The finest rolex of them all. When it goes out of production everyone wants it. who the hell wants a rolex Submariner in steel. you see them everywhere. This two tone explorer is class.😎
I think the two-tone is an absolutely beautiful watch, and a smart move by Rolex. After all, who is mountaineering with these watches? They're luxury products, and the two-tone really captures that without being too flashy. And, despite the criticism, I predict that these watches are going to be super hot before long and increase greatly in value. Once again, Rolex has made a welcome incremental change to an already classic piece.
I agree that this is tremendous value for money. I like that two tone beauty. Definitely not obnoxious. The three Rolex timepieces I have sights on: OP, DateJust, and Explorer.
The perfect watch to explore nightclubs while shouting at every other patron to “MIND THE WATCH”, before rushing into the toilets to check if the delicate bezel was scratched.
You nailed this. The gold is actually very subtle and makes it all more beautiful imo. The gold adds another layer of depth to it which really works on it. A future underrated classic for sure for those who get it, metaphorically speaking.
Hmm....I think the gold contradicts the character of the watch. The explorer is supposed to be a subtle watch...but the gold kind of goes against that and attracts attention I think. Each to their own.....its not for me - the SS is great
yeah nawh i mean to be fair its the same concept that we dont need ceramic bezels and white gold rimmed indices for submariners either, watches have really transcended their actual tool function and are just really an extension of the self. Don't get me wrong you're absolutely right that the explorer is supposed to be a subtle watch designed for functionality, my point is that what is supposed to be is no longer needed in our day and age and thus the two tone.
I picked up one in a trade. Absolutely stunning watch. I've always been a fan of two-tone Datejusts with a smooth bezel and oyster bracelet, but without a date, this watch is so clean. It's my daily wearer. Not that impressed with the movement though as it's -6/day in every position.
Thank you for the video it really helped open my eyes to this beauty. Now I can happily say I am an owner of this watch and I LOVE IT! Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys two tone watches
I think this is a good move by Rolex, introducing two-tone version in addition to the SS. This will attract new fans while still keep the old one who love the steel Explorer.
The best way to describe Rolex’s strategy over the last few years is “something for everyone.” There are probably people out there that wanted this two tone and even a full precious Explorer. Watch nerds complaining about it are essentially saying “that person shouldn’t be allowed to have what they want.” Which is obviously nonsensical.
The Explorer is my favorite watch but I just can't get onboard with the two tone version. It's a great size and the gold is actually pretty subtle in person (especially in bright light), but the full SS version is definitely the way to go.
It’s eye catching but not ostentatious,for me personally this two tone explorer is my favourite Rolex of them all,beautiful but still goes under the radar.
Got several two tones, Sub Blue, Daytona blue, Rootbeer and Sky Dweller champagne. They all scratched very easily. Be careful when wearing them. Looking at this 2023 Explorer two tone a reseller selling for $500 less than RRP
Nice one, I’m actually considering one. Do you find it works as an everyday versatile watch (both office and casual wear)and I know the gold is softer than steel and therefore scratch easier but does it get dings and dents on the gold parts easily ?
@@rezar6894 to be honest it’s a well made watch . It’s difficult for me to compare as Rolex are the only metal strap watches I own and wear( I am a leather strap guy 😅) . It’s does get a few fine scratches but it looks lovely despite . The shine is amazing and the contrast of the black dial is fabulous. Since it’s a special occasion watch for me I don’t mind a few scratches but it’s quite versatile goes well with anything. Gold parts are its highlights the good thing is one can pair it with both steel and gold accessories and it does not look odd . For e.g steel buckle belt and white tone ring or a gold ring with golden or bronze coloured buckle all go well for me that is versatile 😅
@@suds782 - thanks for sharing your thoughts, very helpful. Do you think it could be suitable for a versatile and robust everyday watch if someone wanted to wear it everyday (office and casually) ? I wouldn’t wear it for things like sports, gardening or when doing any such activities but would look to wear it at all other times throughout the day..everyday. My steel Daytona has held out fine but if any once I get the two tone Explorer, would look to wear that daily…. Would you say the gold parts has got much more fine scratches than the steel parts?
