That watch, and 36mm Rolexs in general, are very unassuming. They attract little attention yet are so satisfying to look at on the wrist. No bluster just a simple, well-built and elegant yet sporty charmer.

2 weeks ago I was at a family wedding & noticed one of my cousin wearing an Explorer. He recevied it for his 25th birthday, he's now 70. A one owner pristine 1975 Explorer. And he even purchased an additional bracelet back in 75' & kept it... just in case. Highlight of the wedding :)

Bought my Rolex explorer I two tone watch in January 2023.! What an amazing beauty.! Sold all my other watches and now keeping this watch for life. I'm 69 years young and hopefully this watch will be my dear companion for life. No other watch even comes close. Just mesmerizing. Cheers. ❤️ 💯👍

I own 4 Rolexes and I have to say this one is probablymy favorite ... I love how it looks from an angle, the curve of the case on the sides, the way those lugs drop down, etc and it is just so easy to throw on and wear everyday.

Personally my dream Rolex and jealous of the people that own this beautiful piece. The only thing is when you got it it was that sleeper piece, now it seems to have caught fire and lost a little bit of the hidden Rolex charm but it’s still a a grail piece for me. Great video and keep on pumping out this amazing content

I was on a list here in the UK for 13 months having no previous purchase history and finally got the call last week! Not all ADs are filtering watches away to grey market dealers. As my first Rolex, I have nothing to compare it with but it's going to have to compete with my little Hamilton Khaki Field on a Hirsch leather strap and an Oris Big Crown Pointer Date, both watches I love!

When I bought my first Rolex two years back I was deciding between the OP and the Explorer. Ultimately, I decided to go with a white dial 36mm Rolex OP since it was a perfect every day watch and the OP just goes under the radar of non watch collectors. Of course Rolex discontinued the white OP right after I bought it so I'm double glad I picked one up when I did.

Rolex Explorer is still my favourite everyday watch - such a clean and simple design, no bells and whistles. However - I gave up with this Rolex drama while buying the new one from an AD (Mission Impossible) and I'm not going to pay these idiotic prices from watch flippers. I went for Omega Aqua Terra 38!

This is a great timepiece. Old and new. Timeless.

I purchased my Rolex explorer 1016 brand new in january 89,it’s a beautiful watch and worn daily, amazed at the prices now being asked for this watch

Outstanding video. Thanks for sharing your experience with the upgraded model and pointing out the upgrades. It’s safe to say that the explorer really is a phenomenal watch. I too had considered the new model but I don’t care about paying an arm and a leg on the 2nd hand market, or playing the AD games to get one. So I’ll stick with what I got. Thanks again for the great video.

I WAS really keen on the 124270 but, I'll stick with my 2007 114270. It's my daily driver, I absolutely love it! Great video, thx for sharing! :)

I agree with your point of view that this 124270 version of the explorer is the best yet…however the hefty price is defying the value for money for most of us.

Great video. I've been with this watch for over a year now. Was lucky enough to get the first one that arrived at my AD and got it without prior purchase history. I strongly agree with you about your decision not to upgrade. The memories attached to your 114270 are more important than the improvements in the newer model. That's a big factor when considering replacing a watch for a the "new" one. I was asked for the similar advice and told to keep the legacy of the watch that lived with you for so long.

I am rocking this 36mm explorer on my 7inch wrist and loving it. Classy..

It's definitely my favorite Rolex extremely comfortable on the wrist. To the point you don't even have it on and love the fact it was Ian Fleming''s Timepiece of choice I have the 114270 Z series from 2007 with SEL Second favorite Rolex would be the no date sub ref 14060m which will be my last Rolex just love the more original proportions opposed to the Super case sizes. Great video brotha 👌

Don't forget about the new AR coating with that new lacquered dial combo. This one made the new explorer really POP. A bit more bling than the previous tool vibe from before

My journey of loving watches began with Brosnan sporting the 300m in Goldeneye. I then discovered Rolex and like so many were told about the submariner. Once I did my own research though I stumbled across the Explorer and fell in love. I always assumed it would be too small for my wrist but on a whim in London the other day I popped into WoS and tried on the new 36mm version. I got goosebumps. 😂 needless to say it is now on my list and maybe one day I’ll be able to own one. As always a fun, informative and passionate video! Thank you

I tried on a 124270 exhibition model at my AD. It wears so incredibly well. I've been on the wait list for a while and hope to get one. I recently purchased a Smiths PRS-25 Everest to scratch my Explorer itch and the Smiths is a fantastic watch. And as close as I'll ever get to buying a brand new 1016.

