Discovering the Rolex Explorer

Stockholm, Sweden, 18 October 2019 – Nymans Ur 1851, KRONS and Rolex invite you to a unique exhibition featuring the Explorer and Explorer II watches that evolved from Rolex’s involvement in some of the greatest adventures in exploration of the past century. For generations, pioneering explorers have attested to their reliability in the toughest conditions.

The exhibition, A Watch Born to Explore, will be held for the first time in Sweden and exclusively at WATCHOUT, on Friday 18 October, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Vinterträdgården. Entry to the event is free and no pre-registration is required, but it is mandatory to bring a valid identity card.

Through illustrated panels and films, visitors will discover the extraordinary story behind the development of the Explorer, which was launched in 1953 in honour of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by an expedition equipped with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. Later, the Explorer II, created in 1971, became the watch of choice of speleologists, volcanologists and explorers from every corner of the globe.

LIVING LABORATORY

The story of the Explorer is closely intertwined with Rolex’s history. From the 1930s, Rolex began to test its watches in real-life conditions – using the world as a “living laboratory”. More than a dozen high-altitude expeditions and some of the world’s greatest explorers were equipped with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches as they ventured to the most hostile terrain on earth. In return, the brand received valuable feedback on the performance of its timepieces in extreme conditions. This was used to develop precise, reliable tool watches.

DESIGNED FOR EXPLORERS

Special features have made the Oyster Perpetual Explorer particularly adapted to the needs of explorers. It was created to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances. Not only is the watch robust, but it also has simple, contrasting aesthetics that aid legibility. Over the years, the Explorer has remained faithful to its heritage and unique identity while encompassing Rolex’s technological innovations, such as Paraflex shock absorbers.

Since 2010, it has been a bolder watch in a larger 39 mm case. The Chromalight hour markers are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow that offers excellent legibility in any situation, while the emblematic 3, 6 and 9 hands stand out in contrast on the sleek dial.

Thanks to its fixed bezel with 24-hour graduation and additional, orange 24-hour hand, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours. The original 1971 model was restyled in 2011 with a case increased in size to 42 mm. On expeditions, the Explorer II, which is equipped with calibre 3187, can also be used to display the time in two time zones.

The self-winding mechanical movement exemplifies the qualities inherent in all Rolex timepieces: robustness, reliability, precision and ease of use. These iconic timepieces lie at the heart of Rolex’s history of pushing boundaries, both in watchmaking and in supporting those who have expolred the Earth’s extremes.

FROM DISCOVERY TO PRESERVATION

In the 21st century, Rolex’s unique involvement with explorers has developed into a commitment to preserve the environment. Under the banner of Perpetual Planet, the brand is joining forces with key individuals and organizations who are working to promote exploration and the protection of our environment, in addition to encouraging future generations of explorers.