rolex explorer oyster perpetual 39mm | Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 price

The Rolex Explorer Oyster Perpetual 39mm, reference 214270, is a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. Born from Rolex's instrumental involvement in the 1953 Everest expedition, it's a timepiece that speaks of resilience, legibility, and understated elegance. While the 39mm Explorer is no longer in production, discontinued in favor of the newer 40mm model, its legacy and appeal remain exceptionally strong, making it a highly sought-after watch in the pre-owned market. This article delves deep into the Rolex Explorer Oyster Perpetual 39mm, exploring its history, design, specifications, market value, and its enduring appeal amongst watch enthusiasts.

A Legacy Forged in Exploration:

The story of the Explorer is intrinsically linked to the successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. While Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary weren't *officially* wearing the "Explorer" model, they were equipped with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches that were instrumental in withstanding the harsh conditions of the climb. These watches, along with feedback from the expedition, directly influenced the design of the Explorer, solidifying Rolex's reputation for producing robust and reliable tool watches. The first official Explorer, reference 6298, was released shortly after the expedition, laying the groundwork for the iconic design we recognize today.

The 214270: A Modern Interpretation:

The 39mm Explorer, reference 214270, was introduced in 2010 and remained in production until 2021. It represents a modern take on the classic Explorer design, blending traditional elements with contemporary updates. This reference is particularly significant because it addressed some perceived shortcomings of its predecessor, the 36mm Explorer, offering a more contemporary size and improved legibility.

Design and Features: A Deep Dive:

* Case: The 214270 features a 39mm Oyster case crafted from Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel (now known as Oystersteel). This alloy is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance and ability to maintain a brilliant polish. The case is waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for swimming and other water activities. The robust construction ensures the watch can withstand the rigors of everyday wear and more adventurous pursuits.

* Dial: The dial is a key element of the Explorer's identity. It's a clean, black lacquer dial with applied hour markers and the iconic 3, 6, and 9 numerals. These numerals, along with the baton hour markers, are initially filled with Chromalight, Rolex's long-lasting luminescent material. Early models of the 214270 (pre-2016) had a notable issue: the 3, 6, and 9 numerals were *not* luminous. This "non-lume" version is now often referred to as the "Mark I" dial. Rolex addressed this issue in 2016, updating the dial to include luminous filling in the 3, 6, and 9 numerals, creating the "Mark II" dial. This change significantly improved the legibility of the watch in low-light conditions.

* Hands: The hands are crafted from 18ct white gold and filled with Chromalight. The hour hand is a Mercedes-style hand, a distinctive feature found on many Rolex professional models. The minute hand is long and slender, reaching the minute track with precision.

* Bracelet: The 214270 is fitted with a solid-link Oyster bracelet, also made from 904L stainless steel. The bracelet features a folding Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. The clasp also incorporates the Easylink comfort extension link, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm, providing a more comfortable fit in varying conditions.

* Movement: The heart of the 214270 is the Rolex Caliber 3132, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This movement is a testament to Rolex's commitment to precision and reliability. It features a Parachrom hairspring, which is resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, ensuring greater accuracy. The Caliber 3132 is also a certified Swiss chronometer (COSC), guaranteeing its high precision and performance. It offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.rolex explorer oyster perpetual 39mm

* Crystal: The crystal is made of scratch-resistant sapphire, providing excellent clarity and durability.

Why the 39mm Explorer is So Desirable:

Despite being discontinued, the 39mm Explorer remains highly desirable for several reasons:

* Versatile Size: The 39mm case size is considered by many to be the "sweet spot" for a watch. It's large enough to have a modern presence on the wrist but not so large as to be overwhelming. It wears comfortably on a wide range of wrist sizes.

* Classic Design: The Explorer's design is timeless and understated. Its clean lines, legible dial, and robust construction make it a versatile watch that can be worn in a variety of settings, from casual to formal.