I am convinced the Sinn 556A is the new quasi-Explorer. Fantastic black matting, great H-link bracelet & classy as heck. Also affordable!! I modded an old NH35 to mimic a 556A in order to test drive & that is definitely my next mini-grail purchase

I am tired of people staring at my watch, so I decide to wear it inside my wrist. Explorer 1 on NATO strap is perfect for this. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

I don't own an Explorer however I own a Mathey-Tissot that I feel pays strong homage to the Explorer and it is worn with great pride by me. Thanks as always TGV for sharing your deep watch enthusiasm with us all. Cheers.

Thank you! I have been an avid subscriber to your show for years. It's because of this particular episode that I decided to get on a wait list for the new Rolex Explorer (224270) and I finally bought it last week (40mm version.) I'm in love with my watch. I appreciate the history so much more after watching this episode again. Please keep doing what you're doing!

I absolutely love the Explorer and I'd say it's my favorite Rolex by far. It's just such a shame (and a bit of a turn off for me) that the prices are so outrageous and that it's so hard to find at retail. It's just not a $10k watch for me, at all. Fortunately my 39mm Aqua Terra scratches the itch for me, and then some.

An incredible watch, my favorite in the collection right now. I was lucky to purchase it at retail on 12/30/21, right before the price went up from 6,450 to 7,200. I had bought two OMEGA Seamasters (Aquaterra and SMP 300) before from the same jewelry so that helped me secure this stunningly simple Explorer within a month of telling the AD that I was ready. Great video, and I completely agree with the sentimental value. If I were to keep only one watch it would undoubtedly be this understated Rolex.

I got a call from a London AD for a 36mm viewing. I went in and viewed both 36mm and 40mm side by side. I then came home with 40mm.

Excellent pieces. Wear yours in good health. Keep up the good work on your channel. Regards, WR4K.

It just hit me. It IS the best Rolex ever. It's the best because it has nothing to prove. It just hit me as I was watching. Wow. I get it! My mind is blown.

I have been waiting for your take on this new model for a while now. Thanks for another great video! I feel fortunate that this 124270 model was the first I had access to, and I got it right before they raised the price! You are so right about this watches slow release charm. I absolutely love it. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

Spot on review. I loved my 36mm Explorer. beautiful, simle, under the radar, zero comments from peopIe - finally had AD call with a new Air King last month, had to take it, but had to sell Explorer. The Air King grows on me, but now, everytime I wear it it draws ttention, even from 6th graders across a room. I miss the hidden joy of the Explorer that I knew it was there, and wonderful, and no one else noticed.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Christopher Ward C65 Aquitaine! Feels like a more attainable piece and everything I want in a watch

I just got my first luxury watch a few weeks ago, and I was Lucky enough to get the new explorer 124270. I use it every day and it was worth the struggle to get it. I can't afford the second hand prices so I was close too buying another watch. But I found the right AD and just said hi and talked watches with the owner. I got the watch a few weeks after. My tip, if you really want it. Find a family owned retailer and just talk about watches, and they will get you what you want.

Wow 2016... I do remember you sitting in that house in Britain (?) and telling us what your new favorite watch is (or was). Time flies. You do not live in NYC anymore and I am in a completely other life situation now. It's great to follow you and your work! Keep it up! The music is on point! You really rock those videos! Cheers from spain (but just vacay) normally I greet you from germany.

I appreciate the movement upgrade, underside AR coating, but believe Rolex should’ve used the OP 36mm case and kept the 214270 20mm bracelet. I’m just glad Rolex did not size up to 41mm - Since my wrist is 7.25 on cold days, I’ll keep my 214270 and continue to wear it daily.

I have a 36mm OP with the 3-6-9 dial, along with a 40mm Submariner. I would say the 20mm Oyster bracelet on the 36mm case is the perfect proportions, weight and balance-- add the tool watch lore of the Explorer and you have the quintessential Rolex.

