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</html>";s:4:"text";s:37246:"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. Gilt-dialed 1016s are the most sought after by collectors, frequently reaching prices above $20,000. On the dial we see the upside down triangle, baton hour markers, and 3,6, and 9 numerals configuration. 1900 QUAIL ST An especially rare variant of the 6610 is a “red depth indication” model, which has the water resistance (50m) printed in red under the Explorer moniker on the dial. The first climber in recorded history to do so. 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. Often flying under the radar, the Rolex Explorer is the most understated of Rolex’s various sports watches. 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. The Explorer’s official story famously takes shape with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. Paul is the company's Founder and CEO. You’ll also find some variants with the water rating printed in white. In typical Rolex style, however, the upgrade was nothing too radical: it merely involved an increase in case size from 36mm to 39mm — and many believe it to have been a change that was long overdue. The Explorer was the result of 20 years' research in extreme conditions. For almost every great human achievement of the 20th Century, there’s a watch that lays claim to being on the trailblazer’s wrist. So continue reading to delve into the fascinating history of the famous Rolex Explorer. 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. 214270 sports a 39mm Oyster case instead of the traditional 36mm, which is more in line with today’s demand for larger watches. So six years later, in 2016, Rolex revamped the ref. The only way to get all of our content, delivered directly to your inbox every weekend (free!). Rescapement is an online publication — highlighted by a weekly newsletter — for in-depth articles and unimportant opinions on important vintage and modern watches. 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. Only problem is, Hilary wasn’t wearing a Rolex at the time. Originally founded as Wilsdorf and Davis by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England in 1905, the company registered Rolex as the brand name of its watches in 1908 and became Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. in 1915. 1016 include the “Space Dweller,” realeased only in Japan. While the 14270 isn’t sought after by collectors the way a 1016 might be, there is one exception: the Explorer Blackout. 1016’s movement was replaced with the Caliber 1570. Soon after in 1953, Rolex officially rolled out the black 3-6-9 dial in Reference 6150 and Reference 6350. If you’re searching for one, look for a serial number in the E (or perhaps early X) range. 214270, perhaps they should be referred to as “Mark I” and “Mark II” dials to avoid confusion. The Explorer II has been produced for an impressive 46 years, but where does this 16570 fit in? However, with its rich history and very wearable look, the Explorer is a Rolex watch that shouldn’t be overlooked. It features a 39mm Oyster case, a welcome update for those who wanted something more modern than the traditional 36mm size used in all references up to 2010. 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. To many, the Ref. It is the second generation 39mm Explorer after the first generation was introduced in 2010. Initially created as a prototype for Himalayan expeditions, the original Rolex Explorer accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during the pioneering ascent to Mt. And that is something that Rolex has perfected — evolution rather than revolution. Of course, the most well-known Explorer is Reference 1016. 6150. Error: API requests are being delayed. Copyright Bob's Watches. The reference 14270 was a very different watch but, as per the Rolex way, the core DNA was still present. 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. The first prototypes of the Explorer appeared in 1952 without a name; they were essentially bubble-backs with different dials … Aside from the body and engine updates, the face was also given a lift. Explorer ref. However, it was one of the first watches to … In-depth articles and more on brands, references, and history. The 1016 packed a new movement, the calibre 1560, which became a signature movement for Rolex sports watches in the 1960s. There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Since there are two distinct versions of the Explorer ref. 214270 that was first unveiled in 2010. Popular Used Rolex Explorer I Watches In 1953, Rolex sponsored an expedition to Mount Everest and supplied one of the climbers with an Oyster Perpetual. Lets retrace their steps. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, that prevents accidental opening. 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. This particular Explorer ushered in the biggest change to date — the increase in size. 6610 is a rare example of a vintage Rolex watch. The current generation Rolex Explorer ref. The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 as a sportier follow up to the Explorer. 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. Proven to be trusted by thousands, with 5-star customer service rating. It features an additional 24-hour indication that can also be used as a second time-zone. There was also an Explorer Date released around this time, Reference 5700. 