*Picture credit AskMeAgain*
~History~
Most people believe that the Explorer I was launched by Rolex for commemorating the Everest expedition and that this watch was with British explorer team consisting of Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay etc on 29th, May of 1953, achieving a great task of human being climbing. This story is definitely magic and attractive, but it still has a certain distance to the real fact. Rolex indeed had supported Himalayan expedition since 1933, and later in Everest expeditions, Rolex had been always the official supporters, so Rolex supported each explorer team with its wristwatch. However, Rolex was not the only supporter: it is said that when Edmund Hillary climbed up on the top of Everest, what he wore was a watch from the British supporter Smith. But what Tenzing Norgay wore was indeed an Explorer.
The Explorer was based on the already existing tough and hard wearing bubbleback, which has been modified by Rolex for the more active and adventurous customer. In 1952, the references 6098 and 6150 (both using the A296 movement) were in fact the first prototypes of Explorer to be used by climbers; they were watches with white dials and leaf shaped hands and did not bear the name Explorer yet.
After five years production of Ref. 6610, Ref. 1016 replaced its production in 1963. Ref. 1016 is the most famous edition with the longest production in all the Explorers, until Ref. 14270 replaced it. Explorer Ref. 1016 looks like Ref. 6610 from semblance, but its movement changed to use Cal. 1560 and its water resistant increased from 50m to 100m. During the long production of 26 years, the Explorer Ref. 1016 also changed quite a lot.
In 1989, Ref. 14270 came to the market with surprise. Apart from remaining the name of Explorer and mercedes hands, the conception of Ref. 14270 was completely different from Ref. 1016: the movement is Cal. 3000 with higher frequency, the crystal is sapphire, the case is designed again and the dial changes quite a lot. Such a change definitely makes the style of 14270 have a feeling of elegance and modern, but the pure sports and explorer style of Ref. 1016 actually made most watch lovers hard to forget. In 2001, the reference 114270 replaced 14270 to use Cal. 3130. The Explorer I - 214270 was debuted at Baselworld 2010 and increased the size from 36mm to 39mm with the Cal. 3132 movement.
~Movements~
Rolex WIKI page - All the basics
Please see the above link for information on the current movements found in Explorer I and II replicas.
21j DG2813
Asian Clone 2836
ETA 2836
Asian Clone 2824
ETA 2824
A3131
A3187
Rolex Explorer I
~Differences between the 14270 and the 114270~
1. I know they have different movements: Pro's and con's of each?
Both the Cal. 3000 (27 jewels - 14270) and the Cal. 3130 (31 jewels - 114270) are excellent movements.
2. Different bracelets.
Both retain the same clasp, but the 114270 gained SEL links on the bracelet.
3. Were the only changes to the 114270s the ones that have come w/in the last year, w/ "Rolex" repeated inside the bezel, et cetera?
Yes, the Explorer got the RBR (Rolex Branded Rehaut) recently. Besides that, no other changes were introduced.
4. Older 14270s use tritium for illumination: Was this the case w/ all 14270 models? Did all 14270 models have illuminated 3, 6, 9, and triangle markers? if not, when did this change?
The change from Tritium to SuperLuminova happened around 1998. All Explorers with WG markers would have NON glowing 3, 6 and 9 markers. The numbers LOOK as if they are filled out with SuperLuminova / Tritium (depending on serial number), but in fact they don't glow. The triangle does glow in the night, though.
Gen lume shot (Super Luminova)
~14270~
THE ROLEX EXPLORER - REF. 14270 by Walt Odets
36mm as per gen
Twinlock crown
Fliplock bracelet clasp
Hollow mid-link bracelet
Hollow End Links
Sapphire Crystal
UNABLE TO FIND CORRECT 14270 REPLICA IN STOCK
~114270~
Rolex Explorer Ref 114270 by Jocke
36mm as per gen
Twinlock crown
Fliplock bracelet clasp
Hollow mid-link bracelet
SEL (correct for model)
Sapphire crystal
Note: the watch below on Puretime site is mis-labelled, it should be a 114270.
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Explorer I - 114270 - Clone 2824
Example Rolex Explorer I - 112470 - Clone 2836
Intrepid modder greg325i has discovered that you can add a Clarks 295 sapphire crystal to the Explorer I - 114270. This involves adding a new gasket but I think we would all agree that the crystal is not only nicer in profile but no longer has the over sized LEC.