I have been subscribed to you for YEARS and never really watched your videos.....I recently got back into watches and started watching you and wow, have I ever been impressed. My friend, thank you for infusing "history" in everything you do. You really are "old" school and how do I know? One just needs to look at the props you use in your videos and then obviously you dive deep into the past/history of things and then attach true meaning to what you are trying to accomplish--well, this is my take and I love it. Never change a thing. Every watch I think about has to have some memory attached to it or some form of a deep meaning....For example, I have a watch that reminds me of my childhood growing up in Idaho, another when I was in high school (mostly Swatch:-), when I was in South Africa for two years (field type watches because of the terrain), marriage to my beautiful wife (vintage Tudor Submariner), Chile/USA (wife is from beautiful Chile and who has a LOVE for Italy--it's our dream to get there as she grew up in WINE country and it's part of her soul), traveling to different places, my two beautiful daughters (1 and 3 year of age) and a few watches that remind me of some of my favorite places to be or travel too. Wow, that was a lot..... I never miss your videos now and found a new love and a different way to approach things all because of you. I have also gone back into all your old archives and I am hell bent on watching them all and seeing how you have evolved as well. I just wish I could get alerts from you at least 3 times a week:-) You have given me a new love of Tudor, Omega, Rolex Explorer, Squale (never heard of until you), Hamilton, Nivada Grenchen, Seiko, Bulova, Longines, etc. Thank you my friend as this truly means the world to me and in some strange way a new outlook on life....Cheers, SCG

Owning an explorer would be awesome because I spend so much time outdoors but my OP 41 is so close. Think I’ll own this watch for life

Even with the price not being an issue, I think you’d still have an issue with the 19mm lug width since I know you love swapping on different straps.

I think your summation said it all, Tristano; there is no way I would make that trade. I'm sure your 11270 is worth quite a bit more than what you paid for it, but the seven years you've had with that beautiful watch, and the memories made, are priceless. Whatever the difference in cost might be, I can't imagine making that exchange. Your 11270 has been a trusted companion and deserves to be loved.

the 114270 is close to the perfect rolex

Videos like your older ones on the Explorer made me go after it as my first Rolex when I had the funds for it. This newer model had just come out, though, so I asked around here in Houston and while some apologetically told me it wasn't going to happen, one actually did call and sold me mine this last March (and with no history with them... how did I get this lucky?!). I truly adore it, but there's equal charm in your own 11270. I prefer the newer look, the sublime balance and simplicity... but the lack of strap options compared to yours is definitely a downer. Great video, TGV. It was a pleasure seeing these two side by side.

Great content! Keep up all the great work. If you could only have 1 explorer would you still choose a 1016 over the new 36mm?

Tha is for your thoughts! It really is versatile for any occasion.

I've had the 39mm version for over five years. It replaced theExplorer II that I owned for 25 years, which I eventually sold because my failing eyesight could no longer focus on the white dial.

Ian Fleming discussed with director Terence Young and the producers on which Rolex should Bond wear. And he agreed that it must be the Submariner. The reason for the choise of the Submariner was because James Bond is supposed to be a Royal Navy Officer (Commander) and an SAS/SBS member before becoming a 00 agent. And at that time the official watch for the Royal Navy, the SBS, SAS and the SEALS was the Submariner. So according to the novels Bond's type of Rolex is not mentioned, but together Fleming, director and producers decided that it could only be the Sub, according to Bond's resume and operational needs as an agent

Thanks TGV, great content as always. Much appreciated and much enjoyed!

Rolex is like the old guy at the bar, harping on about how he was captain of the high school football team, even though he now gets stuck in the turnstiles at subway stations. Everest was nearly 70 years ago.

Watching this while wearing my 114270 explorer with the engraved rehaut. Definitely have my thoughts about upgrading, but I think it’s a decision I’ll regret. Anyways, you had much influence in my choice of buying an Explorer!

The new 124270.... it will be my only watch... Time to save and wait

I've been waiting for this video! This is a well done comparison. I was lucky enough to pickup a 124270 after a short (five months) wait from an authorized dealer to commemorate a milestone wedding anniversary. The Explorer has always represented the best of the brand for me and has always been my favorite. This is my first Rolex and for me it is perfect but I am forced to admit that if I owned one of the earlier 36mm references I would not upgrade.

You nailed it with one phrase, TGV - "more than I'm willing to pay." Nice watch, but there's that. And a watch like that they could make and sell for 3K, but the white gold on the indices, that's just them continuing their upmarket strategy, very successful from the standpoint of their business model even if it turns off the fiscally responsible folk out there. More power to them though as it seems to be working great for them!

When Rolex made the controversial decision to only offer the Explorer in the original 36mm I don’t understand why they made it actually less than the 36mm at approximately 35.4mm, knowing the change was already going to be too small in many opinions. Why not actually 36 or if you’re going to vary in any direction make it towards the larger size in say 36.4 ?

I’ve just purchased a 1996 Speedmaster off a dear friend of mine. During the exchange, he also let me try on his Explorer, a 36mm variation from 1999 I believe. I got the same epiphany again, the same I got when I purchased my Seamaster. The Explorer is a truly great watch with incredible build quality and an impeccable, robust, simple movement, which happens to be chronometer certified. The quality and preciseness of the timing and nothing else now makes me want one, although in the larger 39mm

Thanks for the review of an excellent watch, I'm also happy that you will keep posting videos from your Italian villa once you have Ducktails incomes, keep it up!

