Rolex Explorer Review: A Complete Evolution of The New 36mm and Old | Bob's Watch Talk Ep. 6

Welcome back to another installment of Watch Talk! This week, we’re discussing an impressive collection of Explorer watches. Shop pre-owned watches here: https://www.bobswatches.com/luxury-watches/

The Explorer joined the Rolex catalog in the 1950s, shortly after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first men to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. Since that time, the iconic mountaineer’s tool watch has become a cult favorite, both for its modest design and attractive price point.

Like other professional series Rolex watches, the Explorer features a waterproof Oyster case and a Perpetual movement. What sets its apart from many models in the brand’s portfolio is the time-only dial and smooth bezel instead of a rotatable bezel like the GMT Master II or Submariner.
The watch has adhered to a simple design code for decades, featuring a 36mm case, a time-only dial, and an all-steel finish. That all changed in recent years. Join us today as we dive deeper into the intriguing watch’s evolution and show off some truly exceptional Explorer watches that are in stock and ready to purchase now.

Explorer 36mm ref. 114270: 2001 - 2010
Reference 114270 was the last iteration of the 36mm Explorer, produced from 2001 to 2010 before being discontinued and replaced with the 39mm edition. Of course, that all changed in 2021 when Rolex re-introduced the beloved 36mm Explorer. Reference 114270 has remained the grail watch of many for the past decade, just for its classic case size alone.
Side-by-side, ref. 114270 closely resembles its predecessor, ref. 14270, with the biggest difference between the two watches being the movement that beats within the case - the 6-digit reference runs on the cal. 3130 Perpetual movement. Both feature a sapphire crystal over the dial, a smooth bezel, and the iconic 3/6/9 dial configuration.

Explorer 39mm ref. 214270: 2010 – 2021
Reference 214270 was the first Explorer to feature a larger case size, measuring 39mm in diameter. While this was an exciting addition to the brand’s catalog, many were left a bit disappointed by the design of the dial, which almost appeared to be an oversight by Rolex. Early examples featured white gold Arabic numerals and Mercedes hands that almost seemed too short for the larger case size. This dial option is referred to by loyal Rolex fans as the Mark I, or MKI, dial.
In 2016, Rolex revamped the dial to feature longer hands and fully lumed Arabic numerals to match the baton hour markers. This dial option was given the name Mark II or MKII. Aside from the dial, reference 214270 also features a newer movement in the form of the cal. 3132, complete with Rolex’s high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers.

Explorer 36mm ref. 124270: 2021
That brings us to 2021 and the brand new Explorer lineup. As we already mentioned, the fan-favorite 36mm Oyster case is back in its purest form, featuring an all-steel finish, an Oyster bracelet, and a classic Arabic and baton dial. It also features quite a few upgrades that set it apart from its 36mm predecessor, ref. 114270.
To start, the hour markers are noticeably larger on the 2021 edition. The space between the lugs has also changed with ref. 114270 featuring 20mm between lugs and the newer-model ref. 124270 measuring 19mm between the lugs. This change affects the bracelet, with links that taper away more dramatically from the narrower lugs.
Inside the watch, the Explorer ref. 124270 utilizes Rolex’s newest time-only movement – cal. 3230. It boasts an upgraded Chronergy escapement, a longer 70-hour power reserve, and an accuracy of up to -2/+2 seconds per day.

Explorer 36mm ref. 124273: 2021
For the first time in Rolex history, the Explorer is offered in a metal finish other than stainless steel. The brand’s proprietary two-tone finish – patented “Yellow Rolesor” – pairs 904L-grade Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold. It steps into the realm of precious metal without offering an all-gold watch outright, which also honors the Explorer’s roots as a tough, ready-for-anything mountaineer’s tool watch. On the other hand, it also brings a level of versatility to the collection for anyone who loves the Explorer’s simplicity and craves a slightly flashier watch.
Which Explorer featured in this video is your favorite? Do you prefer traditional all-steel, or is the newer Yellow Rolesor option a refreshing addition? Does 36mm or 39mm appeal to you more? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Видео Rolex Explorer Review: A Complete Evolution of The New 36mm and Old | Bob's Watch Talk Ep. 6 канала Bob's Watches - Buy & Sell Rolex