Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270

If there has been an overarching theme in Rolex’s strategy of rolling out watches this year, it can best be summed up by the idea that “When they go left, we go right.” In years past, the company has become more than a little well-known for “playing it safe” and producing watches that have not changed much in terms of their design style.

That seems to have changed this year, for the first time in a long time. The release of the Day-Date with the puzzle dial seems to have caused quite a stir, and Rolex seems to now be more comfortable with experimentation (at least by their standards) when it comes to the design of their watches.

This helps to explain, in part, why there was such an interest in this year’s new and updated Rolex Explorer. There was only one significant change to the watch, but it was enough to cause a bit of a stir within the horological community.

Below, we will explore what changes were made to this newest iteration of the storied watch line. Additionally, we will evaluate the watch from both a technical standpoint and an aesthetic one.

Why Are People So Excited About the New Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270?

Frankly, the reason that there was so much excitement over the new Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 is, well, all in its name. This is the first time that an Explorer has ever been available in 40 mm. When the watch was initially released in 1953, it had a case size of 36 mm.

In later years, the Explorer would receive an update and be reintroduced at 39mm. Being that people had, on the whole, started to become larger over the ensuing decades, this change made sense. The 39 mm was available for several years until Rolex discontinued it in 2021.

At that point, there was some confusion and unverified speculation as to what Rolex would do next with the Explorer line. The company is known for being notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to its future plans for its products, and this time was no exception.

That is why, when the announcement was made at Watches and Wonders 2023 that the Explorer would be coming back, and in a never before made size, long-time collectors and the horological press took such an interest in it.

What Are The Technical Specifications of the Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270?

In many ways, this watch is virtually identical to the 39 mm from a technical standpoint. It has a case size of 40 mm, which is considered standard for a men’s wristwatch. It is powered by the 3230 caliber. The movement is perpetual, mechanical, and self-winding. It has a power reserve of up to 70 hours.

How Does The Rolex Explorer 40mm 224270 Fare in Terms of Its Design?

Being that this is a watch made for exploring, legibility is paramount, so the dial is extremely easy to read. This is in keeping with previous iterations of this watch line. As for the size of the case, it is not something one would notice by just looking at the watch. Depending on the size of one’s wrist, this newer version might feel slightly more comfortable than the 39 mm.

Ultimately, the most notable thing here is that Rolex has never made this watch in this size before. Outside of that, this piece is largely the same as the 39 mm version that came before it.

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