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tinman · 13 May 2010, 12:47 AM

Well, I have another Explorer 1. I say another, because I had one once before, and sold it to buy another brand of watch.

It was a great watch, and always kept great time, but at the time I was feeling the "larger watch pull". At 36mm it just got to look too small for my 7 1/2" wrist, compared to other watches that I liked, so off it went after just a year or so. I traded it in on a Breitling Aerospace, 42mm. I loved the look of the Aerospace, and still do, but I really missed the little Explorer.

When I found out that Rolex was bringing out a new Explorer at 39mm, it seemed to be just what I was wanting. I had the money to buy one, and was waiting for them to make it out to my AD, when I read a review of the Rolex Air King. I don't remember who wrote it, but it went into the history of that little watch, and reminded me of how I had felt about my first Explorer.

True, it was only 36mm in diameter, but it was also lightweight, inconspicuous, reliable, and a classic.
The Air King article refreshed for me the reasons why I originally purchased the Explorer in the first place.
It was just a wonderful little watch that never got in the way, and was always there to do just what it was made to do. Give you the time of day.
Nothing more, nothing less. But it did that in such a great way. No other watch I have ever had has been so classy while doing it's job.

I have had a Datejust and an older Submariner in the past, but I always liked the Explorer 1 best.
After looking at pictures of the new Explorer 2010, I found that I didn't like the way the new numerals were all white gold. I thought the numerals on the 114270 model were more defined, and sharper looking.

So, I found an Explorer 1, 114270 model, pre-owned, but in near mint condition, for about $2200.00 less that what a new 2010 Explorer would cost me.

I bought it and put it on a German Bund strap. That makes it seem somewhat larger on the wrist, while weighing next to nothing.

Now I am a happy man again. I have my little Explorer back where it belongs. I may like the newer model better when I see one in person, but I don't think I will be parting with my 114270 for quite a while. If ever.

I like it that much.

Kanger · 13 May 2010, 01:11 AM

I love the strap, it makes the explorer seem bigger

sea-dweller · 13 May 2010, 01:17 AM

Congrats, the Explorer 1 is one my favorites !

Jolu · 13 May 2010, 01:55 AM

My man

Puffy · 13 May 2010, 04:16 AM

Love it! Eric Clapton style

nickriebe · 13 May 2010, 04:29 AM

I think thats the "coolest" Explorer I I've ever seen! Oh yes, I see one in my very near future! Congrats on a great purchase and what a good story as well. Hope you keep it in the family for years to come.

level · 13 May 2010, 04:37 AM

I've always like the Explorer I, but never thought I would like it on anything other than a bracelet until I saw yours on the German Bund strap. Nice job

simonthepilot · 13 May 2010, 04:37 AM

I bought a Explorer BNIB last week while on a business trip. I love that watch, it looks sharp, and the accuracy - wow, somedays the deviation is 0 sec/day.

By far more accurate than my GMT2c (which had the parachrome) which gave a daily deviation of ca 3 sec.

Enjoy yours! I'm for sure not flipping this one..

SimonThePilot

kyle L · 13 May 2010, 06:31 AM

I had mine on a bund a long time ago, but in the summer it got too sweaty.

hooliganhooker · 13 May 2010, 09:16 AM

Kyle and his "watch of many colors". That watch has a different look every time I see her.

GradyPhilpott · 13 May 2010, 11:28 AM

Great looking watch. I've always liked Kyle's Bund strap, too.

Are you sure about the size of the Air King? When I went to look at Rolex watches, first I was interested in the Air King, but at the AD I realized that it was just too small for my wrist, at 34mm, though still a handsome watch.

When I tried on the Explorer, I was sold.

Is the Air King now 36mm or what?

I just checked the Rolex site and it still says 34mm there.

Well, I just checked the Explorer and it's still listed at 36mm.

I guess they need to update the site. Man, that Flash is irritating.

JMIND · 13 May 2010, 02:16 PM

Beautiful, congrats!

tinman · 13 May 2010, 11:46 PM

Sorry Grady if I confused you.

The article I read about the Air King, only served to remind me how much I liked and missed the first Explorer I had. It got me to thinking about how useful and discreet my Explorer had been. Enough so, that I went out and purchased another one.

The Air King is still at 34mm. The Explorer 114270 is 36mm.

Lion · 13 May 2010, 11:55 PM

I'm glad you were able to go out and get the one watch that you have always enjoyed.....wear in good health!!!

