Technical Archive

Rolex
Explorer 14270— lug 20mm

Rolex Explorer 14270: 20mm strap. Alligator, box calf, shell cordovan and rubber, cut and stitched in Milano. Choose your leather.

Rolex Explorer 14270

Artisanal Note

"The 36 case requires a precise 20mm lug width to preserve the original sartorial balance."

Technical Specifications

Rolex 14270
Lug Width
20 mm

The essential strap measurement.

Browse 20mm straps →
Case Size
36 mm
Reference

14270

Years

1990–2001

Movement

Rolex Caliber 3000

Case Material

Stainless Steel

Bezel

Smooth stainless steel

Crystal

Sapphire

Water Resistance

100m

The Heritage

The Rolex Explorer 14270, produced from 1990 to 2001, directly inherits the legacy of the ref. 1016 and consolidates the modern Explorer formula. It features a 36mm stainless steel case with a black lacquered dial, white gold applied indices, and Arabic-Roman numerals at 3, 6, and 9. The watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3000, an automatic movement with 27 jewels, approximately 48-hour power reserve, and COSC chronometer certification. The case offers 100-meter water resistance, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, and a Twinlock crown system. The lug width is 20mm, the standard size for 36mm Oyster family watches.

FAQ

What is the lug width of the Rolex Explorer 14270?

The Rolex Explorer 14270 has a lug width of 20mm. This measurement is taken between the two lugs of the case using a digital calliper, with the strap removed, and is the standard for all 36mm Rolex Oyster models of this generation.

What is the best strap for the Rolex Explorer 14270?

For the 14270, the most suitable materials are vegetable-tanned alligator (black or anthracite, to complement the black dial), smooth calf leather in cognac brown, and shell cordovan in burgundy. For more active use, a nylon NATO strap or a vulcanised rubber strap are functional choices that remain coherent with the tool watch nature of the model.

How do I change the strap on a Rolex Explorer 14270?

To replace the strap on the 14270, you will need a spring bar tool (or a fine-tipped watchmaker's screwdriver) to release the spring bars from the lugs. Work carefully to avoid scratching the steel case, ideally on a soft cushion. If in doubt, entrust the job to a watchmaker or contact the Casati Milano atelier for professional strap fitting.

Are there aftermarket straps compatible with the Rolex Explorer 14270?

Yes, any strap with a 20mm lug width and standard spring bars is compatible with the Rolex Explorer 14270. The quality aftermarket offers options in leather, alligator, shell cordovan, nylon and rubber. Milano Straps carries a curated selection of handcrafted 20mm straps, with materials and finishes chosen to complement the 14270's aesthetic.

How long does a leather strap last on a Rolex Explorer 14270?

A quality leather strap, properly cared for, typically lasts between 18 and 36 months with daily wear. Longevity depends on the type of leather (calf tends to wear faster than shell cordovan or alligator), exposure to perspiration and moisture, and the quality of the tanning process. All Casati Milano straps carry an 18-month guarantee against manufacturing defects.

The next step

The right strap isn’t chosen. It is built, together.

From the atelier appointment to delivery, every step is made for those who know that things done well take time. Rare leathers, one piece at a time, eighteen months of warranty.

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The atelier's website: casatimilano.com