Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 114270 Case No: F436'497 Model Name: Explorer Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3130, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped "CL3" Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee dated 2005, numbered sales tag, product literature, document holder and fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
In production from 2001 to 2010, ref. 114270 is a modern interpretation of one of the most celebrated Rolex models: the Explorer. It is most striking how this modern edition stays close to the vintage iterations: the 36mm diameter is not excessive, allowing for a very comfortable wearing experience. The dial as well reprises the gloss black look of old school Rolex timepieces, maintaining the trademark Arabic 3-6-9 numerals but updated to a larger, more modern font which allows for improved readability.
The present watch is offered in mint condition, retaining its original factory sticker and all of its original sale kit, down to the numbered sale tag.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.