The Rolex Explorer I is built on the same foundation of a robust Oyster case and a high-performance Calibre 3130 movement. The model is categorized as a "Professional" watch for exploration. It is available only with a black dial featuring its signature, highly legible Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, and "Mercedes-style" hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova.
Founded in 1905 by the visionary Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex was born from a singular, revolutionary idea: to transform the wristwatch from a fragile piece of jewelry into a robust, precise, and reliable daily companion. This ambition was masterfully realized in 1926 with the invention of the Oyster, the world's first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch case. Proven by a triumphant swim across the English Channel on the wrist of Mercedes Gleitze, the Oyster case established the foundational pillar of the brand's identity—performance and dependability in the most demanding conditions—a standard to which every Rolex is held to this day.
Building upon this foundation, Rolex went on to pioneer the defining features of the modern watch, including the self-winding Perpetual rotor in 1931 and the date-displaying Datejust in 1945. The brand then cemented its legend by creating the "professional tool watch" category, developing iconic models engineered for specific endeavors: the Submariner for deep-sea diving, the GMT-Master for intercontinental pilots, and the Cosmograph Daytona for the world of motorsports.
Today, Rolex positions itself as the universal symbol for success, quality, and prestige. As a fully integrated manufacturer, the brand exercises complete control over every component, from smelting its own proprietary gold alloys to assembling its "Superlative Chronometer" certified movements with uncompromising precision.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Great Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: 2008 Contents: Full-set Genre: Everyday Sports Watch
Size: 36mm Thickness: approx. 11mm Lug Width: 20mm
Case: Stainless steel, mirrored side and brushed lugs, light visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, smooth mirrored bezel, light visible wear Dial: Black gloss, applied 18k white gold markers with Super-LumiNova Hands: White gold "Mercedes" handset, Super-LumiNova filled
Crown: Stainless steel, Twinlock screw-down crown, light visible wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light visible wear Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet, light visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel, solid screw-down caseback, light visible wear Movement: Automatic Chronometer Caliber: 3130