Must have watched this like 50 times since this was released. Bought myself a 214270 as a consequence, few months later this now pops up in my suggestions again and here I am... again...clicking on it (while wearing it). This is how beautiful this watch is!
Except (and I own one) these reviews are usually by 150 pound dudes with a BFA degree and their idea of use is walking somewhere with it - this piece is capable of so much but most these reviews are the more ‘gardener in a war vice warrior in a garden’
This video really sells the watch like no Rolex ad can do. James is 6 degrees cooler than ice! How about another one featuring Jack with a Grand Seiko?
Bark and Jack your video comparing the 36mm and the 39mm is what lead me to buying the 39mm- with you saying there’s basically no flaws with it lol.. Great video and love the watch!
@@rehturded5050 36 is a proper size for many people. Don't compare sizes with the sexes as any watch can be worn by anyone if they're confident enough to pull it off.
Normally I like vintage rolex watches, but this is the only model that makes my heart beat faster from the first time I saw it. After years of dreaming I finally bought it. 4 months later and still can’t believe how beautiful this feeling is of owning one
I’ve watched this video probably 15 times and finally, tomorrow, the explorer will be in my hands. Not my first rolex, but one I have anticipated getting for a long time.
Just bought this exact model. It’s breathtaking. The feel, the finish, the simplicity, the symmetry. It’s my second high end watch and I have ZERO regrets.
V P You’re in the driving seat so you don’t have to have a high opinion of the brand and I’m sure that a lot of people would agree with you for their own reasons.Each to their own. For me the availability/high grey market pricing is crazy and does over value many of the watches. Patience with the ADs is the key for those who want one.What I do believe is that your tier placement is a little off, this being said with respect of course..
@HH Ito Interesting one. I never had the 114270, if I did I probably would have stuck with it because I tend to hold on to my watches these days. As it stands the current 214270 is the one for me, the 39mm proportions suit me better. I love everything about it. I badgered my wife for months and to my surprise it became my 50th birthday present....
Agreed, the 214270 will go down in history as their sporty, classy watch. But the new release with the 36mm sizing goes back to the explorer's roots. And in my honest opinion, that's where it belongs.
Think I was one of the guys who could never get away with the 36mm. I'm a 6ft 3 in hammer thrower! Loved the 39mm iteration and hence bought one. The 36mm is probably now back where it belongs but so glad Rolex gave us big guys 11 years of production.
I love my explorer, no amount of research or drooling over videos can stand up to trying on watches and seeing how it makes you feel. This was the one watch I knew I needed.
My daily for the last few years and it hasn't skipped a beat. I've taken it swimming in the sea, two Glastonbury festivals and numerous stag do's, it's still looking in great nick after a quick wash.
ray h. Hi Ray, appreciate the comment. If I was seeking validation I properly would have opted for the Sub or another more hyped model. I’m just a humble fan of the video and the watch/xoxo
Jonas, I’m with you . . . Doing the same thing right now, with a bourbon in hand. I got my Explorer on a lark and can’t get over how much I ended up loving it.
James Stacey is the best watch reviewer out there. Been watching him since his ‘Watch Report’ days. I even bought a watch off him on a forum once, a Benarus, I believe. Really nice guy!
The thought of selling all my watches to get this one just crossed my mind. It's would make a great one watch collection. This piece is perfectly perfect. 💯%
Probably my favorite or second favorite watch in my collection. Picked mine up at the beginning of this year in the secondary market at $4600 from a Pre-Owned AD in Minneapolis. Couldn't love it more. So refined and no nonsense👌
Great overview. Watched while drinking morning coffee w/my 14270 on wrist. The simplicity of the Explorer I among today's sports watches (Rolex or otherwise) to me is unbeatable.
Had the option to buy one of these over the weekend brand new 40mm version from Rolex but couldn’t gel with it :( not sure whether I should have brought it to see if I fell in love with it?! Was it a mistake to walk away?
This is the great white shark of the Rolex collection. Evolved to perfection. I can’t really see how they can improve this watch other than under the hood with a 70 hour power reserve. But if you’re wearing this piece daily this is a non issue. Set. Forget. Go.
I have an Explorer 214270 Mk 1 and i absolutely love it. It flies under the radar and can be both sporty and dressy. For me it is almost the perfect watch.
