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SaddleSC · 29 March 2021, 10:23 AM

I know, I know, this is my third incoming in as many weeks but I would like to share a story about my tumultuous relationship with the Rolex Explorer.

Early in my watch journey (about 15 years ago) I purchased a 36mm 114270 Explorer but traded it away after a few months. I loved nearly everything about the watch, but it was just too small for my preferences. To my eye, it always skewed a bit more dressy than sporty, but I never stopped thinking about the purity and class of that Explorer.

I moved on up the line...bigger, louder, flashier. I have owned (and still love) wrist anchors like the DSSD and have also owned my share of "Master of the Universe" type watches like the Yachtmaster II, Day Date II, WG Submariner, and perhaps the flashiest...the Bluesy TT Submariner in both 5-digit and ceramic variants.

A couple of years ago, I started to move back towards smaller, lighter watches with less flash and simpler, more timeless looks. I found that I actually liked to fly "under the radar" a bit more. I was craving "real" tool watches again like my trusty 5-digit Submariner.

So, I picked up another Explorer. This time it was a 214270 Mark I dial. The watch was perfect except for one fatal flaw. I REALLY disliked the white gold 3/6/9 with no lume. Those indices disappeared in the sunlight and at night the dial just bothered me. The short hands were the icing on the cake. After a couple of months the watch was traded away. Oh well. I guess the Explorer just isn't for me...but it looks so good on everyone else. I would have to admire her from afar.

Fast forward to the first time I laid eyes on the Mark II dial...there it was. Perfection at last. I must have it. However, other watches on my list always jumped the line and the Explorer kept getting pushed back.

Now, with the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II on the horizon and rumors of a possible Explorer re-design including a larger case, I decided that I was not going to let the "perfect" 3-hand watch slip through my fingers one last time. My AD was able to source one for me and I picked up the watch on Saturday morning!

I snapped the clasp shut, the clouds parted and a sense of contentment immediately washed over me. The perfectly symmetrical, low profile "go anywhere do anything" watch of my dreams was finally mine and this one is a lifetime keeper.

The Explorer walks the line perfectly between dress and casual. Shorts, jeans, suit or tux. This watch can do it all with class and simple sophistication...finally I am home:)

Thanks for reading!

kieselguhr · 29 March 2021, 10:52 AM

Congrats

SeaDweller50 · 29 March 2021, 10:52 AM

Many congratz again. Nice photo BTW.

rmagoo57 · 29 March 2021, 10:53 AM

Simply perfect!!

faz · 29 March 2021, 11:00 AM

Beautiful shot. Great watch. Good story too. Congrats and wear it in good health.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

brandrea · 29 March 2021, 11:01 AM

Congratulations Charles, great reference

GolfJunkie · 29 March 2021, 11:19 AM

Congrats, it's such a great reference!

gordonite · 29 March 2021, 11:24 AM

Congratz!
Such a long way to finally arrived on the "right" explorer!. Thankfully my journey is short, Explorer is my first Rolex and I can see how it's gonna be my last as it checks all the boxes that I need in a watch!
Cheers

samuel019 · 29 March 2021, 11:24 AM

Great pick up. Peter D?

I’ve had a love hate relationship with it about 4 different times.

TimeAZ · 29 March 2021, 11:33 AM

Gorgeous, great watch, beautiful photo. This, and the BB58-- 2 perfect beauties.

rmlovett1 · 29 March 2021, 11:33 AM

Well done! Congratulations!

Texex · 29 March 2021, 11:40 AM

It is the best "One watch collection"

maylebox · 29 March 2021, 11:47 AM

Congrats, in many ways it's the perfect watch.

SaddleSC · 29 March 2021, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

Many congratz again. Nice photo BTW.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Simply perfect!!

Thanks, guys!

Quote:

Originally Posted by faz

Beautiful shot. Great watch. Good story too. Congrats and wear it in good health.

Thanks...I appreciate the kind words!

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations Charles, great reference

Thanks, brother...it feels good to have finally found the "right" Explorer:)

Justinmg · 29 March 2021, 12:11 PM

I agree it’s perfect! Enjoy

GGGMT · 29 March 2021, 12:22 PM

Totally amazing and sick watch. Congrats!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

sgarrity · 29 March 2021, 03:04 PM

The perfect watch!

Cru Jones · 29 March 2021, 03:16 PM

Well done finding the right Explorer for you, Charles. Congrats!!

And thanks for the nice incoming post. The watch is new, but you already have an adventure with it.

Just to say, you’ve got a lot of work to do on your signature line.

aba123 · 29 March 2021, 03:28 PM

Nice read and beautiful watch!

willywatch · 29 March 2021, 04:16 PM

A beautiful simple watch.

