In recent years, Rolex’s portfolio has begun to include watches that are far more complex than ever before. From the beginning of the new millennium, we have the sky residents, with the brand into the production of the first annual calendar. In the pure dress watch, we found a complicated lunar phase in the Cellini collection that we hadn’t seen since the 1950s. 
As impressive as these, all are, models with added functionality were most definitely not how Rolex first made its name, and they are not what keeps the manufacturer at the very top of horology’s pecking order. On the contrary, Rolex replica watches built and sustained their reputation on crafting the most impeccably engineered tool watches: pieces that first and foremost did a job, and did it for a long time. More often than not, they were as minimalist as a wristwatch can be – three hands to tell the time, and often without so much as a date display.
Both watches were released within a year of each other, with the Explorer just winning out when it appeared in 1953. Its origins are well known; released to commemorate the maiden ascent of Everest by Hillary and Norgay, in an expedition part sponsored by Rolex themselves.
They each went through a relatively time in their early years as the brand worked on finalizing their designs – the Sub especially, which was into its ninth reference by the end of the 50s, some coming and going within a few months.
As for the Rolex Submariner, with the introduction of crown guards and a reworked bezel design, its basic aesthetics were also set for the next several decades. However, in 1967 the Sub went through its biggest shakeup when Rolex fitted it with a date function. Causing controversy among those who didn’t think diving watches needed such a thing, the brand decided to keep both versions, dated and undated, and both have been around ever since.
That does not mean, however, that they have not benefited from manufacturers’ relentless pursuit of perfection. The current generations of each model are forged from Oystersteel, part of the exceptionally tough 904L family usually reserved for the aerospace industry.
The contemporary versions of both the fake Rolex Submariner and the Explorer differ a fair amount from previous iterations – or what constitutes a fair amount when talking about a brand that alters its designs as infrequently as Rolex. In addition to the building materials mentioned above, we must also consider their overall dimensions.
The Explorer, as it has always been, is supremely understated, possibly among the most austerely beautiful replica Rolex watches have ever launched. It too has its signature element in its 3/6/9 dial, giving it the advantage very slightly in legibility. It may also be the more comfortable all-day wear.
