Jul
Few watches carry the history and the legacy of the Rolex Explorer. The timepiece has been present for some of the world’s most impressive feats of exploration, and it continues on today as a simple, rugged watch with upscale leanings. There’s plenty to like about the long-running model, and its latest updates returned it to a classic size and shape.
Rolex moved back to a 36mm form factor with the Explorer’s most recent update. The classic proportions may seem small for some wrists, especially by today’s watch standards, but the timepiece is surprisingly hefty, and it feels reassuringly solid. Part of that is down to the Oyster bracelet, which offers Rolex’s excellent Easylink clasp extension for an additional 5mm of space when your wrist swells in hot weather.
That 36mm Oyster case also provides 100m of water resistance. You’re unlikely to take your Explorer scuba diving, the water resistance makes it far less nerve-wracking to wear the watch every day. Additionally, Rolex’s 3230 movement features anti-magnetic and shock-resistant construction, so the watch will continue keeping time in spite of your abuse. There’s also a 70-hour power reserve, so you won’t have to wear the watch every day to keep it wound.
Rolex has changed up the dial design with minor updates over the years, and the latest redesign brought ultimate visibility and legibility to the already useful dial. The 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers feature lamination, and the individual hour markers shine brightly after dark to show the time.
Finally, incorporating gold into a rugged adventure-ready watch like the Explorer seems silly, but it’s a subtle touch that brings upscale shine to the timepiece. In the right light, it’s tough to even tell that there’s gold, but in formal situations the precious metal gives the Explorer a much-needed dressy look.