The Rolex Explorer: A Perfect Everyday Watch

A few weeks back, I wrote about what makes an “everyday watch” and what doesn’t. In that piece, I singled out the Rolex Explorer 1 as the perfect candidate for two key reasons: its versatile design and its strong specifications. I’ve long been interested in the idea of everyday watches. Of course, the definition is personal—what works for one person may not work for another—but I think there are some clear traits that set these watches apart.

Source: www.watchlounge.com 

With that in mind, several well-known models make great everyday options. The Omega Aqua Terra, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80, and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control are a few examples, all at very different price points. But today, let’s take a closer look at the Rolex Explorer 1 and why it continues to stand out as one of the best all-around watches you can own.

Timeless Design

Source: www.chronoexpert.fr

Rarely can a brand nail so-called timeless design," let alone produce the model long enough to prove it. Rolex has absolutely done this with the Explorer 1. Of course, many brands have made iconic watches with legendary designs, but the Explorer’s dial remains uniquely balanced. It blends a refined sense of dressiness with just enough sport character to make it work in virtually any setting.

The familiar 3-6-9 Arabic numerals paired with baton markers (plus the inverted triangle at 12) strike that balance. Add more numerals and it would look too sporty, take them away and it would veer too formal. Rolex found the sweet spot back in the 1950s, and they’ve stuck with it ever since.

Curved End Rubber Strap For Rolex Explorer

That dial layout hasn’t changed in over 70 years, making the Explorer 1 one of the longest-running continuous-production models in the watch world. Like Toyota’s Corolla, its longevity isn’t just about tradition—it’s because the design works.

Versatile Dimensions 

Source: www.wornandwound.com

Rolex experimented with a 39mm Explorer for several years, but in 2021 returned to the original 36mm size with the current reference 124270. The 39mm version was wearable enough, but the 36mm feels truer to the Explorer’s character. It makes the watch look more elegant without sacrificing its sporting roots, much like the Explorer Ian Fleming himself wore.

The truth is, smaller dimensions make a watch easier to wear in nearly any situation. A 36mm case slides comfortably under a cuff, looks proportionate on a wide range of wrists, and draws less attention in public. That understated presence is part of what makes the Explorer so versatile—it’s just as at home in an office or at dinner as it is on a hike.

Solid Specifications 

Source: www.professionalwatches.com

Lastly, the Explorer 1—and we’re looking at the current reference, the 124270—comes with great specifications that are useful for everyday use. First of all, a solid movement, the caliber 3230, which is chronometer-certified and paramagnetic, meaning immune to magnetic fields. This is useful nowadays since we live with powerful and omnipresent magnetic fields. So the movement is precise and robust. 

Curved End Rubber Strap For Rolex Explorer

Furthermore, the watch is water resistant to 100 meters (plenty for everyday use, swimming, etc.) thanks to a screw-down crown and case back. Having 100 meters of water resistance means you can shower with the Explorer, wash your hands, and swim without having to worry whether or not water will enter the case and ruin the movement. (So long as you have screwed down the crown, of course!)

Final Thoughts 

Versatile dimensions, timeless design, and robust specifications—these are the three traits that make the Explorer 1 such a strong choice as an everyday watch. Previous references offer the same appeal, but the current 124270 adds the benefit of Rolex’s latest movement technology.

And while the Explorer looks great on its bracelet, some owners prefer to swap in a rubber strap for extra comfort and versatility. Everest’s curved-end rubber straps are custom-fit for the Explorer 1, giving the watch a sportier feel without sacrificing the clean look that makes it so enduring.

Header Image Source: www.watchlounge.com