@@rezar6894 I own the two-tone Exp as well and I think it could absolutely be a daily watch if you don’t mind the occasional scratches on the gold. If you do mind it, you should stick to SS because this will scratch over time. I also have a two-tone 2021 Sub and have had it longer than the Exp, and while both have scratches, they’re predominantly on the clasp at this point and not bad. I have six luxury watches with this being my only 36mm and I find myself gravitating to wearing it the most right now, even over my Sub.
@@iceman21542 thanks for the response, appreciate the info. So I guess the gold parts doesn’t scratch too much more than a steel part would and you think the two tone can be versatile even with very casual attire, like jeans and a shirt? Do you wear your SS Explorer or two tone Explorer the most ? I guess they are more comfortable than the Submariner given the 36mm size. Lastly, given it’s a simple dial do you ever look at it and think it’s too simple? Sorry for all the questions, I am completely torn between the two Explorers and the steel Submariner. Appreciate all the help
I love the simplicity of the stainless steel model. It's the only Rolex I really want. That said if Rolex are giving these away I will begrudgingly accept.
Great seeing Stephen back for "A Week on the Wrist." I like Stephen's vintage Explorer and the previous 39mm model the best. I'm in the camp that this precious 36mm, two-tone has totally 'Jumped the Shark' for Rolex and completes its final tradition from the former maker of tool watches to an inflated cost, fashion brand.
AD texted me Rolex explorer gold two tone $11150 and Rolex submariner no date $8950 both is available. Which one do you guys is good buy? Or good for investment future?
Looking again at this...I have a 1016 bought new in in the 90's ...I like everything about the 124270 except i felt the 3,6,9 were TOO LARGE...the most important part of the watch are the hands...on the 1016 they are the first things you see and that's why its one of the most legible watches out there ...on the 124470 the numerals were distracting (let me prefis this by stating i wear the 1016 pretty much 24/7 doing all activities so ie use it as it was meant to be worn) .... so looking again at the two-tone Explorer the gold surrounds make the indices and specifically the numerals see not as large ....hmmmmm ... do you find this??
I think this model seems the better than a silver and an all gold watch, because a combination looks match for every fashion style. If I wear an all gold watch, I hope wear gold accessories even a belt buckle, a zip fastener. 14273? of course, that is very nice, I wear 14273 for 20years, but some gold looks the best choice for over 40 age person.
Better to have kept the 39 and introduced the 36 rather than waste time on two tone gold. If you want gold then get a gold watch. Gutted they stopped the 39mm.
The Explorer for me was the last of the "Originals", until this incarnation! Doesn't do it for me and 36mm is far too small those of us with the larger wrist. 39mm all the way, but still a beautiful timepiece.
Original 36 mm Rolex Explorer sportswatches don't need marketing 🧐 as it was worn by people such as British author of the James Bond novels Ian Fleming, British independant watchmaker Roger W Smith and word famous award-winning British zoologist/broadcaster Sir David Attenborough !
Great review Stephen! My favorite watch in my favorite city (Santa Monica). I own the new 36mm steel version and should be getting the two tone soon. I can't wait to get it. Such a cool watch. Thanks for the well done review and video.
I can't understand why people are having fits about the gold. There are historical examples of "Explorer" marked dials being available in two tone after all. I think this piece looks great and would happily own and wear it. The only problem is that it is essentially unavailable from ADs and selling for a 40-50% premium on the grey market. Given that, one might as well just buy a grey market two tone 36mm Datejust (or even one from an AD with a bit of negotiating). Doing so saves the buyer about $4500 vs. buying the two tone Explorer.
No the two-tone does not do anything for this watch or the lighting that was used is too bright to even see the difference. Maybe it could be more noticeable at night or something I hope the price is not much more than the regular steel one?
We’ve got to stop these apologetic comments around the price. Compare it to other models, other brands etc. but don’t keep repeating how these watches are still a lot of money for a watch, if that was the truth of it we’d be sticking with the £25 quartz.
@@octoyurabamahry2190 the two tone Daytona is still unwanted. They have only become “desirable” recently because the price of the SS models has skyrocketed. Gold never makes sense on a sports watch
@@Anonymouslyme1 just curious… how do you know the margins on both models?? Also, if you think that Rolex “don’t care” about the second hand value of their watches, then you clearly just don’t understand the industry
@@whereRbearsTeeth because I’m a Rolex collector and follower, I’ve read in many places they add on an extra £2k profit for two tone models, that’s why they restrict the supply of stainless watches. That’s their business model, force people to buy more precious metal watches so they can maximise profits as they can only make so many watches a year.
