Rolex's Best Tool Watch? - Rolex Explorer 114270

[@Agrippa31BC]

I’ve got a made in 2008, acquired in 2009, M serial 114270 that my mother gave me, and it’s my favourite watch. My other watches would be jealous if they had a mind of their own, because my Explorer gets almost all wrist time. It’s all scratched and a little dinged by now, as I’ve worn it piloting planes, hiking, swimming, exploring, riding, travelling, and thus it has become packed with memories. It’s become a part of me of sorts.

[@iamnew7545]

I always loved the 114270 but I wanted a modern Rolex. Couldn’t believe my luck when they rereleased the 36mm and got it after within a year. It just didn’t do it for me though and I sold it and picked up the 114270. The dial proportions of the 114270 are perfect and I love the way the white gold surrounds catch your eye instead of the oversized (IMO) lumed hour markers and numbers on the newer model. The lighter older bracelet makes it more comfortable on the wrist and the clasp has more micro adjustment holes.

[@horologyproject]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing. I’m surprised to hear all of the people who have sold their 124270 for the 114270. I think the hollow center link bracelet is underrated. It gets criticized for feeling cheap, but I’ve never had an issue with it…ever… and it’s super comfy. I hope you stick around. More videos to come.

[@dinamiena6186]

@@horologyproject this are just bullshit of the NeoRich snob “collectors” ! Rolex build and empire using this bracelets ! They are iconic and really don’t give a heck about the new clasp ! The 911 comparison is 100% on spot mate !

[@explorerjlc1743]

@12:33 100% correct, the clasp of yesteryear is so much lighter and fits in better with the bracelet. The modern clasps are overkill. Like you mentioned, the pressed clasps never failed. The clasp in the 124270 is so awkward, being on such a narrow bracelet with aggressive taper, the clasp just looks unnecessarily bulky...

[@horologyproject]

I find the hollow links super comfy. I get that the newer bracelets probably last longer and avoid stretch, but the old ones are more comfortable, imho.

[@explorerjlc1743]

@@horologyproject yeah it’s a lot lighter. The hollow centre links appear to be milled out too with the same screw edge distance so there shouldn’t be any worse durability issues unless you wear the watch too tight. It’s a shame that some think that “heavy duty” equates to better quality. Which just isn’t the case.

[@mrgregpappas]

I recently read an article in the Rolex magazine where they interviewed a climber that was doing all 8,000 meter peaks. He wore a 16570. Same clasp as this one. So I guess it works fine.

[@lettuce1305]

as much as I like the older clasps, the modern clasp is a vast improvement, don't get me wrong I don't mind the older clasps and I think they're well made but the new clasp just feels a lot more solid.

[@explorerjlc1743]

@@lettuce1305 feeling more solid= more weight which has less utility. In terms of durability, the new clasp could arguably be worse with more moving parts.

[@_sr]

I love 36 mm explorer. Classic and classy size.. I have the 124270 on my 7inch wrist and rocking it just fine. And that bracelet is just so high quality& elegant 👍🏻

[@whodattt9850]

Absolutely love this watch. I have been collecting numerous watches over the years in hopes to sell most of them to buy one of these. The only problem is that I don't want to sell the others now! There's so many great watches out there, but the Rolex explorer 114270 is such a good everything watch. you can dress up with it, you can go casual with it, it's a great beginner piece as well as a good only piece. It looks good on men and women alike. You can wear it anywhere and everywhere. Such a simple yet versatile timepiece. I would consider it a grail, but it's not that hard to own one.

[@GeorgioTheChef]

ive owned the 124270 for over a year now and just picked up a 114270 from 2009. Prefer the 114 way more. more comfortable, proportional and overall a better fit. The 124 wears much smaller imo due to that aggressive taper. Selling the 124!

[@GeorgioTheChef]

having said that im gonna miss the newer tech. the AR coating on the 124 really gives it better wrist presence.

