This year at Watches And Wonders, Rolex unveiled its newest iteration of the vaunted Rolex Explorer (also known as the Explorer I) and what the world got was not only a mechanical update, but a size shrink back to the 36mm case that we all know and love. 

For the past decade, the Explorer has only been offered in a now-discontinued  'upsized' 39mm case, the Reference 214270, which retained the classic dial layout and functionality of the original, but upset some purists with its seemingly unnecessary girth. Yet for some, the 39mm was just right and, for now, the only option!

This particular example, known as a 'MKI' to collectors, has been dubbed the 'T-Rex' for its shorter handset, likely carried over from the preceding Reference 114270. It also features the first iteration dial - with applied white gold quadrant 3, 9, and 9 - giving it an almost 'Blackout' Explorer look to them with the lack of both white paint and lume - and a matching stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a signed fliplock clasp with Rolexes fantastic Easylink system.

The newest 36mm model might be the hot ticket of the moment, but the 39mm versions have marked their place in the history of the line, and is the only answer if you fancy a slightly larger wearing Explorer.