A Week On The Wrist - 2021 Rolex Explorer 1 - 124270

[Brich436]

I wanted to update my thoughts and experiences with the 2021 Rolex Explorer 1 - 124270 after wearing it for a week. There has been a lot of back on forth on TRF concerning this model. Many people love the return to the classic 36mm size and some find it too small or "dainty". Seems to be split down the middle and I wanted to update my review after wearing it for a complete week.

Let's get the technical aspects out of the way first. The 3230 movement is running at +3s a week. I leave it dial up at night and wear it all day. So it is less than 1/2s a day fast and is my most accurate watch to date. Been a lot of talk about the 32xx series movements. This one is rock solid.

The second technical aspect is the obvious new AR coating Rolex has added to the underside of the dial. It is simply spectacular. The dial depth of field and clarity is so much improved over the older models. They really should have done this years ago. The gloss black dial is beautiful.

So what has the Exp 1 been like to wear and how has it been?

In a word - spectacular. When I first purchased it I was on the fence with the sizing but after wearing it for a few days you start to understand the design language and why they did what they did. I absolutely love the bracelet taper as it is very comfortable and gives the explorer a look which matches the aesthetic of all of the other Rolex sport models. The best way I can describe the design is it just looks and more importantly feels cohesive in every way. A lot of chatter about the taper to 14mm but you don't even notice it when wearing the watch. The clasp is beefy and feels heavy duty. The weight of the watch is a huge selling feature as its 117g. This is dramatically lighter than my Submariner which comes in at 153g. You really feel the difference on wrist. The watch just disappears and becomes a part of you.... unlike some of the other sport models which are more bulky.

The design language of this model is vintage size with all of the modern updates. New movement, bracelet and fit and finish but with a wear that is more like a vintage watch. I absolutely love it.

The Exp 1 is able to pull of the sport / casual look and also fit perfectly under a dress shirt. I find my Submariner to be able to do both as well but not to the extent of the Exp 1. The Exp 1 is very low key and fly's under the radar unlike any other Rolex that I can think of. If you work in an environment where you do not want to be flexing your wrist candy then this is a phenomenal choice. I highly doubt anyone will spot your Exp 1 which can be a good or bad thing.

By the end of the first week of wearing the Exp 1 I can confidently say that is has become my favorite watch that I own. Period. It can be a perfect one watch collection or it can be part of a much larger collection. I find it to pair perfectly with a Submariner as it gives you 2 totally different looks / sizes / and options to wear. My rotation is as follows; Exp 1 - work watch, Submariner / Exp 2 - sport watch (off duty) and Datejust for more formal.

Value is a relative thing but in the Rolex family of sport models I do think that the $6,450 retail price is fair for what you are getting. The design, history and pedigree of this watch is just really amazing. I also think vintage watch collectors would absolutely love this watch as an everyday watch.

Here is my original review:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=803776

And of course the pictures:

I think these two make a killer pair:



State of the collection as of today:

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Brich436

I wanted to update my thoughts and experiences with the 2021 Rolex Explorer 1 - 124270 after wearing it for a week. There has been a lot of back on forth on TRF concerning this model. Many people love the return to the classic 36mm size and some find it too small or "dainty". Seems to be split down the middle and I wanted to update my review after wearing it for a complete week.



Let's get the technical aspects out of the way first. The 3230 movement is running at +3s a week. I leave it dial up at night and wear it all day. So it is less than 1/2s a day fast and is my most accurate watch to date. Been a lot of talk about the 32xx series movements. This one is rock solid.



The second technical aspect is the obvious new AR coating Rolex has added to the underside of the dial. It is simply spectacular. The dial depth of field and clarity is so much improved over the older models. They really should have done this years ago. The gloss black dial is beautiful.



So what has the Exp 1 been like to wear and how has it been?



In a word - spectacular. When I first purchased it I was on the fence with the sizing but after wearing it for a few days you start to understand the design language and why they did what they did. I absolutely love the bracelet taper as it is very comfortable and gives the explorer a look which matches the aesthetic of all of the other Rolex sport models. The best way I can describe the design is it just looks and more importantly feels cohesive in every way. A lot of chatter about the taper to 14mm but you don't even notice it when wearing the watch. The clasp is beefy and feels heavy duty. The weight of the watch is a huge selling feature as its 117g. This is dramatically lighter than my Submariner which comes in at 153g. You really feel the difference on wrist. The watch just disappears and becomes a part of you.... unlike some of the other sport models which are more bulky.



