The Best Alternative Bands for the Rolex Explorer 1 39 mm

The Rolex Explorer 1 is one of the first major achievements of Rolex fame.  Rolex unveiled the first Rolex Explorer in 1953, which was the same year that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay achieved the impossible climb to the top of Mount Everest-the world’s tallest peak.  Rolex not only sponsored the expedition, but also provided Hillary with a prototype of the Rolex Explorer to wear during his historic climb.  The Rolex explorer quickly became the favorite timepiece of mountain climbers due to its ability to withstand extreme temperature and its easy legibility.

The Explorer I remained in production until 1989 with reference numbers 1016, 14270 and 214270.  The reference 214270, pictured above has a black dial and highly legible hour markers filled with luminescent material and are surrounded by rhodium plating.  The 3, 6 and 9 numerals are clearly legible at those hour markers, while the 12 o’clock position is noted by a large luminescent triangle. 

The stainless-steel case provides extreme strength and durability to the timepiece.  It is waterproof to 330 feet and has a polished steel bezel.  The timepiece is powered by a Caliber 3130 which has a Parachrom hairspring made from blue niobium-zircon alloy.  This allows the timepiece to be immune to magnetic fields and be 10 times less susceptible to vibrations – critical items to climbers. It has a Paraflex mechanism which provides shock-absorption which protects the timepiece from sharp blows. 

It has a winding crown is easy to use.  The movement is considered one of the finest automatic movements in the industry.  However, the classic look and minimalistic design will look just as appropriate during sporting activities as it would be accompanying a business suit.

New Explorer 1 Reference 214270

The New Rolex Explorer 1 – 214270 With Caliber 3230

Rolex finally addressed multiple issues with the aging Explorer I with the new Reference 214270.  Although it only had been on the market for 10 years, which is a short production period for Explorer, Rolex needed to apply the new enhancements to this timepiece which had been already deployed in other Rolex timepieces.  

Specifically the Caliber 3230 was added to the time honored Explorer 1.  The 3230 expanded the power reserve of the Rolex from 40 hours to an amazing 70 hours.  Rolex also returned to its roots, and reduced the case size of this timepiece back down to the 36mm case size of its early ancestors.  This reduction of size from 39mm to 36mm is one of the few examples of Rolex actually going smaller since the trend has been in the larger direction.  

The new Oystersteel with 904L grade quality replaced the older stainless steel case.  Also, the new Chromalight luminescence is added on all the hour markers and hands.  Small changes include the moving of the name Explorer on the dial from the 6 o’clock position to the 12 o’clock position.

Comparing the Rolex Explorer 1 Mark I (Ref. 214270) and Explorer Mark II (Ref. 214270)

In 2010, Rolex released the newer model of the Rolex Explorer, which was now 39mm instead of its predecessors at 36mm. In this section of this post, we’ll review the similarities and differences between the Rolex Explorer I Mark I and Rolex Explorer I Rolex Mark II. 

Similarities: 

Both the Rolex Mark I and Mark II have the same movement (3132) with the same para chrome hairspring and Paraflex shock absorber and 48-hour power reserve. Both watches share the same exact bracelet. Both still feature the solid clasp and easy link extension. Both cases are exactly the same apart from a few small changes that had some Rolex enthusiasts excited and others annoyed. 

Differences:

One of the biggest differences between these two models is the upgrade on the Mark II, now with larger and lume added to the 3-6-9 numerals. The original Mark I had its Arabic numerals in solid white gold, it had no lume and caused issues for readability in the dark. Another major difference is the handset. On Mark I, the largest hand does not reach the track on the outside all the way, and it’s rumored that Rolex had used the old handset from the 36mm Explorers that they had leftover coining the Mark I’s nickname as the “shorthand” Explorer 1. 

The newer Mark II version was released in 2016, now with larger hands that are slightly fatter and reach the track along the edges, giving it a sportier look. 

It is speculated Mark I may become a collectible in the future, horology enthusiasts believe this watch to be a “mistake by Rolex” with its un-lumed dial and shorthands. The first release of the Rolex Explorer 16550, for example, has paint that is slightly off, giving it a yellowish tone; and it’s still going for outrageous prices. People think a similar situation will happen with the Rolex Mark I. 

Straps: 

Rubber B recently dropped a new series of straps for these watches. No matter which version of these Rolex you have, you can protect your bracelet by switching it for the highest quality vulcanized Rubber strap on the market. For the Rolex Explorer 1 39mm, they offer straps from their Classic Series in solid colors, dual-colored VulChromatic®, SwimSkin® Vegan Alligator,  Tang-Buckle, Velcro, and the SwimSkin® Twill Cuff Series. 

Best Alternative Bands for the Rolex Explorer 1

Rubber B has developed an extensive portfolio of bands for the Rolex Explorer I.  Pictured above is a band designed to support the Rolex deployant buckle.  Rubber B also has three other models – one that supports a tang buckle (comes with a 316L steel tang buckle) and an industrial strength Velcro strap with a titanium loop for additional strength, and the all new Swimskin models that looks like real Kevlar, Fabric or Leather but is 100% vulcanized rubber. 

The Velcro strap version comes only in Black, but the Tang and the strap that supports the Original deployant buckle have multiple color options including dual color (vulchromatic) options.  The Swimskin Combat strap comes with 3 color options – Black, Blue and Green.  

All of the Rubber B straps are made in Switzerland of pure vulcanized rubber.  It is designed for comfort and universal fit.  All the straps except the new Swimskin Straps utilize “blocked integration” engineering, providing a flawless motionless flush mount to the Explorer 1 case. 

Pictured above is the new 2 tone strap from the Ballistic Series of Swimskin models. Rubber B also launched a new model that looks and feels like real leather but is actually rubber and perfect for aquatic and sports activities.

For more information go to the Rolex Explorer I page here.