From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight On: The Rolex Explorer.
And the famous men who wear it.
Initially created as a prototype for Himalayan expeditions, the original Rolex Explorer accompanied
the pioneering ascent to Mt. Everest.
It has since become an icon of robustness.
No other watch in the Rolex line has been to as many extreme places, and witness to
as many adventures around the globe.
No wonder then, that the Explorer has become the watch for adventurers of life.
We give you some influential men who love the Rolex Explorer.
Let’s start with the Rolex Explorer reference 1016 – as seen on Matt Damon, Orlando Bloom
and John Mayer.
Launched in 1953, it enjoyed a very long production until 1989.
As expected with vintage Rolex models, the early versions of the 1016 featured glossy
dials and gilt details.
Of course, it also has the iconic dial layout with oversized 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, alongside
the stick hour makers and inverted triangle at 12 o’clock.
A true mark of the Explorer’s DNA.
The well-proportioned dial is still a hallmark of today’s modern Rolex Explorer, reference
214270.
Actor Tom Hanks and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz are fans of the no frills timepiece.
First unveiled in 2010, the 214270 ushered in a 39 millimeter case, instead of the traditional
36 millimeters.
The characteristic 3-6-9 Arabic numerals were also no longer luminous, but crafted entirely
from 18k white gold.
These details, along with the symmetry of the Rolex Explorer’s design, make it undeniably
modern and sleek, and easily pairable with any ensemble.
No wonder it’s the choice of busy men like Howard and Tom!
Now, let’s go to the Rolex Explorer II.
Its very first iteration, the reference 1655, has fans in Adam Levine, Orlando Bloom and
Jason Statham.
Instead of replacing the Rolex Explorer, Rolex came up with the Explorer II in 1971.
The new model was offered alongside the traditional model, and came with new features: a fixed
bezel with 24 hour markings, and a 24-hour hand as a day & night indicator.
These features, along with a date complication, were specifically made for speleologists,
or people who need to work for long periods in low-light conditions.
They also give the watch a distinct look, that makes it highly collectable.
And finally, we have the latest edition of the Rolex Explorer II, reference 216570.
It is seen here on Prince Harry, who wore it all throughout his military immersion.
With a 42 millimeter case, larger Chromalight-coated markers and hands, plus the 24-hour orange
hand, the watch offers excellent legibility.
It also allows the wearer to keep track of time in two different time zones, or simply
know whether its day or night.
The 216570 runs on calibre 3187, which has Paraflex shock absorbers – offering greater
resistance to shocks and extreme conditions.
All these features combined, make the 216570 truly live up to the Rolex Explorer’s reputation
as an adventure watch.
The Rolex Explorer I and II remain two of the most durable and practical watches – both
for expeditions, and even for everyday wear.
Which one is your favorite?
Tell us in the comments section.