Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer (2021)

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and it is today one of, if not the most, recognizable watch brand in the world. You don’t have to be a watch connoisseur to correlate Rolex with luxury, accurate and durable timepieces with a remarkable craftsmanship. Rolex’s history is full of notorious events and releases, and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer’s background stands out.

Its historical significance is intertwined with the exploration of Mt. Everest. In 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay whore a white Rolex Oyster Perpetual as they ascended Mt. Everest’s peak for the first time. With that marketing and branding stunt Rolex wanted to show the world its Oyster case capabilities, which eventually resulted in the release of a watch similar to the one that conquered Mt. Everest. In that same year the Explorer reference 6350 was released, with a diameter of 36mm and the first to feature the iconic “Explorer” name on its dial. It also had the other features that defined the Explorer line on years to come: a black dial and numerals at 3, 6 and 9.

The timepiece showcased is the 2021 Rolex’s reinterpretation of the Explorer. A call to its origins and an instantly classic iconic watch. The new Explorer (reference number 124270) presented us with an unexpected move from Rolex: undersizing from a 39mm to a 36mm diameter, the historically accurate size of the watch. Its case is made of 904L Oystersteel (with higher corrosion resistance and higher surface hardness) and is powered by the in-house caliber 3230, with a 70 hour power reserve. This is a Superlative Chronometer movement that has not only passed the COSC (Control Officiel Suisse de Chronometres) certification (-4/+6 seconds maximum deviation per day) but was subsequently tested to Rolex’s own criteria (-2/+2 seconds maximum deviation per day), a much stricter certification. Its hands, numerals and markers are filled with Chromalight material, which emits a beautiful blue tone in darker conditions. The case and the bracelet are fully brushed on the flat surfaces, with polished accents on the sides, and the bezel is also polished, giving a prestigious look and feel to this luxury piece. This watch has never been worn and comes in factory condition, with its  full set, minus the stickers (it only has the case back sticker), and is still under the original 5 year Rolex warranty, as shown in the pictures.

This timepiece is the perfect choice for an all-rounder or daily usage luxury watch. Either you are on leisure or in business activities, this watch is completely up to the task. A master of straps, the combinations that you can arrange with this magnificent piece are almost infinite. This is a great understated timepiece that will not only mirror your personality, but also demonstrate your knowledge of the field. Not only a Rolex, but an iconic Rolex that will enrich your horological collection.