INCOMING Explorer 214270 Perfect Simplicity, Finally Home

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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!