, in 2016, Rolex revamped the ref. On the flip side, the Rolex Explorer is a watch with a great history, and despite the fact that the Rolex Explorer II 16570 was released in 1988, let’s look at the history of the Explorer range as a whole, as it helps add context to how the 16570 came about. Since there are two distinct versions of the Explorer ref. Explorer ref. Its name and debut year are no coincidence: Only a few months prior, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had made history as the first individuals to summit Mount Everest. New posts will not be retrieved. The Explorer’s official story famously takes shape with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. All brands including Brequet, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, Breitling and Omega, etc are trademarks of their respective owners. The new reference updated the late 1016's matte dial with a glossy dial and white gold surrounds on the applied indices. Gilt-dialed 1016s are the most sought after by collectors, frequently reaching prices above $20,000. Although the most contemporary version of the Explorer is unquestionably modern and sleek, it still bears the fundamental aesthetics of its vintage ancestors. By appointment only. In the more common version with white indices, the indices were filled with tritium, until 1997-1998, when Rolex began using Super Luminova as luminous material. Not only the early 1950-ies when the director at Rolex, Rene P Jeanneret, (Why have we never got more information about this important director by Rolex?!) Other improvements to the Explorer ref. The Explorer's timeline establishes it as a category-defining model, and while the Explorer has evolved over the past half-century, the core formula is one of everyday versatility, thoughtful simplicity, and steadfast reliability. One of the rarest Rolex watches, the Rolex Submariner 5513 “Explorer Dial” Another famed Ref. First introduced in 1963, the Rolex Explorer. The feedback received over the years was used to develop what became known as the Professional category of watches that served as tools: models such as the Explorer and Explorer II. Additionally, the acrylic crystal of the 1016 was also replaced with sapphire glass, another thoroughly modern feature. Often flying under the radar, the Rolex Explorer is the most understated of Rolex’s various sports watches. Produced for a short amount of time in the early 1990s, the Rolex Explorer Blackout had black Arabic numerals instead of white. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, which prevents accidental opening. However, with its rich history and very wearable look, the Explorer is a Rolex watch that shouldn’t be overlooked. This made the 114270 0.5mm thicker than the 14270 (12mm v. 11.5mm), but other than that, the two watches are the same. The next big change for the Explorer came at Baselworld in 2010. The Rolex Explorer II Then: The Reference 1655 The original Explorer II, the reference 1655 had an acrylic crystal, a case diameter of 40 mm, and was powered by Rolex’s 26-jewel, caliber 1575 movement. And good luck finding one. The retail sales price usually includes a relatively high retailer margin, which represents a markup to the market value of a watch. 1016 had an incredibly long production run until 1989. All rights reserved. 1016: white gold surrounding the indices and a new modern movement among them. As an early version of the Explorer with a short production span, the ref. Subsequently, Rolex released an updated 214270, this time with longer hands. Originally conceived after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first individuals to summit Mount Everest in 1953, the Explorer design has remained remarkably unchanged by Rolex, while still offering enough variety for collectors to be endlessly intrigued. History of the Rolex Explorer January 13, 2021 December 21, 2020 by T. Harper Rolex has a rich and storied history as a high-status brand in the world of luxury timepieces, and the Rolex Explorer is one of the most iconic sports-watches in the world. 14270 is the Caliber 3000 and both the reference and caliber were replaced in 2001 with the ref. As is this case with other vintage Rolex watches, early examples of the Explorer 1016 have glossy black dials with gilt details (meaning the font is now a warm golden color). The Rolex Explorer is the “Rolex for people who don’t like Rolex,” but is so appreciated by enthusiasts and casual observers alike, it’s likely just beginning its expedition. 214270, first came to the market in 2010. The Rolex Explorer, it seems, is an unlikely favorite – but we find that the more one hears about its history, the more he comes to appreciate it. The Explorer’s official story famously takes shape with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. In the mid 1970s the ref. Read more An early 1970s matte so-called 'Frog Foot' Rolex Explorer ref.1016 (©Revolution) Towards the end of the 1980s, Rolex introduced the next-generation Explorer. In 1989, Rolex finally discontinued Ref. 6298 cases, these references are more known for their creamy “Everest” versions, some having Arabic numerals and some having wedges. However, it was one of the first watches to … Explorer II, Explorer I and Submariner are the best-selling Rolex sports watches in Taiwan, and Explorer II is the last one put on the market among three of them, which has the shortest history. 6610 to the current Explorer ref. 1016. Because the 6610 had such a short production run, it’s a relatively rare find. Instagram post 2342230094049686775_9185994, Instagram post 2341716712667180664_9185994, Instagram post 2341565798069225867_9185994, Instagram post 2340991937263172777_9185994, Instagram post 2340840986007037979_9185994, Instagram post 2340236969689682354_9185994, This error message is only visible to WordPress admins. Is unquestionably modern and sleek, it had used radium, which represents a markup to the original I! Graduate of Boston College 1979 and resides in California with his family the Explorer. 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