Oyster Perpetual 39mm vs Explorer 214270

[Tbonewalk]

I own both. I bought the Explorer in May and have struggled to connect with it. I find it kind of heavy. And kind of blingy. A little brighter and shiner than I’d like. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s a heckuva watch, a very fine piece.

I had been curious about the Oyster Perpetual 39mm, and just got one in Red Grape. It seems to have connected with me perhaps a little bit better.

It seems lighter. I wonder why. I know the movement is different and so is the bracelet. I think the case is the same size. I find it a little less blingy, the Red Grape is very subtle, not as bold as I thought it may be. I guess it is blander than the Explorer, and that seems to suit me just fine.

I think the bezel is different, seemingly somewhat rounder than the bezel on the 214270, which appears flatter to me.

One more thing. It may be psychological. I got a great deal on the Oyster Perpetual on eBay, a lot less than I paid for the Explorer at the AD. I think the great price makes the Red Grape a little sweeter!

[IT Nerd]

How about some side by side pics for illustration?

[HogwldFLTR]

I find the dials on the OPs nicer than on the EXPs. Lume is better on the EXPs however. I love the variety of the OPs. The grape is sweet for certain. Hands on the EXP are more legible in the dark.

[Cru Jones]

Seems like you're a candidate for the new Explorer? The filled lume will tone down the bling a little.

Otherwise, don't fight it. Flip for something else.

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Seems like you're a candidate for the new Explorer? The filled lume will tone down the bling a little.

Otherwise, don't fight it. Flip for something else.

you may be right! It's kind of upsetting that Rolex replaced the model shortly after I got it. I think I would have preferred the newer one w the painted 3, 6 and 9... it sure would be more in the tool style of watch. The 214270 is pure dress to me.

I know it sounds crazy and not gonna happen, but you'd think Rolex might offer an update, kind of like a recall. They obviously decided the model wasn't worth continuing. That said, it is still a heckuva watch, and every time I get tired of it, I wonder why, say "it must be me" and sometimes get hot on it again.

I am also a little mad at myself for going AD on it. I wanted to try the AD experience, enjoyed it, but it put me into the watch heavy.

I thought the AD and transferrable warranty might make it more valuable for resale, but I don't think most people really care about that, and prefer a good price. I'd lose real badly on this, and have considered it, but it just is more of a loss than I'd like to take at the moment.

[Tbonewalk]

cell phone pic, not the most accurate representation of them, but...

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by IT Nerd

How about some side by side pics for illustration?

put one up for ya!

[nobbylon]

nice OP but those small hands on that Explorer would drive me nuts!

[Allanmodel]

The Red Grape OP looks nice~~

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

nice OP but those small hands on that Explorer would drive me nuts!

I don't think anyone would have even noticed the short hands. It's hardly much of an issue. I don't think anyone would notice it or be bothered by it if it didn't get into their head from a reviewer.

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Allanmodel

The Red Grape OP looks nice~~

it's a little lighter and I like that. My other Rolexs are more vintage and share that trait, lighter. I like that! Thanks!

[Pardue]

I love all three

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Pardue

I love all three

nice! I gather the OP colors are all kind of subtle. I know the Rhodium is pretty neutral but the red and blue scared me a little. Like my red, I find your blue not too loud... nice!

[Pardue]

Its so subtle but of course blue is my favorite color

[Left_at_the_lights]

I thought the OP and Explorer shared the same movement, or I am I mistaken?

That blue looks fantastic in those photos. I was fortunately able to try all three side by side when I bought mine. I went in intending to buy the blue but in the end was swayed towards the grey. Close thing though and the blue is gorgeous.

Here's mine...

[AH0RSEY]

Love the OP dials but lack of easylink means it's low down on my list......maybe swap my wife's Airking for one in future though "......... So in this debate I'd head towards the EXP

[Watchgeek5000]

Originally Posted by Tbonewalk

I don't think anyone would have even noticed the short hands. It's hardly much of an issue. I don't think anyone would notice it or be bothered by it if it didn't get into their head from a reviewer.

