2021 ROLEX EXPLORER I in 36mm and two tone finishThe biggest surprise came with the Rolex Explorer I. Although the Explorer doesn’t turn 70 until 2023, it received a major overhaul this year, with a 3mm size difference, a new finish and an upgraded movement. The current Rolex Explorer I shrank from 39mm to 36mm, bringing the iconic watch back to its original size from 1953. With that, it fills a void from the Rolex sport line up where most watches measure 40mm and up. It’s also equipped with the new generation Rolex 3230 automatic movement, which comes with an optimized version of the blue Parachrom hairspring. In addition to the steel version, the Rolex Explorer I was also introduced in a Rolesor steel and yellow gold finish – a first in its six decade history. This adds a dressier feel to the Explorer’s longstanding rugged character. |