It’s already been 2 years since the iconic watchmaking brand Rolex introduced new iterations to some of its collections. I followed closely all the fuzz around the topic and I remember that the most speculated models were Explorer I and II. Both the articles on Google and the community forums were “boiling” with discussions and expectations. The most debated topics were the possible reduction of dimensions for the Explorer II, possible changes to the GMT bezel tones, as well as the possible replacement of the bezel with another material (titanium, possibly).
And so April 7, 2021, came, and Rolex presented its new changes, which were nowhere near what the community speculated.
Rolex had decided to go the traditional way, introducing subtle and classic changes, to the disappointment of those who had bet a lot on radical twists. At the same time, die-hard Rolex enthusiasts, as well as experienced horology connoisseurs, were more than delighted by the subtle yet gorgeous transitions. Which were those?! Wait to find it out in this article.
The most substantial change
The changes announced in 2021 were not substantial at all. On the whole, the community reviewed the same dimensions, slight improvements in functions, and additional design elements. However, one of the Explorer models has undergone more pronounced modifications compared to other models. It is about the 124370 Explorer I model, whose size has returned to “old but gold” 36mm. This was quite surprising, given that the brand’s recent trend is to increase its size, not decrease it. A good example of this idea is the recent Deepsea Challenge model, whose experimental version comes in a size of 50mm.
It seems that Rolex loves twists and turns and changes things in the most unexpected way. However, the 36mm Explorer I captured the public’s attention right away. We now have the replica version of this model in our AAAReplica stock. I look at it and I keep finding explanations why the company decided to take a step back with its dimensions.
Personally, I think that this unexpected move comes to honor Explorer models of the past, which were all, more or less, small in size.
Additional details about Explorer 1 ref. 124270 36mm
This replica model aroused my curiosity and I started looking for more information about the original model. Turns out that with this move back, Rolex wanted to satisfy watch lovers who are passionate about the original reference for its simplicity, and at the same time its versatility. I want to remind you that in fact, the 36mm size was considered one of the most wearable a few years ago. Now, we consider the size of 36mm to be small, because the size of 40 and above has deeply infiltrated our consciousness as the “not too small, not too large” standard.
In addition to reducing the size, the new Explorer I came with a wide range of materials and straps. This once again proves that the watch was launched to provide comfort and versatility.
Design changes
Changes in design elements were not missing in the new model presented. The authentic 36mm version of the watch has the “Explorer” inscription just below the 12 o’clock marker. I would like to remind you that the previous 39mm Explorer I models had this detail placed above the 6 o’clock marker. It is an insignificant detail, at first glance. But, I want to tell you that this particular detail makes the new Explorer I look more classic and subtle.
Explorer 1 ref. 124270 replica watch
I assume you are curious to know everything about the replica model of this Explorer. But I couldn’t review it without refreshing your memory a little about the authentic model.
We recently received this imitation in stock and it is available in the Swiss and Japanese versions. I will explain to you how they differ from each other.
Differences and similarities
First of all, you will notice the price difference. The Swiss version costs around $1000 and the Japanese version is around $600. Probably, the Japanese version will seem a bit “peppery”, considering that Japanese replica watches are usually around $450-550. But don’t jump to conclusions.
The 124270 36mm Japanese version that we received has a 904l stainless steel case and bracelet. If you do some research on other sources, you will find that other Japanese options are cheaper, but they come with 316l stainless steel grade. Our factory decided to produce both the Japanese and Swiss models of the best stainless steel in this release.
Design specifications
Do you remember what I told you about the “Explorer” inscription on the new models? Unlike the 39mm versions, the 36mm references have the inscription just below the 12 o’clock marker.
In both Japanese and Swiss replica models, this inscription is positioned correctly and identically to the authentic reference.
All the hour markers, which are in the form of rectangular segments, have a frame around them, also made of 904l stainless steel.
The aesthetic difference that I see between the Swiss replica and the Japanese one is that the minute hand of the Swiss model is slightly sharper at the top. The Japanese model has a shorter minute hand, but the difference is barely noticeable.
Otherwise, I don’t see any major differences between these 2 replica models. Still, I noticed that both replica watches are 0.5mm thicker than the original version. Visually, this difference is not obvious.
Technical profile
Authentic 36mm Explorer I runs on a Rolex in-house 3230 movement. It is unlikely that any replica mechanism will ever be able to reproduce the precision and accuracy of such a mechanism. But the manufacturers are working hard.
Speaking of the Swiss imitation, it runs on a clone of the original mechanism. In contrast, the AAA imitation is equipped with a Japanese mechanical movement. The difference in mechanisms explains the price difference between these two 124270 imitations. It is considered that the Swiss mechanisms are the best, and I agree with that. Still, I can’t help but notice that the Japanese mechanisms provide an increasingly promising functionality.
Another distinctive aspect between these models is the water resistance profile. The Swiss version comes with a resistance profile of up to 100 meters. In contrast, the AAA replica resists up to 50 meters. So, these parameters sound very promising, especially since most replica watches have a water resistance profile of about 25 meters or even less.
Final thoughts
As I mentioned in previous posts, I am surprised by the replica factories every time they launch a new line of Rolex imitations. From what I can see, both the Swiss and Japanese versions look amazing and seem to be quite reliable from a technical point of view.
Rolex Explorer I is the flagship collection of the brand. The watches from this collection always remain remarkable and stylish, regardless of changes in dimensions, colors, or internal mechanisms. It does not surprise me that Rolex doesn’t launch any brand new collection. Why would it do it, when the existing collections can offer everything a watch enthusiast would ever need?!