You are 100% correct! Most of the people who make that comment have never owned that watch. I had it and it wasn't an issue at all!

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Left_at_the_lights

I thought the OP and Explorer shared the same movement, or I am I mistaken?

That blue looks fantastic in those photos. I was fortunately able to try all three side by side when I bought mine. I went in intending to buy the blue but in the end was swayed towards the grey. Close thing though and the blue is gorgeous.

Here's mine...

yes, 3132 movement in both. I was mistaken. I was also undecided about the color. I was looking around on eBay and this one came in priced nice enough to help me make my decision. I'm happy with it but would love to see the blue in person. I saw the rhodium when I bought the explorer but my mind was set on the explorer going in. I had pretty much eliminated the OP line thinking it was maybe too jazzy and wild for an old guy like me. But I was wrong. They are quite classy!

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by AH0RSEY

Love the OP dials but lack of easylink means it's low down on my list......maybe swap my wife's Airking for one in future though "......... So in this debate I'd head towards the EXP

the e z link on the Explorer is pretty cool. I have a good fit with the OP 39. I think you could make it work. I think you can fine tune it a little on the bracelet.

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Tbonewalk

the e z link on the Explorer is pretty cool. I have a good fit with the OP 39. I think you could make it work. I think you can fine tune it a little on the bracelet.

at first I thought you said it was low down on your "wrist" lol

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by AH0RSEY

Love the OP dials but lack of easylink means it's low down on my list......maybe swap my wife's Airking for one in future though "......... So in this debate I'd head towards the EXP

at first, I thought you said it was lowdown on your "wrist" lol

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

You are 100% correct! Most of the people who make that comment have never owned that watch. I had it and it wasn't an issue at all!

I agree but the problem is that once it's pointed out you can't ignore it. The new version is what it should have looked like all along. The proof of that is that Rolex decided to make it. If the older version was ok then they wouldn't have changed it. I didn't buy an Explorer because of the solid 3,6,9 and not because of the hands. Thankfully they've sorted both out so I'm now saving to add one.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Watchgeek5000

You are 100% correct! Most of the people who make that comment have never owned that watch. I had it and it wasn't an issue at all!

To be fair, the short hands may be why some forum members don't own the watch.

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by Left_at_the_lights

I thought the OP and Explorer shared the same movement, or I am I mistaken?

That blue looks fantastic in those photos. I was fortunately able to try all three side by side when I bought mine. I went in intending to buy the blue but in the end was swayed towards the grey. Close thing though and the blue is gorgeous.

Here's mine...

the rhodium is gorgeous! it seems to be the "least discounted" one lol I think they're all nice. I inquired about it out here before and some guys have 2 or 3 of em!!!

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

I agree but the problem is that once it's pointed out you can't ignore it. The new version is what it should have looked like all along. The proof of that is that Rolex decided to make it. If the older version was ok then they wouldn't have changed it. I didn't buy an Explorer because of the solid 3,6,9 and not because of the hands. Thankfully they've sorted both out so I'm now saving to add one.

I read what I feel was an astute comment from a reader, that the numerals on ours are 18k gold, more expensive than the new, lume surrounded by gold ones. let's face it, we want a 1016, maybe a little bigger or somewhat updated version. There's kind of no connection to the "tool" watch legacy of the original Explorer. But the hands are not much of an issue. And it's still a heckuva watch. I'm picky and finicky. I am very much into Rolex but many are critical of the direction they've taken. I am somewhat too. Rolex lost something with the newer cases. The classic size, proportions, and feel just aren’t the same. No more lug holes. Still great watches though. We all have our preferences.

[Tbonewalk]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

To be fair, the short hands may be why some forum members don't own the watch.

Some people love the 214270. I've seen a review where it's described as the "perfect watch". Every article that mentions the "short hands" (and it's really just the minute hand, and it's really not all that short)- glosses over it as not a big deal. They fetch plenty. The 214270 is a great watch. But it may not be for me. But my reason is not because of the hands, that is for sure. And I still haven't given up on it!