I have my father Rolex Explorer 114270. Honestly, I do everything with this watch. People always say that Rolex is, "overstated." There is a reason why, their steel is just amazing withstanding so many guys, I don't know I like my Explorer to have scratches and dings.
The scene on the train is spot on, as my explorer is the only rolex I feel comfortable wearing during commute in my country. It does not scream "Rolex!"
Hell no, the louder it screams Rolex the better, I wear my 18k Yellow gold President day date whilst wearing my Rolex cap and 'I am wearing a Rolex' tshirt on.
Nice video review. Love the Explorer but ended up with the Datejust 41mm with white dial and smooth bezel. Also have a Submariner from 2000. They are the perfect combo to rotate back and forth but would love to add the Explorer to my collection. Perhaps one day.
I am so glad that I bought one and I love to wear it everyday. Rolex might upgrade the size to 41 mm next year with the new movement as they did with the new oyster perpetual
Have heard comments about sharp lugs and noisy winding mechanism being seen to under 5-year warranty. I have always liked the Explorer. Rolex went from 36mm to 39mm in Baselworld 2010 and bizarrely removed the fluorescent coating from the Arabic numerals and corrected this 6 years later in Baselworld 2016. I have read the Walt Odetts Time Zone article about it the previous generation Explorer who basically said all the high cost of the watch went into the dial.
Very interesting comment. I picked up the Explorer about a week ago. Can't believe it's on my wrist. Today I watched a video on the JLC Reverso. Not sure what's happening but I am being drawn to much more simple and classic watches. They just make more sense to me.
Three years too late? I'm sorry, but this sounds like you read the entire article from a brochure. Just one original thought about this watch? I'm dying for some originality here. Anyone? Bueller?
I just purchased this watch 2 days ago .. i put it on a black Everest band ..and for me its perfect !! Its elegant, understated without being showy andt with a great reliable movement .. The perfect watch !!
Definitely getting an explorer as my next Rolex. I disliked this watch for quite some time because it seemed like an inferior OP and Datejust, but after looking at it more and more, I'm slowly falling in love... This will be my next watch.
The price of the explorer mark 2 has now almost doubled in price since this video. It's crazy, and since its now discontinued im curious to see how the price will change in the future.
I'm on the fence regarding this watch for years already, luckily I own the Sinn 556i which is no Rolex of course, but that is not only a disadvantage. Great video btw!
This is how a video should be done. You display the watch in perspective, how it looks as it's worn and used. Close ups are good but holding a watch in front of the camera doesn't really tell the story. Great job on this one Hodinkee.
@@caiofz Yep, that's a drowback that i didn't consider... I guess is the price you have to pay for a small and probably more timeless design... Again, is just a matter of priorities and asking yourself what you expect from the watch.
I understand that the bezel needed to be that thick because the size of the dial was already large but it needs to be brushed if it’s going to be so thick
Very nice video! Your photography makes the watch look better than in the flesh since you avoid the glossy nature of the dial. Watch would be better with a matte dial, IMHO.
Rolex leaving some room for improvements on the latest offering and not change the reference # is something to be explored! This is great news for a explorers like myself with large wrist sizes! Great mention, and review!
I had to decide between the explorer and submariner for my first Rolex earlier this year. I chose the submariner. I think I may have made the wrong decision.
Maybe not. The Submariner is a great first Rolex. I can't think of anything better. Explorer is more of a connoisseur's watch that many get after they become educated and their perspective changes.
Tons of new watches in the last 3 years and the focus is on a 2016 Rolex basic sports model. Truly shows the state of the industry as there really only being 1 (maybe 2) relevant brands in the industry at the moment.
I love it because its not asking for attention. Function wise i would like to see a clever way to include a date display on the rim of the dial. Amazing watch otherwise.
Please advise. I was gifted a Rolex DateJust that was purchased by my employer. They had the warranty filled out. The watch is not my taste so I called the Jewelry store to ask if I can exchange it. The said yes but only if I pay $250 for a new warranty card, shipping and insurance so Rolex can reissue a new one. The second stipulation is that I can only buy another DateJust. Noting else. Is this common practice? the jewelry store is Shreve & Co from San Francisco. Thank you
Must have watched this like 50 times since this was released. Bought myself a 214270 as a consequence, few months later this now pops up in my suggestions again and here I am... again...clicking on it (while wearing it). This is how beautiful this watch is!
