22 Interesting Facts About the Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer is a model that perhaps doesn’t quite get the recognition that it deserves. Made in two model versions – the Explorer and the Explorer II, these two models are purpose-built, just like most other Rolex timepieces.
The watches have an interesting history of how they came about, and like all Rolex watches, they are well-made and high-quality timepieces built to last. But to a large extent, they tend to be overshadowed by the other professional watches available from Rolex, such as the Submariner and GMT-Master II.
But in this article, we thought we would highlight the Explorer by listing some of the most interesting facts about the Rolex Explorer (and the Rolex Explorer II).
Interesting facts about the Rolex Explorer
1. The watches worn by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were not Explorers
Unlike what many people think, and what Rolex has promoted, Hillary and Norgay did not wear Explorers when climbing Mount Everest. Instead, they wore Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches that Rolex had particularly developed and refined to handle harsh conditions, such as those during a climb of Mount Everest. This meant low temperatures, shocks, and low oxygen levels. The watches they wore did not look like what would then become the Explorer as they did not feature the classic Explorer dial with 3,6,9. Technically, the watches they wore were prototypes of the first Explorer that would later come to be launched.
2. Rolex released the Explorer after the successful Mount Everest climb
The first Rolex Explorer was not released until after the successful climb. Rolex added the word ”Explorer” on the dial, and the first Explorer reference to be released was the reference 6350. These watches featured the now-iconic Arabic numbers at 3,6 and 9.
3. Rolex had tested watches on Himalayan expeditions since the 1930s
As mentioned, the first official Explorer model did not come about until after the successful climb, but the fact is that Rolex had been developing and testing watches made for harsh conditions since the 1930s. The requirements were that they would keep perfect time during an expedition, and be able to handle -50°F and 70% less oxygen than at sea level. At the core, these watches were modified Oyster Perpetual watches.
4. The first Explorer to carry the ”Explorer” name on the dial was the reference 6350
As such, it became the first official Explorer, although predecessors in the form of Oyster Perpetuals were made prior. These Oyster Perpetuals were Bubblebacks with the references 6098 and 6150.
5. The Explorer was developed to celebrate the success of the Mount Everest climb
It was launched in 1953. The expeditionary team was led by Sir John Hunt.
6. Rolex made a Space Dweller
Whilst the name is not similar to the Explorer, the Space Dweller was identical to the Explorer, but instead carried the name ”Space Dweller” on the dial. This watch is extremely rare and only made for the Japanese market.
7. Rolex released a date version Explorer
Rolex also released an Explorer with a date function. This was the reference 5700. On the dial, the text ”Explorer Date” is printed.
8. The Explorer 1016 is the longest-produced Explorer
The Rolex Explorer reference 1016 was in production between 1963 and 1983. This makes it the longest-production Explorer to date. During this production time, Rolex changed the caliber of the watch. Hence the 1016 is available both with the 1560 and the 1570 calibers. Rolex also updated the bracelet, from folded steel links to solid steel, making it more robust and durable.
9. The Explorer is designed to be Rolex’s most robust timepiece
As the name reveals, it is made for explorers. As such, it is built to be a tool watch meant to handle rugged use and harsh conditions. To handle these conditions, the Explorer is equipped with Paraflex shock absorbers which gives them higher shock resistance.
10. Rolex released the first Explorer II in 1971
At the time that it was released, the Explorer II was a rather niche watch and was not hugely successful. The first Explorer II was the reference 1655.
11. The Explorer II was originally developed for spelunkers
Yes, it’s true. The Explorer II was made for spelunkers (cave explorers). With that in mind, Rolex developed the Explorer II to bring these individuals maximum helpfulness from a timepiece. This watch featured 24 lime plots on the dial to make it easy to read the dial in poorly-lit conditions. Furthermore, the watch has an extra 24-hour hand which points to a fixed bezel with 24-hour markings. Rolex’s idea was that since spelunkers are in the dark, they can’t tell the difference between AM and PM. With that in mind, the 24-hour hand points to either 10 hours or 22 hours, which enables the wearer to know whether it’s day or night.
12.The first Explorer II had a 39mm case
The coming Explorer IIs would later have a 40mm case. And today, you know the Explorer II as a 42mm watch.
13. Rolex introduced the 904L stainless steel for the model in 2010
2010 saw the release of a new Explorer reference 214270. This watch was made in Rolex’s 904L stainless steel and features the calibre 3132 with a Paraflex shock absorber.
14. The Explorer II was not popular when it was released
As mentioned, due to the niche nature of the Explorer II, it was not widely popular when it was launched. Today, its popularity has grown substantially.
15. The vintage Explorer II has the nickname Freccione
This nickname is derived from the Italian word for arrow, “freccia,” which refers to the arrow-tipped hand.
16. The Explorer II 1655 has the nickname ”Steve McQueen”
Another nickname for the watch is Steve McQueen. With that said, there is no actual photo evidence that McQueen ever wore the Explorer II.
17. The 40mm case for the Explorer II was introduced in 1985
The 40mm case was first introduced for the reference 16550 which was released in 185. This made the watch slightly larger than its 39mm predecessor.
18. The Explorer 16550 had a paint defect
The dials of the 16550 had a paint defect. This model was available both with a white or a black dial. The paint defect caused the white dials to turn into a creamy ivory color after aging, and the black dial proved to get cracks over time. Today, these watches are highly collectible. The owners had the opportunity to have their dial replaced, but those who didn’t are now owners of an extremely rare and sought-after Rolex timepiece.
The reference 16550 was only in production for four years and was discontinued in 1989.
19. The white dial Explorer II is nicknamed ”Polar”
This goes very well together with the image of the Explorer, and of course, refers to its polar white dial.
20. The Explorer II 16570 was in production for 22 years
Due to the long production period of this reference, it underwent a number of changes over the course of its production run. This includes the change from the caliber 3185 to 3186, the change from the luminous material to tritium, and then luminova in the 1990s.
21. Rolex started engraving the rehaut in the middle of the 2000s
The rehaut engraving was done as a counterfeit measure, by engraving ”ROLEXROLEXROLEX….” around it.
22. Rolex changed to Superluminova for the Explorer at around 20000
This can be seen in the text ”Swiss Made” placed at the bottom of the dial at 6 o’clock.