Loved the level of detail in this video!

Sir, have you ever been mugged for your timepiece? If so, would you disclose the circumstances?

TGV, you've inspired so many of my watch purchases. I've got a Longines Conquest L3.658.4 (with applied markers) for the Rolex Explorer feel, Steinhart Pepsi Gmt for the playful, elegant feel, and my latest purchase, the gold filled Omega vintage with 451 movement. I think I'm close to completing my watch collection. Hopefully and not hopefully, gonna see what you introduce that will tickle my fancy lol

I always aimed at an Explorer, finally i bought a Railmaster 2017 black dial,- call it a strap master as well. And bazillion watches Trilogy Seamaster, RLX vintage datejust etc. Hey i'm a Social Worker, but i love these things ;) Enjoy your videos so much!

My AD knows I'm interested in a 124270...let's hope it doesn't take too long for me to get one...

My second favourite Rolex (I have a thing for the GMT Rootbeer) but prices are ridiculous for the explorer imo. Nevertheless a true sporty toolwatch with fantastic design. 👍

Nice to see products we don’t throw away after 12 months because they just fall apart or just stop working

7 years ago I had a choice this or a sub no date, after weeks of decision making I picked the Sub ,love my Rolex sub no Date and will always keep it 💯

You have made me love and appreciate the explorer thank you. Now I’m trying to add one to my collection 😅

Love the video TGV! Fyi. My AD called me 4 weeks ago with the steel and gold, but I said no and proceeded to wait. Lucky for me, I got the another call 2 weeks later. Now I am the proud owner of the new steel Explorer 1. Have to agree the 36mm size is perfect and does not feel small on my 7.15 inch wrists. 😀 For some reason the dial on the new version looks bigger & wider to the eye.

I’ve got a 1999 caliber 3000 Swiss only on the dial and I love this watch, I like the chingy chang clingy clang rattle from the metal strap also just love everything about it. I don’t know if it’s just me or my spidy senses but i like to sleep with my watch on my wrist and for some reason the explorer 3000 caliber I can hear the caliber pinging away magnified through my pillow ? It goes on a constant perpetual low ping to loud back to low constantly fluctuation like a living heart ?? Has anybody experienced this I would love to know. I just bought a bluesy 2007 pre ceramic and the famous caliber 3135 but not as loud it’s a soft more consistent ping with no fluctuations. It’s even I’m drinking to much whisky or I’m loosing my mind but I definitely definitely hear it. Anyways love the show as always 🙏

I have the 114270 and bought the 124270 in January. I love the new one so much. The subtle changes to the dial, stronger 3-6-9 with lume, really work and the bracelet and clasp are wonderful. Although there's some sentimental value to old model (bought on holiday in Rome), there's no point keeping it and I will sell eventually. Great video TGV!

Haven't seen one in person - I was begging a salesperson for months to sell me one - but the numbers look too chunky, more like the 39mm dial. I ended up buying a 2009 model and prefer that dial as well as the longer, thinner lugs. Gives it a much more elegant look.

Some watches shout for attention, others simply command it. The giant, oversized dial markings on the new reference seem to be a small move away from “look closer” and instead towards “look at me i’m wearing an explorer!”

214270 mark ll is the best Explorer that Rolex has ever made.

A belta as always sir! I think I said it in my collection review video, but the best designs always leave enough room for the wearer to fill with a part of themselves. The Explorer is perhaps the greatest example of this ethos. Fabulous stuff 👍🥂

Longines Conquest is a nice alternative to the Explorer 😀😀😀

Oyster Perpetual is the Grandfather of all Rolex watches !!!

The narrow Bracelet is a let down on the 36mm Explorer(for me), late last year i managed get a 40mm Explorer from my AD,i much prefer it on my 7.5" wrist 💕

Rolex has the undeniable mark of excellence and luxury in the watch industry. I would like to ask that with all the technology advances in manufacturing and tooling bringing us to the present day, if the watches are really worth that much more than a $1,000 or $2,000 watch? Is it mostly an image honed and developed brilliantly over the years? It certainly was the case that they were worth thousands more than a less expensive watch. But what about today and the current quality standards for entry-level, high-end watches? I think that is a fascinating question to ask, I would love to hear what the industry experts have to say about it.

