The Rolex Explorer I Ref. 14270 was introduced in 1989 as the successor to the iconic Ref. 1016. While the 1016 had remained largely unchanged for decades, the 14270 was a modernization of the Explorer line. Rolex replaced the matte dial with a glossy black lacquered dial featuring applied white gold indices and upgraded the crystal to sapphire. The bracelet also evolved into a more modern solid link Oyster design, with later versions receiving a smaller flip lock clasp. Early dials featured tritium filled indices and hands, which were later replaced with Luminova, giving the reference distinct variations throughout its production.

Produced for roughly 12 years, the Ref. 14270 is generally divided into three main variants based on luminous material. Early examples up to 1997 and 1998 used tritium, followed by Luminova units in the late 1990s. Around 1999, Rolex transitioned to SuperLuminova, creating the third and final iteration.

Among these early versions, models with black enamel filled “3, 6, 9” numerals, known as the “Blackout,” are the most coveted. These pieces, typically found with E and early X serial numbers corresponding to 1990 and 1991, represent the very first dial style used after the 1016 was discontinued. The dials were initially printed in silver, though Rolex switched the numeral fill from black to white later in 1991 for improved visibility. As a result, Explorer 14270 “Blackout” models were produced in extremely limited numbers. Two “Blackout” variations exist, one with silver text and one with white text, with the silver text version widely regarded as the most desirable. The “Blackout” also features a unique extra long seconds hand that was phased out shortly after production.

Because Rolex frequently replaced “Blackout” dials and hands with standard configurations during routine servicing, fully original examples are extremely rare today and remain some of the most sought after modern Explorer references.