 Rolex Explorer ref. 14270, produced from 1989 to 2001. | |
| Manufacturer | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic |
| Display | Analogue |
| Introduced | 1953 |
The Rolex Explorer is a line of sports watches manufactured by Rolex, introduced in 1953. It is self-winding, water-resistant and was originally designed as a tool watch to aid mountaineers.
History
By 1953, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual had gained a reputation as a reliable, rugged wristwatch which offered water-resistance and an automatic, self-winding movement. Rolex were also actively engaged in sponsoring athletes and adventurers such as Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English channel, and Sir Malcolm Campbell, who broke the land speed record.12
That year, the company sponsored the Everest expedition by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, which included the provision of a Rolex watch to be worn and returned for testing, with the goal of creating the 'ultimate mountaineer's tool watch', capable of surviving both low-pressure altitude and low temperatures.32
The two climbers became the first people to stand at the summit of Mount Everest, and the expedition gained attention as the first successful ascent of Mount Everest.4 Later that year, Rolex formally introduced the Explorer, the reference 6350 which featured the moniker 'Explorer' on the dial.5
Variants
To commemorate Project Mercury, the Rolex released a limited edition of the watch, replacing 'Explorer' on the dial with 'Space Dweller' as Japan-only model.6
In 1971, Rolex introduced a variant of the Explorer, the Explorer II, which featured a fixed 24-hour bezel, and independent 24-hour hand to aid cave explorers in distinguishing between day and night.2
For the first time, in 2010, Rolex increased the diameter of the Explorer case to 39mm. This model was produced until 2021, at which point Rolex re-introduced the 36mm model, alongside a bimetal variation.78 Since 2023, Rolex has offered the watch in both 36mm and 40mm variations.7
Notable wearers
The author of the James Bond series, Ian Fleming, wore a ref. 1016. The watch was exhibited in 2010.9
References
References
- Salter, Colin (2025-05-06). Iconic Watches: & Their Incredible Stories. Ivy Press. ISBN 978-1-83600-280-2.
- White, Colin A. (2020-05-01). The Vintage Rolex Field Manual Chevalier Digital Edition: The Essential Collectors Reference. MORNINGTUNDRA. ISBN 978-0-578-63089-2.
- "Found: The Rolex Sir Edmund Hillary Wore To The Peak Of Mount Everest (Live Pics & Details)". Hodinkee. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- "Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay - 1953 Everest". Adventure. 2013-03-03. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- "Reference Points: A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer I". Hodinkee. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- Hailwood, Adrian (2020-09-08). "The Rolex 'Space-Dweller' is a super-rare watch with a fascinating story". British GQ. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- "Hands-On: Rolex Sizes Up A Classic (Again) With The New 40mm Explorer". Hodinkee. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- Adams, Ariel. "Hands-On With The New Rolex Explorer 36mm 124270 & 124273 Watches | aBlogtoWatch". www.ablogtowatch.com. Archived from the original on 2026-02-26. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- Broer, Robert-Jan (2010-09-03). "Ian Fleming's Rolex Explorer Ticking During Its Exhibit!". Fratello Watches - The Magazine Dedicated To Luxury Watches. Retrieved 2026-06-15.