Review - Rolex Explorer 114270 - Has some niggly annoyances - but it’s still perfect

So I’ve been wearing this Explorer every day for a couple of weeks - and honeymooning hard.

It’s the 114270 reference that was made between 2001 and 2010 (after the 14270 that introduced the “modern” Explorer style, and before the 214270 took the size up to 39mm for over a decade.) This one is from 2004 and the full set included the original purchase receipt (£1,950 - bargain!)

I’ve never had a watch that I’ve enjoyed looking at so much. It’s the black lacquer dial, white details, and perfect execution of everything under the glass. The 3,6,9, the triangle at 12, the interesting handset. Just so nice to watch going round and round... Or to tilt on its side and admire the depth of the indices and the reflection of the hands on the dial. The crystal doesn’t have anti glare - but doesn’t seem to matter in this case - the whole thing has a kind of creamy glow.

Another great looking part of the watch is the classic oyster bracelet. The tone of the steel just perfect. A glance at the wrist just makes you smile.

The lume is fun, but there is none on the 3, 6, 9. The mechanical timekeeping is good - gaining a few seconds per day only.

What else to say? Well the clasp is the pressed variety in kind of a brick look. Looks nice and good thickness for typing (slim.) There is a slight issue with my smaller wrist - there are effectively five permanent links on the 6 o clock side - so it’s just a bit too long that side - meaning the watch wears slightly high on my wrist (as from the end of the clasp to the 12 o clock side is effectively 4 links.) A more modern milled steel oyster clasp would be nicer - especially if it had “on the fly” adjustability (though it’s not too hard using a pin to micro adjust via the holes on the clasp.)

There are some differences between this watch and the “new” revived 36 mm reference 124270 launched in 2021. Some are subjective (the text and indices are less bold on this model) - but some are move objective improvements - aside from the improved clasp there is now lume on the 3, 6, 9 (and better lume in general) - also the movement was renewed with a much higher power reserve. The newer bracelet has solid middle links (rather than the hollow ones on the 114270) and an “easy-link” extension.

So - what’s my review? Well I love it. My partner loves it too - it’s a great “boyfriend watch” for a girl. Looks better on her.

The niggles I have could pretty much all be resolved if I pick up a 124270. (I actually declined one at retail a while back but that’s a different story!) - But I don’t think it’s worth the extra cost (what would it be - £2k maybe.) - But if you are considering getting one - worth looking at the newer one. Or indeed if you have a bigger wrist you might want a 39mm model or the new new 2023 40mm reference!..

Explorers for everyone!

Possibly I’m rambling now. I’ll go back to happily watching this lollipop seconds hand go round and round..