Rolex Explorer I 39mm 214270 One Year Later: A Review

[m1911a1]

For sake of full-disclosure I've owned the Submariner and 40mm Explorer-II both gifted to daughters) and currently own a pair of 42mm Explorer-II's.

That being said, I think the 39mm Explorer-I is the coolest watch available.
If it was 42mm I'm sure I'd own a pair.

Even though I LOVE my Ex-2's with more complications, crown-guard, etc....
I think LESS-is-MORE.....and would be perfectly happy with only the Ex-1 for a lifetime.

I like it WAY more than all of the other blingy offerings....Precious-Metals, Daytona, GMT's, and Subs.

The Ex-1 is a PERFECT watch.....

[Rolex fan 61]

The 2016 updated version looks even better IMO, hopefully my next rolex.

[zein21]

Originally Posted by Rolex fan 61

The 2016 updated version looks even better IMO, hopefully my next rolex.

Both have their own character. I've own the old one but it definitely need to see their 2016 sibling in a wrist

[Holzhand]

Originally Posted by zein21

Both have their own character. I've own the old one but it definitely need to see their 2016 sibling in a wrist

I own the current version as the "legendary short handed version" that was build, from a Rolex perspective, awhile only. I will definitely keep it!

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[RHJ]

Originally Posted by Holzhand

I own the current version as the "legendary short handed version" that was build, from a Rolex perspective, awhile only. I will definitely keep it!

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Same here

mobile rhj

[PaulChronometer]

Awesome review ­­­­­– thanks a lot ­­­­­– of a very cool watch!

[idle spectre]

Nice review

[Nicholas Bedworth]

Regarding the first post in this fascinating thread, well, as a resident of Kathmandu, there isn't a Marriott quite yet, at least not as far as their reservation system is concerned. There is, however, a magnificent Hyatt, where from time to time, explorers do in fact congregate and fill up the parking lot with rally cars and Land Rovers.

The modern Explorer with the chromed numbers just wouldn't fit in, let alone in Thamel where the backpacker-mountaineering crowd also hangs out.

My Explorer was purchased in the Hauptwache in Frankfurt in 1972, age 21, for $100, which was a lot of money at the time, and after decades of not wearing it, it was overhauled by Jewelers on Time, and has never left my wrist. There's something about it that makes be feel very well dressed and presentable 24 hours a day. It's truly a classic, even though a mass-produced classic, and design never got stale (this is from someone who thought that the Apple brushed aluminum look in the '90's was boring, and has gotten even worse over time; a Rolex is isn't).

This is all a little odd, because I'm not a collector, and generally have few possessions other than what's required for me to work, but the Rolex really makes me feel complete in a hard to explain way. All my other watches have been $50-70 Pulsar closeouts on Amazon, as that's as much as I'd spend on a watch. But ponying up the funds for JOT to overhaul the watch resulted in a treasure.

BTW this is a great forum... everyone sharing their stories and enjoying.

[Nicholas Bedworth]

A close up for fun. Vanessa advised me not to polish the case, etc., but to leave the patina as it was.

[Nicholas Bedworth]

This is from 1973, purchased for $100 at a Rolex dealer in the Hauptwache in Frankfurt. That was a lot of money at the time.

[o.s.p]

@NicholasBedworth is it a 1016? It is a super sweet watch, I really like it. I just bought a 214270 (the one from Basel 2016), but I would really like a vintage one like yours as well :)

[Artifice]

Great review! Considering on getting this as my first Rolex as well.:)


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[timetostart]

I've recently been on the fence about the Explorer, and I believe the OP may have articulated things so perfectly as to render any internal debate moot. I dare say this will be my next piece...


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[John07]

Originally Posted by timetostart

I've recently been on the fence about the Explorer, and I believe the OP may have articulated things so perfectly as to render any internal debate moot. I dare say this will be my next piece...


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I'm glad I'm not the only one! Even by increasing my budget to $10,000 or so I still find myself very drawn to the Explorer I. There is something about it that makes it so simple yet slick.

[reeder1]

Thank you for the review! I need some advice-eyeing a new Explorer I and the new AirKing, but want a little perspective from some of you guys. They're both beautiful, but I'm going to resist getting both!!

[gk032]

Thank you for your review! I’m looking at purchasing the Explorer I and your experience is helpful. It’s a beautiful work of art: simple, rugged, and elegant.


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[mikekchc]

such a good review
it was this or the 216570 for me last year.

[RtTime]

What a wonderful review Rolexiva! I certainly concur with your assessment of the Explorer 214270 Mk1. I only recently purchased my 214270 Mk2. IMHO they are both great watches. Other the hands and the luminated 3, 6 and 9 vs 3, 6, 9 white gold numerals I cannot tell a Mk1 from a Mk2 These Explorers are over 90% identical - same diameter, same movement, same case, same bracelet and nearly identical dials. They are both beautiful watches that are accurate, sturdy with a simple elegance that can go with any attire. I like them both but my AD does not carry used/preowned watches, and that is why I have my Mk2. Outstanding review and I certainly enjoyed that comment "Besides, I seldom look at the back of this watch (because I am wearing it) and glad that Rolex and this Explorer I have stayed away from that crystal case back trend." It is rather strange since you did mention the Submariner, now that I have my Explorer I am hearing calls from the Submariner. As with the Explorer I'm not a date guy. It is a simply a matter of taste and in my case the cyclops never favorably impressed me. Moreover, I don't need the complication and I like keeping things simple. On the other hand, perhaps in this stage of life I don''t need to spend the time changing the dates to conform to the month! At any rate I believe the Explorer and the Submariner would make a great pair But prior to pulling that trigger I will have to try on the Sub and determine whether or not it is too chunky for my 7 inch wrist. Here's a wrist shot of my Mk2.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/977465...etaken-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/977465...etaken-public/

[HIGH TIME]

Yesterday, March 1, 2019, I bought my 214270 Explorer Mk 2. There is nothing that I don't love about my Rolex Explorer Mk 2. It's the Rolex I wanted. Moreover, like you, I am also keeping it.

[VacherObsessive]

5 years on and the Exp Mk 1 is still my main daily wearer. Such a classy no nonsense piece that you can dress right down and dress right up to a wedding

[SFmedic13]

Nicely written, Thanks....

[Vamp]

I see a trend! 214270 being as hard to get as a sub pretty soon!

[Turbo G]

Yes this is a well loved example of the original simplicity and toughness of the Rolex brand, thinking about the new dial 214270 but may wait until after this year's Baselworld...

[Check]

Two fantastic reviews on a great watch. A simple, functional yet beautiful watch. The symmetry of the dial more than compensates for the lack of date.

[fugazy]

Great write up. I love my Explorer, it is the absolute favorite in my collection.

[huggie49]

I just bought one Saturday. Usually don’t buy new, but since this will be an everyday watch, wanted to start fresh. Love the look. Great review.

[david999]

Great review. I am considering the Explorer for purchase as an everyday watch, and am happy I came across this thread.

[watchprenuer]

great article