I have always said: The Rolex Explorer is the least Rolex you can own, but the most Rolex you ever really need. I’m Happy you covered this historic model in Reference Points. This could easily be a one and done watch.
I agree with you. Still I feel like I need a date window on my watch because it’s just so convenient. It’s a long way until I get a “luxury watch” however.
The series "reference points" is by far the best content out there on RUclips. I repeatedly watched the Submariner and GMT episodes, and now this one about the Explorer One is yet another great piece. Eric Wind is the walking encyclopedia of Rolex. Simply amazing! Thank you!
36mm is the classic, gentleman size. Wears fantastic, truly the most discreet of the Rolex sport models. The 19 to 14 taper is very cool , a bit vintage and everything allows the watch to disappear on the wrist if you need to wear under a cuff. The enhancement to the dial give the watch so much more pop over the previous 36 model. It’s not a watch everyone will appreciate, but the discerning will own a very special piece.
Fun fact-this guest’s voice is a miracle if you’re trying to fall asleep. Just play this video, lay back, and be prepared for the best rest you ever had
Finally a comprehensive guide on my favorite Rolex. It fits almost every occasion. Classy, discreet, very legible and robust. After i got the 214270, it totally monopolized my wrist. Nice one Hodinkee.
Never knew that Explorer had so many variations despite already owned the 114270 for 4 years and use it as a daily driver. Great video, Explorer is definitely the greatest Rolex!
I sold mine 6 months before it was discontinued as I stopped wearing mine in favour of BLNR 😭😭 and needed the £££. I will look back in 20yrs time and regret 😭😂 it was my first Rolex, early 2014
The epitome of a tool watch. The ORIGINAL! And the most genuine in the Rolex catalogue. Love my 39mm mk 2. The 36mm was far too small for my wrist and I was delighted in 2010 when they increased its size. Pure and classic horology. Love the video.
Really cool video! I had no idea the 1016 had so many iterations. I've owned both versions of the 39mm and both new versions of the 36mm. I love them all, but the two tone is my favorite by far. One small thing....I was surprised how often it was referred to as an "Explorer 1." Watch snobs really frown on that. Doesn't bother me at all however. Great video gents.
Such an amazing watch. I took a brief hiatus from Subs and SeaDwellers and had a 114270 for a while. I absolutely loved it (although I eventually went back to Subs) and remains one of my favorite Rolexes. I'll own another for sure.
So great to see all of these generations together...I didn't appreciate that there are so many itterations. The explorer is a special watch...the most special in the collection IMO. This watch belongs at 36mm...that's part of its dna and spirit. I really hope they don't do something silly like bringing out a 41mm...that would be tasteless
Something that was missed that would have been worth mentioning was with the introduction of the 39mm models, they have engraved rehauts with repeating "Rolex" text and the serial number. That detail, along with the double coronet and the return to 36mm makes the 124270 my favorite reference so far.
Amazing video Hodinkee, I usually give you a bit of stick, but this was spot on! The Explorer is my all time favourite watch, and one I hope to own one day. I was so happy when Rolex decided to return to the 36mm size, but disappointed they also shrank the lugs to 19mm, making finding decent straps an absolute pain. I'm unsure why several watch brands, including Omega, have done this of recent? I'm also not a fan of the two-tone and suggestion of a fully gold model. The Explorer is an out and out 'tool watch' and there's plenty of other Rolex models to 'bling up' and mess about with. Leave the Explorer pure as it is! Finally, I was recently playing with the idea of purchasing a white dial 'homage-ish' model (perhaps one of Eddie Platt's Smiths or an Armida) to scratch my Explorer itch. Thinking it was sort of an original concept (and affordable), and that there were no white dialled Explorers, I guess this blows that idea to bits.
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, awesome video! Still, I think it would have been good to go through more of the history of the watch, like why and for what purpose the Explorer was made. In addition, it would have been good to go through the bracelets as well.
I've got a 114270 but I find I wear my 36mm DJ and ExII 16570 far more. Not sure why, might be the lack of date. I've also never been totally convinced by the font used on the 3, 6 and 9. The older references had a better font, although even that is a bit odd, almost as if it's fake or drawn on by hand in tippex (I'm thinking of the 1016). Still, a lovely piece, subtle and unshowy, save when the hands and indices catch the light and shine like fire-ice.
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.
What an interesting journey, what a watch. Guess the 39mm was more of an experiment, to the extent the hands weren’t even changed, initially. Thought the inclusion of the OP 116000 with the 369 dial would have made a good not-explorer too. Thank you Hodinkee.