Are you haply with the 32 caliber?
Dangerous video, Hodinkee. Very irresponsible. I was *saving* that money for retirement...
The Modest Man
www.fogcityvintage.com/g-serial-explorer-39mm
The Modest Man just cashed my savings for this watch.
@@shineoncoffee4772 the 36 is one of my grails. One day...
@@BrockMcGoff agree. I just like the vintage ones and they are way out of my range. I
just settled for the BB58. I'm pretty happy about that. :)
@@tjbender5728 Is this price new or used?
The Explorer is the multi-tool of all watches. From the streets to Everest, swim trunks to tailored suit, it's never out of place.
Well said! It's an amazing watch.
Very true, checks the boxes for almost everything someone would look for in a watch
Except (and I own one) these reviews are usually by 150 pound dudes with a BFA degree and their idea of use is walking somewhere with it - this piece is capable of so much but most these reviews are the more ‘gardener in a war vice warrior in a garden’
True, plus 36mm is the most comfortable watch to wear all day, for me
This video really sells the watch like no Rolex ad can do. James is 6 degrees cooler than ice! How about another one featuring Jack with a Grand Seiko?
T C Lim Oh, yes please! Maybe featuring a sub-5k model like the SBGJ017.
Would love to see Jack doing something fun like reviewing a GS spring drive diver!
I love my 36mm Explorer but somehow you guys have made me like the 39mm Explorer! Great video, love the outdoor shots.
Bark and Jack your video comparing the 36mm and the 39mm is what lead me to buying the 39mm- with you saying there’s basically no flaws with it lol.. Great video and love the watch!
eh 36mm still has better proportions, though may wear a little small on some people.
36 is a woman’s watch
Sean Cirillo yeah I have 7.25” wrist usually 36 is a little small for me 39 is just perfect
@@rehturded5050 36 is a proper size for many people. Don't compare sizes with the sexes as any watch can be worn by anyone if they're confident enough to pull it off.
Normally I like vintage rolex watches, but this is the only model that makes my heart beat faster from the first time I saw it. After years of dreaming I finally bought it. 4 months later and still can’t believe how beautiful this feeling is of owning one
Almost a year on the wrist with my explorer and I love it. The perfect everyday watch.
I’ve watched this video probably 15 times and finally, tomorrow, the explorer will be in my hands.
Not my first rolex, but one I have anticipated getting for a long time.
Just bought this exact model. It’s breathtaking. The feel, the finish, the simplicity, the symmetry. It’s my second high end watch and I have ZERO regrets.
Jonathan M i totally agree with you. The more you look at it, the more beautiful it appears. 👍
V P You’re in the driving seat so you don’t have to have a high opinion of the brand and I’m sure that a lot of people would agree with you for their own reasons.Each to their own. For me the availability/high grey market pricing is crazy and does over value many of the watches. Patience with the ADs is the key for those who want one.What I do believe is that your tier placement is a little off, this being said with respect of course..
The quality of James' videos is great! This piece was really good but the GMT review was even better :)
That watch is my daily wearer but I still can’t stop watching this video over and over again! One heck of a watch & one heck of a video James!
The amount of times I watch this video isn't healthy
Same here Aushaf.......
How many of you owned the 114270 upsized to the 2114270?
@HH Ito
Interesting one. I never had the 114270, if I did I probably would have stuck with it because I tend to hold on to my watches these days. As it stands the current 214270 is the one for me, the 39mm proportions suit me better. I love everything about it. I badgered my wife for months and to my surprise it became my 50th birthday present....
I bought one and still watch this video!
im at 12 today
This is my rolex of choice. Better than Datejust and Submariner imo. The original bond watch.
It's not as loud either. I'd feel safer walking around with the explorer than the submariner.
Ferien7 Bro you need to then beef up and. Do some martial arts ...
This particular Watch cant hold a candle with a Submariner, smooth bezel is not attractive.
Got to have a bezel, got to be beach worthy.
It’s not the original bond watch though. Submariner in Dr No 1962 was the original.
@@williamstalvey6920 explain how a sub is more “beach worthy” than an Explorer...
Can’t believe it’s discontinued!
