Rolex Explorer

Few watches have captured the imagination the way the Rolex Explorer has.

At its core, the Explorer has always been an understated tool watch, its spartan appearance belying its hearty robustness. It is perhaps this, more than any other feature, that urges ever onward the spirit of adventure and humankind's unwillingness to accept defeat. The model traces its heritage back to the first successful summit of Everest in 1953, on which Sir Edmond Hilary and Tenzig Norgay were equipped with a Rolex Oyster Precision. This particular watch, with its 3-6-9 Arabic dial, inspired the newly minted Explorer. 

In 2001, Rolex introduced the successor to the Explorer I reference 14270, the ref. 114270. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case like that of its predecessors, it featured the upgraded Rolex Calibre 3130 automatic movement, an Oyster bracelet with solid end links and Fliplock clasp, and a glossy black dial with Super-LumiNova lume. The dial retained the layout of the ref. 14270, with a mix of modern Arabic, dash and triangular indices, as well as a Mercedes handset. A classic example of Rolex’s marginal and iterative approach to watch design, it was nonetheless succeeded in 2010 by the upsized 39mm 114270 — the first time an Explorer I featured such a large case. 

This particular Y-serial example dates to circa 2002 and remains in fantastic overall condition and is accompanied by its boxes and papers.

The newest 36mm Explorer (ref. 124270) might be the hot ticket of the moment, but this 114270 was produced nearly 15 years before the debut of that model, making it the very definition of a contemporary classic!

With its feet firmly rooted in the classic design of the early Explorers - a simple black dial with 3, 6, 9 Arabic numerals -- albeit a more avant-garde approach to the look --and 36mm Oyster case, the 14270 is every bit as much an Explorer as the original models that pulled their own weight up Everest.

The day was May 29, 1953, and Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stood on top of the world. Rolex had indeed come with them to the summit of Mount Everest and since then Rolex has long been known as the watch of exploration. The triumph of the 1953 expedition and spirit of adventure and exploration that the Explorer represents can certainly be felt when this watch is strapped to your wrist.

These were watches designed to be tough as nails and capable of operating effectively in the harshest conditions known to man. Whether it was diving to the lowest point or climbing to the highest, you've got to hand it to Rolex - they know how to build one hell of a sports watch! It really doesn't get more badass than that.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.