Clarks crystal into 36mm 114270 Exp-I (success!) by greg325i
~214270~
39mm as per gen
Twinlock crown
Oysterlock Safety Clasp (same as GMT II and Explorer II)
Solid mid link bracelet
SEL
Sapphire Crystal
Blue Luminova
V1
Incorrect Submariner Glidelock clasp
Incorrect Green Lume
Rolex Explorer I - 214270 - V1
V2
Incorrect Submariner Glidelock clasp
Incorrect Green Lume
Incorrect Maxi Minute hand
Rolex Explorer I - 214270 - V2
V3
Incorrect Submariner Glidelock clasp
Incorrect Maxi Minute hand
The V3 is currently the best of the Explorer I - 214270 reps. But it needs some mods to bring it further in line with the genuine watch. The handset is currently incorrect. The genuine watch has a slightly smaller minute hand, and the dial is matte and not gloss as per the rep. As far as I know the V3 still comes with the incorrect Submariner (116610 Ceramic) Glidelock bracelet clasp, as opposed to the Easylink clasp. With these three mods you can have a very close to genuine watch.
Rolex Explorer I - 214270 - V3
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
~Reviews and Eye-Candy threads~
Explorer 36mm from Trevor by Khanage
Explorer 1 36mm from Trevor by dznrguy
Questions about building a franken Explorer 14270 by Druss
Rolex Explorer I 39mm Review "Ultimate" A3131 Clone by airking
Rolex Explorer I 114270 (36mm) by j62a (French sub-section)
*Picture credit AskMeAgain*
~History~
Rolex Explorer II 216570 challenge haul........by FDOMADONALDOG
The Rolex Explorer II – sometimes referred to as the ‘Steve McQueen’ Rolex, despite the fact he never wore one – is one of the best examples of an unpopular watch becoming a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II was an addition to the Explorer model released in 1953, and intended as a tool watch for cave explorers. This first Explorer II watch, ref.1655, featured an extra hour hand (in a bright orange color) for a 24-hour notation. This is an important feature to cave explorers who may become easily disoriented after long periods underground.
During the entire production period of the ref.1655 Explorer II watch, Rolex only changed small details of the watch. Besides the different bracelets Rolex used during the 1970s (riveted, folded and later on, solid) the second hand went from a straight shaped ‘needle’ to a hand with two circles, one on the long end and one on the short end. The color of the 24 hour hand changed from orange to red-orange and the font on the dial had minor differences on later models.
The movement inside the Explorer II was identical to the movement used in the GMT-Master models, also featuring a 24 hour hand. Caliber 1570 and 1575 movements were used for the entire line-up of ref.1655 Explorer II watches.
The ref.1655 Explorer II was a watch that didn’t sell very well in the early years. Just like the Milgauss and Daytona, jewelers sometimes had them in stock for years and nobody would buy them. The ref.1655 Explorer II is now one of the most collectible Rolex models, fetching impressive bids during auctions.
It wasn’t until 1984 that Rolex introduced a new Explorer II, ref.16550. Changes included the sapphire crystal, a caliber 3085 movement – with a double bridge – and a white dial in addition to the black dial model. The shape of the hands changed drastically as well, especially the 24 hour indicator which changed from a small red-orange arrow shaped hand to a long and sleek designed red 24 hour hand with a white arrow at the end.
This model, ref.16550, in combination with its white dial, had some issues with the white paint which faded to a more creamish color. The black models encountered problems as well, showing cracks in the glossy finish. Some owners had this faulty dial replaced by a Rolex Service Center. Those who didn’t are now owner of the so-called and highly sought after cream-dial Explorers or – in case of the black dial models – spider-web dial Explorers. The ref.16550 is also occasionally referred to as a transitional model, as the new reference 16570 was introduced in 1989. For Rolex in particular, 4-5 years is a very short production time for watches.
The Explorer II ref.16570, featuring a newer type of movement (caliber 3185) had – aside from the bracelet – only one major optical change from its predecessor, the use of black hour marker rings and hands on the white dial version. The cream-dial model had white gold hour markers and hands, just like the Submariner and GMT-Master for example. It is said that beneath the black paint, the hour markers and hands are still white gold.
For information on how to use the GMT function of the Explorer II please read the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Rolex WIKI Page - All the basics
~16570~
40mm
Twinlock crown
Hollow mid link oyster bracelet
Smaller Flip-lock clasp
Sapphire Crystal
Green lume (Tritium on earlier models)
One of the original best Explorer II's were manufactured by the Noobfactory. These are well remembered for their ability to take genuine size dials. See this review from 2010 LINK. Unfortunately for some reason they stopped making this model and subsequently they became quite rare and only available through member sales.
