Couldn't agree more, I really regreted my decision for a while after buying my 214270, but now after few months I absolutely love this watch, it's just perfect everyday watch

I’m a little over a year in with my 214270. And I have to agree with everything you have said. It takes time to fall for it but when you do, you get it. It’s pure simplicity in design. There’s not many watches you could honestly say it’s a one and done watch, the mk2 is that watch. Timeless classic 👌

James - 100% agree with your assessment! I have always said and will continue to say, the Rolex Explorer is the least Rolexy but at the same time the most Rolex you will ever need. Yes, ski, hike, swim, and dinner, from shorts to a tux, you’re never not ready for whatever life moment throws at you. This could truly be my ONLY watch - if only I wore just one watch. This was my very first Rolex; watching you and this video; I wish I had it back ⌚️🙏🏼

“I hate the brand, I love the watch.” : Very well put!

3 piece collection 1 .Rolex explorer 39mm 2. Omega seamaster blue dial 42mm 3. Omega speedmaster moonwatch Done .

Fabulous vid James. I like the following quote about the Explorers discreet elegance “it’s not what it says, it’s what it doesn’t say...”

Seems like Marco knows what’s he’s doing. 😆 But, my hope is that Rolex releases Explorer I with polar dial this year, that’d be amazzzzing!

Really pleased you like the watch James 👍🙏👊

intresting keep changing my my about this piece,have tried it on at AD some years ago and liked it but still undecided. Enjoyed the video

Great video! I love this watch. I had almost the same experience with this watch where I had to consider the first few days if I had made the right choice. I’ve owned it for over a year now and I’ve worn it hard. It shows wear a lot but like a broken in baseball mit it forms to you perfectly. The case on this watch doesn’t get discussed enough. The lines are wonderful and sits nice and low so it doesn’t look like a block and it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing it. This watch is part of me now. No reason to take it off.

Great video; am on ‘the list’ for one of these at present and hoping for the call.

Hi James. Just saw your video today. Fully agree with what you've said. I just walked in to the AD by chance the other day and they had one last Explorer 39mm. Picked it up immediately. Wasn't too convinced though but now my DJ GMT and Sub are running out of power as this is the one I'm wearing day and night🙂. Thanks for a great video.

I love the Explorer but have slightly bigger wrists than you James and worried it would be just to small. Love the video 👍👍🙏

Good to hear your thoughts Showcase - had this watch for almost 3 years and is my daily wear and use it all over the place. Still love it and so comfortable. This will definitely be a great complement to a more blingy piece like a GMT or sub. Ying and the yang

I miss my explorer 36mm 114270 every day, it’s the watch piece I regret getting rid off, it’s definitely a slow burner James as I was never interested in the explorer in the first place too

Congrats James! Wear it in good health my friend. I love this watch. It is the do everything Rolex that flies under the radar. I totally enjoyed owning one and still miss it to this day.

Congrats!!! Great great beeeeeautiful watch!!! This is my next watch for which I’ve already put an order to my dealer! Waiting game completely sucks though!

You are absolutely correct in stating it’s a slow burner. I had mine for 2 days then returned it as I was underwhelmed with the watch, and just kept my speedy. But honestly I keep thinking about the Explorer and that I should have give it a chance. 👍🏻

i was similar. i bought my Explorer two years ago and was a little underwhelmed at times and was close to selling on a couple of occasions. But now i just cannot let it go and and really appreciate what it is. It just oozes class, not flashy and fit for every occasion. i have the latest Sub date, but it gets no wrist time now.

Great video ! I Got one with the new card in November 2020 loved it from the second I held it will never leave me pure class. also do you think this size will be discontinued ? If so it will just become more special to me as for my wrist the 39mm is perfect.

Best commentary about the EX1 I saw on YT. I bought my DJ41 Black Dial with Oyster Bracelet in 2019 - stunning! I bought a SUB date one year later - fantastic! Then I bought the EX1-Mk1 (pre-owned from 2016). That made basically no sense - the DJ offers more dress appeal and the SUB is true tool watch. End of the story, the EX1 is on my wrist all the time, while the DJ stays in the box and the Sub sometimes get some wrist time. The EX1 is the last true Rolex, a honest watch offering pure class and satisfaction. This is the watch you buy if you do not care anymore about getting attention, either from other or yourself. You are past with all the bling and hype - it is just the perfect day to day watch. Now I finally do not need to focus anymore on Rolex, I am past that. Now I truely enjoy watchmaking with JLC, Breguet and the other really beautiful stuff ;).

