The Rolex Explorer (39MM / 2016 Dial) 214270 is a remarkable watch that has garnered significant attention in the watch community. This review, conducted by Tim Mosso of WatchBox Reviews, provides an in-depth analysis of the timepiece, its specifications, and its features. The Rolex Explorer is encased in 39mm of stainless steel and features a black dial on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. With its sleek design and impressive specifications, this Rolex watch is a must-have for any watch enthusiast. For those interested in purchasing this watch or any other luxury timepiece, please contact tmosso@thewatchbox.com for pricing and availability.
Tim Mosso’s review highlights the unique aspects of the Rolex Explorer, such as its 39mm diameter, 11.2mm thickness, and 47.4mm lug-to-lug measurement. The timepiece’s elegant design and versatile functionality make it suitable for both casual and formal wear. Additionally, the Rolex Explorer’s 904L steel construction ensures exceptional corrosion resistance, allowing it to withstand exposure to seawater without the need for rinsing. Ultimately, the Rolex Explorer (39MM / 2016 Dial) 214270 is a true testament to Rolex’s commitment to excellence, precision, and timeless design. To learn more about the watch and its features, please watch the full review by Tim Mosso on WatchBox Reviews or visit their website at www.thewatchbox.com.
Overview of the Rolex Explorer 214270
The Rolex Explorer 214270 is a renowned timepiece that embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. With its sleek and timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and robust capabilities, the Rolex Explorer has become a watch of choice for professional explorers and watch enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the design and specifications, movement and timekeeping, history and legacy, pros and cons, value and price, customer reviews and feedback, and comparison to other Rolex models of the Rolex Explorer 214270.
Design and Specifications
Case Dimensions
The Rolex Explorer 214270 features a round stainless steel case that measures 39mm in diameter, making it a versatile and suitable size for most wrist sizes. The case is sleek and robust, with a polished finish that gives it an elegant and sophisticated appearance. It is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring that the watch remains clear and free from any marks or blemishes. The case also features a screw-down crown, providing added security and protection against water intrusion.
Dial Design
The dial of the Rolex Explorer 214270 is a signature feature of this timepiece. It is known for its clean and minimalistic design, with large, easy-to-read hour markers and hands. The dial is usually black, creating a stark contrast with the white hour markers and hands, enhancing visibility in any lighting conditions. The hour markers and hands are coated with a luminescent material, ensuring legibility in dark environments. Overall, the dial design of the Rolex Explorer 214270 is simple yet iconic, contributing to its timeless appeal.
Bracelet
The Rolex Explorer 214270 is typically fitted with a stainless steel bracelet that complements the overall design of the watch. The bracelet features solid links that are durable and comfortable to wear. It is equipped with Rolex’s patented Easylink extension system, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet’s length by approximately 5mm, providing a perfect fit and added comfort. The bracelet also features Rolex’s Oysterlock clasp, which provides a secure and reliable closure.
Clasp
The clasp on the Rolex Explorer 214270 is a folding Oysterlock clasp with Rolex’s patented Easylink extension system. The folding Oysterlock clasp ensures that the watch remains securely fastened to the wrist, while the Easylink extension system allows for quick and easy adjustment of the bracelet’s length. This clasp design provides both comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear and outdoor activities.
Water Resistance
One of the notable features of the Rolex Explorer 214270 is its impressive water resistance. The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), thanks to its robust construction and the screw-down crown. This level of water resistance allows for worry-free wear during water-related activities such as swimming or snorkeling. However, it is important to note that the watch is not designed for deep-sea diving and should not be exposed to excessive water pressure.
Movement and Timekeeping
Rolex Caliber 3132
The Rolex Explorer 214270 is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3132, a self-winding mechanical movement that is solely developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex. The Caliber 3132 is known for its precision, reliability, and durability. It features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which provides increased resistance to magnetic fields and contributes to the watch’s overall accuracy.
Features
The Rolex Caliber 3132 offers several notable features, including a hacking seconds function, which allows for precise time-setting. This feature is particularly useful for synchronization purposes or for situations that require accurate timekeeping. The movement also features a bi-directional self-winding mechanism, ensuring that the watch remains powered while being worn.
Power Reserve
The Rolex Explorer 214270 has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours when fully wound. This means that if the watch is not worn for two consecutive days, it will continue to function accurately and maintain its timekeeping capabilities for this period. The power reserve is a practical feature, as it allows for the watch to be taken off for a short period without having to reset the time and date.
Accuracy
Rolex Explorer watches are known for their exceptional accuracy. The Rolex Caliber 3132 movement undergoes rigorous testing and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, ensuring that it meets Rolex’s strict standards for accuracy and precision. The watch is subjected to precision tests after being cased, guaranteeing a deviation of just -2/+2 seconds per day, which exceeds the requirements for official chronometer certification. This level of accuracy is testament to the high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that Rolex is known for.
Rolex Explorer’s History and Legacy
The Original Explorer
The Rolex Explorer was first introduced in 1953, in response to the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The original Explorer watch, known as the Rolex Reference 6350, was designed to withstand extreme conditions and provide reliable timekeeping for explorers and mountaineers. It featured a highly legible dial with large Arabic numerals and distinctive luminescent hour markers. The original Explorer set the foundation for the subsequent models and established the watch as an iconic timepiece associated with adventure and exploration.
