INCOMING Explorer 214270 Perfect Simplicity, Finally Home

[SaddleSC]

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]

Congrats

[SeaDweller50]

Many congratz again. Nice photo BTW.

[rmagoo57]

Simply perfect!!

[faz]

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


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[brandrea]

Congratulations Charles, great reference

[GolfJunkie]

Congrats, it's such a great reference!

[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

[samuel019]

Great pick up. Peter D?

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

[TimeAZ]

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

[rmlovett1]

Well done! Congratulations!

[Texex]

It is the best "One watch collection"

[maylebox]

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

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

Many congratz again. Nice photo BTW.

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Simply perfect!!

Thanks, guys!

Originally Posted by faz

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

Thanks...I appreciate the kind words!

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations Charles, great reference

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

[Justinmg]

I agree it’s perfect! Enjoy

[GGGMT]

Totally amazing and sick watch. Congrats!


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[sgarrity]

The perfect watch!

[Cru Jones]

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]

Nice read and beautiful watch!

[willywatch]

A beautiful simple watch.

[214270]

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

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[Gerardus]

Congrats!

[DCheeta]

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

[StillTrying]

It really is everything you say! Perfect. Congratulations!

[1William]

Congratulations.

[winst]

Great watch - congratulations!

[timegradient]

Congrats

[travisb]

Nice story leading up to this one. Enjoy it!

[cglondon]

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.


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[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by GolfJunkie

Congrats, it's such a great reference!

Thanks!

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!

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.

Originally Posted by Texex

It is the best "One watch collection"

Agree 100%

Originally Posted by maylebox

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

Thanks...I would definitely agree with you!