Excellent vid ShowCase!!! Slow burners last longer. This is one to pass down as a starter to sons, or 36mm to daughters😁

Can't get mine off my wrist since October. Such a classy piece.

Remember picking mines up from the AD’s. Was disappointed and sure they’d pulled a fast one and sold me the 36mm 117270. Felt small and a bit “invisible”. Not at all what I was expecting from my first Rolex. Got home, put it on and couldn’t find a good reason to take it off for the next 18 months. Like you say, it gets under your skin. Only took it off after buying a Tudor BB gmt, but soon had it on again. Funnily, when I’m yearning after a vintage gmt master, I take some solace from the explorer which gives off that pre-ceramic vintage vibe.

Totally agree got mine on the wrist now for 2 wks my only luxury watch it wears great and totally under the radar i think it pops with the white gold markers love it will never get rid of it

Brilliant honest real world review

Mark P is the man. I’ve always felt like the explorer is a bit too boring or safe for me. I’ll take a look at this one though, thanks for the video James

I absolutely love my 214270 M2, I have had 4 Rolex's and my hunt for my last Rolex is over, it's a bit like settling down with your chosen wife for life, it not the flashiest or the highest maintenance you want, but it's a keeper and it will be there when you need it. Something else the flip-lock has taught me is that my body swells twice a day, I wear mine snug and flip the lock twice a day which also forces me to engage mechanically with my watch which I also have come to love, I like you think they will change the size this year in line with the OP and I think the price will jump overnight if you want one and you should, buy one now! Great vid!

I totally agree with you, bought last July..🙂

“Humble class”. Yes I’m glad I took my time (ha) figuring out which Rolex I would want as my first one. And of course, everyone familiar with watches and Rolex mentioned the Submariner. I love the Submariner, but I couldn’t get past the bling/flashiness of it. This is the one that caught my interest (Explorer series in general) and now the AD mentioned that my Explorer is arriving soon. I’m excited to finally get mine.

Excellent video, James.

Couldn't agree more I had a GMT 1675 and Sea dweller that was my Dad's watch I was afraid to wear it because I knew I would never give it up if someone tried to rob me ! They were both too easy to spot and I go to Miami often which can be iffy ! So I sold the GMT and got an Explorer II which I love and never gets spotted , then later I had the chance to get the Explorer I mk2 at a great price and snapped it up. I wasn't impressed at first but now I love it will never sell either just hope my nephews appreciate them when I'm gone !

Thanks for sharing. Passion obvious; personal opinion. Excellent.

I have been stalking this watch for some time now. I have a chance to buy the same model but, I am very curious about the one coming from Rolex in April. Great video, I am an immediate fan. Cheers, Jock

Well put... It's a slow burner. I experienced the same.

This video came up in my feed today James I must say this is the best Explorer video I have seen to date, you absolutely nailed it regarding he slow burn and true to form stainless steel Rolex I really enjoyed this mate Cheers 🥃

Perfectly explained in this video. I am going to buy it, now. Thank You, Pascal, the Netherlands.

You totally get it James-I love mine! It was my first Rolex that started my AD relationship and in 2019 was obtainable.

Twice I had the chance to buy the Explorer from an AD in the last couple of years, and twice I didn't go for it after trying it on my wrist... I thought it was too boring (compared to my Sub at least). I want to like it, but I just don't feel it... Maybe because I haven't had the chance, like you had, to wear it for a few weeks before making my mind up.

Agreed 100% but on my small 6.5 inch wrist I have the the 36mm 14270 and it is now my favorite watch a true tool watch and my daily now. I would recommend 114270 and 14270 for smaller wrist. The dial size on 36mm Explorer is same size as Sub 5513.

Thoroughly enjoyed your video.Yes,it is a classic watch.I too have had the 'at home' haircut and now wear the hat ! What do you think of the Omega Seamaster 300m and is it worth the money ? Take care and stay safe.

Have the older T

Called around several AD’s the last couple weeks for the new speedy and no luck. Was told they’d put me “on the list”.... then yesterday a local omega called and said they got one in. When I went in they had one sapphire sandwich in the case but on a brushed bracelet and then they had another in the back with the polished center link bracelet. They said they put the brushed bracelet on the new one that came with only a strap since it wasn’t selling. I would have bought the new sapphire sandwich but they wouldn’t do any sort of discount.

