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: