The Rolex Explorer: Understanding The Iconic Tool Watch | Reference Points

[@VmanStudioz]

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.

[@Rafa-yw8nu]

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.

[@jpg6482]

I rekon its the Milgaus but similar watches IMO

[@sumalways]

Agreed the 369 design is just classic and cant go wrong.Also the datejust and OP are also minimalistic which makes them more admirable.

[@dooks85]

Thank goodness we're back with a new one. I've watched the previous reference points several times each.

[@birthdaybatter815]

*several dozen times

[@jda7499]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@davidmb-1979]

The 214270 mk2 is my favorite and also my daily watch. Great video.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Man! I’ve got such a thing for the explorer! I really enjoyed this! Great video guys

[@Unknown-fl7dj]

Love your content Gringa! Keep it up.

[@Unknown-fl7dj]

This is the one I've been waiting for. The 1016 is my favorite watch. Thanks Eric.

[@Nalot56]

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

[@BarkandJack]

Brilliant episode! I dream of having an Explorer collection.

[@Unknown-fl7dj]

Bark and Jack in the house! Love your content.

[@BarkandJack]

@@Unknown-fl7dj Thanks a lot mate.

[@balthus9265]

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.

[@andreaskohn759]

The series "reference points" is by far the best content out there on KZbin. 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!

[@neyraofficial8722]

You should check out the Speedmaster episode too. Also with Eric Wind.

[@Rafa-yw8nu]

This! I'd love to see more from this series, e.g. Rolex Datejust, Oyster Perpetual etc.

[@Sebastian85]

To see the whole range of Explorers on one table would blow my mind. WOW!

[@davidfoster1762]

Wonder what the value would add up to ?!

[@michaelriera6277]

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.

[@mikemush9741]

Well said Michael! I agree with every word. It's damn near the perfect watch.

[@Nakkisampyla]

@@mikemush9741 Yes it is, except MSRP which is high

[@aceylan4847]

Indeed,I'm fully agreed

[@michaelriera6277]

Must give an update after actually owning the Explorer. I got the call and purchased thr 124270. It looked perfect online and perfect at the AD. It is historic and pure class. After 7 months of ownership I sold it. I really wanted to love my Explorer, but it felt so small and dainty, I hated the 14mm bracelet but hoped I’d get used to it…never happened so I sold it. Have a 6.5" flat wrist and 40 fits perfectly. As for the "historic" 36mm, it's a misconception. The Explorer 1 is inspired from the Edmund Hilary Smith De Lux watch he wore when conquering Everest. That watch was 33mm with an 18mm lug width. It also had a leather strap and a "12" numeral. Neither the 36mm (which is really 35.5mm) nor the 40mm (which is really 38-39mm) are accurate reproductions, not least with a steel bracelet. For that reason, the sizing should be based on what works on your wrist and what you like, not slavishly choosing this watch based on a made-up story from Rolex's marketing department. Plus a load of complete nonsense on Rolex forums waxing lyrical about the 36mm where, with almost cultish fervor, it's made out the EX1 40mm is the biggest watch man has ever seen! It's all quite pathetic and childish. Rolex released the 40mm because the 36mm wasn't selling. In my opinion, the positioning of the EX1 is the 36mm and 40mm are 'his n hers'. The smaller, more dainty Explorer 1 for the wife; the larger, more masculine one for him.

[@JoaoGomes-ce4th]

The more I see it, the more I love the two tone ✌️

[@thevalet2011]

Thanks for the lovely reference points episode, very informative on the most utilitarian Rolex model, the Explorer.

[@JayzBeerz]

Drinking my coffee watching this. Amazing video bro. Thank you.

[@johnd2143]

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.

[@RubbelisPro]

The explorer really does have one of the most interesting lineages of any watch from Rolex IMO, apart from the usual suspects.

[@spencerjohnson3456]

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.

[@Theo-ul8qm]

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.

[@Goonerz88]

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

[@billrunham9610]

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

[@mikemush9741]

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.

[@russellhagy]

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.

[@Laennec568]

The robotic voice guy again !

[@lucioledizerot196]

Imagine focusing on how his voice sounds instead of the fact that he a vintage watch expert with one of the best reputations in the world

[@Laennec568]

@@lucioledizerot196 dude.

[@2K9s]

@@lucioledizerot196 All of which aren’t mutually exclusive, realistically.

[@snapascrew]

Lol I guess next time they’ll just go and get that “other guy who has one of each references” for their video 😂😂😂😂.

[@Rabauke2.0]

@@lucioledizerot196 Yes. But he really has a freaking robotic voice. So…

[@audemarspiguet4237]

Finally, our prayers have been heard. Reference Points is back folks!!

