Are the Explorers, 1016, 14270, 214270 etc, "missing" crown guards ?

[indyducati]

Hello folks,

As I study the various variations of the Explorer I keep coming back to the crown. The Explorer is considered a tool or sport watch. In my opinion, the main styling element of a sport watch is a crown guard.

I think the first Rolex with a crown guard came in 1959 ? The first Explorer was produced in 1953 ?

Do you have any ideas or opinions why the Explorer never got them ?

Regards,
Steve

[chorne]

...I believe it is due to the Explorer 1 simply using a case that was already in production (Datejust, Pre-Explorer cases). It was simple to add a dial to this type of case and call it a sport/tool watch. Also, we all know how traditional Rolex is and how long it takes them to introduce change(Ultimately a great thing in my opinion).

I for one am happy that they never added crown guards and actually wish they would build a watch using the same case as the Explorer 1 while also incorporating a Triplock crown. My favorite Subs are the "Big Crown" models with no crown guards.

Also, I was at the Motogp race at Indy when the Tropical Storm came through in 2008. Very wacky conditions. My wife and I had a great time.

Chris Horne

[volkersports]

I bought a new 214270 last year because it seemed the perfect blend for business and leisure. The simple, highly polished bezel looks elegant under the cuff of a sleeve with a suit and at home on the golf course or at the ball game. A crown guard would spoil the simple look, in my opinion. I have a 14060 with a crown guard and it looks perfect because of the numbered bezel and because a sub is supposed to look big and brawny. Just saying.

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by indyducati

Hello folks,

As I study the various variations of the Explorer I keep coming back to the crown. The Explorer is considered a tool or sport watch. In my opinion, the main styling element of a sport watch is a crown guard.

I think the first Rolex with a crown guard came in 1959 ? The first Explorer was produced in 1953 ?

Do you have any ideas or opinions why the Explorer never got them ?

Regards,
Steve

Steve,

Welcome to TRF! I see that this is your first post.

None of the so called tool watches had crown guards when introduced: The GMT master 6542, the Submariners (several models without crown guards), the Turn-o-graph, the Milgauss, the Cosmograph (later Daytona).

As far as I understand, the crown guard was an invention that changed some models for improved protection (Submariner and GMT master) and added new models to the existing line up (Explorer II).

The non crown guard models are smaller and have a more rounded case, that for me offers a variety that I enjoy. I would love to see a GMT master of the older style, with no crown guards at ca 37-38 mm...

I agree that a crown guard is a good design element on a "sport watch", but Rolex themselves do not talk about "sport" nor "tool", but rather "professional" (with a specific use in mind), and several of those watches was not initially intended for "sport", although all Rolexes are good for use in a lot of activities. That (and tradition) might be their reasoning when it comes to design.

For me a "tool watch" is as much about functionality (24h hand, chrono, ...) and legibility as it is about design and ability to take abuse (crown guard, thicker gaskets, thicker glass).

From a practical point of view I can understand Rolex reasoning, using the same middle case, rotating bezel, glass, gaskets, etc for the professional 40mm models. From a functional perspective, I'd say that the 24h models would benefit from no crown guards, and the large trip lock crown for ease of use when changing time zones.

Best,

A