The Rolex Explorer - Is It the Perfect Watch?

The last real Rolex! This Rolex Explorer 36mm 14270 is nearly identical to the new Rolex Explorer 214270 36mm save for technical upgrades. It's a watch that stands the test of time and always will but, is it the perfect watch?
Join us as we take a look at the unbelievable journey of the iconic Rolex Explorer, 35 years in the making. From this specific model (214270) debut in 1989 to its current status as one of the best real Rolexes out there, we'll explore the history and evolution of the classic 36mm Explorer. Don't miss this must-see video for any Rolex enthusiast!
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[@theurbangentry]

First time viewer and first time commentator. Great video, especially the start, it really made me miss living in NYC terribly. You certainly earned a new subscriber here, keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing more. Best regards, TGV P.s. Big fan of this watch too!

[@erikkinginnyc]

Hey, Im a huge fan! Also like similar watches - Squale ..... Just started a year ago and not as easy as I thought. Love your vids and yes, could see you were in the City at some point. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@garymann1271]

I totally agree with your conclusion about the Explorer 36. I have a pretty wide watch collection including several Rolexes, and my Explorer 36 124270 is the one I wear all the time. It is my all time favorite watch. I love everything about it. It is one of the few watches I wouldn’t ever consider selling. My second favorite is my BB58 925, and I love it, but the Explorer 36 is my absolute, total favorite #1!

[@erikkinginnyc]

Love the BB58 as well and have had 2 of them - the grey with silver is great! Thanks for watching.

[@Acarsfault]

same here. The explorer is a real Rolex. The rest could be a copy

[@Kevin......]

Same here. The best.

[@NenadRadibratovic]

I have a lot of Rolex watches; I've been buying them for over 10 years. I've watched many KZbin videos, but there's no Rolex (or any other watch from any brand) that evokes a deeper emotion in me than when talking about the Rolex Explorer. It doesn't matter if it's 36 or 39, whether it's 6610, 1016, 2470, 11470, or 12470... People love the Daytona, pay a premium for it, but the Explorer is the watch that might be the representative of watches for human civilization. I don't have an Explorer yet; I'm planning to buy the latest 36mm model this year. My feeling is that this watch will be the only one for everyday use and will push all my Daytonas and other watches into the safe.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Couldn't agree more. Explorer is in a class by itself. Thanks so much for watching.

[@masonmarcobello3164]

How do you feel it compares to datejust? I have a tritinova 14270 :)

[@MBCGRS]

I have the 40mm Explorer. Suits me just fine. Is my daily wearer and stays well below the radar...

[@erikkinginnyc]

Yes, it does. Thanks for watching

[@jameshoward9700]

Quietly confident. No need to shout. Effortless understatement. Great watch.

[@alanchappell4845]

It is the only Rolex that I do not feel self conscious wearing every day as it never seems to get any attention which may be a negative to some people.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Bingo! Thanks for watching.

[@ChillTX]

Ahhhh.... the Explorer videos always get the watch crowd fired up. My 114270 is my daily... find it hard to beat in ANY situation and, even though I share a 7.25" wrist, find it a perfect size at 36mm. Interestingly, my first Explorer was a brand new 124270 but couldn't get past the 19-14mm bracelet (lug to clasp). Just didn't fit my eye from the side and under-side of my 7+" wrist. So went on a quest for a 114270 which I found the sweet spot between vintage and new for the 36mm. Cheers!

[@erikkinginnyc]

True as it is a small clasp. Thanks for watching.

[@richardwarren2024]

Pelagos FXD + Explorer I = perfect two watch collection.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Love the Pelagos and regret selling mine a few years ago. Thanks for watching.

[@DanCath]

Go Erik! Would love to see a BB54 update video if you still have it

[@erikkinginnyc]

Funny I was just thinking that! Thanks for watching.

[@mikemush9741]

Love your content Erik. Another great video. I completely agree on the Explorer. I've had many of them over the years, but never an older vintage one. They are priced really well. I think it's time I pick one up. I'm mainly an Explorer II guy, but there's something magical about the simplicity of the Explorer. It's the blue jeans of the watch world.

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@mikemush9741 Love the Explorer II as well. Yes, simplistic but legendary. Thanks for watching.

