What I really like about the Rolex Explorer 114270 is it’s understated, tough, but most of all, versatile. Arguably most referred to as the “One Watch” or the “Only Watch” you’ll ever need. There is a certain nostalgia that goes with the Rolex Explorer. A true gentleman’s watch. It’s quiet enough to not show off, tough enough to go on an adventure and come back in one piece, but sleek enough to wear with a suit and tie. They got this one bang on.

The case is 36mm, made of 904L steel and perfectly proportioned in every way. The 114270 was born in 2001 and equipped with the tried and tested Cal. 3130, hollow centre links and solid end links. A rich black lacquered dial, white gold markers filled with lume and the Mercedes hour hand. What more do you need? Rolex introduced the 6610, an iconic 3,6,9 Explorer dial more than 60 years ago. In a world filled with re-editions and vintage look-a-likes, the Rolex Explorer has remained basically unchanged since its inception.

I don’t really have much bad to say about the Rolex Explorer 114270. If I had too, it would be the hollow centre links and stamped clasp. But that’s what the technology allowed at the time. It’s like saying the only bad thing about a Porsche 959 is that it doesn’t have bluetooth or GPS Satellite Navigation. You don’t buy and connect with these products because they don’t have key features of modern life that we are now used to, you buy them because they tell a story of evolution and progression.

The joy this Rolex Explorer 114270 brings me when I put it on the wrist in the morning is immense. To me, it’s an occasion and it speaks to my adventurous side which allows me to dream about a different place and different time when I’m generally just off to the office.