Rolex Explorer 1 36mm

The watch was introduced in 2021 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the launch of the first Explorer I (which in turn was created for the first ascent of Everest in 1953), continuing the glorious tradition of the model in a contemporary interpretation. What, however, are the differences compared to the previous model – as you might guess, in this case too, they are unnoticeable at first glance, but as usual, substantial. The first and most noticeable feature is the different lugs – here they are thinner and more curved towards the wrist for greater comfort and to pay homage to the original Explorer. Second, the bracelet is now reduced to 19 mm at the lugs – this makes the entire design look much more balanced and complete, and the fact that the bracelet tapers to 14 mm at the clasp makes it much more comfortable to wear. We are sure that most of you have heard of the "Golden Ratio" – let me remind you that it has the proportions of 1:1.618 and you know what that number is in the case/lugs/clasp ratio – 1:1.625 – we do not know if this was an intended effect, but it definitely makes us think again about why Rolex is what it is today... The design of the dial is familiar, yet different – the “Explorer” inscription is different, there is a crown separating “Swiss made”. And of course, the biggest difference is invisible and it is the new movement – here the new caliber 3230 is used, which has an increased power reserve of 70 h, a seriously improved automatic winding system in which the rotor is now on a ball bearing, and its efficiency is increased by 15%. As for the lubrication, the reversing wheels, as one of the problematic areas in terms of friction, are Teflon-coated! The new 3230 has 14 integrated patents and more than 90% new components, and it is also twice as precise as the requirements for an official COSC chronometer. Indeed, the detail of this timepiece (as with all the modern Rolexes we have had the opportunity to examine) is impressive. Starting with the incredible dial (by the way, this is one of the few Rolex models offered only in a black version) which at certain angles seems to be absent - from which the overall impression is as if the hands and markers are "suspended" in the air in some kind of weightlessness, and the markers and hands are made of white gold (which is standard for the brand's modern models). The iconic "3", "6" and "9", also crafted from polished white gold, only reinforce the overall elegance of the model and enhance its overall presentation. Moving on to the incredible sapphire crystal – in this case, the brand's highest grade of sapphire is used, which has allowed the overall height of the watch to be reduced compared to its predecessors, achieving an impressive just 11.5 mm! Of course, separate attention must be paid to the case and bezel – an incredible combination of brushed highest grade 904L steel with faceted polished edges and details in places (as you know, Rolex pays special attention to the steel used and for this purpose has its own foundries for its production!). And of course, the bracelet, or whatever you may call it – as can be expected from a Rolex, it is truly good, in this case it is a classic Oyster bracelet – with micro-adjustment.