[@doozeybig4130]

Love the content. I also really enjoyed when you went to the different used watch stores

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks, love the hidden stores as well. Thanks for watching.

[@joshuakaplan5726]

got on the list for the 124270 back on 25 July, got the call this past Thursday (just a few days ago!) and traded in my black bay pro and tank must large to fund the purchase. Absolutely agree about it being the most under-the-radar Rolex sports professional watch. A perfect companion to my DJ36 (blue fluted-motif dial) and and is a better fit for my Sea/Air/Land (SEAL) collection with my blue Omega SMP 300M and IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41 (racing green dial). I've accepted that Rolex 36mm (and 36mm-37mm in general) is absolutely perfect for my wrist.

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@joshuakaplan5726 Yeah, just a great watch! Also, you have some nice other watches. Thanks for watching.

[@JohnValencia70]

70 hour power reserve! Wow 👍👍👍

[@JohnBowl14690]

Great video on the best Rolex ever. A real watch and no garbage on it. Just a quality timepiece. Simple and elegant. Probably the only Rolex that I would get in the next 10 years unless I get an inheritance or something like that. Don't have much disposible income after writing a $50K check to pay off my house.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Agree as a great one watch choice! Thanks for watching.

[@gpapa31]

IMHO the Explorer line-up (1 & 2) is still the ONLY (within the brand’s professional model catalogue) that maintains the company’s original DNA - a classy low profile yet formal and robust tool watch that can be a worthy servant, reliably and effortlessly, through your wildest outdoor adventures on every environment and terrain and following that, accompany you at a Wall Street executives’ dinner out at a high end restaurant in Manhattan; and without shouting “hey look at me!”. Sadly the rest of the Pro models (GMT, Sub, Daytona, Sea Dweller etc) have followed the Classic models’ fate - a flex-watch/jewellery for mostly status display purposes and bragging exclusivity rights. Not saying that all people who wear those models want to achieve that effect but sadly a large number does. Moreover, judging by how the line up evolves, the marketing campaign and sales strategy Rolex is pursuing, it is high unlikely that the company is planning to shift its thoughts and intentions on where the Pro models collection is placed aesthetically. Excellent video!!

[@timemycollection]

Great video & great watch. I have one and love it and all of its versions 🙌🏾❤️

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks for watching!

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

When this stud uploads a new video I: 1. Like 2. Comment 3 Then I watch the video.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Hey, I wish all thought that pal. Thanks so much for the compliment and for watching!

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

@@erikkinginnyc Any time Erik. You’re a cool dude.

[@gunnsmoke357]

Agreed. It is the last real Rolex

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@gunnsmoke357 Thanks for watching

[@StruanRobertson29]

100% its fantastic...i have the current 36mm and will never part with it...question, would you ever have that watch polished...

[@erikkinginnyc]

I haven't but don't mind having it polished at all. Thanks so much for watching.

[@MrDavesf]

I've had my new 36mm 214270 for a few weeks now and I like it more every day! So much that I sold my EX2 16579 to my brother in law. (I'd have gifted it but can't really afford to do that - he did get an awesome deal, though.) I play drums (obviously) and it's the perfect size and weight for it. Works with a suit, or jeans and a leather jacket. The thing is perfect for me and my 6 1/2" wrist. Great review, you helped me make my decision, so thank you!

[@jimv.6631]

Just FYI, it’s actually the 124270. The 214270 is the discontinued 39mm version. There’s also a 224270, which is the latest 40mm version, which is what I have.

[@MrDavesf]

Thanks, I always mess that up!

[@rondaudelin6042]

Its my favorite Rolex, and I like the two tone as well

[@doreen.a]

Great review!

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks for watching.

[@morganthau4448]

Excellent review.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks for the compliment and for watching!

[@b.luijkx8511]

Love the explorer. I’m 6.5 inch wrist. But its personal taste. I tried this model , it is bit smal and it tapers down a lot that I didn’t like so I passed. But again it’s my humble opinion 😊

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@b.luijkx8511 Agree its all about personal taste. You have to like it. Thanks for watching!

[@cmatz175]

I own this watch and I love it, even though it is kind of plain a boring it is perfect. It is part of Rolex's model of evolution as opposed to revolution so it actually makes me appreciate the other watches in my collection more. This one is a keeper.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Couldn't agree more - timeless. Thanks for watching.

