The All-New Rolex Explorer I The Epitome Of A Simple Sportswatch Taken To A Whole New Level

The All-New Rolex Explorer I

The Epitome Of A Simple Sportswatch

Taken To A Whole New Level

[Reference 214270: Bracelet 77200]

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." –Leonardo Da vinci

The Rolex Explorer I, is one of the original Rolex Tool-Watches. Its origins have been steeped in mystery, intrigue and myth. I am actually in the middle of putting together my research findings on the origins of the Rolex Explorer I and I intend to publish them as soon as I can.

To make a long-story, short, the Rolex Explorer was inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's conquest of Mount Everest in 1953. One of the most interesting details I have unearthed in my research, that was a big surprise for me, is the unexpected relationship between the Rolex Explorer I and the original Rolex Submariner.

I don't know if it is just a coincidence that Rolex yesterday at the BaselWorld trade-show and fair in Basel, Switzerland released their all-new Rolex Explorer I at the exact same time as their all-new stainless steel Rolex Submariner!!!

Sir Edmund Hillary's Mt. Everest Rolex

At Home In The Beyer Museum

In Zurich, Switzerland

The ACTUAL Rolex that Sir Edmund Hillary wore when he summited Mount Everest in 1953 is part of the permanent collection in the Beyer Museum in Zurich, Switzerland which means that if you take a trip to Zurich, Switzerland, you can go to the Beyer Museum and see the actual Rolex Oyster Perpetual that was the first watch to conquer Mount Everest.

The watch in the next three photos is Sir Edmund Hillary's actual Rolex he wore when he conquered Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. In this first photograph his watch is sitting on top of a Rolex Explorer brochure from 1956. The reason the leather strap is so unusually long is because the extra length allowed him to wear it normally on his wrist when it was not really cold, and the extra length allowed him to wear his Rolex on his wrist over his shirt, or sweater or jacket.

Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex Close-Up

As we see in the photo above and in the two photos below, Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex Oyster Perpetual had a white dial. On of the myths that I busted in the past was that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were wearing Rolex Explorer models when they conquered Everest. The truth however, is not that far off. As a matter of fact, the Oyster Perpetual below was indeed the basis for the Rolex Explorer and even shared the same Reference number.

This early Rolex Explorer history has recently become a very hot topic and the early 1953 Rolex Explorer watches are becoming very desirable for collectors. I have a pal, who is a vintage Rolex collector, and he recently decided to sell all his non-1953 Rolex Explorer models just so he could focus on 1953 Rolex Explorer models. As I mentioned, in the future I will be shedding much more light on the fascinating genesis of the Rolex Explorer.

The most fascinating thing, in my mind, is that the Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex Oyster Perpetual as seen in these photos is the great, great grandfather of the the all-new Rolex Explorer I that Rolex just introduced at BaselWorld 2010. What amazing legacy and history!!!

The All-New 39MM Rolex Explorer

BaselWorld 2010 Introduction

[Reference 214270: Bracelet 77200]

The all-new Rolex Explorer I deviates from the version it replaces by growing from 36mm to 39mm which is good in many ways, while perhaps having some drawbacks. The reason I suggest it's a good idea with some drawbacks is that by growing the watch from 36mm to 39mm it give the watch a more substantial, macho look with much more presence.

The potential drawback is that dudes with small wrists may not be able to wear the watch. I say this because I have two pals who have very small wrists and they always wanted to wear a sports Rolex like the Submariner, but they thought it was just too big, so the 36mm Explorer I was the goto watch for these dudes. It is not big deal, because they can always invest in a soon-t0-be vintage 36mm Explorer I.

The all new Rolex Explorer I has a streamlined look and ironically Rolex chose not to put lume on the trademark 3,6 and 9 indices. Some people in the online Rolex community have pointed out that the hands look anemic and too short. It appears Rolex design kept the old hands and I agree, that the watch needs fatter and longer hands.

Rolex design intelligently decided not to polish the center links and maintain the satin, brushed finish which was a good idea. It almost appears as if Rolex design recently has completely turned around in their approach to how they design Rolex sports watches, in the sense they realize the tool-watches are better left as tool watches. I am curious to see this watch in person!!!

What's Your Everest?

Rolex produced this brilliant video for the BaselWorld 2010 introduction of the all-new 39mm Rolex Explorer I. This video is so inspiring and it sends shivers down my spine ever time I watch it!!!!

Of course the dude with the goggles is Sir Edmund Hillary and in the scene where the man runs up to him to hug him, that is Sir John Hunt, who was the British Expedition leader congratulating Hillary as he descend down from the summit of Mount Everest. The entire British Mount Everest Expedition as well as many of the teams that previously attempted to summit Everest wore Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches.

Rolex BaselWorld 2010 Press Kit Introduction from Rolex CEO: Bruno Meier...