@@TimepieceTherapy It doesn't bother as much because it's 40mm but I do prefer the 36mm but don't hate the 40mm case size at all. I love to see a 38mm Day date
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Yess, the Day Date in 36mm seems versatile as well! Do please check out our watch reviews if you have the time, as we would love your opinion on them :):)
The 1016 Rolex Explorer I model was worn by well-known British Explorer-Zoologist Sir David Attenborough seen in BBC TV-series entitled Quest Under Capricorn (1963) and Zambezi (1965). 🧐
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Bark and Jack always refers to the explorer as the perfect watch. He did so much that I wanted one, but the 39 wasn’t large enough. I pivoted and got an aqua terra. If they ever made a 41mm (and it was available) I would consider it.
@@KRBY555 It's a shame you can't appreciate what this watch stands for and it's history. 36mm is the correct size here. Stick with your submariner...I'm sure that will get you all the attention you are looking for
@@StruanRobertson29 Well said sport watches imop shouldn't be huge in size. I find watches to big get in the way unlike the awesome 👌 36mm size of the Explorer 1 which I own a ref 114270 z series. It's my favorite 3 hand watch I own along with my Omega Speedmaster MW is my favorite chronograph. I just don't understand why some think a sports watch should be 48mm 😄smh
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 it's because of the attention a watch of that size attracts...we explorer type people aren't looking for that. The exp 1 is fantastic...
@@StruanRobertson29 Unfortunately you are absolutely 💯 correct and I'm sure the Legendary actors like Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Sir Richard Attenborough were fans of the Explorer 1. These icons had style
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?
i hated explorer 1 before i tried it, especially the two tone one. i ended up getting one recently, it became my favourite and its a two tone explorer 1
I have always said: The Rolex Explorer is the least Rolex you can own, but the most Rolex you ever really need. I’m Happy you covered this historic model in Reference Points. This could easily be a one and done watch.
I agree with you. Still I feel like I need a date window on my watch because it’s just so convenient. It’s a long way until I get a “luxury watch” however.
I rekon its the Milgaus but similar watches IMO
Agreed the 369 design is just classic and cant go wrong.Also the datejust and OP are also minimalistic which makes them more admirable.
The series "reference points" is by far the best content out there on RUclips. I repeatedly watched the Submariner and GMT episodes, and now this one about the Explorer One is yet another great piece. Eric Wind is the walking encyclopedia of Rolex. Simply amazing! Thank you!
You should check out the Speedmaster episode too. Also with Eric Wind.
This! I'd love to see more from this series, e.g. Rolex Datejust, Oyster Perpetual etc.
Thank goodness we're back with a new one. I've watched the previous reference points several times each.
*several dozen times
My thoughts exactly!!
36mm is the classic, gentleman size. Wears fantastic, truly the most discreet of the Rolex sport models. The 19 to 14 taper is very cool , a bit vintage and everything allows the watch to disappear on the wrist if you need to wear under a cuff. The enhancement to the dial give the watch so much more pop over the previous 36 model. It’s not a watch everyone will appreciate, but the discerning will own a very special piece.
Well said Michael! I agree with every word. It's damn near the perfect watch.
@@mikemush9741 Yes it is, except MSRP which is high
The 214270 mk2 is my favorite and also my daily watch. Great video.
Fun fact-this guest’s voice is a miracle if you’re trying to fall asleep. Just play this video, lay back, and be prepared for the best rest you ever had
This is the one I've been waiting for. The 1016 is my favorite watch. Thanks Eric.
Man! I’ve got such a thing for the explorer! I really enjoyed this! Great video guys
Love your content Gringa! Keep it up.
Brilliant episode! I dream of having an Explorer collection.
Bark and Jack in the house! Love your content.
@@Unknown-fl7dj Thanks a lot mate.
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.
Finally a comprehensive guide on my favorite Rolex. It fits almost every occasion. Classy, discreet, very legible and robust. After i got the 214270, it totally monopolized my wrist. Nice one Hodinkee.
Never knew that Explorer had so many variations despite already owned the 114270 for 4 years and use it as a daily driver. Great video, Explorer is definitely the greatest Rolex!
Drinking my coffee watching this. Amazing video bro. Thank you.
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.
To see the whole range of Explorers on one table would blow my mind. WOW!
Wonder what the value would add up to ?!
This is why we love Hodinkee since 2008! Thank you guys!
Those 39mm explorers will explode in price in the future , I can’t see Rolex changing from 36mm size . I would grab the 39 now if you like it
I sold mine 6 months before it was discontinued as I stopped wearing mine in favour of BLNR 😭😭 and needed the £££. I will look back in 20yrs time and regret 😭😂 it was my first Rolex, early 2014
This might be the most incredible series I have ever seen. Amazing.