As a result of their ability to take genuine parts they were the perfect base to build a franken watch. See Sneed.12's build with a genuine dial here LINK and By-Tor's review of his gen dial build here LINK.
Thankfully this year was a new release from Hublot V6 factory (CITATION NEEDED). This is the best Explorer II on the market currently and is available from all dealers. This is superlume from factory and very high quality. Unfortunately there is an issue with the 12 marker on the dial, this is slightly off-centre.
This watch is also available from BKLM1234 in his section: LINK.
This base watch is also able to be used to create a very accurate GMT 16710. You can see how BKLM1234 created this transformation here: Making a gen style 16710 case out of a 16570 case and TW bezel assembly.
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Explorer II - 16570 - Superlume - White Dial
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Explorer II - 16570 - Superlume - Black Dial
~216570~
42mm as per gen
Larger 7mm Twinlock crown (confirmed on rep)
Solid mid link bracelet with SELs
Blue lume
Sapphire crystal with AR cyclops
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Explorer II 42mm - 216570 - White Dial
42mm as per gen
Larger 7mm Twinlock crown
Solid mid link bracelet with SELs
Blue lume
Sapphire crystal with AR cyclops
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Explorer II 42mm - 216570 - Black Dial
Update 08/05/2013 - Noob factory Explorer II
This update has been a little time in coming just due to real life commitments. The Noob Factory released the best Explorer II to date with a lot of upgrades over the previous versions;
-Superlume dial and hands
-Double AR crystal cyclops
-2mm springbars
-Updated and very good looking LEC
-Perfectly aligned rehaut engraving
-Running serial numbers on rehaut
To me this is now one of the best Rolex reps out there. The black dial on this model should be matte [need confirmation], so for replication purposes the white dial should be the more accurate.
Explorer II 42mm 216570 1:1 Noob Best Edition Black Dial
Explorer II 42mm 216570 1:1 Noob Best Edition White Dial
Noob Explorer II 42 White - Best Rollie Rep So Far? by pjsayer
~Reviews and Eye-Candy threads~
ROLEX EXPLORER2 42mm WHITE REVIEW noob newest !! HIGH RES PICS !! by 1kenny1kenny1
Explorer Comparative Review - Rolex Explorer II 16570 - Gen Vs Rep (Warning: Many Pictures!!) by justloungin
A Pictorial Review - Rolex Explorer 214270 by justloungin
Gen 14270 Explorer by Solkryssare
Rolex Classic Explorer II 16570 (eye-candy) by madcatlancelot
Explorer 216570 42MM Black Dial...wow by Blue_Rocket
42mm EXPLORER II FANS...CHANGES ARE BEING MADE by Correctime
Explorer 42mm from Jimmy by dbrinch
Rolex Explorer II 216570, orange hand (vid) by Saras
Explorer II 42mm 216570 - review (Latest Noob Best edition) (Black) by watchfaker
Explorer II noob, just in!! by cgn1017
My first rep: Noob Explorer II. Thanks Trevor! by srol
Want the explorer 2 noob black.. But I better go with the white? by robert1
Some quick shots of Noob Explorer II by astrograph
NOOB Explorer II White Essential Mods by commanderbond
~History~
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss is a highly collectible model introduced by Rolex in 1956 with the model number 6451. The Milgauss was designed as an antimagnetic watch specifically for those who worked in power plants, medical facilities and research labs (like those in Geneva) where electromagnetic fields can cause havoc with the timing of a watch. The current model Milgauss is equipped with amagnetic alloy (Parachrom-Blu) hairspring and movement encased by a Faraday cage. The name Milgauss is derived from the Latin mille, which means one-thousand, and gauss, the unit of a magnetic field. This model is so named because it can withstand a magnetic flux density of 1,000 gauss.
Like the ref. 6541, the current Milgauss sports a "Faraday" cage. There is an outer and a second, inner, caseback. The outer caseback is engraved "Milgauss" (x 2) and also sports two Rolex coronets. Interestingly, the Milgauss was the first men's watch after the Sea-Dweller to sport a factory caseback engraving (some Lady Rolex watches up to the mid 1990ies had an engraving saying "Original Rolex Design"). The inner caseback is laser etched with a "B" which is the symbol for magnetic flux density.
Here are a couple of pictures of the Milgauss case opened, showing the inner caseback:
The original Milgauss was very similar to the appearance of the Rolex Submariner, with an oversized case and bezel, with the Twinlock crown, and a riveted Oyster bracelet. Although the Milgauss only went through two different models (6541, 1019) the Milgauss went through numerous configuration changes before being discontinued in 1988.
