SOTC # 8 of 16: ROLEX EXPLORER 214270 MK 2
/ROLEX EXPLORER 214270 MK 2 on an EVEREST RUBBER STRAP
I was always fascinated by the Explorer 1. It has so much history and practicality from the Oyster Perpetual “Pre-Explorer” that Tenzing Norgay wore during his historic ascent up Mount Everest, with Sir Edmund Hillary to gracing the wrists of beautiful Victoria’s Secret models, from boardroom to the beach, the Explorer 1 works well in almost any situation. The Explorer is considered by many, including myself, to be the ultimate go anywhere, do anything “GADA” watch. I loved the old 1016’s but not so much the modern ones. The non-lumed 3-6-9 markers looked odd to me, and the hands were slightly too short. Then at Baselworld 2016, Rolex fixed everything that I didn’t like in an updated version of the Explorer 214270, dubbed the Mk 2. With lumed 3-6-9 markers and slightly longer hands, this is the Explorer that I’ve been waiting for.
I purchased mine around mid-2017, just months before Rolex sports stainless steel watches began disappearing from AD shelves. I traded up from my Tudor Ranger, plus a bit in cash, for it. I recently fitted it on an Everest rubber strap while retaining the original clasp - it’s such an good looking yet functional combination.
/ TOMMY