Rolex Explorer 1 Ref. 114270 Z Series - SOLD
The first man to climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hilary, did so with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual strapped to his wrist that proved to be the ancestor and inspiration for the first Explorer. While the model has been updated since that first ascent to the world's highest mountaintop, the Explorer remains a tough watch that also offers an elegant and timeless design that looks at home on the wrist in nearly any situation.
The Explorer was upgraded with the introduction of the reference 14270 in 1989 as the replacement for the legendary reference 1016 Explorer with some big shoes to fill, and it did just that. The dial retained the familiar 3-6-9 layout and is a wonderfully balanced symmetric design, now in gloss form with applied markers underneath a sapphire crystal. The reference 114270 pictured here further improved on the modern Explorer, adding an upgraded Caliber 3130 movement solid end link bracelet.
The example offered here is in outstanding condition, with a razor sharp unpolished case and perfect dial and hands. This Explorer is an earlier Z series, indicating production circa 2006.
Condition is per the photos and as follows:
Case: 36mm stainless steel case in excellent condition as pictured. The case is extremely sharp with crisp edges and sharp brushing and appears unpolished. Crown screws down securely. Serial and reference numbers are both visible and crisp.
Bezel: Original stainless steel polished bezel in excellent condition as pictured.
Dial/Hands: Original black gloss SuperLuminova dial with applied markers free of any marks or damage. Dial and hands are free from any imperfections.
Caseback: Original caseback in excellent condition with the original caseback sticker still intact as shown.
Crystal: Original sapphire crystal in excellent condition free of any scratches, chips or cracks. Crystal has the Laser Etched Crown at 6 o'clock.
Movement: Rolex caliber 3130 automatic movement with hacking. The movement is in excellent condition although service history is unknown. All functions work as they should.
Bracelet/Strap: Original 78690 solid end link (SEL) bracelet in excellent condition as pictured with only minor wear. Clasp is clearly unpolished with an extremely sharp coronet. Bracelet should fit to a 7.5" wrist.
Box/Papers/Accessories: None, sold as watch only.