The New Rolex 36mm Explorer 124270

Our brief thoughts on the new Rolex Explorer reference 124270. Read the full review at Worn & Wound right here: wornandwound.c...

[@liottastudiosllcFineArt]

A watch that speaks to you in a whisper rather than shouting at you. It has a simple, timeless elegance, while at the same time being tough as nails. As much as I love my Sea Dweller, Submariner, etc., I find I wear my Explorer (39mm) 90% of the time.

[@analogueinterests4161]

One of my favorites. If only they were available.

[@hathaway.1166]

I thought Explorers are under the radar…

[@sixteenbynine]

Got mine a few weeks ago. Straight from the AD. It is possible. My first Rolex. Always wanted a vintage explorer (114270) but never pulled the trigger. I. Love. It. It’s a Rolex but not flashy at all. It’s an “if you know, you know” kinda watch. I am considering a leather strap to make it even more subtle. Thanks for the review!

[@nurtilekorunbekov5082]

Which AD? Can you clarify?

[@jonaskessler326]

How long did you have to wait for it?

[@caseyjonesbklyn5796]

@@jonaskessler326 I waited a month for mine from AD.

[@KCTimeShare]

A great video! I think the reason why the Explorer doesn't have the guidelock system is because it is not a dive watch. Just my 2 cents.

[@cadrniadrctkers]

A grade 5 titanium version still in 36 would be crazy awesome. Sort of traditional with the size but throwing in the titanium to make it truly robust and ready for some adventure.

[@grecothegekko]

Spot on about the natural proportions- if you do the math (case size to lug width, ratio of bracelet at lugs vs at clasp), the ratios actually come out to close to the golden ratio, phi (about 1.6)!

[@maskman2509]

one of the best Rolex watch out there

[@LM-wu6is]

Great review. AD called me yesterday, can't wait to pick up my Explorer this weekend.

[@sorter9590]

Congrats mate. How was it?

[@jmax850]

How long was the wait?

[@寿朱-l3k]

Nice. I got one .

[@jeffroutledge9153]

Where are you all getting them from? I've been waiting for almost 9 months but my AD has no info whatsoever.

[@MumenRider78]

@@jeffroutledge9153 Did you get one?

[@JimLecinski]

now if only I could ever actually find one (not from a Gray dealer marked up to $12k)...

[@RedwoodAggie]

I like the format, and seeing the occasional review here. Keep it up!

[@lamkevinp]

Nice presentation by Blake. Enjoy the succinct delivery.

[@NicholasCFranklin]

And if you can't get your hands on that one, consider the 36mm Oyster Perpetual (also nearly impossible to buy). It is, other than aesthetics, nearly identical in tehcnical capability. I went with the blue one.

[@byhsu6140]

the one with the arabic numerals and 3 6 9 ? that one and the silver are a real beauty. I believe that dial is also discontinued now, what a pity.

[@michaelhayward107]

Thanks for such a comprehensive review. I had to check your web page after you mentioned the end link issue, and I'd have to say what a mess this is. Those machined horizontal grooves in the watch case are a total deal breaker. Rolex doesn't think aesthetics matter anymore. Case form seems to have been totally sacrificed over function. Is this now the norm on all current Rolex models? I sure hope not.

[@FouseQuentin]

I thought I wanted more than one watch before seeing this beauty.

[@andrewtraynor]

Hi Blake. Could you expand more on your comment at 1:40 about issues with servicing the 3230 movement?

[@wornandwound]

Hi Andrew, I'd recommend giving this article by the watchmaker Ashton Tracy a read regarding potential long term serviceability quillandpad.com/2019/11/19/which-rolex-movement-takes-the-top-spot-a-watchmakers-comparison-of-rolex-calibers-3135-and-3235-and-which-is-better/ To be clear, I don't expect the 32xx movements to have more issues than the 31xx movements, but how they can be serviced by non-Rolex watchmakers in the long term is something potential buyers should be aware of. Hope this helps!

[@JohnnyJohnJon83]

I was juggling between this and the 114270 and decided to go with the later . Haven’t regretted it .

[@yavornikolov6965]

Could you elaborate, why so ? :)

[@amjed8985]

Really nice video Blake, please share more of these.

[@13ShelbyGuy]

Just picked up the 36mm for my wife, she loves wear of it, simple balanced beauty

[@tbaker2610]

Blake-love the explorer review. Thanks for the good work!

[@caseyjonesbklyn5796]

I like that this fits with your buttery smooth toned down style.

[@St.CrispinsDayGLORY]

I am so pleased Rolex re-released this watch in 36mm. I am actually glad glidelock is not included and in fact I'd of preferred an even simpler clasp from the O.P. 114200 with just the 3 ancor points - less to go wrong down the track and adequete enough. I also feel the 19mm lugs are elegant, afterall the classic was 18mm for years. I'm also glad they kept it thick with a 'somewhat' protruding crystal - I adore small thick watches, reminescent of the Rolex Bubbleback and Rolexes of the massive era 1926 through to 1988 when they introduced sapphire and slimmed it down.

