Rolex has expanded its Oyster Perpetual Explorer professional watch series by adding a new 40 mm version in Oystersteel.
Introduced in 1953 after the first successful summit of Mount Everest, Rolex Explorer is one of the brand’s first Professional watches. Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023, the new reference with a black dial joins this iconic series, which also includes Explorer 36 and Explorer II 42mm models.
The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40 (reference 224270-0001) comes with a black lacquer dial. True to the original design, it boasts the emblematic dial layout featuring 3, 6 and 9 numerals and professional hands.
Water-proof to 100 meters, the watch in Oystersteel (904L) comes with the characteristic Oyster case design featuring solid middle case, screwed down case back with fine fluted edges, Twinlock winding crown with double waterproofness system and AR-Coated, scratch-proof sapphire crystal glass.
Topped with a smooth bezel, the Oystersteel middle case spotlights satin finished surface with polished sides.
Rolex Explorer watches are known for their minimalistic dial lay-out and clarity. Made of 18 carat gold, the hands and hour-markers employ the proprietary Chromalight luminescent application that emits a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions.
The Explorer 40 watch houses calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Introduced in 2020, this self-winding calibre incorporates several in-house innovations. Reliable, dependable and highly antimagnetic, it is capable of delivering optimum precision of −2 /+2 seconds per day with a power reserve of 70 hours.
The Oyster bracelet of the new model comes with the Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension link. As expected, the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015.
Technical details
Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer 40
Reference 224270 0001
Case reference: 224270
Bracelet reference: 78JB00 Oyster
Case
Oystersteel
Type: Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 11.60 mm
Lug width: 21 mm
Middle case: Oystersteel, satin finish with polished sides
Bezel: Oystersteel, smooth
Case back: Oystersteel, solid, screw-down with fine fluting
Winding crown: Twinlock in Oystersteel, screw-down, double waterproofness system
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
Movement
Calibre 3230, Manufacture Rolex
Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Precision: −2 /+2 sec./day, after casing
Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
Rolex overcoil
Large balance wheel with variable inertia
High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts
Traversing balance bridge
High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Chronergy Escapement with optimized energy efficiency
Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands
Stop-seconds for exact time setting
Dial
Black lacquer
3, 6, 9 numerals and index hour markers in 18 ct white gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Hands in 18 ct white gold, highly legible Chromalight (long-lasting luminescence, blue glow)
Bracelet
Oyster, three-piece solid links
Oystersteel, satin finish with polished edges
Oysterlock folding safety clasp
Easylink comfort extension link (approx. 5 mm)
Certification
Superlative Chronometer (COSC +Rolex certification after casing)
Guarantee
International five-year guarantee
Note: Explorer 36 is presently available with a black dial and comes in Oystersteel and Yellow Rolesor (combination of Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold) versions. Rolex Explorer II 42 comes in Oystersteel with a black or white dial. The Rolex Explorer 39 model has been discontinued.
