Rolex explorer belongs to the powerful sports watch collection from Rolex. Often considered an every-occasion watch, Rolex Explorer is a perfect companion for feats of extra-ordinary human achievements. The watch was first introduced in 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first individuals to summit Mount Everest. But first, make sure to take care of upgrading your watch bands on any Rolex watches you own with our Rolex Datejust 36 watch straps, Rolex Daytona watch straps, Rolex Explorer watch straps, Rolex Explorer 2 watch straps, Rolex GMT-Master II watch straps and Rolex Submariner watch straps.
The History of The Rolex Explorer
Rolex watches showed up in almost every achievement of the last century. Almost every trailblazer's wrist was covered with a beautiful Rolex watch.
1930
When Rolex first invented an explorer watch for the adventurous souls, they tested their watches on Himalayan expeditions. Some say these experiments began in the early 1930s. These tests were crucial as they were designed to prove that the watches could accurately keep time at -50°F and 70% less oxygen than at sea level.
1953
When Hillary and Norgay climbed Mount Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary wore the Explorer and a Smiths. He was endorsing both the watches at that time. Soon, Rolex launched its Explorer series with a beautiful Reference 6298. Rolex claimed that this watch was the perfect companion for extreme outdoor adventures.
The first version of the Explorer featured a black 3-6-9 dial with Arabic numerals. Later on, Rolex introduced two new references with the same features: Reference 6150 and Reference 6350. However, Reference 6350 was officially chronometer-certified, and its dial was stamped with the official message. Reference 6150 was not certified and has "precision" stamped on its dial.
1959
This is the year when Rolex Explorer began exploring its true potential and differentiating itself from the Oyster Perpetual line. Reference 6610 was released in 1959, and it truly set Explorer apart from the rest of the collections. This hallmark of excellence features:
- Stainless Steel Oyster Case Measuring 36mm
- Black Dial
- 3-6-9 Numerals
- A Reverse Triangle at 12 O'clock
- A Mercedes Hour Hand
This reference also offered a beautiful variation in a red and black colorway. It was the red depth indication model that offered water resistance (50m) printed in red under the Explorer moniker on the dial. It was sought after by a lot of adventurers and was immediately loved by the audience. This reference also introduced the new calibre 1030 movement.
1963 - 1989
We all know that the most well-known Explorer is Reference 1016. The design was quite similar to 6610, but it showed enhancements to improve the overall design and accuracy of the timepiece.
This watched introduced the brand-new and improved calibre 1560, which later became the signature movement for Rolex sports watches. The water resistance was also increased from 50m to 100m for 1106.
1106 featured a glossy black dial with gilt details. Gilt-dialed Explorer 1016s are quite popular among the chronograph enthusiasts, and this vintage watch is valued at prices above $20,000.
Another essential feature of this watch is Tritium. Rolex moved on from radium to Tritium to avoid the health side effects of radium. Rolex Explorer was among the first watches to use Tritium, and it signified it by printing "T Swiss T" or "Swiss T<25" on the dial.
Rolex Explorer Steps into Modernity
1989
This is the year when Rolex explorer was modernized. Reference 14270 was introduced, and Reference 1016 was gently put to rest after years of service.
The matte dial of 1016 was replaced with a gorgeous glossy dial, and white gold surrounds on the applied indices. This version also introduced the improved and new Caliber 3000 movement inside. The acrylic glass was also removed, and a sapphire glass took its place. The model was beefier and resonated with the timepieces of the era.
2001
Rolex moved away from Tritium and started using Super Luminova as a luminescent material. Ref. 14270 was replaced with a brand-new Reference 114270. This reference also featured a new calibre 3130 movement.
2010
The latest version of the Explorer was released in 2010 in Baselworld. Ref. 214270 offered a 39mm Oyster case which was a modern approach towards the dial.
Due to hour hands length issues, Rolex re-released the watch with lengthier hands. The revised version was called "Mark 2." Mark 2 also features an in-house calibre 3132, which runs to +/-2 seconds a day and is COSC certified.
Final Thoughts On The Rolex Explorer
In case you didn't read the entire article, here is a summarized version of different reference numbers for Rolex Explorer.
- Reference 6350: the first Explorer
- Reference 6610: the first truly differentiated Explorer
- Reference 1016: the most loved vintage Explorer with a gilt-dial
- Reference 14270 and Reference 114270: the modern Explorer
- Reference 214270: the 2010 version with a case size up to39mm.
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