Rolex Explorer

When it comes to design language, the Reference 14270 may be the most important Rolex of the contemporary era. Launched in 1990, the 14270 was the follow-up successor to the iconic 1016, and featured a truly avant-garde design language. Moving away from the matte dial 1016, the 14270 features a glossy dial with stylized applied Arabic quadrant indices and a sapphire crystal which gives the watch a thoroughly modern and luxurious visual appeal that was initially a very polarizing departure for the model. With the benefit of hindsight, we can know understand that the 14270 was essentially a test-run for a new design language that would many years later become standard for numerous timepieces across the entire Rolex catalog. This particular example, a U-serial dating to circa 1998, features an excellent case with a transitional glossy black 'Swiss Only' dial, a matching handset, and a solid link Oyster bracelet with Fliplock clasp. Additionally, this watch retains its factory caseback sticker and includes its box and papers! With its simple, straight forward legibility, and durable steel case built to tackle any task it faces, one could make a strong argument that the Explorer is the perfect sport/field watch for every day usage.