Preliminary identification

Rolex Explorer, Ref. 114270

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The quintessential tool watch, defined by its minimalist 3-6-9 black dial and rugged 36mm Oyster case. It is the purest expression of Rolex's 'form follows function' philosophy, designed for ultimate legibility…

Story

In May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, and while the exact watch on Hillary's wrist is a point of horological debate, Rolex was an official sponsor providing Oyster Perpetuals for the expedition.

Maker / Origin

Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, Rolex didn't just make watches; they invented the modern wristwatch category by focusing on chronometric precision and waterproofing.

Condition & Value

Consistent with the owner's 7/10 assessment, there are visible 'desk diving' scratches on the bezel and bracelet links. The mentioned marks on the sapphire crystal are common for daily-worn pieces but usually necessitate a crystal replacement during service to ensure water resistance.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD