What to Know Before Buying a Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer is often overlooked when compared to its flashier siblings like the Submariner and Daytona, but it’s every bit of a sport watch. We're going to look at a brief history, talk through some of the prominent references, and explain why we think the Explorer may be the best of the Rolex sport models.

[marcnorth]

Been wearing my 214270 MKII for almost 3 years -- I'm almost embarrassed to say just how much I'm still madly in love with the thing. On a simple nylon nato, it's discreet, perfectly sized to my wrist, and still holding steady at +1.15 sec/day. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat if ever I had to.

[dude...are-you-sure]

It's nice to always hear people in the watch industry sing such Hugh praises for such a simple watch. The 114270 is the model to get it has the updated movement and the solid end links that's characteristic of a modern Rolex with serial in the rehout.

[scottbertelson]

The new 124270 incorporates the classic 36mm styling with a modern movement and a bracelet that is an improvement over the 114270. Interested in how available they will make it and whether consumers will appreciate the move back to the 36mm size.

[enriqueali]

The 36mm Ref 114270 is my daily wearer! It's got some nicks and scratches, but since I don't ever plan on selling it, for me those just add character and make it feel that much more personal. 😁😁😁

[MarkMphonoman]

Fantastic concise review of an iconic Rolex. Five thumbs up. 👍👍👍👍👍 p.s. I own the latest 39mm version.

[GRAFHC]

214270 MKII is the best Explorer ever released. That said, given the history of the Explorer line it makes sense why a lot of buyers would shop the 36mm, but I'm quite confident down the line the MKII is going to have a very serious following.

[johnprosser]

Just got my Explorer 40 and love it!!!

[shino]

The only change I would prefer in the 39mm version is the 12 o'clock marker upside down to emulate the summit of Everest. As a climber that would be the perfect touch and separate it from the rest of the models.

[julesdoty]

Is there a big reason other than looks to get the updated Explorer instead of a simple Oyster with a smooth bezel?

[JUNJUN-lwvr]

Very nice watch, but having the no date sub. I went with the OP 39mm black dial.

[UltraDoug]

My favorite Rolex Explorer is the Longines Conquest 39mm in Black. 😉

[matlindell]

It definitely is the best steel sport Rolex.

[jeremydahm]

I'm thinking of getting this as my day/daily watch. The recently acquired Rootbeer Rolesor is a perfect after the shower bring on the nighter and I think this might make a great companion to it. The most recent reference is in my sites as I see it going 41, new movement, and AR very soon.

[phmwu]

2:05 wind forward to 2021... upon old school demand the 36 mm Explorer is back as fashion fades but real style is forever !
4:29 best argument = Famous non-brand ambassadors Rolex Explorer 1016 inlude: American actor Robert Mitchum, British author Ian Fleming and Sir David Attenborough !

[Watcharch]

I think the best model if you can't afford the ref.1016 (because the price is skyrocketing) is the ref.14270 with the tritium because it will patina

[mcclechinois]

The GMT is what I prefer, DATE is a Must Have!

[MTbone]

Try just one vid without the goofy background music and add some type of warm setting or background. Try u will like

[davidofglenbrook]

There are 3 things to remember:
1) It costs a lot of money
2) Rolex makes the best watches on earth
3) People will be justifiably jealous of you
These are well-documented scientific and technical facts that can’t be horoligicaly disputed.

[derrickmoon]

first thing to know, you cant buy one.

[tomkhong]

Explorer is just an OP with 369. In fact it was an OP that deserves the glory of the true Explorer .