The Rolex Explorer represents Rolex’s precision manufacturing, field-ready toughness, and the true spirit of the brand’s legendary sports watches in its purest form. Since being introduced in the 1930s, this model has developed heaps of significant history as a watch that has truly, well…explored! From the Arctic Circle to the summit of Everest, the Explorer’s pedigree is undeniable. For the person that wants the essential functions and quality that made Rolex a household name, but without the flash or fanfare of the Crown’s fancier models, the Explorer is the perfect under-the-radar daily. A steel tool watch with a classy black dial and only the things you need.

As is the case with the Submariner, the “neo-modern” iterations of the Explorer – like this ref. 14270 from around 1991 – hit a particular sweet spot in capturing the overall look and feel of vintage Explorers, but with a few key modern updates that make it a much more usable watch than examples of past references like the 1016, which have skyrocketed over the past five years in both price and collectability.

Featuring a tritium dial, the Explorer, ref. 14270 has followed the 1016’s soaring in popularity in recent years. The case of this example shows wear consistent with use and has been lightly polished in the past. The dial is in great condition and retains its factory gloss with no wear or loss to the luminous material. The watch comes fitted on a Rolex Oyster 78360 bracelet with 558B endlinks, and has 12 full links with light stretch.