The TRUE Rolex Explorer? (Francis Chichester's Rolex Oyster Perpetual)

[@ID-Guy]

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[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Another amazing video IDGuy. What a classically beautiful Rolex and what an adventure this particular watch went on. Hopefully Rolex will heed your words and will bring this version back into production.

[@ID-Guy]

A redesign by yours truly is on the cards ;) It's an incredible story. And Rolex has covered it a few times before but not nearly enough. Thank you as always, brother!

[@reedgrabowski8314]

@@ID-Guy look forward to your take on a new version.

[@georgehave]

There is so much more to watches. They impact all of life. Enjoyed your presentation. This is the first Rolex that has attracted me.

[@ID-Guy]

Nicely said George. It's such a gorgeous looking piece... Rolex really had such a creative streak in its past. Thank you for the comment!

[@watchingandseeing]

this was the best OP they ever made...bring it back!

[@sailinbob11]

The adjectives are endless, but legend, is probably most appropriate. I'm a sailor, with all the modern tech you could want on an IOR boat that's 50 years old, i wouldn't even attempt that voyage. Not my thing. I do enjoy doing the old navigation techniques, but I check my work against the electronics. Same with my dive tables. Absolutely awesome story, and great content for you to cover. I have the Omega 300m master coaxial, but have yet to put it to the test. I'm just starting my refit,so could be awhile, but stories like this, are inspirational. EXCELLENT!!!! Thanks for the memories... Capt.Bob, SV 27th Chance, Tampa Florida.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I've never heard of the man I will definitely be doing research about him ,being 66 it makes me want to start out on some great adventure , Thank you again for another great video ! Take care my friend !!

[@ID-Guy]

You will be fascinated, Junior. There is so much information about his journey! It's such an incredible feat that this video barely did it any justice. Thank you as always, brother!

[@reedgrabowski8314]

JJ - totally agree with you about pursuing a great adventure. I am just a sew years behind you, and life and a career has limited the yearning to explore. Hope you find your adventure and pursue it.

[@Thomas_Burnett]

A very interesting story here IDGuy and fascinating to see that your Great Aunt was friends with Chichester. I was unaware of the relevance of his timepiece so thank you for this educational video. It is so true, the watches outside of Rolex’s professional range have so much to offer as well. That creamy ‘Expedition’ dial too. It should definitely make a comeback. Again, a very enjoyable and educational package you have put together here my friend. Great work as always. ✊

[@ID-Guy]

Always my pleasure, brother. So great that we've been able to connect on the socials ;)

[@alejandropujol8585]

Great video! Super cool. Although, I did think that you were going to show us a modern mock up of this watch. Would love to see you make one!

[@triples4good]

What an amazing video. Brilliant.

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a lot Steve. It always feels great to finally sit back and watch it after editing. This one definitely left a smile on my face in the end ;)

[@triples4good]

IDGuy absolutely. This is probably the most enjoyable video I've seen in a while. With everything going in the world, it was like a breath of fresh air.

[@ID-Guy]

@@triples4good And they will keep on coming, don't worry! I've been at this for the last six months non-stop. So glad you enjoyed it

[@triples4good]

IDGuy I'm looking forward to it. Brilliant content.

[@cedarcanoe]

Such an heroic journey, the world has seen some incredible adventurers in the past. Very nice video, you inspired me to retrieve and read a book about this mans’ journey.

[@ID-Guy]

I need to read up more on him. Its just unreal to think how he pulled it off with barely any equipment whatsoever...

[@TimG--]

On point! Nice video mate.

[@ID-Guy]

Always a joy to present these Tim and thank you as always brother!

[@VinnyTheCuz]

I love hearing stories of people having special connections with their watches and how much both experienced together. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Outstanding story and history I would have never known if it weren't for you IDGuy. Thanks for sharing this. Also your 'small world' fact that your Great Aunt knew the man, the explorer - awesome! This video continues to reinforce for me that all I need and desire is the uncomplicated watch that uses numerals and three hands to tell me the time!

