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Explorer I Reference 124270
"The Return"
Rolex listened. After a decade at 39mm, the Explorer returned to 36mm at Watches & Wonders 2021. The 124270 brought the new Cal. 3230 movement — Rolex's in-house caliber with Chronergy escapement (improved energy efficiency) and a 70-hour power reserve, up from 48 hours. The thinner case profile (11.4mm vs the 214270's 11.6mm) makes it wear more elegantly on a range of wrist sizes. Dial proportions were recalibrated for the 36mm format. The reception was overwhelmingly positive — a genuine re-engagement with the Explorer's 70-year heritage.
Notable: Introduced with Cal. 3230 — 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, and Rolex's newest regulating system.
Technical Specification
| Reference | 124270 |
| Production years | 2021–present |
| Case diameter | 36 mm |
| Case material | 904L Oystersteel |
| Movement | Cal. 3230 |
| Jewels | 31 |
| Frequency | 28,800 bph |
| Power reserve | 70h |
| Crystal | Sapphire, flat |
| Water resistance | 100m |
| Bracelet | Oyster with hidden Oysterclasp & Easylink 5mm extension |
| Lume | Chromalight (blue) |
| Dial colour | Black lacquer |
| Numerals | 3–6–9 Arabic, proportioned for 36mm, applied white gold |
| Hands | Mercedes hour hand, updated geometry, Chromalight fill |
| Crown | Twinlock Oyster crown |
| Serial range | Random serial |
Variants & Production Marks
Single variant (black dial, 36mm, Oystersteel only)