Description
The Rolex Explorer was launched in 1953. It was based on another iconic model, the Rolex Bubbleback.
Bubbleback grew out of the development of Rolex's self-winding movements. The addition of an oscillating weight has increased the size of the movement, meaning it no longer fits into a standard Oyster case.
The tough and rugged reputation of this watch made it the perfect "tool" to use when Rolex started developing the Explorer.
Prototypes began to be field tested by mountaineers in 1952, when the watch accompanied the wearer to the limits of his own capabilities. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay wore one of these prototypes on his first successful ascent of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953, proof when needed that this new addition to the Rolex family had fulfilled its role as a true explorer's watch.
