Rolex Explorer Service – This Rolex Explorer was brought in for repair. It’s the client’s everyday watch, and he had pulled out the crown to set the time after noticing it wasn’t keeping accurate time. In doing so, he may have pulled too hard, causing the keyless works to shift out of place, which left the crown stuck in the time-setting position. Given these issues, it was an ideal time for the watch to undergo servicing. When tested on the Timegrapher, the performance was noticeably poor, as shown in the photo below (right).
Rolex Explorer a Brief History
The Rolex Explorer has a storied history, originally introduced in 1953 to celebrate the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Designed for rugged durability, the Explorer became an icon for adventurers and explorers alike. In 1989, Rolex released the Explorer 14270, marking a significant update to the model. It featured modern improvements, including a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a sleek 36mm Oyster case, and glossy black dial with applied white gold indices and numerals. The 14270 was powered by the Calibre 3000, an automatic movement known for its reliability and precision. The Cal. 3000 brought subtle technical advancements, such as a smoother winding mechanism, further solidifying the Explorer’s reputation for accuracy and endurance in extreme conditions.
Rolex Explorer Service – Disassembly
With the caseback removed, we can see that the rotor’s axle is worn, evidenced by the wear along the edge of the plate (shown in the photo below, left). The automatic winding mechanism is unmounted before removing the movement from the case to prevent any further damage caused by the worn axle.
With the movement now uncased the Dial and hands can be removed. The movement can then be dissembled.
The barrel was notably somewhat filthy. The age of the mainspring was unknown so this was replaced upon assembly.
These keyless works were quite sticky, to say the least. The setting lever spring notably sticky taking the setting wheel and minute wheel away with it while they remaining in position. Once the watch was fully disassembled, time was spent hand cleaning the jewels with pointed cotton buds to ensure they would be adequately clean for the automated cleaning cycle.
Rolex Explorer Service – Assembly
The watch is assembled beginning with fitting a new mainspring to the barrel and sealing this with the arbour in place. Following this the train, pallet for and bridges/plates can be positioned. The movement is then turned over to install the cannon pinion. Once this has been assembled the hand-winding mechanism, ratchet wheel and and keyless works are installed. The balance assembly can now be installed and the watch checked for operation. The keyless works along with the minute wheel, hour wheel are left to be installed (shown below). We apply various oils and grease throughout the assembly to the jewels, cap jewels, and barrel wall etc.
Rolex Explorer Service – Regulation
There was a small amount of regulation with the microstella wrench to get the watch down to +5 second per day. The balance assembly needs to be removed to adjust the time keeping as this saves damaging the balance staff, so the automatic winding mechanism also need to be removed.
Finally the dial and hands can be applied to the movement.
Rolex Explorer Service – Testing
The Case is assembled with new gaskets and pressure tested to ensure water resistance. Once the case has passed the water resistance testing and is dry the movement can be fitted to the case. The watch will be tested for 5 days spending 8 hour per day on a watch winder to ensure the watch will perform as expected.
The Rolex Explorer 14270, featuring the Calibre 3000 movement, is a finely crafted timepiece that demands expert care. At WellingTime, we combine years of experience with a passion for horology to ensure your Explorer runs at peak performance and retains its precision for years to come. Whether it’s a complete service, repair, or restoration, our skilled team is dedicated to delivering the highest level of craftsmanship. Contact us today to give your Rolex Explorer the specialized attention it deserves and keep it performing flawlessly on every adventure.
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