The Watch
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The Rolex Explorer was launched in 1953, based around another iconic Rolex model, the ‘Bubbleback’.
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The tough and robust reputation of these watches made them the perfect ‘tool’ to use when Rolex began developing the Explorer. Prototypes began field testing by mountaineers in 1952, where the watch would accompany the wearer to the limits of their own capabilities. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay wore one of these prototype’s when making the first successful ascent of Mount Everest on the 29th May 1953 proof, if needed, that this new addition to the Rolex family fulfilled its brief as a true explorer’s watch.
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Fast forward to 1989, Rolex released the ref.14270, replacing the long serving ref.1610. Launched at the Basel World Fair, the 14270 now boasted more legible dial complete with applied white gold indices, sapphire crystal, a highly reliable caliber 3000 movement, and an updated Oyster bracelet with hollow end links.
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Earlier examples of the 14270 are extremely sought after due to the presence of Tritium on the Dial, at some stage in 1998, this reference was fitted with LumiNova which does not age the same as Tritium and will remain a stark white forever. This guy dates from 1995 and was fitted with a Tritium Dial, so sit back and enjoy the Dial aging the same as a Vintage Watch should.
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The Ref.14270 is an heir to some of the richest history of the watch world, it’s the kind of watch you can wear, trust, rough up and always know that one day, your son or daughter will do the same.
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View this Explorer in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: 1995.
Reference: 14270.
Serial Number: WXXXXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Seconds.
Calibre: 3000.
Timekeeping: Excellent.
Service History: Unknown.
Dial: Original Rolex Tritium Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel
Case Size: 36mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: Rated 100m. Not tested.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original Sapphire Crystal.
Crown: Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex Oyster 93150. Clasp code R dating to 1993, perfectly fine for these models. Fits up to approx 7.5in Wrist, with no spare links.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original Sapphire Crystal.
Crown: Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex Oyster 93150. Clasp code R dating to 1993, perfectly fine for these models. Fits up to approx 7.5in Wrist, with no spare links.
Lug Width: 20mm
Box and Papers: No.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Made for Adventure.
- Remnants of Original Sticker to the Back.
- Absolutely Superb Condition.
- Tritium Dial.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Very minor marks and scratches to the Case.
Nitty Gritty:
-Very minor marks and scratches to the Case.
Overall the Explorer I is in excellent condition.
The Case and Bracelet are in excellent order.
I cannot guarantee Water Resistance.
The Crown is Original.
Crystal in great order.
The Dial is in fantastic condition.
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Fantastic Rolex Investment.
Fantastic Rolex Investment.