For those in their 20s and 30s who don't know what to buy for their first luxury watch

Recently, we have been seeing an increase in young customers who are interested in luxury watches.

In the midst of all this, we hear from people that when it comes to actually buying a luxury watch, they say, "I don't know which model is best." With so many brands and models available, it's hard to know which one to buy first...

This time, to solve such problems , we will introduce you to a model that is said to be " You can't go wrong if you buy this!"

Let me start with the conclusion!!

The luxury watch you should definitely buy is...

"Rolex Explorer I"

This is the model!

This time, I will talk about why I chose the Explorer I and what makes it so appealing.

What is the Rolex Explorer I?

First, let's start with some background on this model.

Explorer = "Explorer"

The Explorer was developed in 1953 as a model for explorers who would venture into places never before reached by humans .

The Explorer I is synonymous with a simple design and a highly legible black dial with large hour markers and the distinctive numbers 3, 6, and 9. It is a practical watch designed to allow you to tell the time accurately in any situation.

To prove that the watch would continue to function even in the harshest conditions, Rolex had the watch accompany people attempting various feats, such as "accompanying climbers to the summit of Everest." This not only increased the Explorer's popularity, but also proved that it was a model that could function to the end without breaking down even in the harshest environments .

*Image: ROLEX official Instagram

History of the Explorer I

First generation Ref.6350 and second generation Ref.6610

・Ref. 6350 [Around 1953]

This is the first model born in 1953. It is equipped with the Cal. A296 automatic movement and has a semi-bubble back. Another characteristic is that many of them have honeycomb dials.

The Ref. 6150 was also released around the same time, but this was a non-chronometer model.

・Ref.6610 [Around 1954]

Image: Christie's

This was released as the second model of the Explorer, about a year after the first Ref. 6350.

The movement is flatter thanks to the Cal.1030. It also has evolved into a modern automatic winding rotor (butterfly rotor) that can be wound on either the left or right side.

Third generation Ref.1016 [Around 1963 to around 1988]

The Ref. 1016 was the third model, sold from 1963 to 1988.

This is a long-selling model that was produced for approximately 30 years and can be called the true essence of the Explorer .

*Late model

This was the generation that established the Explorer's permanent basic design, and this model is divided into early and late models, with many rare specifications having been discovered.

" The early model (around the 1960s) features a circle mirror dial that is said to have been used on the Ref. 6610, and is equipped with the Cal. 1560 movement."

*Early model

"In the later model (around the 1970s) , the circular line around the dial's periphery disappeared, and the color of the index changed from gold to white, evolving into a bold image befitting a sports model. Furthermore, the black dial has been given a matte color tone to improve visibility. The movement has also been changed to the Cal. 1570 chronometer, and a "hack function" has been added that stops the second hand when the crown is pulled. The popularity of the later model is only increasing."

・Mirror dial: A rare dial with a unique glossy shine

*Late model

Fourth generation Ref.14270 [Around 1990 to around 2000]

Ref.14270 was released from around 1990 to around 2000 and was a full model change from Ref.1016. The plastic windshield was changed to a sapphire crystal windshield, and the face combines tritium luminous material and white gold applied indexes. The movement is equipped with the automatic Cal.3000, which was Rolex's main movement at the time, and has a vibration rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 48 hours.

Regarding this Reference 14270, models with older production dates and features such as "blackout," "single buckle," and "all tritium" are attracting attention and prices are soaring.

*Blackout: A rare dial with no white lines on the 3, 6, or 9

Fifth generation Ref.114270 [Around 2000 to around 2010]

This model was on sale from around 2000 to around 2010, and there are no major changes to its appearance from the Ref. 14270. However, this model was the first to feature the "crown mark (watermark)" at the 6 o'clock position on the crystal to prevent copying.

The biggest change is the evolution of the automatic movement from Cal.3000 to Cal.3130. In addition, the flash fit ( the joint between the case and bracelet) has become one piece , and other functional improvements have been made. From the Z series (around 2006), a roulette engraving with "ROLEX and serial number" has been adopted on the outer circumference of the dial.

Sixth generation Ref. 214270 [around 2010 to present]

This is the current model that was released in 2010 and is still on sale today. While it follows the design of its predecessor, the case size has been enlarged from 36mm to 39mm.

In addition, the automatic movement has evolved to Rolex's latest Cal. 3132, boasting high magnetic resistance and shock resistance.