I think that Rolex might discontinue the two tone Explorer 1 in a year or so and then introduce a 41mm all steel Explorer. I think having the option of a 36mm or 41mm Explorer 1 will really play well with the market. It works so well for Rolex in the OP and DateJust line-up, it's hard to see why they wouldn't offer this in the Explorer range. But then again it's Rolex...they might introduce a left-handed Explorer 1 next year instead 😂
I hate Rolex so much. It’s like they’re just trolling their fans. They constantly push out stupid version of established lines like this or palm fronds. NOBODY WANTS TWO TONE WATCHES!
I actually like this piece, but Hodinkee, at least attempt to be objective here - it’s a Rolex, it does not need you to hype it. Plus clearly factually incorrect statements here… “introduction of gold does not make it any less hard wearing…” i mean that’s just not factual, not to mention the polished center links… again I like this was, but let’s call spades spades as well
I still dont get why someone would pay thousands more for a Explorer when the oyster perpetual is literally the same thing with minor differences. Getting the Explorer II however makes sense.
Love this watch, although I must say, these “reviews” have just become long-form commercials… would love to see more honest critiques.
I thought the same. But maybe we're looking for bad things about it that arr simply not there?
@@marck5893 there are definitely flaws. A tool watch with soft gold on the outside for example
Not a single flaw… he must think it’s perfect??? It’s not a review at all.
Are they being paid? If not, then it's not a commercial. Come on.. You don't like does not mean the whole world thinks like you
Ever thought Rolexes are just good?
It honestly looks a lot better on wrist with a good outfit than it does in pictures on display
I’ve seen this in person next to the all steel Explorer. It is absolutely stunning.
The finest rolex of them all. When it goes out of production everyone wants it. who the hell wants a rolex Submariner in steel. you see them everywhere. This two tone explorer is class.😎
can't believe I watched 2 ads just so I can watch another 5 minute ad.
Not an explorer guy but the two tone is frickin gorgeous
Exactly a year after the video, I got the watch from AD, dated 30 Sep 2022. Good things come to those who wait!
This watch really pops in person. It's NOT your grandma's 2-tone Datejust.
Re-upload??? 🤔
I was hoping for a Leica reference at some stage. Disappointed.
Indulgent but not obnoxious nail on the head
Best looking Rolex watch ever
I think the two-tone is an absolutely beautiful watch, and a smart move by Rolex. After all, who is mountaineering with these watches? They're luxury products, and the two-tone really captures that without being too flashy. And, despite the criticism, I predict that these watches are going to be super hot before long and increase greatly in value. Once again, Rolex has made a welcome incremental change to an already classic piece.
Can see your point. Reversos, traditionally worn playing polo, can now be considered a dress watch.
Then again, I got married in a Breitling, so 🤷🏼♂️
I honestly think a gold only rolex is LESS flashy then a twotone. Sure a Red mustang is flashy, but a red mustang with racing stripes?
a solid gold explorer would be incredible
Yeah, not digging that at all.
I agree that this is tremendous value for money. I like that two tone beauty. Definitely not obnoxious. The three Rolex timepieces I have sights on: OP, DateJust, and Explorer.
The perfect watch to explore nightclubs while shouting at every other patron to “MIND THE WATCH”, before rushing into the toilets to check if the delicate bezel was scratched.
You nailed this. The gold is actually very subtle and makes it all more beautiful imo. The gold adds another layer of depth to it which really works on it. A future underrated classic for sure for those who get it, metaphorically speaking.
Hmm....I think the gold contradicts the character of the watch. The explorer is supposed to be a subtle watch...but the gold kind of goes against that and attracts attention I think. Each to their own.....its not for me - the SS is great
yeah nawh i mean to be fair its the same concept that we dont need ceramic bezels and white gold rimmed indices for submariners either, watches have really transcended their actual tool function and are just really an extension of the self. Don't get me wrong you're absolutely right that the explorer is supposed to be a subtle watch designed for functionality, my point is that what is supposed to be is no longer needed in our day and age and thus the two tone.