214270 · 29 March 2021, 04:21 PM

Wow amazing !!!
Waiting for the call to get the 214270

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Gerardus · 29 March 2021, 04:35 PM

Congrats!

DCheeta · 29 March 2021, 05:17 PM

Congrats! The 214270 MkII really is perfection in the Rolex sport lineup.

StillTrying · 29 March 2021, 08:07 PM

It really is everything you say! Perfect. Congratulations!

1William · 29 March 2021, 08:55 PM

Congratulations.

winst · 29 March 2021, 08:58 PM

Great watch - congratulations!

timegradient · 29 March 2021, 09:10 PM

Congrats

travisb · 29 March 2021, 09:31 PM

Nice story leading up to this one. Enjoy it!

cglondon · 29 March 2021, 09:32 PM

Wow. Loved reading that. It’s funny how fellow watch geeks would completely understand your issues with the previous references. You ask something that doesn’t understand the hobby though, they’ll think you’re bonkers.

I just recently bought my 214270. As you say, it’s the perfect watch. I wouldn’t change anything with it.

Interesting to see what happens to the Explorer range this year.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SaddleSC · 29 March 2021, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GolfJunkie

Congrats, it's such a great reference!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordonite

Congratz!
Such a long way to finally arrived on the "right" explorer!. Thankfully my journey is short, Explorer is my first Rolex and I can see how it's gonna be my last as it checks all the boxes that I need in a watch!
Cheers

You really lucked out finding the perfect Explorer on the first try:) It is one of the most perfect watches I have ever owned...enjoy yours in good health!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Gorgeous, great watch, beautiful photo. This, and the BB58-- 2 perfect beauties.

Thanks! Agreed...between this and the BB58, it will be a very tough decision each morning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texex

It is the best "One watch collection"

Agree 100%

Quote:

Originally Posted by maylebox

Congrats, in many ways it's the perfect watch.

Thanks...I would definitely agree with you!

29 March 2021, 10:23 AM	#1
SaddleSC "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Charles B Location: GMT -7 Watch: Hulk 116610LV Posts: 6,131	INCOMING Explorer 214270 Perfect Simplicity, Finally Home I know, I know, this is my third incoming in as many weeks but I would like to share a story about my tumultuous relationship with the Rolex Explorer. Early in my watch journey (about 15 years ago) I purchased a 36mm 114270 Explorer but traded it away after a few months. I loved nearly everything about the watch, but it was just too small for my preferences. To my eye, it always skewed a bit more dressy than sporty, but I never stopped thinking about the purity and class of that Explorer. I moved on up the line...bigger, louder, flashier. I have owned (and still love) wrist anchors like the DSSD and have also owned my share of "Master of the Universe" type watches like the Yachtmaster II, Day Date II, WG Submariner, and perhaps the flashiest...the Bluesy TT Submariner in both 5-digit and ceramic variants. A couple of years ago, I started to move back towards smaller, lighter watches with less flash and simpler, more timeless looks. I found that I actually liked to fly "under the radar" a bit more. I was craving "real" tool watches again like my trusty 5-digit Submariner. So, I picked up another Explorer. This time it was a 214270 Mark I dial. The watch was perfect except for one fatal flaw. I REALLY disliked the white gold 3/6/9 with no lume. Those indices disappeared in the sunlight and at night the dial just bothered me. The short hands were the icing on the cake. After a couple of months the watch was traded away. Oh well. I guess the Explorer just isn't for me...but it looks so good on everyone else. I would have to admire her from afar. Fast forward to the first time I laid eyes on the Mark II dial...there it was. Perfection at last. I must have it. However, other watches on my list always jumped the line and the Explorer kept getting pushed back. Now, with the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II on the horizon and rumors of a possible Explorer re-design including a larger case, I decided that I was not going to let the "perfect" 3-hand watch slip through my fingers one last time. My AD was able to source one for me and I picked up the watch on Saturday morning! I snapped the clasp shut, the clouds parted and a sense of contentment immediately washed over me. The perfectly symmetrical, low profile "go anywhere do anything" watch of my dreams was finally mine and this one is a lifetime keeper. The Explorer walks the line perfectly between dress and casual. Shorts, jeans, suit or tux. This watch can do it all with class and simple sophistication...finally I am home:) Thanks for reading! __________________ Hulk 116610LV + GMT II 126710 BLNR + Explorer 124270 + Air King 126900 + Submariner 16613LB

29 March 2021, 11:00 AM	#5
faz "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Real Name: Faz Location: California Watch: like'em all Posts: 4,689	Beautiful shot. Great watch. Good story too. Congrats and wear it in good health. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ -Faz Instagram @fazmoto

