{"product_id":"rolex-explorer-i-as03338","title":"Rolex Explorer I","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2011, Rolex did something a bit... controversial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey fundamentally changed the design of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer I - the watch that defined general badassery for the brand for some five decades prior.  In its newest version of the Explorer, Rolex has departed from the classic 36mm case design, deciding instead that bigger was better, and housed their in-house 3132 movement in 39mm of steel.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe move intrigued some and confused others. We understood it when they switched from matte dials to glossy ones.  We could find some elegance in the presence of white-gold hour marker surrounds.  But altering the case dimensions was tantamount to heresy in our books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut to our chagrin (and the chagrin of many vintage Rolex enthusiasts) the line was forever altered - and many folks continue to buy and love the Explorer 1's bigger brother to this day. However, when we see executions that herald the original design, such as this lovely Reference 14270, we jump at the chance to find them a good home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular 14270 happens to be in exceptional condition and comes complete with inner and outer box and warranty card. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile tritium dial Explorer 1's from the 1990's are still findable, they are getting more and more challenging to locate in solid condition and at reasonable pricing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e... We'll just say we're not holding our breath for another one to come along anytime soon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/span\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese were watches designed to be tough as nails and capable of operating effectively in the harshest conditions known to man. \u003c\/span\u003eWhether 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29243887583319,"sku":null,"price":6350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/1255\/products\/ICm0zMLm_1.jpeg?v=1563559148","url":"https:\/\/www.analogshift.com\/products\/rolex-explorer-i-as03338","provider":"Analog:Shift","version":"1.0","type":"link"}