Good evening everyone.
Among Rolex's sports models, the Explorer has fascinated many people since its release as the ultimate simple watch that prioritizes practicality. The new Ref. 224270 was released in 2023 as the successor to the long-popular Ref. 214270, while the Ref. 124270 released in 2021 remains the same. Although the appearance is almost the same, minor changes have been made, and each has its own unique character.
So this time, we will be thoroughly comparing the new Rolex Explorer Ref. 224270 with the old Ref. 214270 in a comparison of the old and new! If you are interested in the new model, we hope you will do your research before it hits the market and fully understand what has changed. Please enjoy reading until the end.
Introducing the old "Ref. 214270" and the new "Ref. 224270"
First, let's briefly introduce each of the Explorers we'll be comparing.
| Case diameter | 39mm | Bezel | stainless |
| Dial | black | Luminous | Chromalight |
| material | SS | bracelet | SS |
| Waterproof | 100m | Drive system | Automatic |
| Cal | 3132 | Power reserve | Approximately 48 hours |
The "Ref. 214270" was released in 2010. The case size was increased from 36mm to 39mm , and the index " 369" at the time of its release was reminiscent of the "Blackout". It underwent a minor change around 2016 , and is now distinguished into "early" and "late" models.
When it was first released, the case diameter was enlarged but the size of the hands remained the same, so the hands looked small, but after a minor change (later model), the hands were enlarged and the balance with the case improved. Also, the index "369" is now painted with luminous paint, improving visibility.
| Case diameter | 40mm | Bezel | stainless |
| Dial | black | Luminous | Chromalight |
| material | SS | bracelet | SS |
| Waterproof | 100m | Drive system | Automatic |
| Cal | 3230 | Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours |
The "Ref.224270" was released in 2023. Like the "Ref.124270", it is equipped with the new movement "Cal.3230", and the case diameter has been enlarged to 40mm, the first in the history of the Explorer. With this announcement, the model name has changed from "Explorer I" to "Explorer 36" for the "Ref.124270" and "Explorer 40" for the "Ref.224270".
Spec comparison between the old "Ref. 214270" and the new "Ref. 224270"
Next, let's compare the old model, Ref. 214270 , with the new model, Ref. 224270 .
The main specifications are as follows:
| 39mm | Case diameter | 40mm |
| stainless | Bezel | stainless |
| black | Dial | black |
| Chromalight | Luminous | Chromalight |
| SS | material | SS |
| SS | bracelet | SS |
| 100m | Waterproof | 100m |
| Automatic | Drive system | Automatic |
| Cal.3132 | Cal | Cal.3230 |
| Approximately 48 hours | Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours |
❶【 Case 】
Case diameter
| Reference 214270 | 39mm |
| Reference 224270 | 40mm |
The biggest change was the larger size. Following the trend of larger watches, the Explorer was released with a 40mm case diameter for the first time in its history, as mentioned above.
Crown
| Reference 214270 | Small |
| Reference 224270 | Upsizing |
The crown has also been enlarged to match the larger case, making it easier to use.
❷ [ Dial ]
Logo at 6 o'clock
| Reference 214270 | SWISS MADE |
| Reference 224270 | Added a crown mark between SWISS and MADE |
The dial looks almost the same, but a crown mark has been added between the "SWISS MADE" markings at the 6 o'clock position.
" EXPLORER" display position
| Reference 214270 | 6 o'clock position |
| Reference 224270 | 12 o'clock position |
The model name "EXPLORER" engraved on the dial has been moved from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock, returning to the same position as the previous "Explorer I".
❸ [ Bracelet/Buckle ]
Bracelet end piece (back side)
| Reference 214270 | flat |
| Reference 224270 | round |
The end pieces of the bracelet are integrated with the case, and on the "Ref. 214270" they are flat with the back cover, while on the "Ref. 224270" only the central part is curved to fit the wrist, making for a better fit.
Frame width
| Reference 214270 | Same as before |
| Reference 224270 | 1mm size increase |
In the "Ref. 224270," the lugs have been changed to a sharper design, and the width of the bracelet links has become 1mm larger than before. Although the thickness, number of links, and inner dimensions of the bracelet remain the same, the width is different and therefore they are no longer interchangeable.
❹【 Movement 】
Movement
| Reference 214270 | Cal.3132 |
| Reference 224270 | Cal.3230 |
The "Cal.3230" installed in the "Ref.224270" is a new generation movement that Rolex has been developing for many years, and its overall specifications have been improved in areas such as magnetic resistance, precision, and stability, but what is particularly noteworthy is that the power reserve has been increased to approximately 70 hours. Considering that the power reserve of the "Cal.3132" was approximately 48 hours, this is a significant increase in specifications.
summary
The new Explorer 40 "Ref. 224270" has undergone some small changes, but many people were surprised by the larger 40mm case. The Explorer has been in particularly high demand among Japanese people, who tend to have smaller wrists, but it is expected that demand from overseas will also increase in the future.
In addition, the new model has not yet appeared on the secondary market, but once it does, it is expected that the price of the "Ref. 214270" will rise due to the pull of the "Ref. 224270". If you are looking for the older model, it may be wise to purchase it sooner rather than later.