The Rolex Explorer has come to embody what many see as the ideal one nice watch to own. Its simplicity and classic design allow it to go anywhere, not only far-off mountaintops. And the reference 1016 in particular, which spanned an incredible 29 years of production, from 1960 to 1989, has come to be seen by many as an ideal vintage watch for daily wear. With its subtle 36mm size, no-date simplicity, and crisp black dial – whether gilt or matte – it’s the sport Rolex that doesn’t turn heads – the anti-hype Rolex, if you will. The “if you know, you know” Rolex.
For the full story, go to: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-explorer-reference-points
Follow HODINKEE: https://www.instagram.com/hodinkee/
See more videos on our site: https://www.hodinkee.com/videos
Download our podcasts: https://www.hodinkee.com/podcasts
Shop for new watches and accessories: https://shop.hodinkee.com
Shop for vintage watches: https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/vintage-watches
And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Thank you!
source
35 comments
Very interesting to see. The current model has identical measurements to an AirKing from the 80s, so the 19mm lugs and the taper to 14mm are tried and tested. Even more controversial than the two tone might be the 40, which is a real giant.
The Explorer is easily the one Rolex that remains true to its origins, without being Rolexified beyond the ridiculous two-tone idea. Always a great little watch.
Amazing
Lol the final prediction of 36mm for some time, didn’t age well… we’ve gone up to 40mm in the next iteration of the explorer, after this video came out!
Very good ..I own a 39, on my 7” wrist it looks great …36 is just a touch too small for me …
Thank you gentlemen for such knowledge!
Coming back to this video – it was a good call about bringing a "41mm" version… wasn't far off… we have a 40mm now lol
One small nitpick about this video is that the model line is called the 'Explorer', not the 'Explorer 1'. Many people add the '1' to diferentiate it from the 'Explorer II', but it was never officially called that.
I appreciate how each Explorer is given its own moment in the spotlight.
2 tone explorer is like putting $10,000 dollar rims on a work truck. 😂. Rolex needs to fire their entire design team.
Hi guys, thank you for this wonderful video, pardon my question, my 14270 (year 1992) bracelet is too loose and I’m thinking of getting a new bracelet for it , can a 214270 bracelet fit a drilled 14270 given both lugs size are 20mm?
The caramel dial looks the best.
I am total watch video nerd but this series tops it. 👏ALL existing formats.
This is an epic video for the greatest Rolex of all times!
The 1016 with the Tiffany print is the business
The earliest versions were the best looking…just classic.
Question: Was there a Rolex Explorer with a Dk Blue Dial after 2000 ?
I'd like to see a full gold explorer.
I think it’s worth mentioning that another difference between the 14270 and the 114270, aside from the luminous material, is that the latter comes with a solid endlink bracelet. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Thanks for the education!
Not a fan of the two tone, but would welcome a 36mm full yellow gold model.
Either way , love the 36mm explorers, what a gorgeous collection. Glad it hasn’t been inflated by the public yet.
"Explorer 1" …
You guys sound SOOO LAME 🤣. So dry
Its just show off flexing in modest way
Just picked up my 124270. Made my wife watch this video. For the first time she really “got it” about iconic pieces like the Explorer.
Any idea what watch Eric is wearing in the video?
Now I know that I only know 14270 and after
Please do this for OP’s!
I bet all the watches on that table are over $1,000 dollars. Definitely more than $800 dollars.
How about a reference points episode that ISN’T Rolex. Try a TAG, AP, Breitling, even a Hamilton staple would be good. Enough w the Rolex.
Very interestig!
almost fell asleep listening to the guy on the right… supremely monotonous voice
I really hope Hodinkee starts doing more reference points. I would love to see a Royal Oak episode, a Nautilus episode, and a Big Pilot episode.
My mum left me a couple of diamonds rings and I’m in the process of selling them and then plan to buy a watch to remember her by. I don’t currently own a watch and have never owned an expensive one but The explorer is the one I’m drawn to.
This might be the most incredible series I have ever seen. Amazing.
These guys look like brothers!!
Comments are closed.