The eternal dilemma: which replica watches from the Rolex collection is the best? I face this question almost every day. Moreover, of all the brand’s sports watches, the Submariner and Explorer collections are the ones that conflict the most avidly.
While Submariner watches are firmly at the forefront of public perception, Explorer, I don’t know why, remains somewhere in the shadows. And it’s not fair at all. The Explorer watches are not only a collection of top timepieces, but they were also the ones that accompanied the explorers in conquering the Everest mountains.
But this is far from the only achievement of the brand regarding Explorer watches. Rolex has taken care to include amazing changes throughout the iterations of this collection. Due to these changes, I want to say that Explorer watches have gradually become even more sought-after than Submariners. One of the models that confirm my theory is the 124270 watch, the imitation of which I will talk about in this article.
Quick notes about the Rolex Explorer 124270 Replica Watch
To give you a general impression of this replica watch, here are some quick notes.
The replica watch is presented in a 36mm case. It is one of those watches that, despite its relatively small size, looks robust, present, and remarkable on the wrist. Its thickness is 11.7mm and its lug-to-lug diameter is 43mm. By the way, the replica watch is only 0.2mm thicker than the original model, which is 11.5mm high.
The replica watch has a sapphire crystal that benefits from a double coating of an anti-reflective layer (on the inside and the outside). The replica watch’s water resistance is up to 50 meters, and it is less resistant than its authentic counterpart, resistant to up to 200 meters. The imitation we are discussing in this article is a 1:1 copy, which works based on an AAA-grade automatic mechanism. The entire construction of the Explorer 124270 replica watch is made of 904l stainless steel.
Now that you know the general details of the Explorer replica watch, let’s move on to more specific details.
The classic silhouette of the Explorer replica watch
If you are a lover of Rolex watches, I assume you know that previous versions of the Explorer models involved 39mm cases. With the 124270, Rolex wanted to return to its origins. Replica manufacturers have made this model in 904l stainless steel, thus repeating the technique of the great brand. For the 124270 genuine watches, the brand also used 904l stainless steel, having absolute confidence in this material.
I do not rule out that you can find the 124270 replica watch in the 316l stainless steel version in other stores. It’s not bad material at all. But 904l steel offers increased resistance to corrosion and impacts of any kind. In addition, the finish looks and resists far more reliably on the 904l-grade steel in comparison to the 316l-grade. A final benefit in favor of 904-grade steel is that the luster of its finish lasts much longer over time. Accordingly, you will visit a repair shop to polish your 904l replica watch much less often than a 316l steel watch.
In addition to the resistant material used by the manufacturers, the 124270 Explorer imitation also benefits from a soft and delicately curved case. An impressive aesthetic element is the delicacy of the bezel. This has a special finish and a smooth texture, with small smooth ripples here and there.
The 124270 replica watch does not have a loaded set of functions. But it certainly offers the minimum necessary for an everyday watch, as well as a remarkable look.
Sensations on the wrist
As I usually do with all replica watches I review, I wore this Explorer timepiece for a few days on my wrist. All I want to say is that its proportions are extremely well-balanced, generating an amazing feeling of comfort. The height of the replica watch only 11.7mm is so comfortable that I didn’t even feel the watch on my hand, no matter how I would move my arm.
I found not only the case comfortable, but also its 904l stainless steel bracelet. Usually, I have a problem with metal bracelets. Many times I feel they are too “messy” on my wrist and I have the impression that the watch and my wrist do not form a whole. I want to say that I forgot about that feeling with this Explorer replica watch. I felt it was compact and firm. The bracelet seemed to “hug” the wrist steadily, at the same time providing enough space between the strap and the skin.
The balance between the weight of the case and that of the bracelet is nicely proportional. In addition, the weight is spread evenly along the construction of the watch, without feeling too much pressure only on the case or only on the bracelet.
It seems to me that the clasp of the bracelet looks a little too big in relation to its dimensions, but it is an acceptable shortcoming. The bracelet has a 5mm extension link so that it can be adjusted according to larger wrists.
Overall, I felt confident with this Explorer replica watch on my hand. I enjoyed waving my wrist left and right to catch the attention of those around me. And I succeeded. Those who noticed my Explorer replica watch did not hesitate to compliment its appearance.
Dial details of the Explorer 124270 replica watches
You don’t have to be obsessed with Rolex accessories to differentiate Explorer’s design from other collections. These watches have a specific and representative layout that does not let you confuse them with other Rolex watches. In the 124270 models, things are even more remarkable than usual. Let’s see why.
It all starts with the dial of an intense and rich black. It houses white gold markers that glisten attractively and elegantly. The light in them is due to the generous Lume filling. It is impossible to not notice the contrast between the darkened dial and the bright markers in dark conditions.
If we talk about the legibility of this replica watch, I would say that it is not perfectly legible. This is due to the extremely thin hands on the dial. I was expecting a slightly more pronounced silhouette. But at the same time, I can’t say that it’s hard for me to read the time.
From another point of view, if the silhouettes of the hands had been more pronounced, I suppose it would compromise the symbiosis of the whole design. For this reason, I justify the suppleness of the hands because it harmonizes well with the entire aesthetic aspect.
Technical details
As I mentioned before, this replica watch is a 1:1 clone, respectively, it works based on a 3230-cloned automatic movement. In general, the Rolex company designed this type of mechanism back in 2020 and it is part of the most performing mechanisms until now. The authentic mechanism benefits from Paraflex shock absorbers, Chronergy escapement, as well as Parachrom hairspring.
I will probably disappoint you by telling you that the mechanism of the replica watch does not benefit from such characteristics, because it is …. a replica.
However, its performance leaves nothing to be desired and promises flawless, long-lasting operation with minimal risk of damage.
Being a COSC-certified mechanism, the genuine caliber 3230 automatic movement promises an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per day. Of course, replica watch mechanisms do not benefit from COSC quality confirmation and, respectively, assume some deviations. During the testing of the 124270 Explorer replica watch, I noticed a deviation of 5 seconds ahead during the 4 days of testing. That’s a pretty promising result for a replica watch.
The conclusion of all this…
The review of this Explorer replica may be a bit sugar-coated. With so many replica Submariner models that seem to steal the attention of the entire public, it seems incredible that an Explorer could eclipse them. But wearing this imitation for a few days, I discovered that it is one of those watches that you resonate with only after you put it on your wrist. This imitation has a specific charm. It seems to be nothing out of the ordinary at first sight. But the comfort it offers you, as well as the careful details of design and finishing, immediately conquer you.
Personally, I find it a bit difficult to focus on a Submariner now. I would look for the same delicacy and refinement in them that I discovered in the Explorer. It is a model that will not attract you with complicated and twisted functionality. On the contrary, it will surprise you with its lightness with luxurious accents.