Hi TGV Small but no doubt significant changes but I do understand that they’re not enough to justify an update for you. Think I would have made the same decision. I think that the lume on the numbers is the biggest advantage. When it comes to the printing I like your model more, makes it look more classic. But off cause, I haven’t handled one... Wish I had! The more watches I collect the more it becomes obvious how desirable this classy simplicity really is. Always suitable, never goes out of style. Unfortunately older models have skyrocketed in price too😕 Keep up the good work👍

Hugo Boss? Surely you mean Hugo Mountbatten, darling? Toodle pip, TGV.

Another review knocked out of the park!!! Love the city images and that music at the introduction 👌👌👌👌

I’ve been waiting for this review for some time. Loving my 124270.

in my opinion the 39mm is the perfect size will always be i my collection perfection and quality.

I just got new Explorer one and very happy with it. Fits to my wrist perfectly and the classic design can where any occasions.

It's nice to see Hugo branching out on his own and designing bags and accessories after being your second banana for so many years 😄.

If you want an Explorer vibe for way less but still definitely luxury, look at the Black Bay 36. It gives you a lot of what the Explorer gives you for around $2,000 lightly used or $3,000 new.

I love the closing statements as they are something near and dear to my heart... That is, the combination of quality, functionality, durability, non-pretentious looks, and simultaneously having a decent degree of luxury is always the way to go in my opinion; these are the check boxes I use not just when choosing a watch, but pretty much any goods I am purchasing. I love it, I just love it, all the minute detail in engineering that makes a world of difference in how something functions is truly an art. I too dislike the tacky monograms and "in your face status symbols" The quality of a good should be enough of a treat in itself, the enjoyment of it should never be shoving it in someone's face.

This may be a video that helps decide which explorer will become a grail!

As an old pilot, I have always enjoyed my King Air even though they finally made it with Lume now. I love the little bit of Rolex green and gold crown dial.

Hi TGV, Always happy to see a video on the beloved Explorer. I bought the 39mm Mark ll in 2019 and the honeymoon goes on! I like the new 36mm and would have no concern in purchasing if my wrist size permitted. Hope you and yours are well. Take care, John

Hugo Boss or Hugo Mountbatten?

I'm not one that would likely ever buy a Rolex, but your dive into the Explorer was enjoyable. Thank you.

What’s up Tay Gggg Vaaay! Great video browskis! Killing it dawg! Your style is dope!

As a guy who would rather invest in my kids' education and my own retirement, I'll stay happily content with my Vaer C3. But if I were to spend on a Rolex, this would be the 2009 Explorer. The perfect do most-everything watch.

Hey TGV, great video as always. May I ask, what strap is that on your explorer? Or which strap do you usually wear on it? Many thanks, keep up the good work :)

TGV I gotta tell you you convinced me to pull the trigger on the 124270 last year and it’s been my constant companion for the past year. I wear it 95% of the time. It has soul. I agree the modern Sub is too clinical. The Exp 1 feels like a vintage watch with all of the modern upgrades and I love it. I paid $6450 for it from my AD and I have to say I thought it was a decent value in the world of Rolex!

Another superb offering. This is easily the best and classiest channel on KZfaq. I bought my first G Shock today 😁. I got the G - Lide model with Bluetooth etc... Its super comfortable and exceptionally easy to read. Thank you so much for reigniting my love for watches. Keep up the fantastic work mate 👏👏👏☺️

@17:50 totally agree, but why mention 2016? Any time travelers here? Ever heard of the inflation?? Love the channel but not this time I disagree, sorry

Excellent review!!! Full of information and good balance of subjective and objective notes. Good work mate!

Have you tried it on nato? I have heard there was a problem with this new Explorer - reduced space between the case and pins, making it harder for many straps to fit well, even if you manage to fing a good 19mm one.

Superb video. Great to see you outdoors my friend enjoying the city. Hopefully more to come. Think you are right to stick with your explorer. Just because something is newer and has extra features doesn't always make it a better watch for you. Great watches, great bags, great history from a top notch guy and the great outdoors. What more can you ask for? Many thanks for the video and stay healthy sir

Got so confused with the beeping at 4:28. Looked down on the F91w on my wrist and thought "I don't remember setting the alarm this early". Took me way too long to realize it was the video

Great Video TGV, I believe Tudor will be releasing a new BB36 in steel soon. They already have in S&G, its a chronometer with a upgraded clasp. A real Explorer rival, pricing will be sensible and it should be available ish!

I have the Explorer II with the white face. I bought it about 12 years ago, before they made it bigger. It is my "beater," I wear it almost every day. I would like to warn you that the extra 24 hr. hand of the Exp.-2 makes it very difficult to read in low/no light. That extra hand confuses the issue, so I have to admit that the Explorer reviewed here may be more practical. Good luck, all! --Old Guy