Is The Rolex Explorer The Perfect Watch?

Watch decision angst.

Ever been there?

Is this watch the best choice?

Does it have everything I’m looking for?

Is there such a thing as the perfect watch?

Brace yourselves…

I think there is. In fact, I think I just bought it.

What’s the watch?

It’s my second Rolex: the Explorer I with the 39mm case and steel bracelet (reference no. 214270 Mk2.)

And WHY, you ask, do I think it’s the perfect watch? Read on…

First of all, let’s take a look at the history of the Rolex Explorer. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about this watch, so let’s bust some myths.

Rolex Explorer History

The Explorer was the result of 20 years’ research in extreme conditions. Rolex started sending watches on Himalayan expeditions in the 1930s, long before Hillary and Tenzing conquered Everest. The aim was to create the ultimate mountaineer’s tool watch that could survive the roughest conditions, keeping perfect time at -50°C (-58°F) with 70% less oxygen than at sea level.

Myth: In 1953, Tenzing Norgay wore a Rolex to climb Mt. Everest but Sir Edmund Hillary wore a Smiths watch.

Reality: Hillary wore two watches – a Rolex on one wrist and a Smiths on the other – and endorsed both.

Myth: Hillary and Tenzing wore Rolex Explorers.

Reality: They wore Rolex Oyster Perpetuals that were specially adapted for harsh conditions. These watches did NOT have the classic black Explorer dial. They were only prototype for the Explorer, which Rolex launched later that year.

Beginning with the 1989 model (reference no. 14270), the Explorer became a more versatile casual to formal watch. Its face was given white gold markings and the distinctive 3-6-9 dial. From this point on, the Explorer had all the criteria of the perfect watch.

But what ARE those criteria? What qualities must a watch have before you can call it perfect? And does the Explorer have any downsides?

Keep reading and judge for yourself