Mate, it's a very interesting experience being underwhelmed by the simplicity of a watch and then it forming like this in your sub conscious. I had a very similar experience with a Black Bay 58.

Nice one, I prefer the mk1, the white gold numbers are superb.

Bought my 214270 2 weeks ago and I know exactly what you mean. I am currently going through buyers regret and worrying if I’ve done the right thing. I am warming up to it though so I’m hoping it will grow on me over time. This has been my grail for a long time, then they discontinued it so I had to buy used (at enormous cost). One thing I do like though is that this watch Whispers rather than shout as other Rolex do.

I have owned mine for a while I have a GMT Master 2 as well but the Explorer sees more wrist time. WEARS WELL FOR ANY REASON clean easy to read looks great even if you scuff it up love love love mine hope you still own it

When mine arrived at the ad i thought i was gonna keep my bb58 too. Two months in i sold the tudor. No need for another watch when i got this one.

I've bought one before watching this video. Should go and sell it 🏃

I love this watch. I don’t think I would have appreciated it early in my watch journey, but after 35 years of wristwatch obsession and many Rolexes along the way, this is the watch I reach for most often. Every time I look at it on my wrist it brings a smile to my face.

I couldn’t agree more with you’re analogy. I own the same watch, and have often wondered why I bought it…..however it’s a subtle watch that grows on you over time. I’m keeping it because of it’s wearability the 39mm wears larger and it’s a nice light thin feel, classy and a great all purpose tool. The only down fall might be the fact it’s price has escalated and now rivals many of the other Rolex vintage sports watches.

You’re like the Noel Gallagher of watches: Very smart. Very well spoken. Very well informed. Shooting straight from the hip. Love it.

I would love to see a comparison and your thoughts between the Explorer and your Seamaster 300 (or speedy) as an everyday piece.

Only just watched your video and was wondering how you feel about the explorer 11months on? Or do you even still have it? I’ve been in 2minds for a little while 2020 39mm but now £8k 🤔. Great video 🤜🏻🤛🏻

Well said. Same story with Sinn 556. It's an extremely uderstated and versitile watch, which will grow on you the more you wear it.

I was a Rolex fanboy, and then lost the spark. The 214270 is the only one I've chosen to keep in my collection. It just is such a great watch for almost every occasion. Completely classy and unassuming. Beautiful, masculine size, but doesn't scream ROLEX to everyone around you. Great vid

Hi, I would love to know what you think of the 40. Thank you

I am big fan of your videos. However this time i did not feel as you. I bought 5 watches at 2020 such as 38mm aquaterra, op36, oris 65 and explorer1; only the explorer made me disappointed then I bought Smith's and I totally fell with it. However my number one is still aquaterra. I did not sell the explorer1, after this video I am gonna give it another chance. Let's look what happens... Kind Regards Levent

Curious about what you think of the new 36mm model?

revisting these videos is a perfect snapshot in time to capture the price and sentiment. This watch is now 13,000 USD at Bob's watches.

Lovely, am hoping to get the call soon for one of these. Sticking to the iconic models in monochrome I also am looking to get the new Speedie as have bought a lot of watches but never had a speedie. Like yourself I love the Rolex watches but don't like the brand and the additional baggage that comes with that. Good vid 👍

I got the opposite reaction. I loved it at the beginning but soon found it boring. For me, it's not casual enough for t-shirts and shorts but also not dressy enough for a suit. Sold it after about a year. I've got a JLC Polaris Memovox now. And a Reverso for the dressy end. 😁

Totally agree love mine

Completely agree. Was lucky to snap one up at my AD after a 45 day wait. The best under-the-radar Rolex out there.

I’ve owned a Mark 1 for about 6 years and it has been my daily wearer ever since. Most versatile watch I own and I own many brands from Breguet to JLC.

You could also make an argument for the Oyster Perpetual. I've got a little smaller wrists and previously owned the 39mm explorer. Although I love the overall design and history, I couldn't handle the 39mm size. Now I own the black Oyster Perpetual.

Has Mark P got a website please?

