Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1997 Reference No: 14270 Case No: U171660 Model Name: Explorer Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3000, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated November 06, 1997, calendar and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The ref. 14270 was introduced in 1989 replacing the former ref. 1016 and remained in production until 2001. Compared to its predecessor, the model features a number of upgrades including the caliber 3000 movement. It also had a sapphire crystal, which was more durable and scratch proof than a plexi crystal.
With many admirers of the model, the Explorer boasts simplicity yet remains elegant and functional. Furthermore, the model retains its iconic details featured in the very first ref. 6350 and 6150 is the 3-6-9 dial.
The present watch is preserved in excellent condition with its guarantee dated November 06, 1997, calendar and presentation box.
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.