A brief history of the Rolex Explorer
Introduced in 1953, the Explorer was created for exploration and adventure. Rolex equipped climbers with the pre-explorer (aka bubble back) in an attempt to have the first wristwatch to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain above sea level. The Explorer has been tried and tested, and it is highly capable of withstanding harsh environments.
Why the Rolex Explorer is a must-have watch
The Rolex Explorer is a watch that truly features timeless elegance and lives up to the statement that less is more. Despite its similarity to other models, the Rolex Explorer is simply sophisticated, and here's why.
Firstly, the watch features the perfect blend of polished and brushed steel. Although Rolexes oyster steel is hard-wearing and highly corrosion-resistant, Rolex still treats it like a precious metal, and it goes to show with this model. The bracelet, case, and clasp all feature brushed steel with polished sides, which gives the watch a scratch-concealing surface while also providing a touch of shine. The bezel is also polished, and this helps the dial to stand out.
Secondly, the Explorer has a unique bezel; at first glance, this bezel may look domed. But it is not; it actually has a smooth bezel, similar to the now-discontinued milguass. The smooth bezel gives the watch a sharp and more sophisticated aesthetic
The Explorer features a black dial, which completes not only the look of the watch but also its functionality. The black dial provides a perfect contrast for lumens, allowing the wearer to read the time in the depths of the night, sky, or ocean.
Finally, you must have an explorer due to the tremendous value it represents; this can be seen by comparing the retail value to the current market value. The 40mm model has a retail price of £6,800 and a market value around the £7,750 mark. When you factor in supply and demand and compare this to their models, this stainless steel watch is only inflated a small amount.
The current configuration of the Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer currently comes in different three configurations. You are presented with two different case sizes to choose from, either a humble and classic 36mm or a popular and preferred 40mm. The 36 model has a bimetal option, which was introduced in 2021, and it allows you to add an additional hint of spark and luxury to an already highly capable watch with the addition of polished yellow gold centre links and bezel.
What is the Rolex Explorer II
The Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971 and stands out with its 24-hour bezel, large 42mm case size, and date feature. This watch makes for a perfect everyday watch but was originally made for polar explorers. The Explorer II is built to resist the hardest of conditions. The 24-hour bezel allows the wearer to differentiate between night and day in polar environments, where there is daylight for six months of the year and none for the other. (hence the black or white dial.) The Explorer II comes with a choice of two dials, black or white. The Rolex Explorer II is a tool watch and can only be configured in 904l Oystersteel, accompanied by an Oyster 3 link bracelet.
Buy, sell or trade a Rolex Explorer.
If you are interested in purchasing an Explorer and don't want to wait on the waiting list, get in touch today. We always stock a range of Explorers available for viewing and purchase at our Hatton Garden, Central London location. If we do not have the specific model you are looking for, get in touch, and we can help source a vintage, rare or out-of-stock model with our well-trusted, sophisticated network.
If you want to sell your Rolex Explorer, it's going to be hard to sell, given it's such a beautiful watch. However, we make it easier to part with your timepiece at LBJ Watches by offering same-day quotes, fair market value and instant payment via bank transfer.
What are your thoughts on the Rolex Explorer?
Leave a comment