Made a whole reddit rant on an r/rolex post saying the exact same thing you did and got downvoted to oblivion haha
I love the combination with black dial and two tone metal owning a 14270 from 1995 my brith year
I picked up one in a trade. Absolutely stunning watch. I've always been a fan of two-tone Datejusts with a smooth bezel and oyster bracelet, but without a date, this watch is so clean. It's my daily wearer. Not that impressed with the movement though as it's -6/day in every position.
Thank you for the video it really helped open my eyes to this beauty. Now I can happily say I am an owner of this watch and I LOVE IT! Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys two tone watches
A fully Gold one would look stunning
Good luck finding this watch. Every official retailer in LA gets me "Sorry, we don't have it. No, we can't order it either."
Finally I found one in Miami
Pay over retail but i love it
I think this is a good move by Rolex, introducing two-tone version in addition to the SS. This will attract new fans while still keep the old one who love the steel Explorer.
The best way to describe Rolex’s strategy over the last few years is “something for everyone.”
There are probably people out there that wanted this two tone and even a full precious Explorer. Watch nerds complaining about it are essentially saying “that person shouldn’t be allowed to have what they want.” Which is obviously nonsensical.
Didn’t understand it at first but love it now
I just bought one and love it
The Explorer is my favorite watch but I just can't get onboard with the two tone version. It's a great size and the gold is actually pretty subtle in person (especially in bright light), but the full SS version is definitely the way to go.
I have heard the same from a few people I know, but then as soon as they see it IRL their viewpoint changes
@@MiniForklift true.
It’s eye catching but not ostentatious,for me personally this two tone explorer is my favourite Rolex of them all,beautiful but still goes under the radar.
Weird Hodinkee just re-uploaded the video and removed all the prior comments
Own one , first had some doubt , few days later just couldn’t get off my wrist
Got one and its amazing! Conversation starter , usually around how understated it looks , subtle classyness .
Got several two tones, Sub Blue, Daytona blue, Rootbeer and Sky Dweller champagne. They all scratched very easily. Be careful when wearing them. Looking at this 2023 Explorer two tone a reseller selling for $500 less than RRP
Wasn't this uploaded like yesterday?
Yes, they corrected a mistake around the 1:00 mark where a 14270 was incorrectly labeled as a 114270.
@@tonyrinaldi6846 Right, thanks for the clarification!
This watch is the I worked in finance and am a Dad! The Silver Mercedes Benz equivalent nothing wrong with it just doesn't make you go "wow"
I have owned this two tone watch for few months now and it’s the only two tone and the only 36mm watch that looks good on my wrist
Nice one, I’m actually considering one. Do you find it works as an everyday versatile watch (both office and casual wear)and I know the gold is softer than steel and therefore scratch easier but does it get dings and dents on the gold parts easily ?
@@rezar6894 to be honest it’s a well made watch . It’s difficult for me to compare as Rolex are the only metal strap watches I own and wear( I am a leather strap guy 😅) . It’s does get a few fine scratches but it looks lovely despite . The shine is amazing and the contrast of the black dial is fabulous. Since it’s a special occasion watch for me I don’t mind a few scratches but it’s quite versatile goes well with anything.
Gold parts are its highlights the good thing is one can pair it with both steel and gold accessories and it does not look odd . For e.g steel buckle belt and white tone ring or a gold ring with golden or bronze coloured buckle all go well for me that is versatile 😅
@@suds782 - thanks for sharing your thoughts, very helpful. Do you think it could be suitable for a versatile and robust everyday watch if someone wanted to wear it everyday (office and casually) ? I wouldn’t wear it for things like sports, gardening or when doing any such activities but would look to wear it at all other times throughout the day..everyday. My steel Daytona has held out fine but if any once I get the two tone Explorer, would look to wear that daily….
Would you say the gold parts has got much more fine scratches than the steel parts?
@@rezar6894 I own the two-tone Exp as well and I think it could absolutely be a daily watch if you don’t mind the occasional scratches on the gold. If you do mind it, you should stick to SS because this will scratch over time. I also have a two-tone 2021 Sub and have had it longer than the Exp, and while both have scratches, they’re predominantly on the clasp at this point and not bad. I have six luxury watches with this being my only 36mm and I find myself gravitating to wearing it the most right now, even over my Sub.
