Why the latest is not the greatest to me - model 14270 Explorer 1

[patek5107]

I recently did something most people would say is silly....
I traded my Explorer II for an Explorer I + cash.

Why did I do this?

1) The 14270 is my favorite Explorer. Especially with the "HOLES CASE" and older bracelet.
I owned a 1016 years ago and the 14270 is like a newer/better version.

I also think the 14270 is one of the most under valued sports rolex pieces.

2) I think the 14270 dial is a big improvement on the 1016 - clearer, nicer, more modern.

3) I love a holes case! Great for taking that bracelet off and adding a STRAP!

4) I love the tradition Rolex Oyster clasp. I am not a big fan of the flick lock system - far to delicate.

To me the 14270 is GREAT VALUE, UNDER VALUED and 1 of the nicest sports watches. I think my tastes are classic - as I own a Calatrava Patek and a plain jain datejust!

To me - I would prefer to own my 14270 than the later 114270. Call me strange - call me weird - But I know what I love!

[Poom]

I admire people who stick to what they love. It's a real nice watch.

[Lol-x]

I like the 14270 a lot but it is second IMHO to the 1016. Personal preference I guess. I too have owned both watches, but the 1016 was the keeper for me.

As for the new Explorer....well that's the way Rolex want it so that's the way it is. I personally would have liked it to have a more tool/military dial look with bigger lume and hands, but Maybe Rolex thought there are too many watches like that on the market and they needed to give the watch a little more 'sparkle' and elegance for the price point it is pointed towards.............I don't know

[Renoir]

Congrats on the Explorer!!! It's a good thing when you are able to get exactly what you want!

[shandy]

I really think the explorer1 is one of the best Rolex's ever made, Congratulations on yours

[Dr. Robert]

You lucky devil...where'd you find one w/ lug holes! Rolex are you listening....bring back the bloody lug holes...is that too much to ask...you got the tooling...you still do lug holes on the no date sub! Bring them back! Rant over....I'm frothing at the mouth..I need a drink.

[robsteve]

Originally Posted by patek5107

4) I love the tradition Rolex Oyster clasp. I am not a big fan of the flick lock system - far to delicate.

A few year back when I needed a new bracelet for my 1953 6150 Explorer, that was the exact bracelet (78360) Rolex shipped my watchmaker as the proper replacement. The flip lock is really overkill if your not scuba diving with the watch.

I must say though that the new Oyster clasps, like on my Turn-O-Graph, are pretty nice though and have a very confidence inspiring click when you close them.

Robert

[kyle L]

I know what you mean, the new one doesn't do it for me at all. I like the lug holes, congrats! One day I would love to get a 1016, but for now this is all I have.

[ayres]

i'm glad to see your enthusiastic about your explorer... but i am curious how the 14270 is drastically different from the 114270. they are remarkably similar.

in fact, with your eyes closed and a 114270 placed in one hand and a 14270 placed in the other hand, you'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two other than the lug holes - which still isn't that noticeable.

thoughts?

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by ayres

i'm glad to see your enthusiastic about your explorer... but i am curious how the 14270 is drastically different from the 114270. they are remarkably similar.

in fact, with your eyes closed and a 114270 placed in one hand and a 14270 placed in the other hand, you'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two other than the lug holes - which still isn't that noticeable.

thoughts?

Well the 114270 has the fliplock and the Solid end links, while I think the 14270 has the open ones. So the 114270 would be heavier than the 14270.

[Latrodectus]

It is very beautiful...congrats!

[GradyPhilpott]

[carlhaluss]

You just said it all: You know what you love! If that is the case, then you did the right thing. I have the latere Explorer, without the lug holes, but that's OK because I never intend to change the bracelet on it. I love this watch just the way it is.
You have the most unique Rolex made, and in my estimation one of the most unique watches - bar none! When you get an Explorer from Rolex, you get an Explorer with no options. It comes as it is - take it or leave it, and the only thing you can really do is change/add a strap or bracelet.
The size is great. With the 20mm lug width, the watch really wears bigger. I realize that tastes in watches are very subjective, but you can't deny that it is a very unique model. I totally agree with you about the bracelet, although some will argue that the middle links should be solid, to me it matters not one iota. There are so many diver type watches with the moving bezel, that they all start to look the same to me.
Now that the Explorer is being enlarged to 39mm, and will have the newer bracelet as well, I am even more attracted to the current and older models. Now that Rolex has changed to the larger size, I doubt they will ever go back to the smaller one.
I am so very happy that I chose to get mine when I did - Feb 1 this year - and absolutely love this watch. I sincerely hope that you will get every bit as much pleasure out of yours as I do with mine! Heartfelt congratulations!

One of my biggest joys in life is my Explorer!


Cheers
Carl

[ashken]

I am really close to getting one as well...

[Watchdog]

As long as you are happy, that is all that matters.

[ayres]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Well the 114270 has the fliplock and the Solid end links, while I think the 14270 has the open ones. So the 114270 would be heavier than the 14270.

exactly... those are very minor... so i'm unsure why such stark comparisons should be drawn between the two...

[Omega_Precision]

Explorer is the ultimate sports watch, slim, sleek and stealthy.

I would believe that you want something light and thin when doing physical activity or sporting.

[acce1999]

I hear you ... but I am looking for a 1016 anyway

No lug holes on mine though, but I am the first and only owner (T serial from 1997) - and the only other owners I can see in the future are my kids. Mine has seen "everything", and it goes with any style :





Check out the dent (my youngest helped me arrange that one - what a memory! ):



Those are not recent pictures, but a recent situation typical for my use of the watch:





Did I say that it is THE keeper?

Best,

A

[Puffy]

A true classic. Wearing my Exp II today...

[Nomoresubs]

Top watch.... nice one man

[polarinda]

Originally Posted by kyle L

I know what you mean, the new one doesn't do it for me at all. I like the lug holes, congrats! One day I would love to get a 1016, but for now this is all I have.

getting a 14270 to fit that jubilee....

[jdpny]

Gorgeous!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by polarinda

getting a 14270 to fit that jubilee....

Awesome look! I have the 114270 and the jubilee bracelet, just missing the correct 502T endlinks to fit it!

[sea-dweller]

Congrats!

[Speed]

I've always wanted one!

< Whoa! >

Just realized this thread is bloody old! Lots of former TRFers who have flown the coop!