Craftsmanship Born of Experience
The Rolex Explorer embodies the bold spirit of adventure expected of the Rolex brand. Beginning in the late 1920s, Rolex set the standard for testing by proving its superior craftsmanship under extremely challenging conditions. The Himalayas provided the perfect backdrop for testing the 39 mm steel Oyster case and Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual chronometers. Due to the success of the 1953 expedition that ascended Mount Everest, Rolex made its mark as a mountaineering watch. Legendary craftsmanship is only one reason you should be talking about the Rolex Explorer. Let us explore eight additional talking points.
1. Extreme Gear for Extreme Adventures
Humans have pushed the limits of their bodies and equipment over the centuries. Rolex stepped in to provide adventurers with gear that would survive the extreme conditions of the Himalayas. The iconic status of the Rolex Explorer was established thanks to the 1953 expedition of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. A robust, all-steel bracelet and Twinlock winding crown grace the Explorer, one of the first watches designed with the professional adventurer in mind.
2. Redefined Superlative Chronometer
Rolex redefined the requirements for certification as a Superlative Chronometer in 2015. Pioneers in quality, new certification parameters ensure the exquisite precision of the Explorer. Calibre 3132 is a self-winding mechanical movement that has received certification as a Swiss chronometer through a series of tests by the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). A blue Parachrom hairspring at the heart of the oscillator eliminates the potential power and disruption of magnetic fields. Made from an alloy exclusive to Rolex watches, the Parachrom hairspring withstands ten times the shocks and extreme temperature variations. High-precision watches like the Rolex Explorer are known for their reliability and superior architecture.
3. Paraflex Protection
In addition to the Parachrom hairspring, Rolex developed Paraflex. It is essentially a highly efficient shock absorber that protects the precision of the Explorer’s internal components. The staff of the balance wheel is particularly sensitive to drops, so Rolex needed a way to provide increased shock resistance. With the combined power of the Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, the Rolex Explorer relishes in an increase in shock resistance of up to 50 percent.
4. Stainless Steel Super Alloy
Rolex learns from the best as it adopts materials used in state-of-the-art technical applications, aerospace science, and chemical industries. 904L stainless steel is used for its steel watch cases to provide maximum protection against corrosion. Defined as a super alloy, 904L is a highly polishable metal known for its extreme resistance to the harshest environments.
The robust Oyster case characteristic of the Explorer is guaranteed to remain waterproof to 330 feet. Made with a 904L steel solid block case, the Explorer is a cut above the rest. A hermetically sealed, Twinlock double waterproofness system includes a fluted case back and a winding crown that screws down to form a secure seal.
5. Distinctive Black Dial
Rolex designs and manufactures dials to exacting standards in-house. As a result, the Explorer has a black dial worthy of the Rolex name. Numerals 3, 6, and 9 glow thanks to a long-lasting blue luminescent material, as do the hour markers and hands. The Rolex Explorer is a conversation starter with its virtually scratch proof sapphire crystal.
Rolex is an easily identifiable brand which happens to be exceptionally user-friendly. Broader, longer hands and an exclusive Chromalight display enhance legibility in a variety of setting.
6. Smooth Bezel
Clean, sober lines established the Oyster Perpetual Explorer as an icon. The 904L smooth steel bezel is both robust and elegant. A fresh take on a classic design honors the heritage of the Rolex Explorer.
7. Twinlock Winding Crown
It is vital that no water reaches the inner-workings of such a precision timepiece. The Twinlock system is water-resistant due to one sealed zone inside the tube and another inside the crown. Once the crown is wound down, a seal is formed that is guaranteed waterproof to 330 feet.
8. Legendary Oyster Bracelet
The Oyster bracelet is known for how it looks and performs. Rolex features an exclusive Easylink comfort extension system that gives wearers about 5 mm of wiggle room to make instant adjustments. An Oysterlock folding safety clasp keeps the Explorer firmly on the wrist.
Icons like the Rolex Explorer were born of an era of exploration. Originally created for the serious early to mid-century mountaineer, Rolex has been keeping precise time for generations.