13 May 2010, 12:47 AM	#1
tinman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: richmond Posts: 9	Explorer 1 model 114270 Well, I have another Explorer 1. I say another, because I had one once before, and sold it to buy another brand of watch. It was a great watch, and always kept great time, but at the time I was feeling the "larger watch pull". At 36mm it just got to look too small for my 7 1/2" wrist, compared to other watches that I liked, so off it went after just a year or so. I traded it in on a Breitling Aerospace, 42mm. I loved the look of the Aerospace, and still do, but I really missed the little Explorer. When I found out that Rolex was bringing out a new Explorer at 39mm, it seemed to be just what I was wanting. I had the money to buy one, and was waiting for them to make it out to my AD, when I read a review of the Rolex Air King. I don't remember who wrote it, but it went into the history of that little watch, and reminded me of how I had felt about my first Explorer. True, it was only 36mm in diameter, but it was also lightweight, inconspicuous, reliable, and a classic. The Air King article refreshed for me the reasons why I originally purchased the Explorer in the first place. It was just a wonderful little watch that never got in the way, and was always there to do just what it was made to do. Give you the time of day. Nothing more, nothing less. But it did that in such a great way. No other watch I have ever had has been so classy while doing it's job. I have had a Datejust and an older Submariner in the past, but I always liked the Explorer 1 best. After looking at pictures of the new Explorer 2010, I found that I didn't like the way the new numerals were all white gold. I thought the numerals on the 114270 model were more defined, and sharper looking. So, I found an Explorer 1, 114270 model, pre-owned, but in near mint condition, for about $2200.00 less that what a new 2010 Explorer would cost me. I bought it and put it on a German Bund strap. That makes it seem somewhat larger on the wrist, while weighing next to nothing. Now I am a happy man again. I have my little Explorer back where it belongs. I may like the newer model better when I see one in person, but I don't think I will be parting with my 114270 for quite a while. If ever. I like it that much.

13 May 2010, 01:17 AM	#3
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Congrats, the Explorer 1 is one my favorites ! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

13 May 2010, 01:55 AM	#4
Jolu "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Jo Location: Norway Watch: Explorer I/II Posts: 660	My man __________________ “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks” - Daniel Boone -

13 May 2010, 04:16 AM	#5
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	Love it! Eric Clapton style __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

13 May 2010, 04:29 AM	#6
nickriebe "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Nick Location: 3026'23N 8638'41W Watch: out for pirates! Posts: 692	I think thats the "coolest" Explorer I I've ever seen! Oh yes, I see one in my very near future! Congrats on a great purchase and what a good story as well. Hope you keep it in the family for years to come. __________________ ~Nick Riebe~

13 May 2010, 01:11 AM	#2
Kanger Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: North Carolina Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 5,524	I love the strap, it makes the explorer seem bigger

13 May 2010, 04:37 AM	#7
level Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: U.S. Posts: 296	I've always like the Explorer I, but never thought I would like it on anything other than a bracelet until I saw yours on the German Bund strap. Nice job

13 May 2010, 04:37 AM	#8
simonthepilot "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: EU Posts: 69	I bought a Explorer BNIB last week while on a business trip. I love that watch, it looks sharp, and the accuracy - wow, somedays the deviation is 0 sec/day. By far more accurate than my GMT2c (which had the parachrome) which gave a daily deviation of ca 3 sec. Enjoy yours! I'm for sure not flipping this one.. SimonThePilot

13 May 2010, 06:31 AM	#9
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	I had mine on a bund a long time ago, but in the summer it got too sweaty.

13 May 2010, 09:16 AM	#10
hooliganhooker Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Robert Location: Iowa Watch: Rolex MilGauss Posts: 513	Kyle and his "watch of many colors". That watch has a different look every time I see her.

13 May 2010, 11:28 AM	#11
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK050 Posts: 34,460	Great looking watch. I've always liked Kyle's Bund strap, too. Are you sure about the size of the Air King? When I went to look at Rolex watches, first I was interested in the Air King, but at the AD I realized that it was just too small for my wrist, at 34mm, though still a handsome watch. When I tried on the Explorer, I was sold. Is the Air King now 36mm or what? I just checked the Rolex site and it still says 34mm there. Well, I just checked the Explorer and it's still listed at 36mm. I guess they need to update the site. Man, that Flash is irritating.

13 May 2010, 02:16 PM	#12
JMIND "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Jerry Location: New Mexico Watch: 16610 M Series Posts: 1,084	Beautiful, congrats!

13 May 2010, 11:46 PM	#13
tinman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: richmond Posts: 9	Sorry Grady if I confused you. The article I read about the Air King, only served to remind me how much I liked and missed the first Explorer I had. It got me to thinking about how useful and discreet my Explorer had been. Enough so, that I went out and purchased another one. The Air King is still at 34mm. The Explorer 114270 is 36mm.

13 May 2010, 11:55 PM	#14
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	I'm glad you were able to go out and get the one watch that you have always enjoyed.....wear in good health!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

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