Since there are two distinct versions of the Explorer ref. Bob's Watches only sells pre-owned watches and provides its own warranties on the watches it sells. First introduced in 1963, the Rolex Explorer. It was indeed a wily marketing strategy implemented by the brand to speculate the watch’s success. The vintage Rolex Explorer ref. The current generation Rolex Explorer ref. Error: API requests are being delayed. a gentleman and enthusiastic diver, was a major force in encouraging Rolex to manufacture a “sports” watch with a diving theme that also could be used as an elegant dress watch. Produced for a short amount of time in the early 1990s, the Rolex Explorer Blackout had black Arabic numerals instead of white. The Explorer began to truly differentiate itself from the Oyster Perpetual line in 1959 with the introduction of Reference 6610. 1016 had an incredibly long production run until 1989. A few years later, there were also some Reference 5504 Explorers cased – this case reference was also used for the Air King at the same time (both were 34mm models). 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?!) Especially rare, some 6350s sported a beautiful “honeycomb dial.” The Ref. 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. 1016’s movement was replaced with the Caliber 1570. 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. As an early version of the Explorer with a short production span, the ref. To many, the Ref. The debut of the Rolex Explorer ref. 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. 214270 that was first unveiled in 2010. You’ll also find some variants with the water rating printed in white. The Explorer’s official story famously takes shape with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. 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. Rolex Explorer II History & Background. The Rolex Explorer first came into fruition to meet the needs of Rolex’s more adventurous customer. Additionally, the acrylic crystal of the 1016 was also replaced with sapphire glass, another thoroughly modern feature. The end of the 1980s brought some significant changes to the Explorer. Often flying under the radar, the Rolex Explorer is the most understated of Rolex’s various sports watches. The model didn’t yet bear the iconic Explorer name. You can tell the difference by looking at the dial: if tritium was used, the dial will say “T Swiss - T < 25” below the 6 o’clock marker. The 14270 did stay true to the original Explorer's 36mm diameter, albeit with a new Caliber 3000 movement inside. The History of the Rolex Explorer. There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Subscribe to laugh and learn about watches with us every weekend. However, it was one of the first watches to … This made the 114270 0.5mm thicker than the 14270 (12mm v. 11.5mm), but other than that, the two watches are the same. Lets retrace their steps. To commemorate the feat — and to remind people that Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches were worn during that expedition — Rolex released the Oyster Perpetual Explorer that same year. Rolex Explorer History. To many, this led to an unsightly dial, defeating the benefits of the increased case size. 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. 6610 is a rare example of a vintage Rolex watch. The most current reference of the Rolex Explorer is the ref. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, that prevents accidental opening. This was signified by the printing of “T Swiss T” or “Swiss T<25” on the dial in place of the traditional “Swiss.” Thus, earlier Explorer (and more desirable) dials may have “Swiss” written below the 6 o’clock position. The Rolex Explorer 1016 The 6610 was in production from 1959 until 1963 when Rolex released what would become the longest lasting Explorer reference yet, the 1016. 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. The first prototypes of the Explorer appeared in 1952 without a name; they were essentially bubble-backs with different dials … Every watch on our site is 100% certified authentic by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. 5513, is the ‘Milsub’, a Rolex Submariner made specifically for the … In the early 1950s, Rolex developed professional watches that served as tools and whose functions went far beyond simply telling the time. 1016, modernizing the classic Explorer with the release of Reference 14270. Aside from the body and engine updates, the face was also given a lift. In 2001, Rolex updated the Ref. The Ref. This particular Explorer ushered in the biggest change to date — the increase in size. 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. The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 as a sportier follow up to the Explorer. The inaugural reference was the Explorer II ref. Rolex SA (/ ˈ r oʊ l ɛ k s /) is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the second generation 39mm Explorer after the first generation was introduced in 2010. 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. 214270 to give it better proportioned center hands, as well as making the 3, 6, and 9 numerals luminescent again. On the dial we see the upside down triangle, baton hour markers, and 3,6, and 9 numerals configuration. If you’re searching for one, look for a serial number in the E (or perhaps early X) range. Reference 1016 was produced from 1959 to 1990 and it represents one of the greatest classics and a milestone in the entire Rolex history. The Explorer story continues to today and here we take a look at four key references dating back from an early Explorer ref. Trips to the moon, Olympic gold medals, and of course, the expedition to summit Mount Everest. Now that I’ve established the personal story behind the watch, I can move into another great aspect of watch enthusiasm: history. 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. It features an additional 24-hour indication that can also be used as a second time-zone. With its introduction came a new caliber — the Caliber 1560 — and increased water resistance to 100m. Because the 6610 had such a short production run, it’s a relatively rare find. It had all the classic hallmarks of an Explorer: stainless steel oyster case measuring 36mm, black dial (gilt dial in this case, now highly desirable), 3-6-9 numerals, a reverse triangle at 12 o’clock, and a Mercedes hour hand. After the successful summit, Rolex quickly launched its Explorer line to commemorate (and profit) off of Norgay and Hillary’s amazing feat. 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. The latest Rolex Explorer is the 214270 which features a 39mm case and costs $6550USD. 14270 is the perfect blend of form and function: it hadn’t yet fully evolved into a completely modern fashion piece and stayed true to the classic Explorer look, while still adding details that elevated the Ref. The Rolex Watch: A Brief History. Bean and Hamilton: Made and not in America, 3 Timepieces Given to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Including a (Rarely Seen) Cartier Coin Watch Gifted by Pierre Cartier, Conversation: Christian Zeron of Theo & Harris, Watch Auction Calendar for Winter-Spring 2021. 214270 also houses a new movement, the in-house calibre 3132, which runs to +/-2 seconds a day and is COSC certified. Rolex Datejust, Rolex Day Date President, Submariner, Presidential, Explorer, Sea Dweller, Super President, GMT Master, GMT, YachtMaster, Prince, Milgauss, MasterPiece, Air King, Cosmograph Daytona, and PearlMaster, etc are all registered trademarks of the Rolex Corporation. Powering the ref. 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. 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