[@horologyproject]

Very cool. I’ve been interested in trying a 124. Your feedback is interesting

[@yusufbest4475]

May I know whats your wrist size? Is it just the aggressive taper that makes you sell the 124? I still cant decide 😅

[@Valera_Scotland]

That's really good to hear....I was considering the new one, but I think I'll save up and find a good example of the older watch

[@kennethMblake]

Such beauty in simplicity. Great video. Also: Shout out to Focus on the Family in the "Adventures in Odyssey" mug. I grew up in the 80s and 90s hearing those stories on weekends.

[@horologyproject]

That is awesome! I live in CO. My wife and I visit focus pretty regularly with our kids and still listen to Adventures in Odyssey.

[@mrgregpappas]

Nice video. I have been looking at both 36s for a while and the wider bracelet and more spaced out dial/markers has me leaning towards the 114270. Plan to pick one up in the next few months when I find a good example.

[@horologyproject]

You can’t go wrong!

[@SPQR-Z]

Great review and spot on. By far and an away a classic and future collectors piece. These old 5 digits, which, I consider these transitional 114270 to be, are the Vintage watches that younger watch enthusiasts will be seeking out in the future. Between the latest 36mm and these older 5 digits, the 5 digits all day long. Jangly bracelet and all

[@horologyproject]

I recently got the new 126610lv and while it’s a beaut, the 5 digits are just waaaay more comfortable and well proportioned. I don’t know if that makes me slightly locked in nostalgia, but I find them genuinely more comfortable. Thanks so much for watching my video! I hope you stick around.

[@dinamiena6186]

114270 with engraved rehaut is gonna be collectible as produced for 3 years only ! Best explorer ever made

[@horologyproject]

It’s really a great watch! Sadly, I let mine go.

[@dinamiena6186]

@@horologyproject why ? What did you buy instead?

[@v7dal]

What’s years was it produced?

[@koufax80]

Such an awesome watch. Proof that 'better on paper' doesn't always equate to better on the wrist.

[@hovigmalian4609]

Nice video! Honestly, you can have all those other features including date, rotating bezel, etc and the watch will still become boring after a while. The beauty of the Explorer is it’s simplicity and GADA ability.

[@horologyproject]

Very true!

[@willcarella]

Hey Question. I love this watch, but i notice a lot of glare on the dial in videos (because of the lack of anti reflective coating). Do you think the glare is showing more because of the camera, or is that also the case in person?

[@horologyproject]

Probably more because of the camera, but the older reference Rolex models are known for having a bit of a glare at certain angles. Thankfully the crystal is flat, so it’s not as bad as more rounded crystals. I’ve never had a problem with visibility. But my 126610lv definitely has waaaaaay less glare.

[@willcarella]

Thanks! appreciate it@@horologyproject

[@gabrielr9506]

Great video! What pen do you have on your desk while presenting? Thanks

[@brett233]

This version of the Explorer is definitively my favorite. Solid end links and flip lock clasp make such a big difference without adding a ton of weight. What year did they add those two features?

[@horologyproject]

Around 2000ish depending on the 5 digit Rolex. All 114270 will have those features.

[@VincentAmari]

Unbelievable that Rolex has missunderstood why the Rolex Explorer 36mm was so popular - 'the look' and balance of the dimensions, 36mm diameter with 20mm lug width, very little tapering, ideally none. All they needed to do was update the movement, add lume to the 3-6-9 and a solid bracelet with a glidelock clasp. That would have been the perfect update.

[@lettuce1305]

well they added lume to the 3-6-9 now but for whatever reason changed the lug width from 20mm to 19mm. Also seems like Rolex won't ever put a glidelock clasp in anything other than the divers, hope the day comes that they put the glidelock in every sports models.

