1991 Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 14270) "Tiffany & Co." Dial

The Rolex Explorer I references bridges the gap between a dress watch and a sports watch. Without the crown guards and rotating bezels commonly found on sports models offered by Rolex, the Explorer I has a cleaner, sleeker profile while incorporating recognizable sports model features into the dial. The highly visible block indices, numerals at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions, and Submariner style triangle at the 12 o'clock position allow for readability under any conditions. The Submariner-style hands featured on the ref. 14270 adds to the unique feel and appearance. The Rolex Explorer blends the classic and timeless look of a 36mm Rolex Oyster style watch while offering a ruggedness and utilitarian feel that can be worn in the most formal and or casual settings.

“Tiffany & Co.” signed Rolex watches are the elusive and forever desirable variants of our favorite models offered by the horological house. Beginning in the late 1950s, Tiffany & Co. began printing their name on the dials of watches from various Swiss brands that were sold through their retail locations. Though they worked with a variety of brands in this era, the “Tiffany & Co.” co-branded Rolex are by far the most talked about, well-known, and collected amongst the lot, and for good reason. The relationship between Tiffany and Rolex carried on until the 1990s when Tiffany & Co. entered into an exclusive partnership with Patek Philippe. Interestingly, the Tiffany & Co. logos were printed by hand at the Tiffany Location in New York City, not by Rolex.

SPECS

Stock # RLXEXP14270-20
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer I
Model 14270
Serial X4XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Glossy Black "Tiffany & Co."
Millimeters 36
Bracelet Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet w/ 558B End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The strong case remains thick and symmetrical luge with evidence of only gentle polishing in the past and gentle signs of use. The smooth stainless steel bezel is in wonderful condition with subtle wear from use. The Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 558B end pieces retains 13 links that show minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist

DIAL & HANDS

The original glossy black "Tiffany & Co." co-branded Explorer dial with white gold surround markers is in beautifully preserved vintage condition, featuring no damage and a subtle patina to the dial that is only visible at certain angles, further developing the "look closer" flair of the watch. The text on the dial is all fully intact and in excellent condition, including the "Tiffany & Co." printing. The tritium lume plots have achieved a charming creamy patina with no degradation present under UV light inspection. The original tritium hands have aged a shade lighter than the dial, which is expected in this era, and under UV light inspection the second's hand features some minor superficial cracking while the hour and minute hand remain fully intact.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch is keeping time, the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

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