Rolex introduces the Oyster Perpetual Explorer in 40mm at Watches and Wonders 2023, just recently after announcing the discontinuation of the 39mm variant in 2020. The 40mm variant promises enhanced legibility, with all the qualities from the Explorer range. Legibility is a strong characteristic of Rolex’s patented Chromalight and relatively larger size than the other available option, the 36mm.

The Explorer 40mm, just like the original Explorer introduced in 1953 after the first successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay carries the numerals 3, 6, and 9 in a black lacquer which embodies the Explorers bloodline of adventure and perseverance.

Equipped with a calibre 3230 movement and Rolex Chronometer certification provides the wearer with excellent performance and timekeeping prowess, with essential functions such as hours, minutes, and seconds. Simplicity is the best characteristic of a watch that speaks for itself. Although the Calibre 3230 movement is a time-only movement, it provides everything you would expect from a Rolex; Parachrom hairspring, Chronergy escapement, 70-hour power reserve, and is the same movement found in other time-only Rolex watches such as the No-Date Submariner and notably the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea Challenge (More about the Deepsea Challenge can be found here).

The watch is fitted on the comfortable and reliable Oyster Bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet known for its robustness because the Explorer range is part of Rolex’s Professional watches, the Oysterlock folding safety clasp, with an easylink comfort extension link, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm (Useful after a big meal, or the heat).

Opinions

What do you think about this new size? Let us know in the comments below.

I have owned the 36mm variant and as one who loves brand heritage, vintage watches. I prefer the 36mm not only for the wearability of it but also for having the original 36mm case size as the watch from 1953, I would give extra brownie points.

I think having more options is a good idea, as the new 40mm case size doesn’t replace the pre-existing 36mm case, providing two options for the growing market is a smart choice for Rolex. Whether you prefer the size 36mm or 40mm, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer is a solid entry Rolex, and one I particularly fancy (If you value my opinion).