Explorer 14270 'BLACKOUT' Authentication Request

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Hello all,
I am a new comer to the Rolex Forum and was hoping to gain some assistance regarding a particular piece. I'm looking at purchasing this Rolex Explorer 14270 'Blackout' (E Serial No.) and I was hoping someone could help authenticate it for me?


Kind regards,

[Mifune]

from those photos, I don't really see anything that stands out as 'fake'... but we're only looking at photos.

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Yeah, I didn't think so either but you can never be to certain when a piece doesn't have the original guarantee to verify the serial no.
Thank you for your response

[offrdmania]

Based on the photos provided, I too dont see anything that raises a red flag.

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Thanks offrdmania, much appreciated!

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Here are some pictures of the movement and engraving on the case back. Could someone please take a look and comment please?

Kind regards,

[Mifune]

rotor looks out of spec if that is rubbing on the cage there

[MaticulousTimepieces]

So not original. Is it a cause for concern?

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Could you take a look at these also please?

Kind regards,

[Andad]

I would pass.

I’m sure you can find a better one.

[LeDandy]

You poor devil

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

[CaveDweller]

The first time you send that one in for a service, you will see the technicians nose curl up when he/she opens it up. It's grubby, the rotor is worn down, and all that metal shaving has only one place it can go

I shudder to think of the misuse and neglect that caused that

Hard pass from me .......

[GGGMT]

I’d pass. Looks authentic but rode hard

[MaticulousTimepieces]

After reaching out to my local watchmaker, he advised that typically Rolex movements are quite robust and can withstand a beating (within reason of course). He advised that the more concerning elements to review would be the authenticity of the dial, hands, markers, crown, etc.

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Would you tend to agree with his comments?

[CaveDweller]

Ask him how much Rolex would charge to service/replace all the damaged parts, then add that onto the initial cost of the watch - then ask him how much he'd pay for it (with no strap) ...

[MaticulousTimepieces]

I understand he was generalising in his response, but he did mention that in his 20 years as a qualified watchmaker, he's come across pieces in far worse condition than this and without any major impact on the movement. But I guess, we won't know until it's properly inspected.

[pandrew6l]

Looks like you are set to purchase the piece, regardless what others have advised !

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Not entirely sold on it just yet. The only reason I am considering it, is because it is an E serial Blackout with silver dial text and an extended seconds hand, which as we all know are quite hard to come across. If it were any other 14270, I wouldn't even bother. Hope you can understand.

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Whilst on the topic, I just came across this X serial blackout which was sold by Bulang and Sons and the movement appears to be of a similar condition to the one I'm looking at. Although this one is said to have been serviced.

https://bulangandsons.com/products/r...-dial-b-p-w570

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Pandrew6l

Looks like you are set to purchase the piece, regardless what others have advised !

Yep it seems so. OP just grab it. Looks good

[MaticulousTimepieces]

My apologies if it appears that I'm not taking your feedback into consideration. Believe me, when I tell you I am. But it's difficult to discern alot if conflicting information. Especially because these pieces don't come up too often.

[CaveDweller]

Your watchmaker is correct in saying that these Rolexes can be re-built – my point is “at what cost”

If Rolex service it, they will insist on perfection (internally), and they will charge for “damaged” parts. Impossible to estimate precise costs, but it’s likely going to be “high”. My daily beater is a 16030/3035 from 1988, that I have worn every day since new. Dropped onto concrete from 15 feet, been to hell and back on motorcycles etc (wrote two of them off wearing it), and the internals still look like new and perform as such – which is why I’m slightly concerned over the condition of that Explorer

If your local guy does it, presumably in order to keep costs down, it’s going to be a compromise on exactly what gets replaced

Then, price wise, you have to factor in that this is (presumably) a “head only” deal

If the price is right, go for it and call it a labour of love (heck, I’ve done crazier things) ……

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Thank you for your response CaveDweller, much appreciated!
I completely understand your concern regarding the condition of the movement. Naturally, if I chose to go down the rolex service path I'd expect to pay a ridiculous premium for the service. But considering I'd like to keep the piece as original as possible and after having a very lengthy conversation with my local WM (who only uses authentic rolex parts), he explained that very rarely does any damage caused by a worn out rotor axel actual affect the internal elements of the movement.
With regards to the price, I have negotiated the seller down to a very reasonable price considering the rarity of the piece and one that I feel might be worth the risk.
This has been a grail piece for me for a long time now and I'm trying to be as logical as possible instead of letting my excitement get the better of me, which is precisely why I started this thread.
So trust me when I say all feedback is thoroughly considered and valued!

[omar10213245]

wow, you don't see one of those very often, that's for sure. good luck with the potential purchase, OP

[Tools]

Originally Posted by MaticulousTimepieces

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! ��

If the watch has never been serviced, the drag marks under the rotor indicate a worn axle, easily fixed with an overhaul.

If it has been serviced and the rotor axle replaced, there may not be an issue at all.

Saying "original" is meaningless when it comes to having the watch serviced. At service there will always be parts that are worn which will be replaced; it is common and expected.

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Thank you for the feedback gentlemen, it is greatly appreciated!

I shall let you know the eventual outcome once I've made a decision.

[MaticulousTimepieces]

After a lengthy process to say the least, I decided to pull the trigger on my grail piece the 'Blackout'. After having the watch inspected by my local watchmaker, I am pleased to announce that the Explorer is in perfect working condition.

[onemoreplease]

Well fought battle, enjoy your grail watch.