Correct bracelet for a 1996 14270 Explorer?

[wappinghigh]

Hi everyone.

What was the standard bracelet and endlink supplied on the 1996 Explorer I?

Was this an oyster bracelet transition year for this Explorer?

I've researched that the earlier 14720's had the 78360 but there are 1997 (and a few 1996??) 14720's I've see for sale with the 78790...

Learn'd opinions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

W

[wappinghigh]

^ Would anybody please help on this one?
Some knowledge on the matter...
Maybe you worked for Rolex in 90's?
Or have a picture in a catalog?

Thanks!

W

[Haywood_Milton]

The plain Oyster 78360 was the option shown in UK price lists for 1994 but it was around the time of your query (1996) that it changed to a 78790 Oysterlock bracelet with the small-cover safety clasp.

To illustrate the point, I have had five "U" and "A" case number 14270s, all with 78790 Oysterlocks, though the plain Oyster 78360 may well still have been available as a cheaper option.

About 8 years ago I had another "U" case number 14270 but it was head only. Rolex UK were happy to supply a plain 78360 Oyster for it.

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

The plain Oyster 78360 was the option shown in UK price lists for 1994 but it was around the time of your query (1996) that it changed to a 78790 Oysterlock bracelet with the small-cover safety clasp.

To illustrate the point, I have had five "U" and "A" case number 14270s, all with 78790 Oysterlocks, though the plain Oyster 78360 may well still have been available as a cheaper option.

About 8 years ago I had another "U" case number 14270 but it was head only. Rolex UK were happy to supply a plain 78360 Oyster for it.

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Sure that was exactly the sort of informative answer I was after... thanks so much! Having never purchased a Rolex.. was it (is it even)...still? common to purchase a piece with a bracelet different from the catalogue/or table supplied by Rolex...

I mean it's hard to know these days (...what it used to be like in the "old days")... the wait being now years into the future on new SS's...

[iliketime]

Supposedly the Rolex Explorer 1 was offered with the 78360, 78790 and even the sub bracelet was an option.

[sillo]

I would lean toward the 78790 at that point, but I don't think either could be considered incorrect.

[wappinghigh]

Thanks to all for very informative answers. Cheers.

[Xeer]

If you are looking for one with a tritium dial that would be either the 'T' or the 'U' serial. A serials came with Luminova.

[77T]

Don’t forget the true Explorer option - Rolex allowed buyers who really explored to order it with a 73150 bracelet with 558B endlinks.

I never had the 14270 but had an Expl. II shod in a 73150 and the paperwork showing it came with the watch.

So you would be just as correct to use a Sub bracelet.


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[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by 77t

don’t forget the true explorer option - rolex allowed buyers who really explored to order it with a 73150 bracelet with 558b endlinks.

I never had the 14270 but had an expl. Ii shod in a 73150 and the paperwork showing it came with the watch.

So you would be just as correct to use a sub bracelet.


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93150 ?

[77T]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

93150 ?

Yep I make the same error from time to time but I’m in good company


https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...nd-papers-A585


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[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by 77T

Yep I make the same error from time to time but I’m in good company


https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...nd-papers-A585


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Ha!

For the avoidance of doubt, I have no connection with that company.

Insta: haywood_milton_rolex

[77T]

True
...was only sharing for the irony of eponymic value


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[wappinghigh]

Ok so there were 3 "official" mid 90's explorer bracelets that could have been spec'd at the time??? that the consensus ..?

If ordering from an AD at the time, would all of these be coded for their year (same as watch)?

thanks

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Ok so there were 3 "official" mid 90's explorer bracelets that could have been spec'd at the time??? that the consensus ..?

If ordering from an AD at the time, would all of these be coded for their year (same as watch)?

thanks

Bracelet date code would typically be around a year earlier than the date of supply, but there is no fixed rule and it could be a couple of years without any concern. They were manufactured separately and drawn off from stores when needed.

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[wappinghigh]

Ok thanks for all the replies - All good my T serial '96 explorer has a 98360 Oyster with 558B endlinks and a V4 clasp so dates seem to fit....

[wappinghigh]

Another quick question... this '96 explorer comes with a booklet 597.94 Sp - 1 -7.1999

Would these dates on this booklet be consistent with the original booklet for this watch?

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by wappinghigh

Another quick question... this '96 explorer comes with a booklet 597.94 Sp - 1 -7.1999

Would these dates on this booklet be consistent with the original booklet for this watch?

No, if the watch was sold in 1996. Do you know if it was, or are you dating it by some other means?

That booklet was the Spanish language version printed in July 1999 and typically seen with watches sold from late 1999 to perhaps 2001.

Out of interest, these booklets play a major part in the discussion about the term "Explorer 1" : https://www.miltonaires.com/4670/is-...-www-tz-uk-com

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[wappinghigh]

^ Thanks for the info my watch dated '96 from serial number (T2xxxx) and bracelet code V4...must have been later purchased booklet...