The Rolex Explorer 124273 stunned purists in 2021 with its audacious two-tone Rolesor design, a first for the Explorer I. Its 36mm case, a nod to the line’s vintage roots, pairs Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold, creating a polarising yet captivating aesthetic. The black dial retains the iconic 3-6-9 layout, with Chromalight lume emitting a crisp blue glow for night-time legibility. Critics called it sacrilege; defenders hailed its punk-rock defiance of Explorer tradition. Some noted its surprising harmony, and dubbed it a rule-breaker that works, others praised its understated rebellion, a watch that challenges the tool-watch dogma yet wears effortlessly.