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. The case was also bigger and beefier, bringing it into the modern era. 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 present specimen is preserved in excellent overall condition. In the mid 1970s the ref. The Trusted Name in Authenticated Luxury Timepieces. 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. As an early version of the Explorer with a short production span, the ref. 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. 1016, modernizing the classic Explorer with the release of Reference 14270. First introduced in 1963, the Rolex Explorer. 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. Rolex SA (/ ˈ r oʊ l ɛ k s /) is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. With the Rolex Explorer II Ref 16550, the watch was for the first time no longer available with a black dial and also in a light ivory-colored version. It’s no surprise it endured for so long as the 1016 is an inherently simple yet captivating watch. 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. All watches are meticulously inspected and authenticated by experts. They had succeeded in creating a tough and sturdy watch in the bubble-back and Rolex now looked to market it to the mountaineering world. 6350 was the first model with the “Explorer” moniker on the dial, making it the first “real” Explorer. On this reference, even the dial looks like an Air King in all ways except for the “Explorer Date” stamped above the pinion. 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. 6610 is also something we see on contemporary versions of the Explorer. A matte dial Explorer reference 1016 | Hodinkee Shop. Because the 6610 had such a short production run, it’s a relatively rare find. Reference 1016 was produced from 1959 to 1990 and it represents one of the greatest classics and a milestone in the entire Rolex history. Rolex Explorer II History & Background. In 2001, Rolex updated the Ref. While the black 3-6-9 dial can be seen in some Ref. Rolex started sending watches on Himalayan expeditions in the 1930s, long before Hillary and Tenzing conquered Everest. The model didn’t yet bear the iconic Explorer name. The Rolex Watch: A Brief History. Rolex Explorer History. The characteristic 3, 6, and 9 numerals are no longer luminescent since they are entirely fashioned from 18k white gold and the “EXPLORER” label moved from below 12 o’clock to above 6 o’clock. Instead, these watches were modified Oyster Perpetual models. All rights reserved. 6610 was first presented in 1959 as the replacement of the Explorer ref. Additionally, the acrylic crystal of the 1016 was also replaced with sapphire glass, another thoroughly modern feature. 1016: white gold surrounding the indices and a new modern movement among them. 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. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries. The new reference updated the late 1016's matte dial with a glossy dial and white gold surrounds on the applied indices. 1016. 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. 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?!) 214270 and some in between to examine the model’s beginnings, evolution, and present-day status. But, the 214270 was met with mixed reviews when released. One of the rarest Rolex watches, the Rolex Submariner 5513 “Explorer Dial” Another famed Ref. 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 Rolex Explorer Reference 14270 “Blackout”. Other collectors’ favorites of the Rolex Explorer Ref. | HQ Milton. In summary, the Rolex Explorer family is made up of a number of superlative references, including: Reference 6350, the first Explorer (honeycomb dials especially desirable), Reference 6610, the first truly differentiated Explorer, introduced in 1959, Reference 1016, the most common vintage Explorer, highly desired (especially with a gilt dial), Reference 14270 (and Reference 114270), the 1989 update that brought the Explorer into the modern age. The ref. An Explorer in every other way, it’s stamped with the words “Space Dweller” where Explorer would otherwise be. The latest Rolex Explorer is the 214270 which features a 39mm case and costs $6550USD. Trips to the moon, Olympic gold medals, and of course, the expedition to summit Mount Everest. The Explorer story continues to today and here we take a look at four key references dating back from an early Explorer ref. 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. In 1989, Rolex finally discontinued Ref. Other improvements to the Explorer ref. 14270 at the end of the 1980s brought some significant changes to the Explorer line including replacing the previous acrylic crystal with scratch proof sapphire crystal and opting for a lacquered dial rather than a matte one. The History of the Rolex Explorer. After the inaugural and eclectic 1655 (which was overshadowed at the time by the Submariner and GMT models of the day and considered a slow seller) departed after a ten-year run, there was the clean-slat… 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. Many now know it’s a myth that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were wearing Rolex Explorers when they first summited Everest in 1953, but that didn’t stop Rolex from cashing in on a killer marketing opportunity. The hacking feature meant that the seconds hand stopped when the crown was pulled out all the way for more precise time setting. Also new to the modern-day Explorer was the addition of the Caliber 3132. The inaugural reference was the Explorer II ref. A second-hand Rolex Explorer today is worth more than double of the official sales price from back in 1994. Subsequently, Rolex released an updated 214270, this time with longer hands. 