Rolex CEO: Bruno Meier

BaselWorld 2010

Rolex Press Kit Introduction

Rolex is pleased to welcome you once again to the exciting universe of BASELWORLD. Our brand occupies a prominent place at this fair, with an impressive stand illustrating the prestige and excellence for which Rolex is known.

This special position is due to the privileged relationship that Rolex has developed over the decades with this global meeting place for those involved in the watch and jewellery industries, as well as to its own status as a first-class watchmaker.

The leader in Swiss watchmaking, recognized the world over for the quality and precision of its watches, Rolex makes it a point of honour to share the fruit of its know-how and its spirit of enterprise with this audience of connoisseurs.

Equipped with unparalleled industrial and technological means of production, now being further developed by a new construction project, and rich in a history of major innovations like the mythical Oyster, in 1926, the first waterproof wristwatch, Rolex has the privilege of being able to give free rein to its creative potential. The company takes full advantage of its complete autonomy to innovate and reinterpret with continuity the fundamental principles responsible for the success of its watches.

This approach has been applied this year to the Submariner, the Explorer and the Datejust. These models, each with a unique identity, are recognized around the world as unsurpassable, timeless symbols of a certain art de vivre. They are presented in new versions drawing on the vast Rolex heritage and honouring the passion for perfection proper to our brand.

BRUNO MEIER

Chief Executive Officer of Rolex

Geneva, Switzerland

Boring BaselWorld 2010: New Submarin

BaselWorld 2010 Submariner Switchup

New Submariner Before & After Bezel Swaps

[116610 LV, with 116610 LN]

I am going to cover the Basel introductions today, but the first thing that popped into my design mind was that the new all green Submariner could be better with the black bezel and visa versa.

Who knows, maybe the all green Submariner will grow on me, but the good news is that if you purchase an all new LV (Green) Submariner and an all new black version, you will come up with, what at least in my design-mind is a big improvement and I illustrated them below.

Before

The next two photos are of the two all-new stainless steel Rolex Submariner models Rolex introduced today at BaselWorld in Switzerland. The first has an all-black bezel insert and matching black dial.

The next watch is the all-new stainless steel Rolex Submariner with a green ceramic bezel and matching green dial.

After

So my idea is to swap the bezels and put the black bezel insert on the green dial watch and visa versa. I think it looks way cooler this way!!! It kind of reminds me of the yellow gold 50th anniversary GMT-Master with the black bezel and green dial.

To my way of thinking, this black and green combo looks way better than the green on green, because the green on green has a brushed finish on the dial with a solid green finish on the ceramic bezel insert which kind of clash and don't match. I also think this version looks really, really aquatic in a Jacques Cousteau 1950s retro-kind-of-way. I love how the green gold dial ads so much depth and dimension compared to the standard black dial. I think this combo takes the stainless steel Rolex Submariner to a whole new level of coolness.

This next version below puts the green ceramic bezel insert on the black dial which essentially turns it into a Supercase 50th Anniversary Submariner, which I think looks really cool!!! Who knows? Maybe Rolex will offer these great color combos as options!?!

Rolex BaselWorld 2010 Predictions ...

Rolex BaselWorld 2010 Predictions

What I Would Like To See

BaselWorld 2010 is just around the corner and in less than three days we will learn what Rolex will be introducing!!! I feel like a kid on Christmas waiting for Santa Claus!!!

Back on February 20, 2010 I published an article speculating about the first watch I hope Rolex introduces and I included the text and photo from that article at the end of this story.

I also mentioned I would offer my other idea for what I hope to see, and I almost forgot to post it, until I went to Rolex.com today and noticed the following really cool image!!!:

This Rolex.com ad is amazing for many reasons. First and foremost, it mentions how Georges Mallory was once asked "Why do you climb Mount Everest" to which Georges Mallory famously responded "Because it's there!!!"

Georges Mallory and Andrew Irvine pictured above on Mount Everest in 1924

What is so interesting about Rolex.com specifically referring to Georges Mallory is that Georges Mallory attempted to summing Mount Everest in June of 1924 as part of the first of three British Mount Everest Expeditions from the early 1920s. Georges Mallory, and his climbing partner, Andrew Irvine (pictured above) literally disappeared into the clouds on the North-East ridge while attempting to conquer Mount Everest as seen in the photo below. In other words, if you look closely, you can actually see them in the photo below as they approach the Summit.

The last time the team was seen and photographed was just a few hundred meters from the summit!!! Their fate was not know for 75 years, until 1999 when his body was recovered by an Everest expedition which set out to find his remains.

To this day, it is still a mystery as to whether Mallory and Irvine were the first to ever successfully summit Mount Everest.

You can learn everything about this Mount Everest History and more in a super detailed article I wrote about Everest.

In the Rolex.com ad, the animation before the photo first photo asks:

Why Always Look For The Best?

Why Follow Your Dream?

Why Climb Your Own Everest?

Because It's There!!!

