The Explorer Has Landed!

[Lew Archer]

About ten years ago, I looked at a 36mm Explorer at an AD in Santa Barbara. The model had just been discontinued and could be had for a little over $5,000.00. I tried it on, but its overall look seemed too small to my eye, which was accustomed to a GMT Master II or Submariner Date.

I passed on that watch. Around that time, I started reading about the Explorer and its lineage on this forum. A trip to a Rolex boutique in Los Angeles provided the chance to check out the then new model, in 39mm. Eventually, I bought that 39mm Explorer, with its matte dial and white gold “3-6-9”. I still have that watch and it remains a wonderful reference. Yes, even with its “short hands”.

However, I often regretted passing on that 36mm. I later discovered that the 36mm was quite a good size for me, after I bought a humble Oyster Perpetual in 36mm. So, when I read on the forum that Rolex had just restored the Explorer to 36mm, I went straight to a trusted sales associate at an AD I've utilized for almost ten years and expressed interest. That was a few months ago. Given the current Rolex situation, I figured it would be a long wait, at best. The sales associate predicted Christmas, at the earliest.

Flash to last Saturday. I took my teenage daughter to the mall, a spur of the moment trip, where she met up with friends. Naturally, she wanted me to stay well away, and so I dropped by that AD. I was chatting watches with the sales associates, including the one I’d originally spoken to, who has come through for me before. I asked about the Explorer. The sales associate I usually work with said she still hadn't seen one yet. Her colleague, though, suddenly asked, “wait, which model were you interested in?” When I replied, “the new Explorer, the stainless one, not the two tone”, she nodded and disappeared to the stock room.

I continued chatting with the first associate...and then the second sales associate returned, and asked to speak with the first. The two disappeared into the stockroom. Killing time, I looked over the display case. Empty, but for two precious metal 31mm Datejust models. No surprise there, exactly what I’d expected, given all the threads about the shortage.

The two sales ladies reappeared after a moment. And they were smiling. And, they were not empty handed.


It turns out, the Explorer had arrived that same day. Only one of the associates was aware of that, but she was unaware of my interest. When she heard me bring it up, she went to double check, to make sure it was the right one. It was. Still in the shipping box, with stickers, bezel protector, et al.

So, thanks to very fortunate timing and a very considerate AD staff, I finally have that 36mm Explorer.

It’s a beauty. Well worth the wait. Simply a great, all around reference. The size won't work for everyone, of course. It wears a little smaller than a 36mm Datejust or Oyster Perpetual, to my eye, perhaps because of the taper of the case. And, the markings on the dial seem to take up more real estate, which makes the dial appear ever so slightly smaller than my 36mm DJ and OP. But, if it's a good fit for you, you can be assured it's a winner. Unquestionably, it is an iconic model, returned to its classic proportions, worthy of any collection.