One of my favorite models, amazing history, understated and minimalistic by modern Rolex standards.
Thanks for the lovely reference points episode, very informative on the most utilitarian Rolex model, the Explorer.
The more I see it, the more I love the two tone ✌️
Wore my 1016 while watching. It's the third one that I've owned. I just keep coming back to it. I think I'll keep this one.
Very easily the definitive video on the subject!
The epitome of a tool watch.
The ORIGINAL! And the most genuine in the Rolex catalogue.
Love my 39mm mk 2.
The 36mm was far too small for my wrist and I was delighted in 2010 when they increased its size.
Pure and classic horology.
Love the video.
Really cool video! I had no idea the 1016 had so many iterations. I've owned both versions of the 39mm and both new versions of the 36mm. I love them all, but the two tone is my favorite by far. One small thing....I was surprised how often it was referred to as an "Explorer 1." Watch snobs really frown on that. Doesn't bother me at all however. Great video gents.
Explorer 1 is my favourite Rolex. Glad I was able to buy a 39mm MK2 from an AD after it was discontinued.
the 1016 is possibly one of my favourite watches
I appreciate how each Explorer is given its own moment in the spotlight.
Such an amazing watch. I took a brief hiatus from Subs and SeaDwellers and had a 114270 for a while. I absolutely loved it (although I eventually went back to Subs) and remains one of my favorite Rolexes. I'll own another for sure.
The best overall value Rolex in the catalogue today
So great to see all of these generations together...I didn't appreciate that there are so many itterations. The explorer is a special watch...the most special in the collection IMO. This watch belongs at 36mm...that's part of its dna and spirit. I really hope they don't do something silly like bringing out a 41mm...that would be tasteless
Something that was missed that would have been worth mentioning was with the introduction of the 39mm models, they have engraved rehauts with repeating "Rolex" text and the serial number. That detail, along with the double coronet and the return to 36mm makes the 124270 my favorite reference so far.
Those Tiffany 1016's are gorgeous.
Amazing video Hodinkee, I usually give you a bit of stick, but this was spot on!
The Explorer is my all time favourite watch, and one I hope to own one day. I was so happy when Rolex decided to return to the 36mm size, but disappointed they also shrank the lugs to 19mm, making finding decent straps an absolute pain. I'm unsure why several watch brands, including Omega, have done this of recent?
I'm also not a fan of the two-tone and suggestion of a fully gold model. The Explorer is an out and out 'tool watch' and there's plenty of other Rolex models to 'bling up' and mess about with. Leave the Explorer pure as it is!
Finally, I was recently playing with the idea of purchasing a white dial 'homage-ish' model (perhaps one of Eddie Platt's Smiths or an Armida) to scratch my Explorer itch. Thinking it was sort of an original concept (and affordable), and that there were no white dialled Explorers, I guess this blows that idea to bits.
For me, the best homage is the Tudor BB36. A really really good watch. The only reason I let mine go is because I got the 2021 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.
The explorer really does have one of the most interesting lineages of any watch from Rolex IMO, apart from the usual suspects.
Thanks, awesome video! Still, I think it would have been good to go through more of the history of the watch, like why and for what purpose the Explorer was made. In addition, it would have been good to go through the bracelets as well.
I've got a 114270 but I find I wear my 36mm DJ and ExII 16570 far more. Not sure why, might be the lack of date. I've also never been totally convinced by the font used on the 3, 6 and 9. The older references had a better font, although even that is a bit odd, almost as if it's fake or drawn on by hand in tippex (I'm thinking of the 1016). Still, a lovely piece, subtle and unshowy, save when the hands and indices catch the light and shine like fire-ice.
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.
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!
Finally, our prayers have been heard. Reference Points is back folks!!
Easily my favourite Rolex model, flawless.
I am total watch video nerd but this series tops it. 👏ALL existing formats.
Amazing video, Eric Wind is awesome, such a wealth of knowledge. Many thanks Hodinkee!
Rolex please bring back the vintage numeral font. We’ve had enough of the kinds of font you see littered in a sporting goods store or something.
Awesome video. A reference point video on the Lange 1 would also be highly highly appreciated!!!!
Excellent. The sort of content that Hodinkee does best.
What an interesting journey, what a watch. Guess the 39mm was more of an experiment, to the extent the hands weren’t even changed, initially. Thought the inclusion of the OP 116000 with the 369 dial would have made a good not-explorer too. Thank you Hodinkee.
Oh look who the wind blew back into Hodinkee
Of the entire Rolex catalogue, this is my favorite watch to actually wear.
Great comment. In the case it always looks like the little brother....but it really shines on the wrist!