The design language of this model is vintage size with all of the modern updates. New movement, bracelet and fit and finish but with a wear that is more like a vintage watch. I absolutely love it.



The Exp 1 is able to pull of the sport / casual look and also fit perfectly under a dress shirt. I find my Submariner to be able to do both as well but not to the extent of the Exp 1. The Exp 1 is very low key and fly's under the radar unlike any other Rolex that I can think of. If you work in an environment where you do not want to be flexing your wrist candy then this is a phenomenal choice. I highly doubt anyone will spot your Exp 1 which can be a good or bad thing.



By the end of the first week of wearing the Exp 1 I can confidently say that is has become my favorite watch that I own. Period. It can be a perfect one watch collection or it can be part of a much larger collection. I find it to pair perfectly with a Submariner as it gives you 2 totally different looks / sizes / and options to wear. My rotation is as follows; Exp 1 - work watch, Submariner / Exp 2 - sport watch (off duty) and Datejust for more formal.



Value is a relative thing but in the Rolex family of sport models I do think that the $6,450 retail price is fair for what you are getting. The design, history and pedigree of this watch is just really amazing. I also think vintage watch collectors would absolutely love this watch as an everyday watch.



Here is my original review:



https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=803776



And of course the pictures:



I think these two make a killer pair:







State of the collection as of today:

Thanks for the update, great review of an awesome new watch! Looking forward to seeing one in the flesh; have been working on a reduced rotation and already visualizing it as part of it !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[1William]

Very nice collection.

[Zuger]

Nice

[GreatScott]

Can you tell me the dial size?

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Can you tell me the dial size?

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

Yes of course. It’s 30mm on the dot. Just like all the other models I have. The difference in size is all case and or bezel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GreatScott]

Originally Posted by Brich436

Yes of course. It’s 30mm on the dot. Just like all the other models I have. The difference in size is all case and or bezel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's exactly what I was hoping for, thanks and congrats!

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Heady Topper]

Nice review. One thing, and this is only an opinion, is that if it weren’t a Rolex people wouldn’t even consider this watch.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Heady Topper

Nice review. One thing, and this is only an opinion, is that if it weren’t a Rolex people wouldn’t even consider this watch.

I actually sort of agree, but from a different angle: if this weren’t a Rolex, people wouldn’t consider it because 36 is a classic Rolex size, while it would be a shrunken version of most other watches. I tried on a 36mm IWC pilot out of curiosity and it just felt too small since it’s meant to be larger.

I’d say the same of similarly sized Omega Constellations: they work for the same reason the Rolex does.

[Polarexplorerii]

Nice collection indeed!

[Pekket]

Very nice and congatulations on your Explorer! Were you able to buy one from an AD?

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by Pekket

Very nice and congatulations on your Explorer! Were you able to buy one from an AD?

Yes from my AD. They didn’t even log it into the inventory when I bought it. I saw the Rolex manager enter an order for another one right away so I’m guessing it was the only one they got in the first shipment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tedwood]

Having collected my new Explorer on Friday after work I completely agree. Two things that stand out; comfort and clarity. The Explorer is super comfy and really does slip under clothing nicely. The dial is very clear and is easily read with a very quick glance.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by Tedwood

Having collected my new Explorer on Friday after work I completely agree. Two things that stand out; comfort and clarity. The Explorer is super comfy and really does slip under clothing nicely. The dial is very clear and is easily read with a very quick glance.

Congrats. I picked up the TT a couple weeks ago and I completely agree. Enjoy.

[Tedwood]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Congrats. I picked up the TT a couple weeks ago and I completely agree. Enjoy.

Awesome, congratulations and enjoy it, the proportions are spot on.

[GradyPhilpott]

Of all my watches, I love my 114270 the most. There's just something about the size and the proportions that makes it just perfect in my humble judgement.

I can't wait to have an opportunity to check out the 124270 at an AD.

I'm pretty certain that it is everything the 114270 could have been with a more robust bracelet.

The foray into the 39mm case was not for naught, but bringing this classic back to 36mm may be the smartest thing that Rolex has done in 20 years.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Of all my watches, I love my 114270 the most. There's just something about the size and the proportions that makes it just perfect in my humble judgement.

I can't wait to have an opportunity to check out the 124270 at an AD.

