Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 MK1 Blackout made in 1991 with Box and Papers

Over the years, Rolex enthusiasts have shown themselves to be quite adept at noticing even the smallest changes made to various models, whether it’s a new font used on a bezel or micro-millimetric variations in the dial text font. No detail is too small to escape their passion, magnifying glasses, or photographic comparisons by the more experienced.

This brings me to the subject of this article: the very first version of the Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 introduced in 1990.

This model was the new and improved interpretation of the legendary EXPLORER ref. 1016, in production since 1959. On the new Explorer, the most noticeable improvement was the glossy dial and the sapphire crystal.

The dial: the very first batches of the ref. 14270 Explorer to leave the factory had a glossy dial with the Arabic hour numerals ‘3, 6, 9’ filled with black enamel.

This feature is present in the ‘E’ and ‘X’ serials, corresponding to the production years 1990 and 1991, respectively.

Additionally, the first dials had silver-printed lettering and later in white. At some point in 1991, the filling of the Arabic numerals in white gold was changed to white, which became the final coloring. This means that a very limited production of the 14270 has dials with the “3, 6, 9” Arabic numerals “illuminated” in black. As usually happens with Rolex watches that have unique features, collectors come up with a nickname. Since these early Explorers are distinguished by the black paint on their applied “3, 6, 9” numerals, this version became known as the Explorer “Blackout”. Today, modern watches are rarely considered “rare”, but this Explorer variant is the exception to the rule. This “Blackout” execution of the ref. 14270 Explorer Mk 1 is widely regarded as the rarest sapphire crystal Rolex.

Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 MK1 Blackout from 1991
Serial E8150**, 1991

Case:
Steel, in excellent condition
Serial number and reference are perfectly visible between the lugs

Dial:
Original Rolex Blackout MK1 dial
In perfect condition

Case back:
Original Rolex 14270
In excellent condition

Bracelet:
Oyster bracelet ref. 78360/558b
Clasp (P6) matching the year of production

Accessories: Original Rolex box and Bucherer warranty

Price: €14,000

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