[@explorerjlc1743]

@@lettuce1305 the taper on the new bracelet is too much, the markers are also larger, making it look goofy. The balace of negative space vs markers and text from the likes of the 1016 has been lost in the 124270

[@lettuce1305]

@@explorerjlc1743 I don't think it looks goofy but I get what you mean, I definitely prefer the 14270 or the 114270 over the 124270 for sure though.

[@japantwc]

Rolex EXP 224270 done it’s all above❤

[@TimeandTalk]

Just traded a 39mm for this, and it is so good!

[@amg231]

Great overview of the Explorer, really enjoyed it! Love my 114270, I usually wear it on a nato but the bracelet is awesome. However I’m not a fan of the engraving in the rehaut. It just doesn’t add anything for me, seems unnecessary branding. But to each their own!

[@horologyproject]

It’s a great watch. I can understand your views on the engraving.

[@michaeltallsman2740]

I got my 114270 shortly before the new 124270. At first I was disappointed I got the older model when Rolex released the newest one, but after months of trying to upgrade and finally trying on the newest model, I love the older model based on its nicely balanced dial. I even enjoy the older bracelet. It disappears on the wrist, a real under the radar daily wear.

[@horologyproject]

I couldn’t agree more. The older one still has a lot going for it. 20mm lug width and a bracelet that is sooo comfortable. Outside of a movement update, the only thing missing on the 114270 for me is lumed 3-6-9. Thanks for watching. I hope you stick around!

[@iamnew7545]

Completely agree. I always loved the 114270 but I wanted a modern Rolex. Couldn’t believe my luck when they rereleased the 36mm and got it after within a year. It just didn’t do it for me though and I sold it and picked up the 114270. The dial proportions are perfect and I love the way the white gold surrounds catch your eye instead of the oversized (IMO) lumed hour markers and numbers on the newer model. The lighter older bracelet makes it more comfortable on the wrist and the clasp has more micro adjustment holes.

[@dinamiena6186]

Plus 114270 is bigger

[@iamnew7545]

@@dinamiena6186 Perhaps by a fraction of a millimetre but even if it is, it isn't noticeable at all

[@mt4100]

Same for me. Had the new one and liked it very much…sold it and got the 114270. Haven’t looked back.

[@Watch_Papa]

I have a similar collection to yours and I have the 3861 speedy. I’m eyeing the explorer but like your comment I see it as very similar to my speedy, black all around watch. The speedy is a little more interesting. So now I’m wondering if I should still pickup the explorer if I keep the speedy

[@roman_dial]

Nice video bro that was pretty helpful, I just fell over the fence onto the newest 36mm Explorer

[@horologyproject]

Glad I could help! Watches are a disease. I sadly let my Explorer go to get my ExpII back, which was my first Rolex and the right choice from a sentimental aspect. But I miss the Exp, though. First world problems.

[@timemycollection]

Great vid - 124270 owner here 😊

[@horologyproject]

Nice 👍 one of the lucky ones 😀

[@JamesAlexander14]

Sir Edmund Hilary wore a Smiths watch to the peak of Everest. Rolex tend to make a lot of claims, including that of the First dive watch when in point of fact, they had taken cues from Blancpain.

[@StruanRobertson29]

He also had a white dialed OP...which was the pre runner to the exp. I dont think rolex ever said that he was wearing an explorer .the watch was released to honour his acheivement

[@horologyproject]

Yeah. You have to give it to Rolex’s marketing team. That’s for certain

[@capesofwraith]

@@horologyproject That's what they're good at. The team that was meant to make the first attempt was equipped with watches by the Rolex agent but they turned back. So the Rolex publicity man promptly gave the second team who did get to the top Rolexes and claimed they had been worn on the day. And Rolex then claimed in advertising to have been the watch worn in the conquest of Everest. Smiths took them on and they backed down in correspondence but the lie took hold and now it's almost an accepted fact.