I think this verbiage is so profound because that is really what Rolex is about!!! Rolex has historically been a watch brand that people wore when they chose to push the envelope of what is possible. In my mind, as I have said before, if Rolex could be summed up in one word, it would be "Achievement."

The way Rolex chose the language in their ad is so cool!!! It is why I have always loved Rolex!!! There is just something almost magical about the brand and their watches that inspires people from all walks of life to achieve amazing things–All the way from Chuck Yeager to Dr. Martin Luther King and way, way beyond!!!

My best guess/hope is that Rolex will introduce an all-new Rolex Explorer II, but they could also introduce a new Rolex Explorer I.

Back in April 2008 I created the artwork below for what I thought an all-new Rolex Explorer II should look like. I designed the watch with many different color combinations because I think people are bored with just black and white dials and want color.

My best guess is that if Rolex comes out with an all-new Explorer, that it would or should be 42mm. I also think it should have a spinning bezel because people love spinning bezels.

My design reference below has even larger Maxi-Markers and Super-Fat-Hands and a Supercase. I also replaced the upside-down 12 o'clock triangle with a jumbo Rolex Crown at 12 o'clock which I think gives the watch a bolder, more trademark look, and yes I know my bezel insert has an "18" in place of the "22" but I couldn't find the original file to update it ;-D

I also called my design version the Explorer 3, but I don't think Rolex would change this designation. Hey, I created this 3 years ago!!!

Rolex BaselWorld 2010 Predictions

The Return Of The RED SUBMARINER?

[Originally Published February 20, 2009]

Only Rolex knows what they are going to be introducing in less than a month at BaselWorld in Basel, Switzerland. I believe it is likely they will be introducing the all-new stainless steel Rolex Super-case Submariner with Maxi-Markers and fat hands. I hope Rolex has the wisdom and design prowess to bring it back as a Red Submariner.

When I say "Red Submariner" I mean I hope they put a red SUBMARINER designation on the dial as you see in the image I created below. I think the classic black Rolex Submariner looks a million times better with the touch of red on the dial. I think it looks boring in all white. Black and white is too cold and sterile and reminds me of black and white TVs. The stainless Submariner needs a touch of color.

The red, white and black color combination has always been unbeatable. If Rolex does not bring back the Red Submariner, I am going to buy one and have the Submariner designation painted over in red, because I have to have this watch!!!

Of course Rolex has made different Rolex Submariner models in the past with the red Submariner designation, and the last production model was the Reference 1680 which was produced from 1967 to 1976.

Soon I will show off my other idea for what I think Rolex will hopefully introduce this year at BaselWorld. If you are not familiar with BaselWorld, it is the most significant watch-industry trade-show, held once a year in Basel, Switzerland. Rolex first introduced the Rolex Submariner in 1954 at the Basel show.

On a side note, I could not help but notice how absolutely timeless Rolex design evolution is. In particular, it blows my mind how true the statement is in the story below this one from 1974 that says "In an age of obsolescence and gimmickry, the simple classic virtue of a Rolex is indeed a rarity." I could not help but notice how similar the Submariner from 1974 is to the one pictured above.

Rolex Hotness: Kari Anne Liverud-Ladies White Gold Rolex Daytona Green Mother-Of-Pearl Dial

Rolex Hotness: Kari Anne Liverud

Ladies White Gold Rolex Daytona

Green Mother-Of-Pearl Dial

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day: Eric's LV Submariner In London

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day

Eric's LV Submariner In London

NASA Earth Shot Of The Day: Guinea-Bissau West Africa...

NASA Earth Shot Of The Day

Guinea-Bissau West Africa

Amazing NASA Desktop Wallpaper

I am really enjoying the NASA images that are taken from Satellites. This next NASA stunner description reads:

"The Landsat 7 image of Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, shows the complex patterns of the country's shallow costal waters, where silt is carried by the Geba and other rivers washes out into the Atlantic Ocean. This is a false-color composite image made using infrared, red and blue wavelengths to bring out details in the silt was taken using Landsat 7's Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) sensor on January 12, 2000."

If you click on the first image below it will give you an image that is 1600 x 1600 pixels. For those of you who have the amazing new Apple 27inch iMac or a widescreen, I prepared a stunning higher resolution version which is 2560 x 1440.

It's fascinating how similar this image looks to some kind of living organism–and of course, it is–if you think about it!!!

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day Roberto's Rolex Oyster Chronograph

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day

Roberto's Rolex Oyster Chronograph

[Reference 6234: Anti-Magnetic]

Yellow & White Gold Goodness from ChampTheKid

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day

Yellow & White Gold Goodness

Davidoff Goodness by ChampTheKid

Wrist Shot Of The Day United Arab Emirates Daytona...

Wrist Shot Of The Day

United Arab Emirates Daytona

Stainless Steel Rolex Daytona 6263

Rolex used to make customized dials for watches or countries. The "Arab Dial" watches are very highly collectible since they look so unusual and cool. This stunning example of a Rolex Daytona [Reference 6263] belongs to NBTimes.