Inspired by the first-ever successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the Rolex Explorer has long been Rolex's ultimate adventure watch. Constructed entirely from Rolex's 904L steel, the Explorer's robust design ensures that it can always battle the elements. Featuring some of Rolex's most capable movements and a rich heritage to boot, the Explorer is another display of their timeless design as this icon of watchmaking has remained virtually untouched in its aesthetic since its inception. Identifiable by its signature 3-6-9 glossy black dial, a flat stainless steel bezel, and entirely satin-brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, the Rolex Explorer has become renowned for its understated class, sporty elegance, and capable construction. New for 2021, Rolex discontinued the previous 39mm variant of the Explorer and replaced it with a new 36mm version true to the Explorer’s roots, the ref. 124720 in stainless steel and the first Explorer I made of Rolesor (Rolex's name for steel and 18k gold), the ref. 124723. Offered here we have the ref. 124270 powered by the automatic cal. 3230 with 70 hours of power reserve that ensures the new Explorer has all of the horological might and provenance that one might expect in a modern release from the Genevan Giants.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case shows some light signs of wear including scratches on the case and caseback, as well as a few marks on the lugs. Bracelet was previously sized, and the removed links are included with the box.

A surprise from Rolex at the time due to the growing size of watches and the fact that the 36mm Explorer had been discontinued in 2010, the ref. 124270 has become a fan favorite from Rolex, given its closer link to the collection's heritage.