The Milgauss today remains a sought after model amongst Rolex collectors due to its relatively low sales and popularity during the 1960s and 70s, it has become rare in today's vintage watch market. A vintage Milgauss signed by Tiffany & Co. recently sold for over $32,000.
In 2007, Rolex brought back the Milgauss after nearly two decades as the model number 116400. There are currently three versions: white dial or black dial with a standard colorless sapphire crystal, and the GV (Glace Verte) or "Anniversary" model, with black dial of a slightly different design and a green-tinted sapphire crystal. The GV is the only Rolex produced with a tinted crystal. Although initially rumored to be a limited edition, the GV version is still produced nearly 3 years later.
The Milgauss is only available in 904L polished stainless steel, an alloy that is extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion. Aside from its resistance to magnetic fields, the Milgauss' most unusual feature is its orange lightning-bolt second hand, a unique feature in the Rolex lineup that was originally introduced with the 6541 Milgauss model.
In 2008, the MSRP for it was $6,200 and selling at or below retail. The MSRP for the GV was $6,575 and it was selling above retail in most situations. A short time before its release, resellers and retailers were asking as much as double retail in anticipation of the new model.
~Movements~
Rolex WIKI page - All the basics
Please see the above link for information on the current movements found in Milguass replicas.
21j DG2813
Asian Clone 2836
Asian Superclone 2836
A3131
ETA 2836
Sellita SW240
As a note on movements: The 21j movement should be avoided for this model. The extra weight of the large lightning shaped seconds hand causes extra strain on the 21j movement. This causes the hand to stutter and even fail on occasion. As a result this movement is NOT recommended for this watch.
~116400~
40mm as per gen
7mm Twinlock crown
Solid Mid link bracelet with SEL
Easylink clasp
Sapphire Crystal
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Milgauss - 116400 - Black Dial
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Milgauss - 116400 - White Dial
~116400 GV~
The Milgauss GV is a special edition of the Milguass which has a very distinguishing feature; the Green Sapphire crystal. This is a Rolex exclusive. There is apparently only one company in the world that can make the Green Sapphire crystal and Rolex has the exclusive rights for its use in this model.
The letters "GV" in the model reference "116400GV" stand for "glace verte" which refers to the green edge of the crystal. Depending on angle and light conditions, the green edged glass varies from being hardly noticeable to glowing up in a vivid green.
Here it's caught in the sun:
And here in the shade:
It is worth noting that the Milgauss GV does NOT sport the laser etched coronet at 6 in the crystal. It has been said that the laser etched coronet would be too obvious due to the green edged crystal. Other reports state that the laser etched coronet would simply be distorted due to the green crystal. The other two Milgauss models (both named "116400", too, but without the GV nomenclature) both sport the laser etched coronet:
Apart from the green edged crystal, what identifies the Milgauss GV is the special dial.. The indices at 3, 6 and 9 are orange coloured and ever so slightly broader than the other (white) markers. Finally, only the Milgauss GV sports orange numbers at the end of every markers (on the "ordinary", black faced Milgauss, there are orange squares at the end of the markers). The third version has all-orange markers and - like the GV - orange numbers at the end of the indices.
Genuine Milguass GV Lume shot:
40mm as per gen
7mm Twinlock crown
Solid Mid link bracelet with SEL
Easylink clasp
Sapphire Crystal with Green AR coating and green gasket
Note on the Replica GV crystal: The true green crystal is almost impossible to replicate. In place of this the factories have given the crystal a green Anti-Reflective coating as well as a green crystal gasket in an attempt to re-create this effect. Out of the three Milguass replicas this makes the GV the most innacurate.
Some people have attempted to colour the edge of the crystal to make it appear more accurate.
My custom mod to the 116400 GV crystal... by josf1
Adding a genuine crystal is also possible. See page two for pictures.
Gen crystal on Milgauss GV ? by danielv2000
*Picture credit Puretime.co*
Example Rolex Milgauss GV- 116400GV - Black Dial / Green Crystal
~Reviews and Eye-Candy threads~
AHX's Milgauss Megathread by AHX
Rules to choose a Milgauss rep (pics) by ALE7575
Rolex Milgauss 1:1 review from Puretime (PIC HEAVY) by plymman
Milgauss Packshot After FineDD Traitement by ricou2273
Is Milgause the best bet to pass off as gen? by Omega88
Milgauss review and photoshoot (pictorial monster) by MurkleMark
Milgauss factory vs. Noobfactory by Donaldejose
Contributers to this WIKI:
I would like to thank the following people for contacting me and adding to this WIKI page.
AskMeAgain
Justloungin
Mendota