[@ipolendo]

Amazing story. All respect for Rolex for being the instrument of choice among those brave men. Its insane to take on the seas of the world with the equipment they had. We can't go out on the city without feeling naked if we don't carry directions from a navigation app.

[@Dave062YT]

What a beautiful watch .I'm old enough to remember this event and what a big deal it was . rv was brought into my infant school and us 5 yr olds all watched the great man's return in may 67.ps it's worth noting that a few years earlier he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

[@JamesShander]

This is what I love about Rolex. Superb video.

[@brucecameron7172]

thank as a professional Ocean Yachtmaster I really enjoyed this video

[@samuelWx]

Well played IDG! I read Sir Francis Chichester's book growing up as well as Tristan Jones and Reinhold Messner along with Antoine de Saint-Expury. Ah the days before the internet and a young boys imagination. Thanx for the memory.

[@samuelWx]

@austin rosin Joined the USN at 17 and became rescue swimmer sailing the north and South Atlantic as well as the Med. Now days I practice family medicine in the North Carolina country side. Cheers.

[@samuelWx]

@austin rosin Alas, my undoing. Our common bond I trust.

[@ardisgraham1100]

@@samuelWx Dude, those are quite the adventures! Do you still have your watch from when you were a rescue swimmer? I bet there are some excellent stories that you and that watch could tell!

[@samuelWx]

@@ardisgraham1100 An old Seiko 6306 "turtle" long since gone unfortunately. Bought it at the base "px". Replaced it 15 years later with an Omega Sea Master 2254 and have been collecting ever since.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

@@samuelWx Thank you for your Service Mr. Weatherford, Semper Fidelis!

[@sskumariyer]

i love the storytelling....its like a mini-movie in itself. keep it up!!!

[@malikknows3510]

Love these historical videos! Thanks. Let me further highlight one aspect of Chichester's choice of watch. Size of the watch is key! When wearing a watch 16 or more hours per day, seven days per week for months, the smaller the better. Too many watch enthusiasts and manufacturers don't appreciate this. Years ago I wore my Rolex Submariner with standard bracelet (16610) on a very demanding 9 month military deployment overseas. By month 4, I had to take the watch off frequently because my wrist had become sore. Ever since I've concentrated on size and wear-ability as key to field and adventure watches that I intend to wear long-term. Granted, as we flip and alternate watches in our collections frequently, these considerations are less important. My guess is Chichester wore that GMT-Master but went back to the smaller, more comfortable Rolex even though it had less useful complications. He likely wore that watch 24/7 for his entire voyage. Under these circumstances, imho, reliability AND wear-ability are key concerns! All the best!

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Great perspective Malik. Probably why most military issue watches were ~ 35mm or less.

[@drwindsurf]

Brilliant - As a sailor Chichester is a hero of mine. I loved hearing this story and learning about his watch. Thank you :)

[@ID-Guy]

An absolute pleasure Jeffrey and I'm glad you enjoyed it! He was such an incredible man... there needs to be a film about him.

[@ardisgraham1100]

Great video, as always. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the story of Sir Francis Chichester and his voyage around the world. As a kid, I sailed a lot in the San Francisco Bay and knew more than a few people who followed in his footsteps. Including this cute girl who left with her parents to do it for a year - right before I was going to ask her out!! Maybe that's why they took her on a year-long trip! LOL @MatthewRikihana mentioned how the numerals on the dial look like the Oris, and I had had the same thought. If you look at the number 4 on this watch and compare it to the Big Crown, they are very similar.

[@BijanIzadi]

I absolutely love your channel and I’m incredibly happy I found it

[@russell996]

Another wonderful presentation. Keep up the great work.

[@karl_m3013]

Thank you for this. I was not familiar with the story. This is why I watch every video you publish, always something interesting.....especially the car/watch one. I wold like to see the smaller brands covered. While I like functional numbers as presented on a GMT watch or bezel, a dive bezel or a tachymeter, generally speaking I am baton/dot guy on functional watches. Dress watches are in a different category. Having said that, this Rolex looks good with the simple numbers and small dots. I would have thought you would have liked the hands for a re-issue version as on your 1957 Omega. Very cool about your great aunt.