[@SPQR-Z]

Nobody I repeat nobody knows exactly which watch Hillary was actually wearing the morning he summited Everest. Tensing was wearing his Gold Datejust that was presented to him by Rolex for his achievements on the 1952 Swiss expedition. He was also very likely wearing a ref #6098 lent to him by Swiss climber Raymond Lambert a fellow team member on the 1952 Swiss expedition. Tensing’s sons both confirmed this as fact. What watch Hillary was wearing the moment he summited is still unclear. The Smiths supporters claim with certainty he was wearing a Smiths but this has never been 100% verified. They point to the supposed Hillary owned Smiths in the London clockworks museum as proof and the statement by Hillary in Smiths advertising that states I carried your watch to the summit. It performed perfectly” Curious choice of words. Carried as in your pocket perhaps? Hillary was photographed numerous times wearing his Rolex ref #6098 Ovettone OP on the 1953 Everest expedition. This watch was issued to him by the Royal Geographical society for the 1952 Himalayan expedition and he was allowed to retain it for the 1953 expedition. A very telling photo was taken of Hillary at high altitude camp #4 as he and Tenzing prepared for the second summit attempt. He is clearly shown wearing the much larger Rolex as he prepares to climb to establish camp #7 for the final push on the 29th of May, the day of the summiting. Hillary has never come right out and said which watch he was “wearing” the moment he summited. Only that he carried a Smiths to the top of Everest. I think his future sponsorships by both Smiths and Rolex had something to do with his evasive answers to this question. When he died in 2008 his watch collection passed to his wife. No Smiths watches in that collection, rather 6 Rolex including two Explorers. His son Peter Hillary has stated that his father was a lifelong Rolex fan and subsequently used Rolex on all his future expeditions. Peter Hillary said his father never did reveal which watch he was actually wearing that day in 1953 he summited Everest. Sadly we will probably never know. As a side note. Hillary’s famous Rolex #6098 Ovettone OP Everest watch now resides in the Beyer watch Museum in Zurich Switzerland, complete with shipping label completed by Hillary in 1953. Rolex requested the watch back for analysis as they did for all provided expedition supplied watches. I’ve been to the Beyer museum twice and viewed the Hillary Rolex. Talking with the curators they are adamant Hillary wore this watch when he summited Everest lol. Maybe they had inside information? I rather think they both on the Rolex side of the argument for obvious reasons

[@bh6984]

Question for you...I have what appears to be a 114270 Swiss Made Explorer but instead of a black dial it has a salmon dial. I am unable to find ANY other images of a watch like mine on the internet. Do you know if the Explorers of that era and model ever had a salmon dial. Thanks!

[@horologyproject]

They did not. It’s either a custom dial or an air king or oyster perpetual with the Explorer dial configuration.

[@Valera_Scotland]

I'm on the list for the new one... i think if these older versions were much cheaper, i would really consider it. But if I'm spending money that took years to save, i think I'll go for the full brand new AD experience with a warranty. I like many of the new features: larger numerals / hour markers, ar coating, i even like the nattow bracelet. Not fussed about the 19mm width, as i won't be taking it off the oyster..... i only wish it had a micro adjust system and maybe a thinner case (e.g 10mm instead of 11.5mm) I read that you sold yours? And got the Explorer 2? How's that for you? Do you miss the Explorer at all? So anyway, after waiting for an OP36, and having sold my 1861 speedy and IWC Mark 16 AND Omega Aqua Terra 1st gen from 2003 (Black dial auto) i think the Explorer will finally be the ideal daily watch I've been searching for

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@alfie.6652 nope... anyway I just bought an Omega Aqua Terra 2503.50.00 which I prefer, so I'm happy. For half the price

[@horologyproject]

Congrats on the new Omega! The AD waiting game blows...

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@horologyproject ahh thank you. I've definitely made the right choice

[@jillpuck]

How do you make seconds hand not moving?