[@Halfmoon67]

Amazing video, Eric Wind is awesome, such a wealth of knowledge. Many thanks Hodinkee!

[@TheGrenadier97]

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.

[@Dr_LK]

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!

[@michaelriera6277]

got the call and purchased an Explorer 124270. It looked perfect online and perfect at the AD. It is historic and pure class. After 7 months of ownership I sold it. I really wanted to love my Explorer, but it felt so small and dainty, I hated the 14mm bracelet but hoped I’d get used to it…never happened so I sold it. Have a 6.5" flat wrist and 40 fits perfectly. As for the "historic" 36mm, it's a misconception. The Explorer 1 is inspired from the Edmund Hilary Smith De Lux watch he wore when conquering Everest. That watch was 33mm with an 18mm lug width. It also had a leather strap and a "12" numeral. Neither the 36mm (which is really 35.5mm) nor the 40mm (which is really 38-39mm) are accurate reproductions, not least with a steel bracelet. For that reason, the sizing should be based on what works on your wrist and what you like, not slavishly choosing this watch based on a made-up story from Rolex's marketing department. Plus a load of complete nonsense on Rolex forums waxing lyrical about the 36mm where, with almost cultish fervor, it's made out the EX1 40mm is the biggest watch man has ever seen! It's all quite pathetic and childish. Rolex released the 40mm because the 36mm wasn't selling. In my opinion, the positioning of the EX1 is the 36mm and 40mm are 'his n hers'. The smaller, more dainty Explorer 1 for the wife; the larger, more masculine one for him.

[@fadyberlon]

This is an epic video for the greatest Rolex of all times!

[@thefollandgnat]

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.

[@calmmusicstudio6005]

Finally another reference points . But we still need more

[@bnjbxl]

My favorite model, but OMG I nearly fell asleep with this voice 😂 but what an interesting insight!

[@mitchmitchell9588]

It’s a good opportunity to enjoy some strong coffee. Kinda like NPR.

[@earthenjadis8199]

Bueller...Bueller

[@mitchmitchell9588]

It took me a second, but nice reference.

[@blairphelps7215]

The two-toned is bloody awful.

[@luisgonzalez1637]

The 1016 with the Tiffany print is the business

[@sakurikala3140]

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.

[@mattc3929]

Explorer 1 is my favourite Rolex. Glad I was able to buy a 39mm MK2 from an AD after it was discontinued.

[@casemore2073]

the 1016 is possibly one of my favourite watches

[@SuperAJ360]

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!

[@thewatchtherapist5066]

The best overall value Rolex in the catalogue today

[@Albdentist]

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!

[@michaelriera6277]

The 36 is actually too small for most me . That’s why Role now offer it in 40.

[@specialkfouryou]

One of my favorite models, amazing history, understated and minimalistic by modern Rolex standards.

[@johnbalian874]

First I think

[@Theo-ul8qm]

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.

[@StruanRobertson29]

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

[@phmwu7368]

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). 🧐

[@domokun938]

interesting tidbit

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Also Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum were Explorer 1 fans and Richard Attenborough

[@PaulMR]

Interestingly I met both Ranulph Fiennes and Sir David recently together. Ranulph signed the case back of my mk2 39mm Explorer.

[@meetseth3]

My YachtMaster 126622 is better than all of those explorers.

[@TriforceRich]

Of the entire Rolex catalogue, this is my favorite watch to actually wear.

[@mikemush9741]

Great comment. In the case it always looks like the little brother....but it really shines on the wrist!

[@TriforceRich]

@@mikemush9741 extremely comfortable and rides under the radar, while still having all the class and quality of the other models.

[@drummer12]

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

[@prisol]

Finally !! 😀

[@thesneakertifosi]

I feel like the 39 and the two tone will be the modern day classics

[@bigturkeyvulture]

Those Tiffany 1016's are gorgeous.

[@c-cg]

Easily my favourite Rolex model, flawless.

[@belonyomeus6645]

Fred Savage is aging gracefully.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Yes. The years (no pun intended) have been kind to him.

[@benigmaa]

Bues and Wind 2024!!!

[@johnjohnsson9903]

Love the reference points-videos

[@iTreelex]

Hodinkee, you missed the ref. 114270 with the engraved rehaut circa 2007-08 I believe.

[@tom1399]

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.

[@markdegaute2125]

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

[@Unknown-fl7dj]

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.

[@rabbitsblood]

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.

[@moonseal0558]

An omega seamaster episode would be cool theres just so many variants

[@richardn.5854]

Awesome video. A reference point video on the Lange 1 would also be highly highly appreciated!!!!