[@ID-Guy]

You're in for a treat next week, Karl - "Salmon Dial" watches. And we look at plenty of smaller brands all the up to the high horology pieces. And this Rolex does stand out so well aesthetically, right? The handset would probably be the only aspect I'd change on the piece. Maybe opting for pencil hands instead (if Rolex ever had a broad arrow hour hand, we'd be in business) ;) But it was such a lovely story to cover. Nothing beats a triumph like this... and the Rolex Company should really push the marketing of a story like this... I reckon this watch has the same amount of provenance as the Armstrong / Aldrin Speedmasters

[@michaeloneil3653]

Just proves how much potential the oyster has.

[@ID-Guy]

So many areas of creative opportunity! Absolutely! Thanks for the comment Michael!

[@hansobermann4871]

Appealing piece.

[@ID-Guy]

Great right? It's so different to what we see nowadays. Thanks a lot for the comment Hans!

[@ryananthony6416]

The photo where Chichester is wearing the sponsored Rolex GMT Master, on his left wrist he is wearing the Oyster Perpetual! I doubt he could bring himself to taking the Oyster Perpetual off, safest place for it is on your wrist when sailing offshore. Great video, thanks IDGuy.

[@modmod392]

Great contentThank you.

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a ton Dom! I loved putting this clip together

[@oysterman962]

Great watch for a great explorer. The Arabic numerals make it much more legible and easier to read the time than baton markers. I can understand why he preferred it over the GMT. Unfortunately the Rolex Explorer model as we know it, is more about marketing hype rather than true history. The true 'Explorer' is actually not a Rolex but a Tudor. If you research Tudor British North Greenland Expedition 1952, you will see the watch which pre-dates the Everest climb, was worn in the Earth's most extreme temperature conditions over 2 years and has the 3,6,9 DNA design. Rolex facsmilied the design in the Explorer model a year later. According to the Tudor website, Rolex launched a printed ad campaign in 1953 attesting to the Robustness of Tudor watches. They were not only issued to 26 scientists and military personnel for the Greenland expedition but tested by coal miners and stone cutters using a pneumatic drill over 30 hours of rigorous vibrations. If you look further into the modern day version of the Explorer, you will notice it has the same 3130 calibre movement as the Oyster Perpetual which is less expensive. So why not get an Oyster Perpetual. An OP is an Explorer without the marketing.

[@mgb1971]

Excellent video. That watch is captivating. I couldn't take my eyes off it. Is it in a museum somewhere? Also, It looks as if the 12 o'clock lume pip might be missing. Is it missing or did it not have one at the 12?

[@ID-Guy]

As far as I know, Rolex has it in their archives (and are very stingy with letting it see the light of day) - But it truly is one of a kind. A gorgeous design and a story that could only be matched by the Armstrong / Aldrin Speedmasters ;) And yes! I don't think the watch ever had lume at the 12. Normally OP's have the Crown there (maybe it was a custom build?) Thanks for the comment B Dev!

[@notbutta]

I knew who this guy was since I was in highschool back in 2005 Lol. I used to love and use his navigation quotes on my AOL IM chat profile. Really happy to see someone cover him.

[@AndresDeMoya]

Now I need to know more about this guy and his watch. The Rolex "Chichester" has a nice ring to it. It could literally be my one and only watch. I now wear a DJ2 and sometimes I feel is too big, even though my wrist meassures 21cm...

[@ID-Guy]

There is so much incredible history on the man. Honestly, they need to make a movie about him... Think about how incredible it would be to experience the world by sea... solo... in a yacht. Dude was unreal.

[@glennrainey1227]

ID Guy, you've hit a highest note in this production and primarily celebrating the great man, and his critical use of a timepiece. I'm on a hunt for this or similar reference - a 'grail', and it may now slip away further over that marine horizon. Most people don't know that Chichester was primarily an aviator. I wonder what he wore as a young man, during his supreme navigation feat crossing the Tasman sea in 1931 in his first Gypsy Moth, shooting sun sights by diving through cloud gaps to the wave tops . You should read that book if only to grasp how knowing the precise time equates with success or dire failure.