Agreed, the 214270 will go down in history as their sporty, classy watch. But the new release with the 36mm sizing goes back to the explorer's roots. And in my honest opinion, that's where it belongs.
Think I was one of the guys who could never get away with the 36mm. I'm a 6ft 3 in hammer thrower! Loved the 39mm iteration and hence bought one. The 36mm is probably now back where it belongs but so glad Rolex gave us big guys 11 years of production.
I love my explorer, no amount of research or drooling over videos can stand up to trying on watches and seeing how it makes you feel. This was the one watch I knew I needed.
My daily for the last few years and it hasn't skipped a beat. I've taken it swimming in the sea, two Glastonbury festivals and numerous stag do's, it's still looking in great nick after a quick wash.
Best watch ever made. Can’t wait to pass mine on to my boy.
The Rolex sports watch that will last for a lifetime. I enjoy watching this video with my Rolex Explorer on wrist.
ray h. Hi Ray, appreciate the comment. If I was seeking validation I properly would have opted for the Sub or another more hyped model. I’m just a humble fan of the video and the watch/xoxo
Jonas, I’m with you . . . Doing the same thing right now, with a bourbon in hand. I got my Explorer on a lark and can’t get over how much I ended up loving it.
This is probably one of the best Explorer video's I've seen, so simple and shows it off perfectly.
Had it for 2.5 years, will keep it for life :)
I had the mark I for 6 years and thought the same. but then traded it for a royal oak 37mm. no regrets.
@@indocars1784 might add a 37mm royal oak in the future, thats an amazing watch.
Michael Dude sure they are. But who cares. Its just part of the explorer :)
Just bought one last month, and adore it! Great video
Same here...2 months ago...unbelievable watch...wearing it as I write this actually :P
Mine’s here in a couple of days can’t wait......
M F You will love it. Never sell it an wear it in good health!
Thanks Cėdric Conter same to you.....
Put simply, this is a watch that nails it on every conceivable level.
The lume is so beautiful.
I love James Stacey, Also, the shots in this video really makes you look how it wears. I hope theres more of this style of videos to come!
James Stacey is the best watch reviewer out there. Been watching him since his ‘Watch Report’ days. I even bought a watch off him on a forum once, a Benarus, I believe. Really nice guy!
The thought of selling all my watches to get this one just crossed my mind. It's would make a great one watch collection. This piece is perfectly perfect. 💯%
Hodinkee makes the best commercials.
This is the best A week on the Wrist episode . Great work by James .
Probably my favorite or second favorite watch in my collection. Picked mine up at the beginning of this year in the secondary market at $4600 from a Pre-Owned AD in Minneapolis. Couldn't love it more. So refined and no nonsense👌
You look weak. You wouldn't be able to fight off a mugger
@@thesaint8400 🤔🧐
$4600? That's a great price. Is it this model in the video? Cheers.
Awesome video ! Was an immense pleasure to watch ! Thanks hodinkee ❤️
I bought mine after this video. And ever loved it since, this case is the perfect size to my wrist.
Great overview. Watched while drinking morning coffee w/my 14270 on wrist. The simplicity of the Explorer I among today's sports watches (Rolex or otherwise) to me is unbeatable.
Great video! I absolutely love my explorer. I purchased mine about a year ago now and have worn it every single day!
One of the best hands down!
If rolex comes out with a new 36mm option of the 214270 version that’d be just amazing
Wish granted
this aged very well
Plus two tone :)
@@fraserdoverty1545 the joy is surreal
This style of videography is great. It really gives an idea of how the watch wears.
This review and video is perfection! Will be picking one up soon, this made me more hungry for it !!
Finally a "Week on the Wrist" video the way it needs to be! Ample wrist shots doing daily things and outside the stuffy bookshelf-background room.
Had the option to buy one of these over the weekend brand new 40mm version from Rolex but couldn’t gel with it :( not sure whether I should have brought it to see if I fell in love with it?! Was it a mistake to walk away?
This is the great white shark of the Rolex collection. Evolved to perfection. I can’t really see how they can improve this watch other than under the hood with a 70 hour power reserve. But if you’re wearing this piece daily this is a non issue. Set. Forget. Go.
Amazing watch . This is my one watch for everyday
Best review I have seen so far. Perfect length of filming. Great quality and great concise summary of the a beautiful watch.