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). 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. Paul is a graduate of Boston College 1979 and resides in California with his family. 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. 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. 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. Named one of the best single operator newsletters on the internet. Although the most contemporary version of the Explorer is unquestionably modern and sleek, it still bears the fundamental aesthetics of its vintage ancestors. To many, this led to an unsightly dial, defeating the benefits of the increased case size. With its introduction came a new caliber — the Caliber 1560 — and increased water resistance to 100m. The debut of the Rolex Explorer ref. The 2016 re-release of the Rolex Explorer 214270 | Bob’s Watches. 1016 had an incredibly long production run until 1989. Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. 214270 was introduced in 2016. 214270 also houses a new movement, the in-house calibre 3132, which runs to +/-2 seconds a day and is COSC certified. 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. 1016, manufactured in 1975. Ref. Everest. In the mid 1970s the ref. Discounted over the last 22 years, the average annual gain in value amounts to 4.1%.The value of a new watch falls down to its market value after purchase. The retail sales price usually includes a relatively high retailer margin, which represents a markup to the market value of a watch. 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. The latest generation Rolex Explorer. Rolex provided the members of the British Mount Everest expedition of 1953 with Oyster Perpetual watches. 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. The 14270 did stay true to the original Explorer's 36mm diameter, albeit with a new Caliber 3000 movement inside. The vintage Rolex Explorer ref. 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. Produced for a short amount of time in the early 1990s, the Rolex Explorer Blackout had black Arabic numerals instead of white. It was indeed a wily marketing strategy implemented by the brand to speculate the watch’s success. The newest Explorer, Ref. The next big change for the Explorer came at Baselworld in 2010. The Rolex Explorer II was presented by Rolex in 1971 as an addition to the 1954 model Explorer I. It features a stainless steel Oyster case measuring 36mm in diameter and a black gilt dial. The Explorer is one pure unit of Rolex sport watch. 14270 with the Reference 114270, which housed a new calibre 3130 movement. 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. By appointment only. 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. 6298 cases, these references are more known for their creamy “Everest” versions, some having Arabic numerals and some having wedges. It’s less bulky than a Submariner and less flashy (and expensive) than a Daytona, leading some to call it … 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. The Rolex Explorer is the brand’s most understated sports watch, often flying under the radar. 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). Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. The Explorer began to truly differentiate itself from the Oyster Perpetual line in 1959 with the introduction of Reference 6610. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, which prevents accidental opening. The Mercedes-style hands on the vintage Explorer ref. The Explorer’s official story famously takes shape with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. It is additionally fitted with the Easylink comfort extension link, patented by Rolex in 1996. The history of the Rolex Explorer The birth of the Oyster automatic watch started during the 1920s, when Hans Wilsdorf (founder of Rolex) realised that users could easily forget to screw down the crown of their manual winding watches and as a result, water would enter the case. So, Rolex began using tritium, a safer option. He is responsible for all the day to day activities from purchasing, receiving, marketing and sales. Although many consider the 36mm version the true Rolex Explorer, this modern version of the watch is a worthy successor. 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. Something interesting on note on this particular example is the waterproof indication (50m) printed in red right under the “EXPLORER” label. Rolex Explorer ref. New posts will not be retrieved. 1016’s movement was replaced with the Caliber 1570, which included the hacking feature. The Ref. Independent and unfiltered, Rescapement is dedicated to enthusiasts and spreading horological secrets, both vintage and modern. The Rolex Explorer first came into fruition to meet the needs of Rolex’s more adventurous customer. In the early 1950s, Rolex developed professional watches that served as tools and whose functions went far beyond simply telling the time. Rolex Explorer History: To Everest and Beyond November 1, 2018 Often flying under the radar, the Rolex Explorer is the most understated of Rolex’s various sports watches. Read more We're committed to offering the best prices through our low-price guarantee. In 1953, Rolex first launched the Reference 6298. Production of the reference 1655 lasted roughly fourteen years, until it was discontinued in 1984 and replaced by the reference 16550. The Explorer II is available on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel. New posts will not be retrieved. 