[@RUSHx51]

I was 8 minutes through this video before realizing there were 2 people in this video and not just one being mirrored

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Hahaha

[@hsnaziri]

Excellent video, thank you for creating such informative content. This has really rekindled my love of the 1016 :-)

[@perpetualpassion2108]

This is why we love Hodinkee since 2008! Thank you guys!

[@bjoernaltmann]

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.

[@CokeWithIceAndLemon]

My favorite watch!

[@TimepieceTherapy]

The Rolex Explorer is beautiful ! Glad to see the 36mm return :):)!!!

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

I agree 👍 it's the Legendary size

[@TimepieceTherapy]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Do you feel the same for day date as well ?

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@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

[@TimepieceTherapy]

@@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 :):)

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@TimepieceTherapy I definitely 👍 will 😁

[@kamenlitchev]

Please, put years of production in captions next time!

[@m.e.p.r]

I must have one of these. On a waiting list for 8mths now...err

[@Bemjji]

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]

36mm is a joke for a modern sport watch. A shame they discontinued the 39mm

[@StruanRobertson29]

@@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

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@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

[@StruanRobertson29]

@@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...

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@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

[@RolexTimex]

An Explorer or a 36 mm datejust is my next Rolex.

[@강동준-b5t]

Amazing

[@momiland7673]

👍👍👍

[@Chrischris020]

Glad they got it back to 36mm that 39mm was hideous.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

It just didn't feel 😕 right and the balance was off. The 36mm is the Legendary iconic size

[@Chrischris020]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 - completely agree! The dimensions which makes this Watch an understated piece of art were lost.

[@muds1123]

This might be the most incredible series I have ever seen. Amazing.

[@lishamai9065]

非常喜欢的劳力士古懂表⌚，大概需要多少美元一枚❓

[@misterloafer5021]

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.

[@michaelriera6277]

Interesting how poorly the new 36 sold. It’s one of the few Rolex with very little wait time. I can understand why Rolex had decided to now sell it in 40 as well.

[@FireBlade57]

Very interestig!

[@frank327]

Very easily the definitive video on the subject!

[@mattc3929]

Any ideas on the total value on the table?

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Boycott Rolex

[@TwentyOne_Five]

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.

[@michaelriera6277]

Do you still own it?

[@TwentyOne_Five]

@@michaelriera6277 yes. It only looks small to the wearer. Stays out of the way. Like a mountain climber would need. G shock would get stuck in equipment. ;)

[@ulrichk7727]

Oh look who the wind blew back into Hodinkee

[@kerwinoh1404]

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?

[@TWHowl]

How about a reference points episode that ISN’T Rolex. Try a TAG, AP, Breitling, even a Hamilton staple would be good. Enough w the Rolex.

[@TheSuaveEntrepreneur]

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.

[@skchoyee]

Erick the most boring sounding guy

[@TimWrite]

Incredible video! As a proud owner of an Explorer I approve this video! Lol

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Great history and insight. But can we quit with the controversy over the 124273? Question two tone Rolex tool watches? Research “Rolex Deep Sea Special”. The 1960 version. Hodinkee published an article about it. Nothing controversial. Just a beautiful watch with a great modern movement and unbeatable heritage. Side note: the watch from Rowanda made me cringe. Sorry. Can’t escape that history. I’d avoid that particular watch for its provenance alone.

[@casualsuede]

Is this watch, or the submariner, really a toolwatch? Or is it a luxury watch that looks like a tool watch? The original rolexes weren't expensive, now it is in the luxury pricepoint where 99.9% of buyers never take it exploring , or diving.

[@nemorinoeso7581]

Is there any company who produces 1016 style dials for 36 mm Oyster Perpetuals? I don't like the square numbers of the Explorer dial.

[@elmoomle4565]

Q: What do yo call a trouser belt made up entirely of Rolex watches?? A: C'mon...you can figure it out!!

[@chuiwyjustin]

almost fell asleep listening to the guy on the right... supremely monotonous voice

[@tonygluk1]

Alignment of "Tiffany & Co." stamp makes me uncomfortable.

[@JP-yz1md]

My favourite watch ever, though I probably won't get my hands in one anytime soon... 😕🤑

[@clausey007]

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.

[@erythuria]

Tritium is radioactive. I assume he meant that the 1016 Underline doesn't have radium, rather than not being radioactive.

[@jaysandford3010]

Question: Was there a Rolex Explorer with a Dk Blue Dial after 2000 ?

[@andrewchong79]

I think there was a 14270 with Swiss made at the 6 o'clock position which you had missed out.

[@tvstealer]

No love for the Explorer II?

[@johnprosser5035]

It's no longer a tool watch!!!! Rolex antics have destroyed this once iconic watch!!!!

[@jojena_imm]

I am total watch video nerd but this series tops it. 👏ALL existing formats.