Is the Rolex Explorer Replica a reliable watch?

Is the Rolex Explorer Replica a reliable watch?

Rolex Explorer Replica is a pure unit of Rolex sports watches. Explorer’s timeline establishes it as a category definition model. Although Explorer has evolved over the past half century, its core formula is one of daily versatility, thoughtful simplicity, and firm reliability. I believe everyone is familiar with this Rolex Explorer 39mm black watch replica M214270-0003. The 214270 Explorer replica is 39 mm, with an Oystersteel case and a black dial, recognizable 3, 6, 9 markings (now with luminous) and newer phones, longer Thicker.

The Case

Originally upsized to 39mm (from the 36mm 114270 replica) in 2010, I'm a bit mixed on whether or not the Explorer really needed the extra size. On one hand, 39mm is a truly excellent (and still reserved) size for a sport watch. On the other hand, if you've tried on a 36mm Explorer, such as the older 1016 or the more modern 14270, you know just how sweet that size really is. The 36mm feels like wearing an old watch, even if you're picking up a 114270 fresh from the box, that format speaks directly to its lineage and I feel like the impression is good at 39mm, but more powerful at 36mm. 

Even at its somewhat larger (but still not all that large) sizing, the Explorer is arguably Rolex's last classic steel sport watch under 40mm. And despite it being one of the less expensive and certainly one of the most minimal offerings in the brand's portfolio, the Explorer still has 100m water resistance with a Twinlock crown, excellent lume, and a case that looks especially svelte when viewed next to the much more burly cases of the modern Submariner, GMT-Master II replica, or its direct sibling, the 42mm 216570 Explorer II replica. 

To my eyes, this 39mm Rolex Explorer replica and the current Daytona have the two best cases of any modern Rolex, with neither having been updated to the so-called "maxi" case shape common to other Rolex sport watches. Within that opinion, the Explorer's continued use of this thinner lug case helps to speak directly to its "all killer, no filler" vibe. 

Regardless of the case size and shape, while the Explorer's dial has evolved, there is still an easy through line from early references like the 6150 to the modern 214270. The deep black dial, the simple and very legible layout, and the recognizable 3, 6, and 9 of the Explorer's dial have persisted for more than 60 years.

The Dial

At 39mm the increase in case diameter has given the dial room to breathe, the prominent Arabic numerals so synonymous with the Explorer replica are allowed to stand proud, not interfered with or cramped as they may feel on a lesser case size. There is a brilliance to how the dial is proportioned here, the blackness of the dial creates a necessary void for your eye to span across when taking in the elements placed around it. 

The printing of balanced three lines of text, each at 12 and 6, is clean and executed with precision, the coronet of Rolex sits above all else as it should be. The dial is a place where the manufacturing turns towards a skilled hand, not a well programmed machine, a feature seldom seen on a serial piece for the brand. 

All hour markers and numerals are filled with Rolex’s proprietary luminous material, Chromalight, for a signature and long lasting blue luminance.

Much has been made over recent years as to whether or not Rolex’s quality control and finishing quality stands up to both its price point, and its demand within the marketplace. From my experience with the Explorer replica, I must remark that the finishing of the dial and especially the hands is superb. Even under very intense macro photography, the hands, lume and print all meet expectations of what is a $10,000 wristwatch.

The Bracelet

With the replica Rolex Explorer being part of the brands ‘sports’ line, it is given a significant clasp upgrade over other Oyster Perpetual models. The watch is equipped with the Oysterlock folding clasp, complete with an easy link adjustment system, offering around 5mm of extra length on the fly. 

The clasp is another high point of the Rolex Explorer 39mm replica 214270, the fold over is fitted with extreme precision and the locking mechanisms for both it, and the clasp as a whole are satisfying and secure. The addition of the easy link adjustment comes into use much more than I had initially anticipated. There have been many occasions where I have needed to pop out the extra 5mm throughout a hot day, or simply due to working a desk typing with a flexed wrist. Short of the Submariner and Deepsea glide lock systems, the easy link is the best adjustment method the brand offers. 

The Movement

While I've used numerous terms like "simple" or "minimal" in describing the Explorer, don’t for a second think that I mean basic or underdeveloped. Being a quintessential Rolex, while the Explorer may have a comparatively simple time-only movement, it's built to last and to do so without skipping a beat regardless of where you take it. More specifically, the 214270 Explorer uses the brand's caliber 3132, an automatically wound movement that ticks at 4Hz, sports a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, and a power reserve of 48 hours. Accuracy is also assured, with the 3132 earning a COSC certificate long before it reaches your wrist. 

Being a Rolex Superlative Chronometer, COSC is not enough. Once the caliber 3132 is cased in a final Explorer watch, the entire package must be internally certified to run within -2/+2 seconds per day (much more stringent than standard COSC). 

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