[@stevefox8605]

A Rolex I like the look of! Heroic chap. Good video as always, thanks 👍🏻

[@ericb8888]

You’re Great Aunt would be very proud of you ;) Real Boy’s Own story !

[@ID-Guy]

I'm so happy to have covered it. This video did definitely make me grin after the edit was complete ;)

[@flyinb45]

Great video, as always. I wasn't aware of Francis and found this quite interesting.

[@kentvonseverin1257]

As a former graphic designer and present architectural preservationist, I enjoy your eye on the details (line weight, fonts, etc). It is videos that like this that I find truly compelling. For those who might be interested in serious exploration: Chichester journaled all of his sea voyages, better that anyone that I have read: "Gypsy Moth Circles the World" is a compelling read.

[@julioerodriguez6097]

Very nice story! There was a time when watches were tools not luxury. Thanks for sharing!!

[@anthonysmith2982]

Hey IDGuy. I actually had no idea who Francis Chichester was!...and I consider myself to have better than average general knowledge! Perhaps it's time to re- think that particular possiblity! I digress. This piece as it is (or as it would be with a sterile rather turned bezel) is a thing of absolute beauty and balance and quiet dignity. I love it. I would love to see it in production. But I won't. ...shame.

[@ID-Guy]

Rolex needs this man to be a figurehead of theirs. Not this sportsman / athlete bs ;) - Do yourself a favour and look up Chichester and his accomplishments. This video didn't do him any justice. Thank you as always Anthony!

[@Nelo-wj3qj]

Great story . The dial on the Archimede Outdoor 39 looks to me like a modern version of his watch.

[@chrisstevenson2622]

There’s a beauty in simplicity. With a watch like that, a quick flick of the wrist and you have the time. No fancy dials, handset or complications to take away from its main task of giving the time. The only thing I would change is a black dial would make the numerals, minute track and the handset just pop. Plus, it would make it that much easier to read the time.

[@michaelgladman9087]

Awesome video--loved it. First thing that jumped to my mind when I saw the Arabic numbers on the dial: the font looks almost exactly like the modern day IWC Portugese Chronographs.

[@sailinbob11]

If i was going to buy a Rolex, I'd buy that exact model. I need the diver,so depth would be my only reservation. But ,oh baby ! It's beautiful.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

C’mon Youth. It’s Sir Francis Chichester He was Knighted after the completion of his solo circumnavigation of the world. Great Review nice watch.

[@gregblackmon2]

Keep up the excellent content. Love it.

[@camarocarl7130]

I remember when he returned, was very important in 3 rd grade to see what was possible on your own.

[@tippykaffu4047]

This first explorer is one of the best looking Rolex

[@ID-Guy]

Would've been nice to have seen them release an "Expedition" variant along with the Explorer ;)

[@reedgrabowski8314]

@@ID-Guy I like your idea for an 'expedition' variant.

[@darood77]

That is NOT an Explorer.

[@tippykaffu4047]

@@darood77 Its a 'proto explorer' or just known as oyster perpetual. Id still call it an explorer either way.

[@darood77]

@@tippykaffu4047 Wishful thinker aahh!

[@russellharris5072]

After this video it makes me appreciate my 1954 Omega Seamaster even more..........................

[@petespurgeon7217]

Timeless build & design on Datejust the standard of Rolex Excellence. Thanx. P.S. Tx.

[@autostereoptic]

that is such a beaut!

[@ID-Guy]

A real gem. The watch world needs to know what a standard it set! Thanks for the comment Walter!

[@autostereoptic]

@@ID-Guy amazing video as always. keep up the great work!

[@darood77]

What an elegant sports watch!