I have an Explorer 214270 Mk 1 and i absolutely love it. It flies under the radar and can be both sporty and dressy. For me it is almost the perfect watch.
There isn’t anything that I don’t like about it, however I don’t think there is one perfect watch. But the Explorer is pretty damn close.
I’ve never have had that problem with mine.
One of my favorites from Rolex. Great video.
Will you guys be coming out with an Explorer 40mm video?
Only Rolex I would ever buy!
I'm probably gonna be able to afford only 1 Rolex later in my life. The Explorer is gonna be it.
I have my father Rolex Explorer 114270. Honestly, I do everything with this watch. People always say that Rolex is, "overstated." There is a reason why, their steel is just amazing withstanding so many guys, I don't know I like my Explorer to have scratches and dings.
The scene on the train is spot on, as my explorer is the only rolex I feel comfortable wearing during commute in my country. It does not scream "Rolex!"
Hell no, the louder it screams Rolex the better, I wear my 18k Yellow gold President day date whilst wearing my Rolex cap and 'I am wearing a Rolex' tshirt on.
Nice video review. Love the Explorer but ended up with the Datejust 41mm with white dial and smooth bezel. Also have a Submariner from 2000. They are the perfect combo to rotate back and forth but would love to add the Explorer to my collection. Perhaps one day.
Favorite watch of all time, honest time only. Understated, Looks like a Sieco 5 and will go unnoticed which is nice
I have bought it today. one more happy men!
If I’ve never owned a Rolex, this video would have sold me.
This and 216570 are modern image of Rolex to me: no ridiculous mark up, heritage in sport, simple and elegant.
I am so glad that I bought one and I love to wear it everyday. Rolex might upgrade the size to 41 mm next year with the new movement as they did with the new oyster perpetual
Exactly my thoughts. I am glad to own it myself.
Hope that happens -- the 39mm will probably get the "Hulk" treatment
nice shots in video, but you must to hold this watch in your hands to see all that beauty. perfect watch.
Have heard comments about sharp lugs and noisy winding mechanism being seen to under 5-year warranty. I have always liked the Explorer. Rolex went from 36mm to 39mm in Baselworld 2010 and bizarrely removed the fluorescent coating from the Arabic numerals and corrected this 6 years later in Baselworld 2016. I have read the Walt Odetts Time Zone article about it the previous generation Explorer who basically said all the high cost of the watch went into the dial.
So nice to see classic design vs bling. Give me the Explorer and the JLC Reverso and I can die happy.
Very interesting comment. I picked up the Explorer about a week ago. Can't believe it's on my wrist. Today I watched a video on the JLC Reverso. Not sure what's happening but I am being drawn to much more simple and classic watches. They just make more sense to me.
Three years too late? I'm sorry, but this sounds like you read the entire article from a brochure. Just one original thought about this watch? I'm dying for some originality here. Anyone? Bueller?
I just purchased this watch 2 days ago ..
i put it on a black Everest band ..and for me its perfect !!
Its elegant, understated without being showy andt with a great reliable movement ..
The perfect watch !!
My favorite model, sporty with class.
exactly sporty class, but unfortuantely super super underrated and considered as beginners rolex and not increasing much in price
Definitely getting an explorer as my next Rolex. I disliked this watch for quite some time because it seemed like an inferior OP and Datejust, but after looking at it more and more, I'm slowly falling in love... This will be my next watch.
How could it possibly be an “inferior OP” ??
Superbly photographed essay of the Rolex Explorer - a pleasure to look and listen.
Yes. And stop the vid at 1:20 to see just how perfectly crafted this watch is. I'm at the AD in a week's time to order one...
borjastick
Hope you manage to get one sooner rather than later. You’re gonna love it...
The price of the explorer mark 2 has now almost doubled in price since this video. It's crazy, and since its now discontinued im curious to see how the price will change in the future.
39mm Explorer wears huge on 6.5 wrists due to lug width. 36 mm is just perfect!
What is the lug width?
I'm on the fence regarding this watch for years already, luckily I own the Sinn 556i which is no Rolex of course, but that is not only a disadvantage. Great video btw!
Great video. Top notch production and presentation.
I am in love with this piece...
If I had the cash and if it had to be a Rolex, this would be it. Rolex’ best offer in the 1 watch ‘collection’. Sporty, but also dressy.