29 March 2021, 11:19 AM	#7
GolfJunkie 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: Eric Location: USA Watch: 252 Posts: 5,103	Congrats, it's such a great reference! __________________ 2FA Enabled

29 March 2021, 11:24 AM	#9
samuel019 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: Anthony Location: Triad Watch: Me go broke!!!! Posts: 4,038	Great pick up. Peter D? I’ve had a love hate relationship with it about 4 different times. __________________ Rolex Collection: A few here and there. Just ask

29 March 2021, 11:40 AM	#12
Texex "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Seattle Watch: Explorer II Posts: 787	It is the best "One watch collection" __________________ Daytona White 116500LN, GMT II BLNR, Explorer II Polar, Submariner 116610LV, GMT II BLRO, Sky Dweller Blue, GMT II VTNR, Datejust 41 Azurro, Datejust 1601.

29 March 2021, 10:52 AM	#2
kieselguhr "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Nick Location: Las Vegas Watch: 1601 Posts: 10,623	Congrats

29 March 2021, 10:52 AM	#3
SeaDweller50 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Sandy Location: England. Watch: 14060M 2 liner Posts: 3,204	Many congratz again. Nice photo BTW.

29 March 2021, 10:53 AM	#4
rmagoo57 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Real Name: Ron Location: Detroitish Watch: GMT II/Sub/Exp II Posts: 2,560	Simply perfect!!

29 March 2021, 11:01 AM	#6
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,115	Congratulations Charles, great reference

29 March 2021, 11:24 AM	#8
gordonite "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 77	Congratz! Such a long way to finally arrived on the "right" explorer!. Thankfully my journey is short, Explorer is my first Rolex and I can see how it's gonna be my last as it checks all the boxes that I need in a watch! Cheers

29 March 2021, 11:33 AM	#10
TimeAZ "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: USA Watch: Rolex & Tudor Posts: 2,240	Gorgeous, great watch, beautiful photo. This, and the BB58-- 2 perfect beauties.

29 March 2021, 11:33 AM	#11
rmlovett1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Real Name: Richard Location: GA Watch: YTBD Posts: 23,509	Well done! Congratulations!

29 March 2021, 11:47 AM	#13
maylebox "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 881	Congrats, in many ways it's the perfect watch.

29 March 2021, 12:11 PM	#15
Justinmg "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Real Name: Justin Location: FL Watch: PO/EXPL Posts: 3,371	I agree it’s perfect! Enjoy __________________ //////////////////////////////// Member of The Nylon Nation Does it do anything? It tells the time.

29 March 2021, 12:22 PM	#16
GGGMT 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Itinerant Watch: 79010sg Posts: 8,346	Totally amazing and sick watch. Congrats! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

29 March 2021, 03:04 PM	#17
sgarrity "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Watch: Explorer Posts: 258	The perfect watch!

29 March 2021, 03:16 PM	#18
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	Well done finding the right Explorer for you, Charles. Congrats!! And thanks for the nice incoming post. The watch is new, but you already have an adventure with it. Just to say, you’ve got a lot of work to do on your signature line.

29 March 2021, 03:28 PM	#19
aba123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Oslo Watch: 16570 / 124270 Posts: 71	Nice read and beautiful watch!

29 March 2021, 04:16 PM	#20
willywatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: denmark Posts: 154	A beautiful simple watch.

29 March 2021, 04:21 PM	#21
214270 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Israel Posts: 7	Wow amazing !!! Waiting for the call to get the 214270 Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

29 March 2021, 04:35 PM	#22
Gerardus "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Gerardus Location: often in the air Watch: ♕ Posts: 12,142	Congrats! __________________ ♕126610 ♕126333 ♕116300

29 March 2021, 05:17 PM	#23
DCheeta "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Dave Location: NYC Posts: 7,181	Congrats! The 214270 MkII really is perfection in the Rolex sport lineup.

29 March 2021, 08:07 PM	#24
StillTrying "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Space Watch: 16570, black Posts: 965	It really is everything you say! Perfect. Congratulations!

29 March 2021, 08:55 PM	#25
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,787	Congratulations.

29 March 2021, 08:58 PM	#26
winst "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: UK Posts: 6,642	Great watch - congratulations!

29 March 2021, 09:10 PM	#27
timegradient Banned Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: United States Posts: 119	Congrats

29 March 2021, 09:31 PM	#28
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,493	Nice story leading up to this one. Enjoy it!

29 March 2021, 09:32 PM	#29
cglondon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: england Posts: 329	Wow. Loved reading that. It’s funny how fellow watch geeks would completely understand your issues with the previous references. You ask something that doesn’t understand the hobby though, they’ll think you’re bonkers. I just recently bought my 214270. As you say, it’s the perfect watch. I wouldn’t change anything with it. Interesting to see what happens to the Explorer range this year. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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