ON THE WRIST: Rolex Explorer 40
MONDAY OCTOBER 21, 2024
Wearing the Rolex Explorer can feel like gearing up for an Everest conquest, even if that’s never happening. Regardless of what watch you choose, people will always have opinions, so you should go for the one that truly speaks to you. The Explorer is rooted in mountaineering history, famously linked to two dudes and their Everest expedition in 1953. Its design prioritises legibility, with the iconic 3-6-9 numeral layout making it easy to read in low-light settings.
PRO
Modern sizing
Age-old nameplate
CON
Boring
SPECIFICATION
40 mm Diameter
11.6 mm Thickness
100m Water Resistance
70 hours Power Reserve
46.5 mm Lug to Lug
A$ 12,200
Over time, the Explorer has retained its signature matte black dial, despite demand for a white version that never came. The beloved 39mm Explorer was produced for 11 years and is still missed by enthusiasts. Its discontinuation paved the way for a new chapter in the Explorer's evolution a 36mm in steel and two-tone.
When the Explorer expanded to 40mm, it initially seemed like a bold move. However, after a year, it’s clear that my take was too critical as the change is a thoughtful modernisation. The larger case adds to the watch's contemporary appeal while maintaining the wearability that the Explorer is known for, thanks to its curvaceous and contoured design.
Critics often label the Explorer as "boring" and there’s some truth to that. It’s a straightforward time-only watch with an adventurous backstory. But would it be as iconic without that legacy? Sure, it lacks a rotating bezel or chronograph to time mundane tasks, but that simplicity is part of what defines Rolex. It’s essentially an Oyster Perpetual with a double-locking clasp and the signature Mercedes hour hand, and that’s just fine. This minimalist approach is integral to the Explorer’s identity.
The Explorer 40 is powered by calibre 3230 which is also found in many time-only Rolex is strangely losing 15 seconds a day which could be due to breaking in but is never an issue for Tudor watches. Also like most Rolexes today, it has more or less a power reserve of 70 hours.
A 5mm extension can be had on this bracelet to accommodate wrist swelling and take it swimming as water resistance is rated at 100 metres. Gone are the days of a Rolex Explorer with short hands and weak luminescence as it now emits strong blue Chromalight so the owner can tell time while inside a cave.
While the Rolex Explorer 40 is not the immediate choice compared to the brand's other iconic models, it is an ideal everyday watch. There’s no fuss—just set the time, and you’re good to go. Its durability and legibility are hallmarks of Rolex’s commitment to quality. The Explorer may not have the allure of a GMT-Master, but its place in horological history over the past 70 years makes it a worthy addition to any collection. It remains a reliable and accurate timepiece that inspires a spirit of exploration.