[@philr3381]

I love the explorer style watch, but definitely can't afford a Rolex yet. Will have to be happy with my Seiko DresSKX for a while

[@erikkinginnyc]

Love it as well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hoymikey]

I agree, but opted for a 40mm fits my wrist enough!

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@hoymikey Thats the great thing about the watch - sizes! Thanks for watching.

[@tomlabarb2640]

I love the explorer in videos.. but everytime I have tried on the 36m it just looks really small... maybe the 39m is the sweet spot ? Or maybe you just need to get used to it coming from a 40m sub. I also dont know the watch community obsession of stay "below the radar" .. its not the end of the world when someone notices and compliments your watch.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Agree as some I want to be seen. Thanks for watching.

[@robdove8341]

The most perfect watch ever created. I have a NOS 1991 copy which is the pride of my modest 4 watch collection.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Yes, they all have an iconic look. Thanks for watching.

[@DESCENDINGDR]

So you don't like the two-tone? Hmmm, I have both the 36 mm and 40 mm in stainless and also have the two-tone 36 as well. Surprisingly, even to me, I have enjoyed the two-tone as much or more than the others. It's kind of a 'wink and a nod' take on this classic piece. As you note, this model has been around for a very long time with minimal changes. So it has stood the test of time. Why not celebrate?

[@erikkinginnyc]

I like it as well and have friends that have it. It's just not for me. Thanks for watching.

[@TwentyOne_Five]

Rolex have been shamelessly doing their most beloved models in two tone for decades. Rolex and two tone go and hand. Be thankful it wasn’t everrose!

[@DESCENDINGDR]

True

[@seetcheryang2142]

I have the 124270 and the 214270! Planning to add the two tone one day 😍

[@erikkinginnyc]

I love the two tine as a classic but just not my choice over the stainless. Thanks for watching. Here's one on the 41: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGXWgKRjqdd_etUsi=2zWzAnJ8qVXy9X9h

[@danielkatz7516]

Actually , apologies The video is great , and I’m complaining About one sentence? I take it back

[@DexterAlenko]

To answer the title: No, because there is a date window missing for a everyday watch.

[@erikkinginnyc]

If you need one, I get it. Thanks for watching.

[@Thenameonthegraveisarchstanton]

“Oooooh what’s the date!????🙄 I’m gonna die if I don’t know the date right now!!!!” “It’s the 8th” “Er, ok. I’m not gonna die then”

[@youngphil8766]

Nice vid man

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks for the compliment and for watching!

[@wayneguy6043]

It’s perfect in 40mm❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@wayneguy6043 Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@JakePantyShields]

You are spot on my friend. I have the 39mm full lume & it’s still amazing. Rolex then reintroduced a 36mm the 40mm but they are all understated Enjoy

[@erikkinginnyc]

Cant go wrong. Thanks for watching.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

I was on the list and got the call for the new 40mm but I declined. I like the balance but it does feel too blah to spend $7k on it, however I am finding the new OP41 black dial with the Sunray finish and double lume indices at 3-6-9 is more appealing , for some reason.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Me too! Just a design thing I guess. Thanks for watching.

[@johnprosser5035]

I got my 40 and absolutely love it.. But it's down to personal preference.

[@NickABQQm]

Let's be real, All gold Explorer would look better than the 2 tones. It would look like a smaller Black Bay Bronze.

[@vantage789]

I’ve been debating between the 124270 36mm or a Moonwatch. Right now I’m leaning towards the Rolex. I mean it’s kinda difficult to justify spending that amount of money on any watch but I do have a baby on the way so maybe that’s a good excuse. 😂

[@erikkinginnyc]

You can always use the "momentus occasion" for the baby.....Thanks for watching!

[@matspersson5188]

If it only had a ever so small datewindow it would be perfect. For me an everyday watch must have a date.

[@erikkinginnyc]

I get it. I always expect to see a date when looking at my watch. Thanks for watching.

[@KK-ss7rl]

It is the perfect watch, the way it has been since 1953

[@russellseah2347]

Yes. The 114270. But not the 214270. The symmetry n dimensions are fit for my niece.

[@TruTube.1.]

36mm is the way to go.

