2005 Rolex Explorer 1 36mm 114270 Box & Papers
Ref: 114270
Specification
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Rolex box and paperwork, swing tags rare to find like this. The watch comes paired on its original Rolex oyster bracelet, spare links included. The watch is from Circa. 2004 based on Serial but sold in January 2005 based on the paperwork and is sold in worn condition. The watch has been polished in its past but remains in all original and fair condition for its age. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
The Rolex Explorer was first introduced in 1953, shortly after the first successful summit of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometers used by the expedition was the forerunner of the explorer, albeit without the name. In 1989 the reference 1016 was discontinued after 26 years of production. To replace it the reference 14270 brought with it modern upgrades such as acrylic crystal to sapphire crystal and a newer movement, the automatic Cal. 3000. During the 90s Rolex switched from tritium to Super Luminova. Later in 2001, they introduced the reference 114270 which had the updated automatic cal. 3130 and a minor thickness increase from 11.5mm to 12.0mm.
This Rolex Explorer 1 reference 114270 has a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case. A lug to lug length of 44mm and a thickness of 12mm gives the watch an excellent wrist presence. The Serial number shows the watch was produced in 2004 but it wasn’t sold until January 2005 which is written on its papers. This was a common practice where the stock would sit in a back stock room waiting to be sold, we struggle to imagine such a scenario today for Rolex. This is the last version to have a 36mm case due to Rolex introducing the reference 214270 at Baselworld increasing its size to 39mm in 2010, until recently Rolex has again brought back the iconic size. Its polished and brushed surfaces transition perfectly towards tapering lugs. A lug to lug length of 44mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right is a large screw-down crown. Its polished bezel holds a flat sapphire crystal. The glossy black dial has applied white gold framed Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. With white gold framed baton indexes between, all are coated in Super Luminova. Mercedes’s hands are lume infilled. On the reverse, a coin-edged screw-in case back. Inside an Automatic Rolex Cal. 3130, 31 Jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. COSC Chronometer Certified movement. Fitted on its original Rolex stainless steel oyster bracelet with a signed deployment clasp and solid end links. Polished sides and brushed links give the watch a quality finish and comes with its Rolex presentation box and papers.
Personal Note
A personal grail for me, 114270! Easily THE very best 36mm Explorer made that is both practical and wearable, I seriously love the vintage Explorers but with the prices increasing as they are I'd be a little worried wearing that out and about... Whereas this with its solid end links, sapphire crystal, and robust movement, I would happily wear this comfortably! Plus Rolex knows they had a winner with this reference as they've brought it back!