I just got the new 36mm explorer and love it. The size looks good on my wrist and not too heavy. Its well styled .There is nothing that I don't like about it. Its so wearable. I don't like a watch that creates too much attention except maybe for special occasions.

Love mime too.. One of the best 'under the radar ' watches.

Its crazy that a watch can have the same effect on so many different people. The price this watch is at makes it sort of an impulse buy I think for many people. Then you regret it seeing the simplicity. Then eventually you see the dial in the sun :). The way the dial sparkles in the sun is what got me. I love this watch and its a staple in my collection now. Great video thank you for sharing!

i own this watch fantastic under the radar

There is also another point which is true that the modern Rolex works not well on vintage straps. They have to be on steel bracelets or Rubbers. They are totally modernised. They leaves the vintage task to Tudor, which works so well with leather straps just like Omega Speedy. Explorer 1 is the only exception in current Rolex line.

You are right about being recognizable. Probably due to the cyclope. That why I rather wear Seadweller then the Sub.

This is so true from someone who owns one.

I've been trying to get one but in the meantime i have too many steel, black dialed watches.... still looking for something different. I got a 1957 Seamster and it's amazing! I don't love the over look of Rolex.... but i want one of these anyway...cheers!

I bought an Explorer 1. After wearing it for a month I sold my Submariner and never looked back.It is not a ''Hey,look at me'' watch.

Question: I can only afford one watch. I own the Batman - 2021 Version. I really like it. But i do desire only ONE watch. I find myself taking off my Batman and putting on my Hamilton. If you could only have one, would you sell your others and keep this Explorer? Im also wanting the 36

doing OP, on the list for my small 6.75 wrist .......blue tiffany 36, or any colour ...if explorers showed up AD will tell me , i’m looking at seamaster aquaterrra slate blue also

I have a lot of dubts with new 2021 36 Explorer and DateJust 36 Black Dial Steel with Oyster Brazalet.

True You won’t do it for 6 & 1/2 because you love it. BUT! the fact that it’s gonna be discontinued you especially don’t wanna sell it. It’s gonna go WAY up in value!

Great watch and the one Rolex I would seriously consider buying...at MSRP. Sadly, it is going for over $10k on the gray market. Sheesh.

First visitor 👊🏻

i know exactly what you mean, since i have this one it gets the most wrist time of all my rolex's including my 116610ln and white 114300 and 2 omega's, an all purpose, all occasion watch.

I’m on the list at my ad should get it around Xmas i have 8” wrist

I think I understand a bit that because of 7.5 inch wrist, it makes sense. To me, I will expect Explorer will change to 40mm and 37mm just like Yacht Masters, and I will choose 37mm for my 6.6 inch wrist.

I agree, also the watch will age well.When your 65 years old it will still look cool.

Hans Wilsdorf would be proud of this video as he would be the 214270....

So Explorer 1 is just like Omega Speedy or Tudor BB58, which can be a strap monster. The black dial and simplicity makes it fit for most straps. But if you doesn't change the bracelet, it makes no sense to me, as it's not modern enough, not luxury enough, not interesting enough, not comfortable enough than my OP39 as daily wearer.

It is elegant, simple and sporty.

Awesome POV!

Let's just say the feeling you get is EXACTLY what you will feel when getting an Omega Speedmaster! It's a really slow burner, that's really the best part.

I really wish I would have bought a 39 mm Oyster Perpetual when they were still making them. I need to buy this 39 mm Explorer before 5hry stop making them.

The Explorer is nice but, on the 39 the lay out on the dial is not symmetrical, my OCD can't handle.

I've always wondered why some people have raved about this watch . I dont hate it , but it seems very ordinary. But to be fair I've never had one on my wrist but who knows . Dont understand why you would spend over five grand on a watch that was initially so underwhelming. Glad you like it now . Enjoy wearing it

I in love from first look. the best rolex ever.

They made it 36mm again and also a two-toned which is weird.

Can’t argue with anything in that video. Although I liked mine immediately. I thinks it’s gone in a few weeks so people better be quick as they might resize it. Although I have the 41 sub I don’t think I could take the explorer going bigger than 39 to be honest.

Hi Dude, have you ever wear a Air King or OP39 grey dial?

Not the only person I have seen react about the Explorer like this. I have told people before to be careful buying this watch. If its your one and only you will be fine. If not you will look at the others and wonder, why?

Lord help me I love this video. Thanks for this.