[@jsytac]

My god, that's a pretty watch. I'd love to see Rolex/Tudor issue a fully numbered OP just like this. “No one had done this journey before”. Except Joshua Slocum in 1892. What was unique about Chichester was that he was attempting a non-stop solo voyage: he failed, having had to stop in Fremantle, Australia. It was a remarkable voyage. Three years later, in 1969, Knox-Johnson did complete the world’s first non-stop solo circumnavigation. I'm also pretty sure that Chichester carried a 'marine chronometer', which is a very well calibrated timepiece, normally stored in a box, below decks, near the chart table. He would have set this using LW time signals. His watch would have been for general time-keeping.

[@ref6122]

This is a truly amazing watch story.The watch reminds me more of an IWC Portuguese’s than a Rolex.Sadly I doubt Rolex would release an OP like this today,that would be too disruptive to their current buissness strategy

[@ID-Guy]

Excellent analysis! It really does have a Portuguese dial! (and it totally goes against their brand image today, but hey, we can dream) ;)

[@scotty88lp]

This makes me love my 114200 even more

[@ID-Guy]

Just between you and me, I'm seriously considering one ;) Thanks for the comment!

[@scotty88lp]

@@ID-Guy go for the green 34mm haha

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Love It! G'Job! :) But you really should add some technical aspects like how he actually used the watch, what it's daily summing wold need to be, what are they known to be and aspects with some useful detail.

[@jeromef.5489]

Great video

[@ID-Guy]

Greatly appreciated. Thank you so much Jerome!

[@tomkhong9828]

Rolex did make numeral indices dial in the Datejust Boiler Gauge series, pretty rare.

[@JiTamp]

Great video as always👍

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

Hands down (no pun) one of the best watch channels on youtube and I totally agree with your assessment regarding the generic nature we see from Rolex nowadays. They would do good by adding some flourishes to the datejust/oyster perpetual line. I'm currently in the market for my first Rolex and am really having trouble picking out a unique piece from their current lineup. So much so that I am thinking of either going vintage or abandoning Rolex altogether (looking at you Glashutte SeaQ).

[@gilbertrose7147]

I have had a Submariner for 30 years and it has been a flawless companion all that time. HOWEVER, if I wanted a no nonsense diver’s watch I would get a Sinn UX. If I wanted an upmarket “gentleman’s” tool watch that was clearly better than the Sub, I would really look hard at the GO SEAQ! What a classy watch. I myself am a sailor and the abuse a watch gets on the sea (and banging about on ground tackle, etc.) leads me to the Sinn as the daily go-to. When you add the 10 seconds a year accuracy of the temperature compensated quartz you can’t beat it for celestial navigation (every 4 seconds-off is a nautical mile error). Today, my daily wear is a Sinn 857 UTC. The Sub is semi-retired!

[@StephanoHamez]

I love your video content ❤️🥇🇦🇺

[@ID-Guy]

That really means a lot Steve. Thank you so, so much for your comment!

[@mikev3245]

A most enjoyable video. It would have been nice if the dimensions were given. I believe this was a 34mm watch with dimensions similar to the OP Date which is one of my favorites.

[@WildCountryLeather]

Would really love that dial to be a common dial on newer Rolex watches. Another OP perhaps? Or even crazier, a Submariner.

[@brucecameron7172]

Excellent !

[@theolympus593]

What a fantastic story, even today more people have climbed Everest than sailed single handed around the world... So the sailors today benefit from modern tech. etc but the record now stands at 42 days, not in a mono I know but still pretty amazing! Chichester`s achievement is truly amazing but lets not forget Sir Robin Knox-Johnson and what he achieved in a much smaller boat, also wearing a Rolex... and he didn't stop. www.hodinkee.com/articles/sir-robin-knox-johnstons-rolex-explorer-found

[@ID-Guy]

He wore a 1016, right? Another incredible story! AND its worth sharing in another video! Thank you for this Steve.

[@JogieGlenMait]

basic tools become very effective in the hands of a skilled sailor (or any craftsman)

[@vladifrish]

Thank you!