I'm pretty certain that it is everything the 114270 could have been with a more robust bracelet.

The foray into the 39mm case was not for naught, but bringing this classic back to 36mm may be the smartest thing that Rolex has done in 20 years.

I tried on the 214270 many times but the 39mm size just didn’t work for me. Something about the size of the dial and it’s layout seemed odd. It looks much better if your a huge dude with a 8” wrist for sure.

For non-oger sized the 36mm is just so classic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by Brich436

I tried on the 214270 many times but the 39mm size just didn’t work for me. Something about the size of the dial and it’s layout seemed odd. It looks much better if your a huge dude with a 8” wrist for sure.

For non-oger sized the 36mm is just so classic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hahah now don’t classify guys with more than a “dainty” wrist as Ogers

Times, Tastes, and Fashions change. The 36mm has been the classic men’s size for longer than it has been eclipsed by 40-42mm. I’ve got a solid 7-3/4 wrist. And for any docs here I wear an 8.5 glove in the OR, so very large hands. And yet, I somehow find the 36mm to look and feel mighty nice. Go figure. I wear a 1016 and am looking forward to adding this new reference.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bart1985]

Thanks for your review. I'm on the waiting list for one with my AD. Can't wait.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

Hahah now don’t classify guys with more than a “dainty” wrist as Ogers

Times, Tastes, and Fashions change. The 36mm has been the classic men’s size for longer than it has been eclipsed by 40-42mm. I’ve got a solid 7-3/4 wrist. And for any docs here I wear an 8.5 glove in the OR, so very large hands. And yet, I somehow find the 36mm to look and feel mighty nice. Go figure. I wear a 1016 and am looking forward to adding this new reference.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Lol. 1016 is an epic reference.

You are going to LOVE this new explorer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

(. . .)
The foray into the 39mm case was not for naught, but bringing this classic back to 36mm may be the smartest thing that Rolex has done in 20 years.

I am excited to see the 36 Explorer too, and wonder/hope I could adjust to 36 after getting use to the modern cases…

But, the “smartest thing Rolex has done in 20 years” is an interesting question… to add to your list of “return to 36” I’d say:

1) Add Cerachrom to the Daytona.
2) Figure out BLRO cerachrom and add the jubilee to the GMT.
3) Return thinner lugs to the Submariner.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Of all my watches, I love my 114270 the most. There's just something about the size and the proportions that makes it just perfect in my humble judgement.

I can't wait to have an opportunity to check out the 124270 at an AD.

I'm pretty certain that it is everything the 114270 could have been with a more robust bracelet.

The foray into the 39mm case was not for naught, but bringing this classic back to 36mm may be the smartest thing that Rolex has done in 20 years.

I absolutely love the 39mm Explorer, but I completely agree with you Grady.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I absolutely love the 39mm Explorer, but I completely agree with you Grady.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I absolutely love the 39mm Explorer, but I completely agree with you Grady.

Always thought 39 was a nice looking watch (that never really fit me), but the 36mm? Now that's an Explorer!

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Get to sample one yet?!

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Always thought 39 was a nice looking watch (that never really fit me), but the 36mm? Now that's an Explorer!







Get to sample one yet?!

No, I haven't seen one yet.

I need to start stopping by the local AD more often.

They aren't as conveniently located as my former AD.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[gnuyork]

Absolutely killer. I can't wait for my AD to get one of these in.

[Oldfellow]

Thanks for the fine review.
I tried one at my AD two weeks ago and was very impressed with both the look and feel.
The size was fine, even though I usually wear a 40mm.
Have put my order in and looking forward to a call.
You have a very nice collection there.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by Oldfellow

Thanks for the fine review.
I tried one at my AD two weeks ago and was very impressed with both the look and feel.
The size was fine, even though I usually wear a 40mm.
Have put my order in and looking forward to a call.
You have a very nice collection there.

You got it!

Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Oldfellow

Thanks for the fine review.
I tried one at my AD two weeks ago and was very impressed with both the look and feel.
The size was fine, even though I usually wear a 40mm.
Have put my order in and looking forward to a call.
You have a very nice collection there.

Congrats in advance brother.

[BigPapiDoesItAgain]

I really like what they did with the lugs and lug width and taper to the bracelet. Makes the proportion more pleasing to my eye, albeit a smaller watch than generally suits my taste. I have and feel like I prefer the 39 mm version though I haven't seen the new one in person. Photos show it to be quite sexy though.