THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 14270
YEAR: 1991
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Rolex Explorer range was first introduced in 1953—the same year Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully summited Mount Everest. The original reference, 6350, featured a 36mm case and a black dial with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9—a design combination that still lives on today, over 70 years later. Following the 6350, Rolex introduced the 6610, which had a relatively short production run before arguably the most important Rolex Explorer reference, the 1016, was released. The 1016 still holds the title of the longest-running Rolex model, with a production span of 30 years.

In the 1980s, Rolex updated much of its lineup with modern technology—more robust case construction, sapphire crystals, and glossy dials. The Explorer ref. 14270 was born in 1989 and remained in production for 11 years. During this time, the dial evolved, moving from blackout numerals to various lacquer finishes and lume types. The present example features an early tritium dial, which, in our humble opinion, is the most attractive of the bunch, plus a holed case which was retired in 1994 in favour of a solid case. 

The tritium lume on the markers and hands has developed a rich, even creamy hue—something rarely seen on this reference. The dial also shows gentle lacerations unique to this production period. The watch is in excellent condition overall. While the case has been polished in the past, it remains sharp and even. The original “S” stamped (94) bracelet retains all its links and exhibits minimal stretch. Mechanically, the watch arrived in superb health, running at +3 s/d, with 315 amplitude and a beat error of 0.1 ms.

The watch comes with its original guarantee papers showing it sold in the U.S. in 1994. As our founder Stef says—if he had to choose one watch that does it all, it would be a tritium 14270.