Rolex is introducing the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer with an entirely luminescent display for enhanced legibility.
The model’s characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals are now filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow, like the hour markers and hands. This exclusive Chromalight display offers exceptional legibility in any conditions. The hands are also broader and longer for enhanced visual comfort. The new Explorer carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist.
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
The Explorer is emblematic of the privileged relationship that has always bound Rolex and exploration. A pioneering spirit prompted Rolex, in the 1930s, to equip numerous Himalayan expeditions with watches. Their observations had a direct impact on the development of the Oyster and the quest for greater precision, robustness and reliability. On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to reach Everest’s 8,848-metre summit. This remarkable human adventure also served to reinforce the reputation of the Oyster watches that accompanied the expedition. The Oyster Perpetual Explorer, launched in 1953 in the wake of the successful ascent of the world’s highest mountain, soon achieved iconic status.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
The Explorer’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness. Its characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant 904L steel. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. Fitted with the Twinlock double waterproofness system, the winding crown screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and the waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Explorer’s high-precision movement.
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 3132
The Explorer is equipped with calibre 3132, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Its architecture, manufacturing quality and innovative features make it singularly precise and reliable. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, has a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. The oscillator is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge and is fitted between high performance Paraflex shock absorbers, developed and patented by Rolex, that provide 50 per cent greater resistance to shocks. Calibre 3132 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
SOLID-LINK BRACELET AND SAFETY CLASP
The Explorer is fitted on a solid-link Oyster bracelet in 904L steel with an Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. It features the ingenious Rolex-patented Easylink rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.