Rolex Explorer I Ref 214270 automatic 39 mm Full Set 2013

The birth of a legend

Since 1930, Rolex has equipped numerous explorers with Oyster watches. Following their exploits, and thanks to the knowledge accumulated during numerous expeditions, Rolex succeeded in developing a category of Professional watches, made up of true tool-watches, like the Explorer and Explorer II. The Rolex Explorer took part in one of mankind's greatest 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 allowed only one expedition a 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...

What you need to know

The reference 214270 we're interested in today was launched in 2010. That year, Rolex did something unexpected. For the first time in the more than 50-year history of the Rolex Explorer, the crowned brand's simplest and most discreet stainless steel sports watch, known for making the perfect link between the robustness of a toolwatch and the dimensions of a dress watch, broke through the 36mm scale and increased the size of the Explorer to 39mm!

This evolution differs from previous generations in:

• A larger case, now 39mm
• Indexes entirely encircled in white gold, including the famous 3/6/9
• The "Explorer" inscription at the bottom of the dial.

The first six years of production were marked by a configuration in which the 3-6-9 Explorer numerals were in uncoated white gold, without white paint to improve legibility. This dial is referred to by collectors as "MK1". On this version, the hands also appeared short in relation to the dial diameter.

Rolex Caliber 3132

On the movement side, this Rolex Explorer embarks the tried-and-tested caliber 3132. The oscillator features a patented Parachrom balance spring manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Unaffected by 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. It is fitted with a Rolex curve guaranteeing its regularity in all positions. This movement is protected in a soft iron cage to dissipate the effects of magnetism on the internal moving components.

The package

This 2013 example is an exceptional piece and one of the highly prized modern Rolexes. This watch is in perfect condition. Its 904L steel case and bracelet have no scratches or scuffs. We offer it full set with its original case and papers. This Rolex Explorer I watch has been authenticated and inspected by our Rolex-approved watchmaker, and therefore benefits from the Lepage Vintage one-year warranty. What's more, you can benefit from a free engraving on the caseback.