Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 Blackout Box and Papers

Over the years, Rolex enthusiasts have proven to be quite adept at picking out even the smallest changes made to various models, whether it be a new font used on a bezel or micro-millimetre variations to the dial text font. No detail is too small to escape passion, or magnifying glasses or photographic comparisons for the more experienced.

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

This model was the new and improved interpretation of the legendary EXPLORER ref. 1016, which had been in production since 1959. On the new Explorer, the most obvious improvement was the polished dial and sapphire crystal.
The dial: the very first lots of the Ref. 14270 Explorer to leave the factory had a polished dial with the Arabic numerals of hours ‘3, 6, 9’ filled with black enamel.
This feature is present in the serial numbers E and X corresponding to the production years 1990 and 1991 respectively. In addition, the first dials had the lettering printed in silver and later in white.
At some point in 1991, the filling of the Arabic numerals in white gold was changed to white, which was the definitive colouring. This meant that a very limited production of 14270 had dials with Arabic numerals ‘3, 6, 9’ ‘illuminated’ with the colour black. As is usually the case with Rolex watches that have unique features, collectors came up with a nickname.
Since these early Explorers are distinguished by the black paint in their applied ‘3, 6, 9’ numerals, this version became known as the ‘Blackout’ Explorer.
Now, modern watches are rarely considered ‘rare’, but this Explorer variant is the exception to the rule. This ‘Blackout’ execution of the Ref. 14270 Explorer is widely considered the rarest sapphire crystal Rolex.

Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 Black Out Dial
Serial numbers E9094**,1991

Case:
Steel in perfect condition
Serial and reference are perfectly visible between the lugs

Dial:
original Rolex Blackout dial
in perfect condition

Case back:
original Rolex
in perfect condition

Bracelet:
Oyster bracelet ref.78360/558/B
P8 clasp (corrected with the production era)
in very good condition
11 links

Accessories:
original box (no counter-box), original Rolex papers.

Price € 13,900