@@mikemush9741 extremely comfortable and rides under the radar, while still having all the class and quality of the other models.
Finally another reference points . But we still need more
The 1016 with the Tiffany print is the business
The Rolex Explorer is beautiful ! Glad to see the 36mm return :):)!!!
I agree 👍 it's the Legendary size
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Do you feel the same for day date as well ?
@@TimepieceTherapy It doesn't bother as much because it's 40mm but I do prefer the 36mm but don't hate the 40mm case size at all. I love to see a 38mm Day date
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Yess, the Day Date in 36mm seems versatile as well!
Do please check out our watch reviews if you have the time, as we would love your opinion on them :):)
@@TimepieceTherapy I definitely 👍 will 😁
My favorite watch!
The 1016 Rolex Explorer I model was worn by well-known British Explorer-Zoologist Sir David Attenborough seen in BBC TV-series entitled Quest Under Capricorn (1963) and Zambezi (1965). 🧐
interesting tidbit
Also Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum were Explorer 1 fans and Richard Attenborough
Interestingly I met both Ranulph Fiennes and Sir David recently together. Ranulph signed the case back of my mk2 39mm Explorer.
My favorite model, but OMG I nearly fell asleep with this voice 😂 but what an interesting insight!
It’s a good opportunity to enjoy some strong coffee. Kinda like NPR.
Bueller...Bueller
It took me a second, but nice reference.
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.
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
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 is an epic video for the greatest Rolex of all times!
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.
My absolute favorite Rolex line
Bues and Wind 2024!!!
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 feel like the 39 and the two tone will be the modern day classics
Back again with some great content! Thanks Dink!
Very interestig!
Great video!
Only thing I thought was strange is not mentioning the new 19mm lugs on the newest iteration.
Very interesting and enjoyable. Thanks for posting.
Excellent video, thank you for creating such informative content. This has really rekindled my love of the 1016 :-)
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!
Bark and Jack always refers to the explorer as the perfect watch. He did so much that I wanted one, but the 39 wasn’t large enough. I pivoted and got an aqua terra. If they ever made a 41mm (and it was available) I would consider it.
36mm is a joke for a modern sport watch. A shame they discontinued the 39mm
@@KRBY555 It's a shame you can't appreciate what this watch stands for and it's history. 36mm is the correct size here. Stick with your submariner...I'm sure that will get you all the attention you are looking for
@@StruanRobertson29 Well said sport watches imop shouldn't be huge in size. I find watches to big get in the way unlike the awesome 👌 36mm size of the Explorer 1 which I own a ref 114270 z series. It's my favorite 3 hand watch I own along with my Omega Speedmaster MW is my favorite chronograph. I just don't understand why some think a sports watch should be 48mm 😄smh
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 it's because of the attention a watch of that size attracts...we explorer type people aren't looking for that. The exp 1 is fantastic...
@@StruanRobertson29 Unfortunately you are absolutely 💯 correct and I'm sure the Legendary actors like Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Sir Richard Attenborough were fans of the Explorer 1. These icons had style
This is incredible. Very well done!
I must have one of these. On a waiting list for 8mths now...err
Any ideas on the total value on the table?
I think there was a 14270 with Swiss made at the 6 o'clock position which you had missed out.
Hodinkee, you missed the ref. 114270 with the engraved rehaut circa 2007-08 I believe.
Pls make a reference point video for Explorer II
Thanks for the education!
An omega seamaster episode would be cool theres just so many variants
Glad they got it back to 36mm that 39mm was hideous.
It just didn't feel 😕 right and the balance was off. The 36mm is the Legendary iconic size
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 - completely agree! The dimensions which makes this Watch an understated piece of art were lost.
An Explorer or a 36 mm datejust is my next Rolex.
Good job Jon & Eric!!!
Love the reference points-videos
must watch for the explorer fan. hope to own any reference in the near future
I was 8 minutes through this video before realizing there were 2 people in this video and not just one being mirrored
Hahaha
Amazing
The caramel dial looks the best.
非常喜欢的劳力士古懂表⌚，大概需要多少美元一枚❓
My favourite watch ever, though I probably won't get my hands in one anytime soon... 😕🤑
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?
Question: Was there a Rolex Explorer with a Dk Blue Dial after 2000 ?
Finally !! 😀
Any idea what watch Eric is wearing in the video?
I have a 1958 women’s version. I’d love more info on it
These vids are so cool. Keep them coming plz
Incredible video! As a proud owner of an Explorer I approve this video! Lol
Please do this for OP’s!
i hated explorer 1 before i tried it, especially the two tone one. i ended up getting one recently, it became my favourite and its a two tone explorer 1
Great video 👏