Rolex

1995 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 14270)

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The Rolex Explorer 1 ref. 14270 was introduced by Rolex in 1989 as the successor to the ref. 1016. The Rolex Explorer 1 ref. 1016 was in production for 27 years and saw only minor updates to the dial and bracelet, the Ref. 1016 largely remained unchanged throughout its 27 years of production. The ref. 14270, however, was a massive technical update to the Explorer 1. The ref. 14270 received a more modern sapphire crystal, a new, faster-beating Rolex Cal. 1570, and then the Cal. 3000 movements. The updates also featured a more modern solid link bracelet with the later era bracelets receiving a smaller flip-lock clasp, and the most notable difference and update from a design visual perspective is a lacquered dial with applied white gold indices that were filled with tritium luminous material and then later with luminova. The Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 has quickly generated a cult-like following, especially the earlier examples that possess tritium-filled markers and hands.

The Rolex Explorer I references bridge the gap between a dress watch and a sports watch. Without the crown guards and rotating bezels commonly found on sports models offered by Rolex, the Explorer I has a cleaner, sleeker profile while incorporating recognizable sports model features into the dial. The highly visible block indices, numerals at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions, and Submariner style triangle at the 12 o'clock position allow for readability under any conditions. The Submariner hands featured on the ref. 14270 adds to the unique feel and appearance. The Rolex explorer blends the classic and timeless look of a 36mm Rolex Oyster style watch while offering a ruggedness and utilitarian feel that can be worn in the most formal and or casual settings.

Stock # RLXEXP14270-18
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer I
Model 14270
Serial W5XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Glossy Black 3-6-9 Dial
Millimeters 36
Bracelet Rolex Oyster 78360 Bracelet w/ 558B End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The thick "no-holes" case is in great overall condition and appears to have been gently polished in the past, showing honest signs of use with more notable wear present on the 9 o'clock side of the case. The smooth stainless steel bezel is in excellent condition showing minimal signs of use. The case back is also in superb condition as it retains crisp geometry. The original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 558B end pieces retains 11 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The glossy black Explorer dial with white gold surround markers is in lovely vintage condition overall, showing a subtle texture and some minor spots of age that are only noticeable in direct light at certain angles. The tritium lume is a bright eggshell color with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection. the original tritium hands are bright white, under U.V. light inspection the minute hand exhibits some lume loss and remains stable, the hour and sweep-seconds hands exhibit very subtle fractures in the lume but no actual degradation and remain stable. 

ACCESSORIES 

None. 

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