Rolex Explorer 1

At VIVER, You can trade not only discontinued vintage models from over 10 years ago but also current models. In addition, The VIVER showroom offers a try-on service so you can experience these models in person. Today, We have prepared content that allows you to compare the Explorer 1, A long-standing popular model from Rolex, From older to newer generations.

(For convenience, Reference numbers are simplified as 114270, 214270, And so on.)

Explorer 1 Ref.14270

The Rolex Explorer 14270 can be categorized as follows: the "Blackout" with black enamel on the 3, 6, 9 indices from 1989 to 1991, The "T Swiss T" with tritium lume from 1991 to 1998, The "Swiss only" from 1998 to 1999, And the "Swiss made" from 1999 to 2001. Excluding the Blackout, Which is priced on a different level, The Swiss only version is characterized by the thinnest enamel on the 3, 6, 9 indices. Each model is distinguished by tritium lume, Thin indices, And a dial identical to the 114270, Leading to divided preferences. Usually, Preferences are clear, So there is not much price difference except for the Blackout, Which is about twice as expensive as the others. Also, This period includes models distributed by the famous jewelry brand Tiffany & Co., With the Tiffany & Co. logo on the dial.

From left to right
114270, 214270mk1, 214270mk2, 124270

In addition to the dial classifications mentioned above, The 14270 also features many changes, Such as the difference between single-lock and double-lock clasps up to the T Swiss T, And the presence or absence of lug holes on the side of the case.
There are also differences in the second hand among Blackout models, As well as variations in font and crown shape between dials. There are so many differences within the 14270 that it would take an entire article to cover them, So I will address them in detail if I have the opportunity in the future.

Comparison of 14270 and 114270

 ROLEX EXPLORER 1  124270(left), 114270(right)

If you are not familiar with the differences in the dials, You can simply move on to the next generation, The 114270. The 114270, Which follows the Swiss made dial, Uses a six-digit reference but retains the characteristics of the five-digit models. The most notable feature of the 114270 is the solid end links, Which are typical of later five-digit Rolex models, Unlike the so-called hollow end links found in the 14270. Also, The center link of the end link protrudes like the current models, Whereas the 14270 has a recessed center, Giving it a more vintage feel, While the 114270 feels closer to the modern models. Lastly, The 114270 is the first model to feature the "ROLEX" engraving on the rehaut, As seen in current Rolex watches.

  ROLEX EXPLORER 1
114270(left), 124270(right)

The 124270 is currently the only 36mm Explorer model available for sale. It can be seen as a downsized version of the previous generation 214270 dial, With the position of the "EXPLORER" text adjusted. In fact, If you look at the font of the 3 index, Which shows the biggest difference, The font from the 214270 onward is noticeably sharper and the indices and logo on the dial are generally clearer and larger compared to the 114270 and earlier.
On the other hand, The lug width has been reduced to 19mm, So the Explorer up to the 114270 has the classic "Explorer" look, While the later Explorers have a more modern six-digit "Rolex" appearance.

Which to choose if you have a thin wrist?

The most common comparison for those with thinner wrists is between the 36mm Explorer models. However, What I can say for sure is that if you have a thin wrist, You should compare the 214270 and 124270, Not just the 36mm models.
The reason is that the bracelets up to the 114270 have five fixed links at the 6 o'clock position. This means you may have to wear the bracelet with the 6 and 12 o'clock sides reversed, Which can be inconvenient. In contrast, The 124270 bracelet has three fixed links at the 6 o'clock position, Allowing for easier length adjustment.

114270(left) 124270 (right)

As you can see in the photo, The first link connected to the clasp of the 114270 is a fixed link that cannot be removed, Even if there is a screw. On the other hand, All links with visible screws on the 124270 can be removed.
I have a thin wrist measuring 15.5–16cm and currently keep about four links at the 6 o'clock position on the current model. When I wore both the 114270 and 214270, I remember the 214270 being much more comfortable.
Of course, The 114270 has its strengths in terms of vintage mood, Classic "Explorer" proportions, And price advantage. So, You can choose according to your preference.

214270 vs 124270 vs 224270

Although the 224270 is not available in the VIVER showroom, You can think of the 124270 as having almost the same size as the 214270. Also, The lug width has increased to 21mm, Making the lug-to-lug distance slightly shorter than the 214270.

ROLEX Explorer1 214270 mk1(left), Mk2(right)

The 214270 is usually divided into MK1, With white gold 3, 6, 9 indices, And MK2, With luminous indices. The difference between MK1 and MK2 is also in the hand length: MK1 has slightly shorter hands, While MK2 has the proportions we are familiar with. Most people prefer the MK2, And its market price is slightly higher. However, The MK1 is also attractive as its white gold indices are reminiscent of the 14270 Blackout. The hands of the MK1 were a point of dislike for many, But I have seen watches in the domestic secondhand market that were serviced at the official Rolex service center and had their hands replaced with MK2 hands.

124270 (left) 214270 (right)

Many people prefer the 124270 over the 214270 simply because it is 36mm, But the biggest advantage of the 214270 is its thickness.

As you can see in the photo, The 124270 is smaller but slightly thicker than the 214270, So the 214270 feels noticeably thinner. Also, The matte dial of the 214270 is appealing to those who approach the Explorer as a tool watch. When comparing with the 224270, You only need to check the position of the EXPLORER font, The difference between matte and lacquer dials, And the indices compared to the 214270, Then make your purchase comfortably.
Like the 124270, The 214270 bracelet is designed to fit smaller wrists comfortably. The 124270 also has almost no excessive taper, And the 224270 has even less taper than the 124270.

Conclusion?

There is no single answer, But what is certain is that you will be satisfied no matter which model you purchase. The Explorer 1 is a model in the Rolex professional line with a wide range of size options, And the differences between models are not that significant. Therefore, Rather than relying on someone's opinion from a community or YouTube that "this model is the answer, " it is best to visit a place like the VIVER showroom where you can compare them in person and choose the model that has the most features you want.

Explorer 1 124270

36mm, Black, Oyster

Explorer 1 114270

36mm, Black, Oyster

Explorer 1 214270

39mm, Black, Oyster

Explorer 1 214270

39mm, Black, Oyster

Explorer 40 224270

40mm, Black, Oyster