@@iceman21542 thanks for the response, appreciate the info. So I guess the gold parts doesn’t scratch too much more than a steel part would and you think the two tone can be versatile even with very casual attire, like jeans and a shirt?
Do you wear your SS Explorer or two tone Explorer the most ? I guess they are more comfortable than the Submariner given the 36mm size.
Lastly, given it’s a simple dial do you ever look at it and think it’s too simple?
Sorry for all the questions, I am completely torn between the two Explorers and the steel Submariner. Appreciate all the help
I would like it all gold instead of two tone
I love the simplicity of the stainless steel model. It's the only Rolex I really want. That said if Rolex are giving these away I will begrudgingly accept.
Love your videos, but they all seem to be pretty biased.. I assume this is sponsored by Rolex?
I assumed all these week on the wrist videos are… kinda sponsored, no?
Deep blue dial could be the perfect combination whit this two tone watch.
What’s the point of producing this video if we can’t go into a shop and buy one.
What brand is that brown jacket
Lots of comment section hate in the original upload
Great seeing Stephen back for "A Week on the Wrist."
I like Stephen's vintage Explorer and the previous 39mm model the best. I'm in the camp that this precious 36mm, two-tone has totally 'Jumped the Shark' for Rolex and completes its final tradition from the former maker of tool watches to an inflated cost, fashion brand.
Love this.
This one flat out rules! Enough said,
That thing is gorgeous. Only thing i hate is that 19mm lug width
AD texted me Rolex explorer gold two tone $11150 and Rolex submariner no date $8950 both is available. Which one do you guys is good buy? Or good for investment future?
my dream watch.... one day I will be able to buy one :(
Looking again at this...I have a 1016 bought new in in the 90's ...I like everything about the 124270 except i felt the 3,6,9 were TOO LARGE...the most important part of the watch are the hands...on the 1016 they are the first things you see and that's why its one of the most legible watches out there ...on the 124470 the numerals were distracting (let me prefis this by stating i wear the 1016 pretty much 24/7 doing all activities so ie use it as it was meant to be worn) .... so looking again at the two-tone Explorer the gold surrounds make the indices and specifically the numerals see not as large ....hmmmmm ... do you find this??
Also i do wear the 1016 on a tropic band ... have you tried the 124273 on a leather, rubber or Nato strap?
Dejavu
I think this model seems the better than a silver and an all gold watch, because a combination looks match for every fashion style. If I wear an all gold watch, I hope wear gold accessories even a belt buckle, a zip fastener. 14273? of course, that is very nice, I wear 14273 for 20years, but some gold looks the best choice for over 40 age person.
Seeing Stephen in a new Hodinkee video is like seeing the ghost of editors past. It's welcome, but a bit eerie.
@Sean Martin Can’t take the guy at all. His voice reminds me Kermit the Frog.
I still hate it.
Man I’m going to miss Stephen so much, such a good guy.
Is he leaving Hodinkee?
I love the watch guys should I get this or the submariner?
Two tone is not my cup of tea for the explorer
Can't be swayed on this one. Ugly, like almost every bi-colour watch.
Guess too many people put bad comments and they had to wipe the slate clean?
Better to have kept the 39 and introduced the 36 rather than waste time on two tone gold. If you want gold then get a gold watch. Gutted they stopped the 39mm.
The Explorer for me was the last of the "Originals", until this incarnation!
Doesn't do it for me and 36mm is far too small those of us with the larger wrist. 39mm all the way, but still a beautiful timepiece.
Where are all the Ron comments - Ron
Original 36 mm Rolex Explorer sportswatches don't need marketing 🧐 as it was worn by people such as British author of the James Bond novels Ian Fleming, British independant watchmaker Roger W Smith and word famous award-winning British zoologist/broadcaster Sir David Attenborough !
Ooh it flat out rules.... REALLY? such objective bollox. its sturdy, hard wearing. i know where i would "dip my toe"
Great review Stephen! My favorite watch in my favorite city (Santa Monica). I own the new 36mm steel version and should be getting the two tone soon. I can't wait to get it. Such a cool watch. Thanks for the well done review and video.
Please do a rose gold version rolex!
Oh for old-fashioned masculinity!
Good way to make the drab Rolex actually desirable. The hype on this watch in SS is crazy.