This is how a video should be done. You display the watch in perspective, how it looks as it's worn and used. Close ups are good but holding a watch in front of the camera doesn't really tell the story.
Great job on this one Hodinkee.
I wanna see a week on the wrist with a no date sub! Love those real day in the life wrist shots! Gives a great idea on why the watch really looks like
The only Rolex I would consider. Great video! Nice to put a face on the voice of The Grey Nato podcast.
imo the 36mm OP is the better explorer :P
I was thinking the same thing... Definetely, i do also think that the 36mm model is the one to chose. Obviously, it´s up to your taste/wrist, but...
@@caiofz Yep, that's a drowback that i didn't consider... I guess is the price you have to pay for a small and probably more timeless design... Again, is just a matter of priorities and asking yourself what you expect from the watch.
Agreed
Too small. Explorer with arabic is sensational. I can’t stop admiring mine after 5 months ownership.
Agree it’s a good woman’s watch
This video still bangs. Love it
Yeah try getting one. Anywhere in Europe where there are still available?
Great job, James. Also whoever shot this video hit a homerun. It’s beautiful camera work.
I have a Mk 1 version. It's simply divine.
I understand that the bezel needed to be that thick because the size of the dial was already large but it needs to be brushed if it’s going to be so thick
Very nice video! Your photography makes the watch look better than in the flesh since you avoid the glossy nature of the dial. Watch would be better with a matte dial, IMHO.
Hmmm....... the explorer is slowly growing on me........ never thought I’d see the day.... 😂
Yep - one of my favorites - under 40, brushed not bling - don’t see as many adorning wrists as subs, gmts and Daytona’s
nicely presented / edited. Great shots of the watch ( still / moving)... I'm SOld! Now I need to find one.........
The cinematography was on point, but some of the shots and dialogue felt a bit too calculated.
Ryan S Agreed, some of it could have been more natural. Still good overall though, I like this presenter for the wotw series.
1:55 onwards was painful.
That's just the hodinkee style. It's what's hip with the yuppies nowadays, I guess.
Agreed. FFS how can a watch be “thoughtful”???
Rolex leaving some room for improvements on the latest offering and not change the reference # is something to be explored! This is great news for a explorers like myself with large wrist sizes! Great mention, and review!
I had to decide between the explorer and submariner for my first Rolex earlier this year. I chose the submariner. I think I may have made the wrong decision.
Maybe not. The Submariner is a great first Rolex. I can't think of anything better. Explorer is more of a connoisseur's watch that many get after they become educated and their perspective changes.
Tons of new watches in the last 3 years and the focus is on a 2016 Rolex basic sports model. Truly shows the state of the industry as there really only being 1 (maybe 2) relevant brands in the industry at the moment.
This industry has been slowly dying since the quartz crisis. Don't expect it to get any better when the next recession strikes, either.
Amazing watch. Less is more. Possibly the perfect Rolex
The brown travel watch box.... Where can I get it...
Beautiful watch. Not there yet, but the Explorer will be my first Rolex.
Gosh, I would love to have seen this video but for the 36mm version
I adore the Explorer, I just wish they made it slightly larger. 41 or 42 would be great. But I suppose I'll just have to aim for a Datejust.
Phil Webster check out the Tudor Ranger. I think it’s 41mm and has , 12, 3, 6 & 9 on the dial.
@@jfm562 Now THAT is a good idea.
Any bigger than it is would be a disservice to the heritage of the watch.
I love it because its not asking for attention. Function wise i would like to see a clever way to include a date display on the rim of the dial. Amazing watch otherwise.
A date would ruin the aesthetics of this watch
Do a video on the oyster perpetual range for a week on the wrist
The perfect understated sports Rolex should always be available in the perfect understated size: 36mm
The heart and soul of Rolex....
Please advise. I was gifted a Rolex DateJust that was purchased by my employer. They had the warranty filled out. The watch is not my taste so I called the Jewelry store to ask if I can exchange it. The said yes but only if I pay $250 for a new warranty card, shipping and insurance so Rolex can reissue a new one. The second stipulation is that I can only buy another DateJust. Noting else. Is this common practice? the jewelry store is Shreve & Co from San Francisco.
Thank you
Excellent videography!
By any chance, where can I get that Travel case 4 slot? Thanks:)
What camera is he using?