The Rolex Explorer: Understanding The Iconic Tool Watch | Reference Points

The Rolex Explorer has come to embody what many see as the ideal one nice watch to own. Its simplicity and classic design allow it to go anywhere, not only far-off mountaintops. And the reference 1016 in particular, which spanned an incredible 29 years of production, from 1960 to 1989, has come to be seen by many as an ideal vintage watch for daily wear. With its subtle 36mm size, no-date simplicity, and crisp black dial – whether gilt or matte – it's the sport Rolex that doesn't turn heads – the anti-hype Rolex, if you will. The “if you know, you know” Rolex.

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[andreaskohn]

The series "reference points" is by far the best content out there on YouTube. I repeatedly watched the Submariner and GMT episodes, and now this one about the Explorer One is yet another great piece. Eric Wind is the walking encyclopedia of Rolex. Simply amazing! Thank you!

[BrittPearceWatches]

Man! I’ve got such a thing for the explorer! I really enjoyed this! Great video guys

[SuperAJ]

Never knew that Explorer had so many variations despite already owned the 114270 for 4 years and use it as a daily driver. Great video, Explorer is definitely the greatest Rolex!

[VmanStudioz]

I have always said: The Rolex Explorer is the least Rolex you can own, but the most Rolex you ever really need. I’m Happy you covered this historic model in Reference Points. This could easily be a one and done watch.

[specialkfouryou]

One of my favorite models, amazing history, understated and minimalistic by modern Rolex standards.

[muds]

This might be the most incredible series I have ever seen. Amazing.

[Theo-ulqm]

I think it’s worth mentioning that another difference between the 14270 and the 114270, aside from the luminous material, is that the latter comes with a solid endlink bracelet. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

[Unknown-fldj]

Wore my 1016 while watching. It's the third one that I've owned. I just keep coming back to it. I think I'll keep this one.

[mattc]

Explorer 1 is my favourite Rolex. Glad I was able to buy a 39mm MK2 from an AD after it was discontinued.

[thewatchtherapist]

The best overall value Rolex in the catalogue today

[StruanRobertson]

So great to see all of these generations together...I didn't appreciate that there are so many itterations. The explorer is a special watch...the most special in the collection IMO. This watch belongs at 36mm...that's part of its dna and spirit. I really hope they don't do something silly like bringing out a 41mm...that would be tasteless

[rabbitsblood]

Something that was missed that would have been worth mentioning was with the introduction of the 39mm models, they have engraved rehauts with repeating "Rolex" text and the serial number. That detail, along with the double coronet and the return to 36mm makes the 124270 my favorite reference so far.

[tom]

Amazing video Hodinkee, I usually give you a bit of stick, but this was spot on!
The Explorer is my all time favourite watch, and one I hope to own one day. I was so happy when Rolex decided to return to the 36mm size, but disappointed they also shrank the lugs to 19mm, making finding decent straps an absolute pain. I'm unsure why several watch brands, including Omega, have done this of recent?

I'm also not a fan of the two-tone and suggestion of a fully gold model. The Explorer is an out and out 'tool watch' and there's plenty of other Rolex models to 'bling up' and mess about with. Leave the Explorer pure as it is!

Finally, I was recently playing with the idea of purchasing a white dial 'homage-ish' model (perhaps one of Eddie Platt's Smiths or an Armida) to scratch my Explorer itch. Thinking it was sort of an original concept (and affordable), and that there were no white dialled Explorers, I guess this blows that idea to bits.

[sakurikala]

Thanks, awesome video! Still, I think it would have been good to go through more of the history of the watch, like why and for what purpose the Explorer was made. In addition, it would have been good to go through the bracelets as well.

[c-cg]

Easily my favourite Rolex model, flawless.

[spencerjohnson]

Rolex please bring back the vintage numeral font. We’ve had enough of the kinds of font you see littered in a sporting goods store or something.

[jojena_imm]

I am total watch video nerd but this series tops it. 👏ALL existing formats.

[TimepieceTherapy]

The Rolex Explorer is beautiful ! Glad to see the 36mm return :):)!!!

[calmmusicstudio]

Finally another reference points . But we still need more

[TwentyOne_Five]

Just picked up my 124270. Made my wife watch this video. For the first time she really “got it” about iconic pieces like the Explorer.