[@tomthompson7400]

That dial was an option recently , as I nearly bought a new DJ , in rose gold and stainless , and that was my dial choice in white , i actually bought a 36mm explorer instead , as its just a classic.

[@thingsnearandfar7123]

Beautiful watch. I'm really enjoying Arabics these days

[@alejandropujol8585]

Also it looks like he wears two watches in the GMT photo.

[@karl_m3013]

I noticed that as well.

[@ID-Guy]

And many have been speculating what the piece is for a long time! Bizarre right? Maybe he used them for different timezones? Double Wristing before it was cool?

[@alejandropujol8585]

So why not just wear the GMT?....

[@flippinzippo9670]

Legend has it he could anchor his ship with his solid brass balls

[@ID-Guy]

Legend has it that he couldn't stay afloat because of their weight ;)

[@ultimaetsolder]

Why does the watch still look mint.

[@TruckeeDoggo]

I'll join the chorus here in saying, I wish Rolex made a watch like this, with full Arabic numerals.

[@ForbinColossus]

Knighted by the Queen, the former WWII cartographer, pilot, and skilled record-setting yachtsman ... Sir Chichester scoffed at being asked by watch nerds which wristwatch he wore - "oh, you mean the Rolex I dropped so many times? Its jingly jangly bracelet can't be trusted, you know!"

[@petes5152]

You should be a little more clear in your intro and the map you showed is not Chichester's route. The first circumnavigation of the world occurred in 1522 and the first solo circumnavigation in 1898. Chichester was the first to circumnavigate using Cape Horn rather than the Straits of Magellan. The solo non-stop circumnavigation, obviously a much more significant accomplishment, occurred a few years after Chichester's trip. Not to take anything away from Chichester, the guy was a total legend, but he was far from the "first to circumnavigate".

[@David67811]

Pete S glad to see you caught that. Joshua Slocum was the gentleman who accomplished the 1st solo circumnavigation (1895-1898). Having been born & raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, he’s something of a hometown legend 😊

[@petes5152]

@@David67811 That's the guy and he did it in a 30 something foot fishing boat. He took the straits of Magellan as opposed to rounding the cape but no less of an accomplishment in my eyes.

[@寒山居士]

modern day hamilton 38mm murph watch would seem to fit the bill exactly, albeit with a black dial,not a cream dial。

[@austinzizzi1142]

I think there’s a big gap for white faced sports watches and Rolex used to do (and still does) them the best. The 116000 is my daily companion because it is the sportiest sub 40mm white dial they currently make.

[@mrg1911]

I hope Rolex never offers a white dial, instead a cream, ivory, or silver dial would look better. Thanks!

[@ID-Guy]

Completely agree. Imagine a cream dial anything in the family? The new white OP's do manage to bring something quite special to the table too. Thanks for the comment as always, brother!

[@matthewrikihana6818]

Seems the ongoing theme of horology is "inspired by the past". The full numerals on dial suggest Oris, a style long abandoned by Rolex. That said it's a beautiful tool watch which is not a dive watch. I hope it is somewhere safe and can be appreciated.

[@ardisgraham1100]

I had the same thought that numerals suggest Oris! I guess we now know where they got it from.

[@koogar77]

Slick video, but there are a few simple fundamental errors about Sir Francis and the journey itself. So it becomes obvious you are more interested using the story and man to promote the watch itself, more than celebrate the great achievements of Sir Francis Chichester.

[@mountainhobo]

I was just entering my teens when he sailed around the world. Then, like so many in my generation, I read his memoirs, "Gipsy Moth Circles the World". Young people today should read it for inspiration. As for the watch, his OP was far nicer IMHO than GMT Master. People of his and my generation could still do basic addition and subtraction in our heads without thinking about it. GMT watch seems to us a pointless affectation.

[@saymyname218]

How could a Rolex be knocked off your wrist several times???

[@abel6575]

Interesting the new Smiths Prs-25 Expedition

[@MTbone7]

Who's the one dope who didn't like this?

[@rlampano]

o.g. o.p.

[@geezer8294]

first

[@jamessymington2466]

Great video