Explorer I 36mm - 2 years of ownership
I’ve had my 124270 for roughly 2 years and it’s my most prized possession. I took the plunge on this despite initially thinking it would be too small on my 6.75’ wrist. It’s really, really not. Comfortable, refined, and under the radar, it’s my little piece of ‘hidden’ luxury that brings a smile to my face every time I wear it.
This watch won’t get one the attention that that other Rolex steel sports attract- not once have I noticed anyone look at it or ask me about it. As much as I enjoy adhoc watch conversations with others in a supermarket queue, not so much when it’s a Rolex.
It actually comes up at 35.5’ so a tad smaller than it’s name suggests and a touch smaller than the OP/DJ36. But the proportions are perfect and with the tapering oyster bracelet it feels and looks just right, in my opinion.
The bracelet and clasp are sturdy and refined, the micro extension comes in handy and I can’t help but play with it all day when I am sat around or on calls at work.
It keeps perfect time and my only complaint is that my other watches suffer loss of wrist time because of it! These are now generally available at ADs and if not can be had very close to retail. It was on my wrist when my daughter was born, so naturally, it’s never going to leave my collection! 🤦♂️😂😬
Would be interested to hear if any other owners of the 124270 have a similar positive experience of this watch.
Aspiring WIS from Warwickshire. Desk divers & daily drivers. Patinating nicely.
The watch does not look small in your photo at all in fact perhaps due to the angle of the shot appears a little oversized. An sales agent who shares her gold and steel 36mm Explorer with her husband informs me that a lot of women purchased the 36mm watch, a trend that sees women reaching a little bigger and men wearing smaller.
I have been having the 224270 (40mm) since last December, and I can’t agree ore with your experience and view. It’s a true gem and a perfect wearing experience. My second boy will come next June and am now looking at an idea for a new watch I’ll wear for the first time the day the baby is born. Would love another steel sport OP datejust but can’t expect much from the retail queuing process (I got the Explorer I from the AD after a week of waiting only, but that’s it I feel..). If you have any suggestion, would be happy to get it!
Wow, congrats on getting your Explorer so quickly and for your expectant arrival. If that’s what you want I would put the request in - wait times are dropping fast - and I have found that with a genuine reason like yours, you should be near the front of the queue. Put your name down at 2-3 ADs, you’ll get one by June for sure!
Other than that, does it have to be Rolex? What other brands/models do you have your eye on currently?
My names on the list as of last week 🤞🏼
The watch does not look small in your photo at all in fact perhaps due to the angle of the shot appears a little oversized. An sales agent who shares her gold and steel 36mm Explorer with her husband informs me that a lot of women purchased the 36mm watch, a trend that sees women reaching a little bigger and men wearing smaller.
Totally agree. I actually considered the two-tone when it came out - when I saw the (negative) reactions from the enthusast community I knew I had to have one 😂 I requested it, but when I tried it on but it made it feel a bit smaller than the steel - almost like it was a piece of jewellery! I would not hesitate to own and wear both, but I opted for the steel- and saved myself £4k in the process. No regrets!
Totally agree. I actually considered the two-tone when it came out - when I saw the (negative) reactions from the enthusast community I knew I had to have one 😂 I requested it, but when I tried it on but it made it feel a bit smaller than the steel - almost like it was a piece of jewellery! I would not hesitate to own and wear both, but I opted for the steel- and saved myself £4k in the process. No regrets!
I prefer all steel, 2 tone was king back in the 80s when a fella representing AP playfulling suggested steel, he felt 2 tone was lacking determination, that the buyer couldn’t pay for precious metal, who cares my dollars! Haha. I really like the 36mm Explorer but the Mrs takes a lot of my watches already. Not like I use her designer bags and purses. Have a great day!
I have had it for almost 6 months, great watch and killed off most of my other watches, it would have been perfect if it was a true 36mm and 20mm lug width allow for more strap options but the bracelet is top class.
I have had it for almost 6 months, great watch and killed off most of my other watches, it would have been perfect if it was a true 36mm and 20mm lug width allow for more strap options but the bracelet is top class.
I’m inclined to agree, 36.0mm would be be just that little bit more perfect but I love it all the same. I’ve never actually put it on a strap or nato- I just love the bracelet too much!
Does it have a jump hour hand hacking function or do you to manual wind it to move the date? What made you chose the Explorer or over the Explorer II? Always liked those two models
Does it have a jump hour hand hacking function or do you to manual wind it to move the date? What made you chose the Explorer or over the Explorer II? Always liked those two models
Hi! This is the Explorer 1 that doesn’t have a date or GMT functionality- it’s a ‘time only’ watch, nice and simple! I was actually an owner of a modern black dial Explorer 2 (226570), that had the jumping hour hand making it a flyer GMT. despite both being under the ‘Explorer’ banner, the Exp1 and Exp2 couldn’t be more different. The only thing they share is the fantastic gloss black dial, excellent oyster bracelet, and they’re both ‘under the radar’ (as much as they can be for a Rolex)… just how I like it! At 42mm the modern Exp2 is a large watch though, but sits flat on the wrist- depends on what you like really. I want to buy a 16570 Polar Explorer 2 this year at some point, which comes in at 40mm.
Spot on. I’ve had my 124270 for a while now and feel the same way.
As a watch nut, I could call out some complaints I have with this particular iteration but, at the end of the day, it’s an amazing watch and unquestionably my favorite. There isn’t a single watch out right now (that I know of) that I would prefer, expect maybe the Platinum day-date (I’ll keep dreaming). Let’s see what Rolex does in 2024.