Rolex and Exploration
Rolex has a long-standing association with exploration and has supported numerous expeditions and adventurers throughout its history. From the first successful ascent of Mount Everest to the groundbreaking exploration of the deep sea, Rolex has been a trusted companion for those pushing the boundaries of human achievement. The Rolex Explorer, with its robust construction and reliable timekeeping capabilities, has been favored by explorers, mountaineers, and adventurers worldwide, cementing its reputation as a watch for those who dare to explore new frontiers.
Iconic Expeditions
Over the years, the Rolex Explorer has accompanied adventurers on many iconic expeditions, serving as a reliable and invaluable tool in extreme conditions. One notable expedition was the Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Vivian Fuchs and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1957-1958. The team successfully traversed the Antarctic continent, relying on their Rolex Explorer watches for accurate timekeeping and navigation. This feat demonstrated the durability and reliability of the Rolex Explorer in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Timeless and iconic design
- Exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Robust and durable construction
- Excellent water resistance
- Superlative accuracy and precision
- Versatile size suitable for most wrist sizes
- Comfortable bracelet with Easylink extension system
- Hacking seconds function for precise time-setting
- Reliable power reserve of approximately 48 hours
Cons
- Relatively high price point compared to other watches
- Limited availability and waiting lists for certain models
- Lack of additional complications, such as a date function or chronograph
Value and Price
Pricing and Availability
The Rolex Explorer 214270 is a luxury timepiece that comes with a corresponding price tag. The exact price can vary depending on factors such as the retailer, location, and fluctuations in the market. As with other Rolex watches, the demand for the Rolex Explorer often exceeds the supply, leading to waiting lists and limited availability. Potential buyers should be prepared for the possibility of having to wait or explore the secondary market to acquire this sought-after timepiece.
Resale Value
Rolex watches, including the Rolex Explorer 214270, are generally known for their strong resale value. The brand’s reputation, craftsmanship, and timeless design contribute to the desirability and demand for pre-owned Rolex watches. However, it is important to note that the resale value of any luxury watch can be influenced by various factors, such as the condition of the watch, the presence of original packaging and documentation, and market fluctuations. It is advisable to consult with reputable resellers or experts to get an accurate assessment of the potential resale value of a Rolex Explorer 214270.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Positive Reviews
Customers who have purchased the Rolex Explorer 214270 often praise its exceptional build quality, reliability, and timeless design. Many appreciate the ease of reading the dial and the luminescent features, which ensure legibility in various lighting conditions. The water resistance is another aspect that receives positive feedback, as it provides peace of mind when engaging in water-related activities. Customers also value the accuracy and precision of the movement, as well as the long power reserve that allows for flexibility in wearing the watch.
Negative Reviews
Some potential drawbacks mentioned by customers include the relatively high price point of the Rolex Explorer 214270 compared to other watches in its category. The limited availability and waiting lists for certain models can also be frustrating for those who are eager to acquire this timepiece. Additionally, some customers express a desire for additional complications, such as a date function or chronograph, which are not present in the Rolex Explorer 214270. However, these perceived negatives are often outweighed by the overall quality, durability, and heritage of the watch.
Comparison to Other Rolex Models
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer are both iconic timepieces from the Rolex lineup, albeit with different focuses. While the Submariner is a dive watch renowned for its water resistance and unidirectional rotating bezel, the Explorer is designed for exploration and offers a sleeker and more understated aesthetic. The Submariner features a date function, which is absent in most Explorer models. Ultimately, choosing between the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer depends on personal preferences and intended usage.
Rolex GMT-Master II
The Rolex GMT-Master II is another popular model that shares similarities with the Rolex Explorer 214270. Both watches offer excellent timekeeping capabilities and robustness. However, the GMT-Master II incorporates additional features, such as a GMT function and a bi-directional rotating bezel, allowing the wearer to track multiple time zones simultaneously. The Rolex Explorer, on the other hand, offers a simpler and more classic design without these additional complications. It ultimately comes down to individual preferences and requirements when deciding between the two.
Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona is a chronograph watch that differs significantly from the Rolex Explorer 214270 in terms of functionality and design. While the Explorer focuses on simplicity and reliability, the Daytona is a sporty and highly functional timepiece designed specifically for timing events and measuring speed with its chronograph features. The Daytona also features a tachymeter scale on the bezel and offers a wider range of dial options. Therefore, the choice between the Rolex Daytona and the Rolex Explorer depends on whether one seeks a chronograph or a versatile explorer’s watch.
Conclusion
The Rolex Explorer 214270 is a remarkable timepiece that embodies the spirit of exploration and adventure. With its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and robust capabilities, it continues to be a watch of choice for adventurers and watch aficionados around the world. From its durable and water-resistant case to its accurate and reliable movement, every aspect of the Rolex Explorer is thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted. While it may come with a higher price tag and limited availability, the value, legacy, and reliability of the Rolex Explorer 214270 make it a highly sought-after timepiece that will continue to be cherished by those who appreciate its enduring appeal.