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@TruTube.1. Yeah, love it on my 7" wrist! Thanks for watching.

[@K_2_konscience]

I see a titanium one much more than a full gold one

[@erikkinginnyc]

That I wouldn't mind seeing! Thanks for watching.

[@andrejensen7837]

Don't have the same monument in Barcelona ?.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Dont know but have been there many times! Stolen? Thanks for watching!

[@borion7775]

I love it

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@borion7775 Thanks for watching.

[@danielkatz7516]

No offense , the rest of video is great Maybe we”ll meet in Watchtime NY

[@erikkinginnyc]

Yeah, happy roo as usually go.

[@pointblank722]

36mm is the best size for explorer.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Im with ya on that! Thanks for watching.

[@liquid_metal]

That is true, if you are buying it for your wife or daughter. The 40mm is for men.

[@Jtjustintimberlake]

It's a great watch. Personally I love a date complication, so not for me.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks for watching

[@vonbon954]

The best current stealth Rolex is the OP, in steel with silver or black dial. As for the Exp 1 being a tool watch, for what specific application is this watch a tool?

[@erikkinginnyc]

Why Mount Everest of course though not entirely true. I get tour point as really a different dial OP pretty much. Thanks for watching.

[@sg8475]

Just got my call from the AD to get a 40🎉

[@tuberaider]

They used to have drilled lugs prior to 1994, though.

[@ellisd.wilsonjr.4114]

I Prefer The 40mm🖤🖤🖤

[@mrb6597]

Yo hold up, I'm getting confused. So the old watch and the new watch look basically the same? I didn't catch it right any of the first 14 times. 😂 J/k, I just learned about these last week, I'm just getting started. I have to have one.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Look nearly identical with small changes - 19mm new and 20mm lugs old. Lume on old is burned out. Power reserve on new is 70 vs 40 something on old ....

[@hugopetricioli9789]

The perfect watch!

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@hugopetricioli9789 Thanks for watching.

[@TakeInTheAir]

Nice!

[@erikkinginnyc]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@sairtg2771]

👍🏻

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@sairtg2771 Thanks for watching!

[@jw999]

36mm is really too small for guys today...

[@Sestorema]

You never actually own a Rolex Explorer, you just care for it for the next generation...

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@Sestorema Thanks for the comments and for watching.

[@seanhickling7340]

The Explorer was the perfect Rolex until the end of the 1016 then they stuck on those gaudy ostentatious numerals which completely ruin it.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Love the 1016 if one can get it. And the original. Love it. Thanks for watching.

[@jackflowers999]

as a tool watch Rolex have missed the crown guards for it ....

[@alanchappell4845]

It would be more 'toolish' with crown guards but it would break with tradition as the Explorer has never had guards.

[@masonmarcobello3164]

Explorer > submariner

[@FINAL-B0SS]

Love the Explorer but the Explorer II is more of a tool watch.

[@erikkinginnyc]

@@FINAL-B0SS Like it too but really a different watch. Thanks for watching.

[@xchazz86]

The only real Rolex to get, everything else has been turned into hype status fashion bs.

[@erikkinginnyc]

Totally agree. Thanks for watching.

[@Lomez07734]

Yes, if it didn’t have those gashes on the case behind the bracelet ends.

[@erikkinginnyc]

35 years old!

[@randomocityvideos]

That intro made me cringe so hard lol

[@emreisiklar]

The 39 is😂

[@erikkinginnyc]

I do line the 39 as well but 36 for my 7" wrist. Thanks for watching.

[@gepal7914]

No. The Omega Aqua Terra black face beats it in most respects.

[@d34thgunlol]

It really doesn’t

[@danielkatz7516]

Wait wait , my first time here Could not sleep And I came upon this I have an explorer 1. Ok So I listen And than you park yourself in front of C Columbus , explorer yah , but one of the most abusive racist attackers in the Americas ….im sure not intended, yr probably a great guy , just sayin

[@charlese665]

A perfect watch is a watch that tells time. That’s it. It doesn’t need to be over $100.

[@ChaPPie01]

Are you accidentally here I guess 🤔

[@gpapa31]

A perfect car is one that can get you from point A to point B. That’s it. It doesn’t need to be over $1,000. We all can play this game with everything.