1997-1998 Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270 – Full Set + N.O.S. + Original Rolex Sticker

In 1953, the year Hillary and Norgay climbed Everest, Rolex launched the Explorer – a black dial, 3-6-9 numerals, total legibility: the tool watch in its purest form. In 1989, the reference 14270 modernised the legend without betraying its design: scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, glossy black lacquered dial with hour markers framed in white gold, Rolex caliber 3000 certified as a Superlative Chronometer, and a 36 mm Oyster case water-resistant to 100 metres. Produced until 2001, it has established itself as one of the most sought-after references among so-called “neo-vintage” Rolex watches.
The example we are pleased to offer has a doubly fortunate pedigree: produced in 1997, it bears the inscription “T SWISS – T < 25” at 6 o’clock – one of the very last tritium executions, the most sought-after – and its original “punched” warranty attests to an initial sale on 9 September 1998 at an official Rolex retailer in Siena. Without any doubt never polished, our watch even retains the original green Rolex sticker on its caseback! The movement, fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers, runs perfectly; its water resistance has been tested. We present this watch as a “Full Set”, complete with its green Rolex box and tree-bark-pattern outer box, its warranty and leather warranty holder, its booklets and its original red seal – as well as our Steel Warranty Card.
Nearly thirty years after its sale in Siena, such completeness has become very difficult to assemble. A single function, absolute legibility, 36 mm: the essentials according to Rolex, as much at ease beneath a shirt cuff as high in the mountains. This is a rare opportunity.

On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. That same year, Rolex launched the Explorer: a black dial, 3-6-9 numerals, total legibility – the tool watch in its purest form, at the heart of the brand’s narrative of adventure. The reference 1016, produced from 1963 to 1989, for more than a quarter of a century, would set its archetype for generations of collectors.

In 1989, the reference 14270 modernised the legend without betraying its design. The steel Oyster case retained its 36 mm but gained a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance increased to 100 metres; the dial adopted a glossy black lacquer, applied hour markers framed in white gold and the emblematic applied Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock; and the Rolex caliber 3000 – 27 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour against 19,800 for its predecessor, 42 hours of power reserve, hacking seconds – was certified as a Superlative Chronometer. Produced until 2001, the 14270 has established itself as one of the most sought-after references in the world of so-called “neo-vintage” Rolex watches.

The example we are pleased to offer has a doubly fortunate pedigree. Produced in 1997 – serial number U562xxx – it still bears the inscription “T SWISS – T < 25” at 6 o’clock: a tritium dial, a material whose use ceased around 1998, which places it among the very last tritium executions of the reference, the most sought-after by collectors. Its original “punched” warranty furthermore attests to an initial sale on 9 September 1998 at Paola Calosci Gioielli, official Rolex retailer in Siena, Italy.

Its state of preservation is, for its part, exceptional. Without any doubt never polished, our watch even retains the original green Rolex sticker printed “14270” on its caseback! The original steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78790 with Oysterlock clasp and 558B end links, bears the U4 clasp code (produced in April 1998), perfectly consistent with the watch head. The automatic mechanical movement has undergone a complete service by one of our experienced watchmakers; it runs within the strictest tolerances and its water resistance has been tested. We present this watch as a “Full Set”: green Rolex box and its original tree-bark-pattern outer box, original “punched” warranty document, green leather warranty holder, warranty translation, “Your Rolex Oyster” booklet, original red Rolex Superlative Chronometer seal – and our Steel Warranty Card.

Nearly thirty years after its sale in Siena, this Explorer 14270 thus comes complete with all its original accessories and documents – a configuration that has become very difficult to assemble. A single function, absolute legibility, 36 mm: the essentials according to Rolex, as much at ease beneath a shirt cuff as high in the mountains. Lovers of neo-vintage Rolex in perfect condition will recognise it at once: this is a rare opportunity.

We selected this example of the Rolex Explorer reference 14270 for its extraordinary state of preservation.
The black dial shows no flaws, and the same goes for the luminous hands.
The stainless steel case retains its original proportions and finishes, alternating between satin-brushed surfaces and mirror-polished sides. The original green Rolex sticker, printed with the reference 14270, is even still present on the caseback!
The winding crown is in perfect condition.
The automatic mechanical movement, Rolex caliber 3000, certified as a Superlative Chronometer, runs within the strictest tolerances.
The original steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78790 with Oysterlock clasp, 558B end links, U4 clasp code (produced in April 1998), is in excellent condition.
The complete “set” of documents and accessories that still accompanies this watch, nearly 30 years after it was made, is remarkable.
A model of its kind.

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