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. 214270, first came to the market in 2010. 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. Everest. These watches were intended for professional activities, such as deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing and scientific exploration. The only difference between the two was that the 6350 was chronometer rated and stamped as such on the dial, while the 6150 is stamped “precision” (note though, that they had the same A296 movement, but the 6350 was more finely tuned). Now that I’ve established the personal story behind the watch, I can move into another great aspect of watch enthusiasm: history. Right around the time the 1016 was released, Rolex was also transitioning the luminous material used on its hour markers. Especially rare, some 6350s sported a beautiful “honeycomb dial.” The Ref. Explorer 6350 with honeycomb dial | Phillips. Explorer ref. On the historic 1953 summit climb, Hillary wore a Rolex and a Smiths, endorsing both watches. This particular Explorer ushered in the biggest change to date — the increase in size. The Explorer II had a radical dial change in 1985, unlike anything else in Rolex history. 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. Powering the ref. 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. Subscribe to laugh and learn about watches with us every weekend. Hey everybody, and welcome to the Bob’s Watches video series. In the early 1970s this movement was slightly improved upon when Rolex began using the calibre 1570, which featured a hacking seconds hands. 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. The Explorer is available on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel. 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. 6098 and Ref. And good luck finding one. Every watch on our site is 100% certified authentic by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. Reference 214270, the 2010 update which bumped the case size to39mm. The end of the 1980s brought some significant changes to the Explorer. 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. In 1971, Rolex unveiled the Explorer II as the larger sibling to the original Explorer I wristwatch. Bob's Watches only sells pre-owned watches and provides its own warranties on the watches it sells. After the successful summit, Rolex quickly launched its Explorer line to commemorate (and profit) off of Norgay and Hillary’s amazing feat. The Rolex Explorer has a long history starting at the top of Mt. 6610 used a new calibre 1030 movement, which allowed the Explorer to shed the bubble back it’d been sporting up until this point. On the dial we see the upside down triangle, baton hour markers, and 3,6, and 9 numerals configuration that is still characteristic of the Rolex Explorer today. 114270 equipped with the Caliber 3130 in 2001. By the late 1960s, Rolex began introducing matte black dials with a crisp white font. Rolex had outfitted the two adventurers with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual for test purposes. The Rolex Explorer first saw the light of day in 1953. However, with its rich history and very wearable look, the Explorer is a Rolex watch that shouldn’t be overlooked. 5513, is the ‘Milsub’, a Rolex Submariner made specifically for the … All brands including Brequet, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, Breitling and Omega, etc are trademarks of their respective owners. The most current reference of the Rolex Explorer is the ref. From the 1930s, Rolex began to equip numerous expeditions with Oyster watches. The 1016 also rated to 100m water resistance, an improvement over the 6610. The newest version is often referred to now as the Mark 2, or Mk2, with the original 2010 release being Mark (Mk 1). 1655, sporting a 39mm stainless steel case and matching steel bracelet . Beautiful example of Rolex steel Explorer ref. 6610 to the current Explorer ref. NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 Up until this time, it had used radium, which had been discovered to have detrimental health effects. Its caliber 3132 movement has a 48 hour power reserve and it retains the same overall design as past models. 214270 to give it better proportioned center hands, as well as making the 3, 6, and 9 numerals luminescent again. It is additionally fitted with the Easylink comfort extension link, patented by Rolex in 1996. Furthermore, the dial took on a much more modern approach with the applied indexes with 18k white gold surrounds. 14270 is the Caliber 3000 and both the reference and caliber were replaced in 2001 with the ref. 214270 is the latest iteration of the Explorer. Explorer would otherwise be a milestone in the rolex explorer history change to date — the in. Was discontinued in 1984 and replaced by the reference 16550 a Smiths, endorsing both watches new reference updated late... Often flying under the radar, the Explorer is the brand to speculate the ’. Triangle, baton hour markers one pure unit of Rolex ’ s no surprise it endured for long... 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