I am a Rolex freak. I own them, I sell them, I buy them and I want to know all there is about them. I am constantly reading everything I can about the brand, the history and the watches. I am joining forums, participating in discussions, and other than my aquarium, I haven’t been paying attention too much else.
Yes, my wife is not so happy at the moment!
One of the Rolex watches that I am not that familiar with is the Explorer and the Explorer II, so I thought we could ‘explore’ it together!
Exploring the Rolex Explorer – The History
The Rolex Explorer I is based on the Rolex “Bubbleback” model, and is considered one of the most rugged watches that Rolex has produced. What makes this a recognizable watch is that the markers have a 3-6-9 Arabic dial and Mercedes hands.
This watch has climbed Mt. Everest and very little has changed on it since its original model came out, other than an improvement on the original. This is a watch that holds its value and is very popular among Rolex enthusiasts and collectors.
How to Set and Wind Your Rolex Explorer I and Rolex Explorer II
Here are some helpful tips on how to wind and set your Rolex Explorer I and Rolex Explorer II. For all those new Rolex owners, the “crown” is the dial on the right hand side of your Rolex.
Rolex Explorer I – No Date Function
Flush- The crown is fully screwed-down. The watch is completely sealed and the movement protected.
Pulled Out Once (1st Position) For Manual Winding- Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Once there, begin to wind the crown clockwise about 25-30 times. This is only required if you have not worn the watch for 1-2 days.
Pulled Out Twice (2nd Position) For the Time– Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Slightly tug on the crown to reach the fully extended position. To set the time, wind the crown clockwise or counterclockwise until you reach the appropriate time. When completed, lightly push and screw the crown tightly back into place.
Rolex Explorer II – With Date Function
Flush- The crown is fully screwed-down. The watch is completely sealed and the movement protected.
Pulled Out Once (1st Position) For Manual Winding- Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Once there, begin to wind the crown clockwise about 25-30 times. This is only required if you have not worn the watch for 1-2 days.
Pulled Out Twice (2nd Position) For the Date– Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Slightly tug on the crown to reach the 2nd extended position. To set the date, wind the crown clockwise or counterclockwise past the midnight position twice, after which you can set the correct date. When completed, lightly push and screw the crown tightly back into place.
Pulled Our Twice (2rd Position) For Quick Hour Hand Change Position- Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Extend the crown past the 2nd position extended from the side. To jump the hour hand quickly, wind the crown clockwise or counterclockwise until you reach the appropriate time. When completed, lightly push and screw the crown tightly back into place.
Pulled Out Thrice (3rd Position) For the Time- Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Extend the crown past the 2nd position, which is fully extended from the side. To set the time, wind the crown clockwise or counterclockwise until you reach the appropriate time. When completed, lightly push and screw the crown tightly back into place.
If you are interested in purchasing your own Rolex Explorer, give us a call or fill out our contact form. Check out our Facebook page for box openings and watch reviews by our in-house watch expert Sergio Nuncio!
