First launched as the 1016 in the late 50’s, destined to become an iconic reference and mainstay of the Rolex range to the present day. Beloved of the enthusiast, none has received more acclaim than the Explorer. As a watch, it reaches the pinnacle of perfection.
Some say it’s the true “Bond Watch” being the constant companion of Ian Fleming, the creator & author of the Bond books. Marketed as a mountaineer’s watch, that conquered the peaks of Everest, it quickly became synonymous with land based outdoor activities and on to being lauded as the greatest Field Watch of all.
The Explorer has one job, to tell the time, which it does extremely well. The contrasting black dial set against Mercedes hands. The signature 3-6-9 numerals, with triangle at the top. With no date complication or applied coronet, nothing gets in the way its ability to quickly & assuredly tell the time. This is legibility on steroids!
The Explorer’s legendary design has remained untouched for over 65 years. When something is so right, it’s impervious to change. Of course, the same can be said of the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, GMT Master, Yachtmaster & Explorer II family. All variations on the same dial theme, but none can match the bare bones simplicity & uncompromised readability of the Explorer.
Yet the Explorer is so much more than a mere tool watch. Its singular purpose stands in contrast to the multiple roles on wrist. Like a Swiss Army Knife, always ready for any task, from Beach to Tuxedo, Mountain Peak to Gentlemen’s Club. No other watch offers such outright wearability.
Therein lies the essential mystique of the Explorer. How does such a watch look so good in any setting? And look good it does. Like a well-tailored bespoke suit, it fits the wearer so well one forgets that a tailor created it. Or a great actor when delivering his lines, carries the audience with him, so they only see the character portrayed. Quite simply the Explorer is, and the Explorer does, like no other watch.
Now if you want the cachet of wearing a Rolex, this may not be the watch for you. Only fellow enthusiasts will recognise & approve your wrist-wear. The general public will be blissfully unaware. They will interact with you without even knowing your watch’s brand. Camouflaged for the urban jungle, the Explorer passes unnoticed, neither demanding nor seeking attention as it quietly works on throughout the day. The phrase “Stealth Wealth” applies here in spades.
The Explorer is the most perfect watch yet created. No other watch comes close.
Of all the Rolex models, the Explorer always seemed to be crying out for a strap. It was the one reference that really stood out to me, so much so that I was mulling it over for two years. But how could I do the watch justice?
I needed something that could straddle the divide between casual & formal, something rugged yet with undeniable finesse.
I chose the 20/18 size because on wrist it has better proportion. The single keeper (an Inro feature) also adds to the solid look. The self-coloured stitching looks black until you look very closely and see its darkest brown. Similarly, the creases & folds in the ‘gator skin also appear darker to the eye, suggesting black to the viewer. Yet. As with the stitching, if it were actually black, it wouldn’t work so well. The power of suggestion!
I fully expect this strap to wear extremely well & am looking forward to it ageing over the years. To my mind, like the Explorer, it is perfect.