Description

Today's Explorer can trace its roots back to 1953 with a ground-breaking expedition to the world's highest peak. These earliest Explorer models were provided by Rolex for testing on the expedition that saw Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquer Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953. The "Explorer" branding was registered in Geneva earlier that same year and the watches were prototyped specifically for this Summit bid.

The Explorer has been in production since 1953. Updated in 2016, the modern 214270 Explorer is 39mm with an Oystersteel case and a black dial, the recognizable 3, 6, 9 markers (now with lume in them) and a refreshed handset that is both longer and a bit thicker. All of the lume is Rolex's proprietary Chromalight and it glows blue when things get dark.

The 214270 Explorer uses the brand's caliber 3132, an automatically wound movement that ticks at 4Hz, sports a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, and a power reserve of 48 hours. Accuracy is also assured, with the 3132 earning a COSC certificate long before it reaches your wrist.