[@pierre4869]

Great review, thank you ! Coud you tell us your wrist size ?

[@Gazsuncoast73]

Well done indeed on the video, I like the brown suede strap, what brand please

[@m.e.p.r]

The slots you see when you remove the bracelet are also very sharp and will/do rub against any strap you decide to use. Less of an issue on a rubber strap or on a nylon nato. But the exposed edges do mark, scuff and graze leather straps quite badly, as the spring bar holes put the edge of any given strap right up against the case. This is not a deal breaker for me, because I think this watch and pretty much all modern Rolex look best on the bracelets that they are sold with

[@Touyoujin]

It's the reason why i'm keeping my 39 and give it a past for this. Loving the 39's versatility and also generations prior. The latest design focus too much on being elegant so much so that they forgotten the purpose of this watch existed at the first place decades ago, making the current one losses it's charm as a professional tool watch.

[@markikn3183]

Great review. And agreed, Rolex has hit it out the park on the two big numbers you mention. Going down to 36 dial will set a fashion, using 19 lug/lug will see the number become better accepted (enough "20 or 22 only!" enthusiasts)

[@edwardo737]

agree. with the Tudor BB 36 also coming in with a 19mm strap, we should see more options.

[@manuel_winde]

I’ve got a Longines x HODINKEE and a reverso duoface that both have 19mm straps so I have dozens already, really tempted by this but availability and price are putting me off so far. The market clearly disagrees but for me, Rolex are a bit overpriced at rrp these days. 1000 less and this would be perfect but these are just that bit too much to be a no brainer for me.

[@4eyes239]

Got the call last week. The price went up £1000 since I went on the waiting list 😮😢 still worth it tho 😊

[@wornandwound]

Congrats!

[@4eyes239]

@@wornandwound thank you. It’s an amazing watch 🥰

[@rfern263]

You can’t bond with a watch that isn’t available to buy.

[@MrJunger2]

Enjoyed the review! Thoughts on the 124273? I think that’s right… ;)

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

Itz wooolex 🥺 underrated 😔 understated 😔 Flying under the radar 😔 Nobody want it😔 But itz cost 3 times overlist 🔥😍

[@magnuman008]

glide lock isn't on any Professional model except the Submariner and the Sea Dweller.

[@sleazyelegance4643]

Awesome stuff. Ordered mine. Waiting for my AD to cal me. So excited. Love the classic size,

[@yavornikolov6965]

Did you got it ? :)

[@1am1der]

Its one of the best modern Rolex of all. 36mm is a killer.

[@watch_beginer2056]

I have this and it is a fantastic watch. It's the most un-rolexy rolex

[@dietman]

Un-rolexy Rolex?

[@StruanRobertson29]

@@dietman no bling....no big crown (the triangle instead)...I know what the guy means. That is part of the reason why I love the watch. Someone who knows something about watches will recognise it on your wrist...if they don't, they won't

[@zdog1566]

Milgauss

[@Leventgursoy11]

Very moderate and effective video. Thanks

[@davidb9531]

Great shame about the end link situation, other than the fact it looks hideous on straps (a massive issue for me) it’s perfect

[@ztobe3822]

More of these videos, please!

[@JJJosh949]

If they offered this in a white dial- I would be much more interested

[@RebirthBeyond]

Does it have sheer sides or the more elegant kind found in the likes of Datejust and Daytona?

[@adamwest5625]

Creating memories with a watch is marketing BS 😂

[@gmotionedc5412]

Odd lug size = no buy for me. There should never be a reason for odd lug sizes unless all strap makers make all straps in all sizes.

[@explorerjlc1743]

the proportions of the watch head is a bit too big, they shouldnt have gone with a 19mm bracelet

[@NexDim.]

The only Rolex that I love….one day…let’s see where prices are in a decade lol

[@StruanRobertson29]

I love the new explorer. The only gripe I have is re the lume performance....its not good

[@chrisk7873]

Is only me ? But i think explorer logo was better in 39mm version

[@sensational_cellar8606]

Impossible to find. Why bother?

[@ricflair1768]

Could you talk any damn faster? Geez

[@polleriaosvaldo]

I own the 39, and I will add this to my collection too Love explorer 🧭😍

[@rogerdracks1880]

Same mindset, I have both

[@dinamiena6186]

@@rogerdracks1880 which one do you find more pleasing in the eye ? I had the older 36 I’ve trade it for the new 124270 and so far I try to accept the 19mm lugs ! Although the head looks larger than the 114270 the lugs with the aggressive taper make it looks smaller after all ! What’s your opinion ? Should I go for the 39 ? 6.5” wrist