The Watch
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The Rolex Explorer was launched in 1953, based around another iconic Rolex model, the ‘Bubbleback’.
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The tough and robust reputation of these watches made them the perfect ‘tool’ to use when Rolex began developing the Explorer. Prototypes began field testing by mountaineers in 1952, where the watch would accompany the wearer to the limits of their own capabilities. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay wore one of these prototype’s when making the first successful ascent of Mount Everest on the 29th May 1953 proof, if needed, that this new addition to the Rolex family fulfilled its brief as a true explorer’s watch.
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Fast forward to 1989, Rolex released the ref.14270, replacing the long serving ref.1610. Launched at the Basel World Fair, the 14270 now boasted more legible dial complete with applied white gold indices, sapphire crystal, a highly reliable caliber 3000 movement, and an updated Oyster bracelet with hollow end links.
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Earlier examples of the 14270 are extremely sought after due to the presence of Tritium on the Dial, at some stage in 1998, this reference was fitted with LumiNova which does not age the same as Tritium and will remain a stark white forever. This guy dates from 1997 and must have been one of the last to be fitted with a Tritium Dial, so sit back and enjoy the Dial aging the same as a Vintage Watch should.
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The Ref.14270 is an heir to some of the richest history of the watch world, it’s the kind of watch you can wear, trust, rough up and always know that one day, your son or daughter will do the same.
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The Watch is accompanied by its Original Inner and Outer Boxes, Swing Tag, Chronometer and One spare link, the Cards are no longer present.
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View this Explorer in a video: here
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The Specs
Age: 1997.
Reference: 14270.
Serial Number: UXXXXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Seconds.
Calibre: 3000.
Timekeeping: Keeping Chronometer Spec time.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior August 2023.
Dial: Original Rolex Tritium Factory Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel
Case Size: 36mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: Rated 100m. Not tested.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original Sapphire Crystal.
Crown: Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex Oyster 78790 Full Size 12 Link Bracelet. (one link in bag). Clasp code Z.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original Sapphire Crystal.
Crown: Original Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex Oyster 78790 Full Size 12 Link Bracelet. (one link in bag). Clasp code Z.
Lug Width: 20mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Made for Adventure.
- Original Boxes.
-Superb Condition.
- Tritium Dial.
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Nitty Gritty:
-None really Watch wise. Superb example.
Nitty Gritty:
-None really Watch wise. Superb example.
-Cards Missing.
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Overall the Explorer I is in excellent condition.
The Case and Bracelet are in excellent order.
I cannot guarantee Water Resistance.
The Crown is Original.
Crystal in great order.
The bracelet is full length with 12 links.
The Dial is in fantastic condition.
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Fantastic Rolex Investment.
Fantastic Rolex Investment.