Rolex Explorer I 14270

Rolex Explorer I 36mm Ref. 14270 “Swiss Made Successor” SS Black Dial

Launched in 1990, the 14270 was the follow-up successor to the iconic 1016, and featured a truly avant-garde design language. Late-’90s Explorers with all-original components are now genuinely scarce, as most have either been heavily worn, polished, or serviced with later Rolex parts. This Rolex Explorer I 36 mm Ref. 14270 Swiss Made 'Successor' A-Serial, Circa 1999 features a stainless steel Oyster case with screw-down crown and solid screw-down case back, fitted with the solid-link 78790 Oyster bracelet with 558B endlinks and clasp stamped X3, exactly correct for this A-series production period. Powered by the Superlative Chronometer–certified Rolex automatic calibre, housed within Rolex’s robust monobloc Oystersteel case featuring the Twinlock double waterproofness system. The dial is the star of this reference: a glossy black dial with luminous hands and markers, paired with the now-iconic applied 3-6-9 Arabic numerals - a radical departure from the matte 1016 that came before it. The sapphire crystal, the high-polish dial surface, and the applied indices all combined to give the 14270 a thoroughly modern, luxurious aesthetic that shocked purists at the time. This particular A-Serial example (circa 1999) with its “Swiss Made” dial, correct period bracelet configuration, and strong case proportions represents one of the most desirable iterations of the 14270. Late-’90s Explorers with all-original components are now genuinely scarce, as most have either been heavily worn, polished, or serviced with later Rolex parts. This watch comes with its box and booklets along with a full two-year extended warranty from date of purchase from our store and its insurance appraisal for the full replacement value. This Timepiece is in an Unworn Condition Complete with Box & Papers Two-Year Extended Warranty from Date of Purchase Full Value Appriasal