BACK TO ROOTS
It climbed the world’s highest mountains, brushed the chilliest temperatures. The quintessence of exploration watches is back boasting up-to-the-minute features to head off on new adventures.
As any good dictionary reminds us, a revolution is defined, amongst other things, as a return to a point of departure. And, this is exactly what Rolex accomplishes this year with the 2021 vintage of its Explorer. This watch, which first appeared in 1953, adorned a diameter common at the time, 36 mm. This size remained unchanged for many decades, until 2010, the year the manufacture unveiled its 39 mm reference 214270. Eleven years on and the timepiece which charmed generations of adventurers takes on its original size once again. Incidentally, it retains all the assets indispensable for accompanying you wherever you may choose to venture. As such, on its now lacquered-black dial, the indexes and can’t-do-without numerals, 3, 6 and 9 are coated with Chromalight, which emits a blue-glow in the dark. The time data is optimally readable under any conditions of light. Moreover, the time features are perfectly protected in the case available in steel or in a combination of materials developed by the crown-logoed brand, Oystersteel and yellow Rolesor gold.
The hour, minute and central seconds hands are driven by the 3230 caliber. This selfwinding motor delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. A high performer, yet also incredibly accurate just like all Rolex Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified movements.
For absolute wearing comfort, the Explorer is complemented by a three-link Oyster bracelet fashioned in the same materials as the case.
Price: EUR6,050 (steel) – EUR10,200 (steel and yellow gold)
By Dan Diaconu