I can't understand why people are having fits about the gold. There are historical examples of "Explorer" marked dials being available in two tone after all. I think this piece looks great and would happily own and wear it. The only problem is that it is essentially unavailable from ADs and selling for a 40-50% premium on the grey market. Given that, one might as well just buy a grey market two tone 36mm Datejust (or even one from an AD with a bit of negotiating). Doing so saves the buyer about $4500 vs. buying the two tone Explorer.
No the two-tone does not do anything for this watch or the lighting that was used is too bright to even see the difference. Maybe it could be more noticeable at night or something I hope the price is not much more than the regular steel one?
In my personal opinion I’m not a fan of two tone sports watches
So it tells the time?
We’ve got to stop these apologetic comments around the price.
Compare it to other models, other brands etc. but don’t keep repeating how these watches are still a lot of money for a watch, if that was the truth of it we’d be sticking with the £25 quartz.
In five years time, this will be the only Rolex professional model that you’ll be able to buy under retail secondhand. Absolutely dumb move by Rolex
Like the daytona, no one wanted one, now?! Time will tell..
@@octoyurabamahry2190 the two tone Daytona is still unwanted. They have only become “desirable” recently because the price of the SS models has skyrocketed. Gold never makes sense on a sports watch
No, very smart by Rolex they make an extra 1.5k profit on this model over the stainless. They don’t care about the secondhand value.
@@Anonymouslyme1 just curious… how do you know the margins on both models?? Also, if you think that Rolex “don’t care” about the second hand value of their watches, then you clearly just don’t understand the industry
@@whereRbearsTeeth because I’m a Rolex collector and follower, I’ve read in many places they add on an extra £2k profit for two tone models, that’s why they restrict the supply of stainless watches. That’s their business model, force people to buy more precious metal watches so they can maximise profits as they can only make so many watches a year.
Just came to this video. I have the feeling these hodinkee videos are so unnaturally politically correct.
Rolex info-mercial.
Do you still own it??
You guys always have such great shots of the watches you review. Really nice stuff, guys!
Good luck again🙂
I think that Rolex might discontinue the two tone Explorer 1 in a year or so and then introduce a 41mm all steel Explorer. I think having the option of a 36mm or 41mm Explorer 1 will really play well with the market. It works so well for Rolex in the OP and DateJust line-up, it's hard to see why they wouldn't offer this in the Explorer range. But then again it's Rolex...they might introduce a left-handed Explorer 1 next year instead 😂
Why repost? Weak.
Editing error
Hi Stephen, the 1980's are calling :) A two tone tool watch is an oxymoron.
Très jolie rolex
Rolex should just discontinue all two tone models no one wants them except grandmas.
and flippers! don't forget about the flippers, gotta make that 💲💲💲
This video kinda sold me on the two tone explorer 😅✌🏻
I don’t know. The TT root beer and the TT bluesy are kinda awesome
Gorgeous. I'm glad they went to 19mm lug width, the new bracelet taper is so damn elegant. Great review.
F the damn haters, I LOVE IT!!!
Lol it’s terrible…seriously it is soooooooo bad. Love a HODINKEE and I love Rolex. So since we are family: this watch is so awful.
Yo SP I love that coat!
Steel please
Guess its not Edmund’s age anymore… More like Bezos and Musk to the moon.
I hate Rolex so much. It’s like they’re just trolling their fans. They constantly push out stupid version of established lines like this or palm fronds. NOBODY WANTS TWO TONE WATCHES!
speak for yourself. I own the Rootbeer GMT two tone... this thing is amazing.
Bro WHAT?!
nah not for me!
I love mine
I actually like this piece, but Hodinkee, at least attempt to be objective here - it’s a Rolex, it does not need you to hype it. Plus clearly factually incorrect statements here… “introduction of gold does not make it any less hard wearing…” i mean that’s just not factual, not to mention the polished center links… again I like this was, but let’s call spades spades as well
36mm Explorer 1 and 42mm Explorer II black dial os the perfect 2 watche collection.
Noooo
Is it scratch resistant / proof??
I wanna get it but I want to wear it everyday and the last thing I want is to scratch it up doing so :/
I never look this groomed. Kudos.
I still dont get why someone would pay thousands more for a Explorer when the oyster perpetual is literally the same thing with minor differences. Getting the Explorer II however makes sense.