Rolex Explorer 14270 "Blackout Dial" Silver Print
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The Inside Story
The Rolex Explorer 14270 occupies a unique position in horological history. Caught in a sort of wristwatch purgatory—not old enough to be considered vintage and not new enough to be trendy—it is an underappreciated timepiece in collecting circles, yet it boasts a dedicated cult following among enthusiasts.
The 14270 was introduced at the Basel Watch Fair in 1989, placing Rolex at the intersection of sport and luxury. The classic iteration of the tool watch was gradually being phased out as Rolex began integrating various higher-end manufacturing techniques into their timepieces. This period also saw other iconic tool watches undergoing significant design changes; for example, the Daytona received an automatic movement, while the Submariner was updated with sapphire glass and white gold surround indexes.
The Explorer 14270 is so elegantly simple in its execution that it often goes unnoticed—no date, no fluted shiny bezel, just a straightforward three-hander.
Here, we have the rarest dial of this reference, only found in early E and X series (from about 1990 to 1991), where the bold Arabic numerals are filled with glossy black enamel instead of white enamel as seen in later series.
There are even two different variants of these: white print and the slightly rarer “silver print,” where all text is printed in silver—very uncommon!
The case of our black dial remains quite robust, featuring a lovely smooth bezel. The dial has developed a slight “frozen” effect, where the black gloss has turned into a matte-like anthracite color, and the indexes have taken on a beige hue. We love it!
The bracelet is in lovely condition, a ref 78360 solid Oyster type, with endlinks marked 558b and a clasp stamped R12.
The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.
The Rolex Explorer 14270 bridges the gap between a dress watch and a sports watch. Do not miss out on this rare sleeper watch; get in touch!
Specifications:
- Rolex Reference 14270
- 36mm steel case
- Serial E89xxxx dating to 1990
- Rare ‘Blackout’ Dial with silver print
- Oyster bracelet ref 78360 with 558b endlinks
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping
Service & Warranty
Why Buy From us?
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Service & Warranty
Our Service
Each vintage timepiece is individually selected and carefully inspected by our team of experts. After we buy a watch it is mechanically inspected and fully checked by our watchmaker. If necessary, the movement will be fully serviced and tested to ensure it is running to our exacting standards.
We will always describe the watch as fully as we can in our sales texts. Our zoomable images are of the highest possible quality and form an important part of each watch’s description. We will never hide or cover up any element of any watch we sell.
Key to our unparalleled service is Fedex Priority shipping, fully insured. Once you have received your watch, we encourage you to inspect it thoroughly. If you are not 100% satisfied, please let us know. We offer a 14 days return policy. Simply return the watch to get a full refund of the original purchase price.
Our Warranty
We offer a one-year warranty on the mechanical function of the watch, starting from the day of purchase. We do not guarantee the waterproof nature of any (vintage) watch, unless expressly made in writing. Therefore, our warranty will not cover any damage done to the case and/or movement by water or moisture entering the watch. Our warranty does not apply to accidental damage or mishandling of your watch and does not extend to the bracelet, case parts (including pushers, winding stem, crown and bezel), watch glass, dial and hands.
Why Buy From us?
We Love Watches
We are passionate about vintage watches and we love talking about them! That is why we don't sell our watches with a simple "Add to cart" button, but instead try to emulate a truly boutique experience online. Helping you find your perfect vintage watch is our Watch Department’s raison d’etre. Whatever you would like to ask, please do. Building our community of watch lovers is central to our mission at Bulang and Sons.
We Know Watches
At Bulang and Sons we have sold thousands of watches over the years. We are a small team of experienced collectors and connoisseurs who are all part of an extensive global network of buyers and sellers. We have a great reputation for offering only the highest quality watches. We have one simply rule: we only buy and sell watches we want to own ourselves. And yes, we are still collectors too.
We Guarantee Watches
As collectors, we know how intense the search for a specific vintage watch can be. Once you find it at Bulang and Sons, we want to make things easy, safe and fast for you. Therefore, we offer the most comprehensive return policy and warranty; you will not find a safer place on the internet to buy a vintage watch. You can relax and enjoy your deal with Bulang and Sons.