Rolex Explorer Ref. 114270 automatic 36 mm 2003

The birth of a legend

Since 1930, Rolex has equipped many explorers with Oyster watches. Through their exploits, and thanks to the knowledge accumulated during numerous expeditions, Rolex succeeded in developing a category of Professional watches, consisting of true tool watches, like the Explorer and Explorer II. The Rolex Explorer participated in one of the greatest human adventures in 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. At the time, the Nepalese government only allowed one expedition per year, and that year Rolex sponsored the event and asked Hillary to wear one of its watches, making the Explorer the first watch to reach the summit of Mount Everest... First offered by Rolex in 1953, the collection has changed little over its lifetime, remaining true to its core qualities: a steel Oyster case, a signature "three, six and nine" dial configuration with a pair of highly legible Mercedes hands, and a reliable automatic calibre, reserved for hours, minutes and seconds when it matters most.

What you need to know

The last Rolex Explorer to be housed in a 36mm case before the reintroduction of this diameter in 2021 via ref. 124270, the Rolex Explorer 114270, was launched in 2001 and discontinued in 2010. Visually similar to the previous reference, it mainly brought a mechanical update with the arrival of the Calibre 3130. The model of course features a Super-LumiNova dial and a bracelet with massive links for a heavier, modern feel on the wrist.

Rolex Caliber 3130

As for the movement, this Rolex Explorer embarks the tried and tested calibre 3130. This is a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Like all PERPETUAL movements, the 3130 is certified as a Swiss Chronometer, a title reserved for superior precision watches that have passed the tests of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). Its architecture, common to all the movements in the OYSTER range, gives it unparalleled precision and reliability. The oscillator, the heart of the watch, includes a blue PARACHROM balance spring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Perfectly insensitive to magnetic fields, this balance spring is highly stable in the face of temperature variations and remains up to ten times more accurate than a traditional balance spring in the event of shocks.

The package

This 2003 example is an exceptional piece and is one of the highly prized modern Rolexes. This watch is in very good condition. We offer it in a Lepage case with its COSC paper Released in 2003, this Rolex Explorer benefits from the Lepage Vintage one year warranty. Moreover, you can benefit from a free engraving on the case back.