[@horologyproject]

Watches that have a hacking feature can be pulled out to stop second hand

[@slamminsammy24sw]

124270 or 16570 which one would you pick

[@horologyproject]

Oh man, that’s tough question I go back and forth on. Just this week I was thinking about letting go of my ExpII polar for the new 124270. You can’t go wrong with either. I think you need to let your gut decide and perhaps if you travel or like having a date function then the choice is a little more clear.

[@sensible202]

Good job on the Video! Fits you well.

[@horologyproject]

Glad you think so!

[@carywalker4560]

Why is it not running?

[@erich964]

It’s a nice piece but the best go anywhere anywhere do anything watches the Blancpain 50 fathoms. Best movement original dive watch sport watch it’s tough the super lumen nova is amazing. The movement is as high as it gets titanium and 45 mm. It’s simply the best daily watch you can wear and it just feels the X factor very special.

[@warrenrhinerson6373]

Another reason this watch is so famous, and so popular today, is due to a man named Ian Fleming. He was an MI6 agent during World War II and leader author, who was the creator of the James Bond novels. In the novels James Bond is described as wearing a Rolex with decent water, resistance and gloves for legibility. It is assumed by many people that Fleming chose the Rolex explorer for James Bond, considering that he personally owned one. However, this is actually a mistaken belief

[@mariarfromcd10_dh49]

I prefer the 14270 with hollow links for the vintage vibe. Great watches though in all variants.

[@horologyproject]

Fair enough! But this one also has hollow links. Only the end links are solid.

[@joeschlicht]

From what I understand, Hillary's watch looked like a white dial oyster perpetual because it was a white dial oyster perpetual. The Explorer came after.

[@StruanRobertson29]

Truth be told, asthetically there is little difference between the two. I guess the question is do you favour the slightly more vintage option, look and movement to the more modern. Question of taste....I would be border line...probably come down on the side of the current model

[@horologyproject]

I’d likely grab the new one if it were available to me. I am partial to the older bracelets since I found them so comfortable

[@DANIELTORRES-gu6wo]

BUEN VIDEO 👍

[@sywon6977]

Right on about Rolex Explorer not Rolex Explorer 1! 😅

[@horologyproject]

I know, right?

[@bradt8218]

The Porsche is a 70’s/80’s. Cool Video though

[@horologyproject]

It’s a great little kit

[@MattD86]

Love the watch but how is it considered a “tool watch”?? It just tells time that’s it just like any other watch

[@horologyproject]

Some watches are considered tool watches for their durability. We live in a time where we have regular access to highly accurate clocks by way of our phones. Back in the day, a reliable timepiece was a luxury.

[@russellseah2347]

The 114270 Explorer has the best proportions ever. Don't like the reference 124270. Wears too small. The narrower lug width and aggressive bracelet taper makes it too dainty.

[@horologyproject]

I’ve heard that a lot. I did try a demo model of the new Explorer, and I definitely liked the clasp, but the proportions of the 114270 are perfect. Thanks so much for watching. I hope you stay for some more videos to come.

[@Hadzie]

The skinny bracelet on the newer 36 does look stupid in comparison, its a tool watch, Rolex are definitely forgetting their roots

[@williamcoolidge9884]

Pilot Metropolitan sighting.

[@horologyproject]

Good eye! 😉

[@johnprosser5035]

It never got beyond base camp on Everest....

[@horologyproject]

You know, I’ve heard so many mixed things between it being on Norgay to it staying in the backpack. It’s hard what know what’s true. Either way, Rolex nailed the marketing over Smith.

[@MrPleers]

The Rolex Explorer wasn't worn by Sir Edmund Percival Hillary. (He did wear a Smiths). But his co-climber Sherpa Tenzing Norgay did wear one.

[@jimmywuhackenberg1527]

Watches tell time.

[@ccooper8785]

No, it is an overpriced piece of jewellery that can be out-performed by the cheapest quartz watch...

[@deanvanlaarhoven1413]

That's pronounced: "Porche!"

[@toshitominaga3911]

Might be better if you record something more original.

[@horologyproject]

What do you recommend?