Explorer "Blackout", Reference 14270 | A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1990

Rolex

Explorer "Blackout", Reference 14270

A stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1990

Dial: black with "Blackout" indexes

Calibre: cal. 3000 automatic, 27 jewels

Case: stainless steel, screw down case back

Case number: E814788

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 165 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

The very first batches of the new Explorer reference 14270 featured an eccentricity: where all later batches featured the white painted 3, 6 and 9 markers as has become the standard for the model, the markers on the earliest production E and X serials can be found with black paint. This highly unusual quirk, especially with no differentiation in reference number, has caused these "Blackout" Explorers to become a fan favourite due to their rarity and distinct aesthetic.