The Ref. 214270 is also divided into early and late models, with notable changes being

・3, 6, and 9 Arabic indexes are coated with Chromalight luminous material

・The hour and minute hands have been changed to longer and thicker hands.

*Left: Early period (around 2010 to 2016) Right: Late period (around 2016 to present)

The appeal of Explorer I

①Simple and stylish design

Because it is a simple watch, it is the ultimate all-purpose watch that can be worn in any situation .

The design is suitable for a variety of occasions, from suits to casual wear, making it a suitable choice for your first watch. Of course, you want to wear it every day after buying it. In that case, you won't be able to enjoy it if you have to be mindful of the time, place, and occasion.

In addition, its unobtrusive design makes it ideal for business situations, exuding a subtle sense of luxury and sophistication .

Its timeless design has made it a long-loved and enduringly popular model among Rolex's many models.

*Image: ROLEX official Instagram

②High practicality

In terms of practicality, as mentioned above , it is a model that can perform its role to the end without breaking even in harsh environments , and it boasts high robustness and high precision.

As this is a watch that continues to function even in the harshest conditions, the underlying concept of the Explorer I is to "be able to check the time accurately at any time and in any situation."

Also, since it is a simple three-hand model, the costs for after-care such as overhauls are relatively reasonable, making it very practical in terms of watch maintenance costs.

*Image: ROLEX official Instagram

3) Affordable price range and stable asset value

Currently, the demand for Rolex sports models continues to grow year by year, and it is basically difficult to purchase them at official stores. Prices continue to rise even in the second-hand market, making them difficult to obtain. In this situation, the Explorer I is in a relatively affordable price range for sports models.

The fourth-generation Ref. 14270 and fifth-generation Ref. 114270 can be purchased for around 500,000 to 800,000 yen , depending on the year of manufacture.

Despite its reasonable price, the Explorer I is very popular, so demand is stable and the market price is gradually rising . Another appeal of the Explorer I is that it is one of the safest and most affordable sports models.

*Image: ROLEX official Instagram

④ Status and popularity

Even those who don't know much about luxury watches have probably heard of the name "Rolex". Among them, the "Explorer" is extremely popular , and there is no doubt about its global recognition. And yet, if you were to wear this model, which gives off a stylish and smart impression , how much excitement and satisfaction would you get? Just having a Rolex Explorer on your wrist would make you very powerful in the business world.

Another factor that boosted its popularity is that Kimura Takuya used it in a TV drama back then. There are many people in the Japanese entertainment industry who use it, including George Tokoro, Toshiaki Karasawa, Hideaki Ito, Masahiro Nakai, Tomoya Nagase, and many more.

It seems like it wouldn't be a difficult decision to choose the Explorer I as your first Rolex, as it continues to fascinate us so much.

*Image: ROLEX official Instagram

Specifically, which Explorer I should I buy?

Now that you've read this far, you're probably wondering which Explorer I model you should actually buy. So, this time we'll introduce you to some models that are perfect for your first Rolex! This time, we've selected models with high cost performance that are budget-conscious. We'll show you examples of watches that are currently on sale at Commit Ginza!

① Ref.14270 A-P (production from 1999 to 2000)

The watches produced around this time are in a relatively affordable price range for the Ref. 14270. A little earlier, there are more factors that increase the selling price, such as specifications such as tritium luminous material and a single buckle.

② Ref.114270 K-D series (production from 2001 to 2005)

The fifth-generation Explorer I is also a relatively easy model to purchase.

As mentioned above, from the Z series (around 2006) onwards, roulette engravings begin to appear and the prices go up a notch, so it seems that the earlier models are easier to get your hands on.

3. Reference 214270 (Produced between 2010 and 2015)

The early model Ref. 214270, reminiscent of the blackout Ref. 14270, is not only cool in design but also a valuable investment. As for current models, the newer ones tend to be more expensive, so early production models are the best to aim for.

summary

What did you think of the Explorer I that we introduced this time?

It has been about 67 years since the first model was released. Even though the case size and shape have changed and the dial has evolved, the Explorer theme has remained consistent from the early models to the current Ref. 214270. The deep black dial, simple and highly visible layout, and 3-6-9 indexes are universal symbols.

Once again, this is the theme of Explorer I.

"A model developed for explorers who venture into uncharted territory."

Remember...

We hope that this model will help you take on the uncharted territory of purchasing your first luxury watch!

see you!