In-depth Understanding of Rolex Explorer Watches

Reasons of Rolex Explorer Watches

When it comes to the professional watch series of Rolex, most people think of the SUBMARINER, while the Explorer series is often overlooked. Compared to other series, the Explorer has a low-key positioning, no complicated functions, and even eliminates the calendar, only with a simple large three-pin design. lt wasn't until later that the Rolex Explorer ii was introduced with slightly more complex calendar and dual time functions.

However, the Explorer is the pioneer of the entire professional watch series, founded in 1953. followed by the SUBMARINER in 1954 and GMT in 1955.

As early as the 1930s, Rolex began sponsoring exploration projects to showcase the rugged and durable image of its watches. Among them was the Himalayan climbing project. By the end of the 1940s, Rolex watches had gained widespread recognition, and the company's top executives began plotting to differentiate and position their products. After market research, several revolutionary styles were introduced in the 1950s, including the Rolex Explorer which was the first professional watch series by Rolex.

Coincidentally, on May 29,1953, humans reached the summit of Mount Everest for the first time in history, perfectly matching the high-altitude capabilities of the Rolex Explorer series. Rolex took advantage of this opportunity to promote the combination of mountaineering and exploration, igniting global interest in the professional sports watch. Although the design of the Explorer's dial, case. and hands all referenced the design of the Rolex Bubbleback(For more Bubbleback content, please click Bubbleback). its classic image was established from the beginning and has endured over time. The 3,6,9 numerals and the large triangular indicator at 12 o'clock have become classic elements of the Rolex Explorer.

The Development History and Characteristics of Rolex Explorer Watches.

Ref.6150 was produced from 1952, with a diameter of 36mm. The initial model only had the word "Precision" on the dial.

The first generation Rolex Explorer Ref.6350 used the same A296 movement as Ref.6150but the tuning of Ref.6350 was higher. and the dial was marked with "Chronometer". This one has 369 scales and a honeycomb coal dial, making it a highly sought-after watch by collectors.

Ref.6350 was the first model to have the word "Explorer" on the dial. Some models used black 369 dials and Mercedes hands. However, Ref.6350 was discontinued after only about a year, while Ref.6150 continued to be produced as part of the Explorer series.

In the late 1950s, an important model of the Rolex Explorer, Ref.6610, was introduced. It’s significance lies in that it no longer has many light-colored dials, non-369 scales, and non Mercedes hands like previous models, but basically all have black dials. 369 scales. and Mercedes hands - establishing the main design elements of modern Explorer i watches.

Ref.1016 is the model with the longest production time in the Rolex Explorer series. lt was produced for 26 years from 1963 to 1989 and has various historical versions For Rolex Explorer enthusiasts, the "gilt dial" is a must-have. in the early days, in addition to the radium night light, there was also the "gilt dial" craftsmanship with gold wire coils, which was one of the selling points that Vintage Rolex worked hard to promote. In the later period, the night light on the Ref.1016 dial was changed to tritium night light T25, but it did not affect the yellowing and failure of the night light scale on the dial over time. Coupled with the thick and vintage high-arched plexiglass, it becomes even more interesting.

Ref.1016 has a long period of existence and many version changes, but it is expensive and has high collection value.

Ref.14270 was produced from 1989 to 2001, with a size of 36mm diameter that continued the previous generation. There were significant changes in appearance compared to the antique Rolex Explorer i: the original acrylic crystal was replaced by a harder sapphire glass; the markings were filled with platinum inlay-type luminescent material, with the exception of the numbers 3, 6and 9. which were too small to be filled with luminescent material.

Ref.114270 is an improved version of the 14270, produced between 2001 and 2010 While the dial remains unchanged, a new movement and a new luminescent coating have been introduced. Although the Ref.14270 is more popular, the Ref.114270 has better features. Apart from the difference between the 3000 movement and the 3130 movement, significant changes have also been made to the steel bracelet, with the original folding clasp upgraded to a triple safety clasp design for improved comfort when worn.

In 2010, Ref.214270 became a new milestone product for Rolex Explorer i. It met the customers' demand for a larger size by expanding from 36MM to 39MM in diameter. And the design of the dial was also changed accordingly. The numerals on the dial were replaced with solid platinum configuration, and the "EXPLORER" logo was moved from the top to the bottom.

Rolex discontinued the Explorer i in 2016 and introduced a new version, the Explorer i.5, which only made minor changes to the dial and kept the original model number, Ref.214270. The new Ref.214270 design largely returns to the style of the Ref.114270 and benefits from a larger dial with luminescent fillings for the 369 numerals, making it easier to tell time in the dark. The proportions of the hands have also been optimized.

Summing up the evolution process of the explorer, Rolex has steadily developed with innovation, injecting fresh blood and awakening vitality with each change, while maintaining classic elements throughout the process. It is admirable that Rolex is not only a watch manufacturer that pursues excellence, but also a master of cultural marketing.

Introduction to the Parameters of Several Popular Rolex Explorer Watches

Rolex Explorer ii 16570 Case Size:42mm,Case Material:Stainless Steel,Water Resistance:100m,Movement:Automatic,Complications:Hours and Minutes, Seconds, Date, Gmt/World Time

Rolex Explorer 124270 Price:$7250,Model case:Oyster, 36 mm,Oystersteel,Oyster architecture:Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown,Winding crown:Screw-down,Twinlock double waterproofness system,Water resistance：Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Rolex Explorer 1016 Reference(s):1016,Case Diameter:36mm,Style:Field,Bezel Material:Steel,Water Resistance:100 meters,Movement Type:Automatic,Power Reserve:48 hours

Rolex Explorer 114270 Price: $5050,Case diameter:36 mm,Water resistance:10 ATM,Crystal:Sapphire crystal,Bezel material:Steel,Dial numerals:Arabic numerals,Movement:Automatic

Rolex Explorer 214270 Case diameter:39 mm,Water resistance:10 ATM,Crystal:Sapphire crystal,Bezel material:Steel,Dial numerals:Arabic numerals,Movement:Automatic

Baltany Tribute to Explorers Watches Collection

Baltany's mission is to create modern interpretations of classic vintage watches and provide affordable, durable timepieces for watch enthusiasts. Unlike simple tributes. Baltany's explorers incorporate their own understanding of watches while maintaining some features of the Rolex Explorer prototype.

We attempt to use colors on the dial that have a vintage feel but are still bright, such as deep red and deep purple.