Rolex Explorer 1 vs Tudor Black Bay GMT

[nachopc]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I like both watches as well. The OP asked for opinions and I gave mine. I never expect my preferences to be the same as everyone else. Each is welcome to opine on theirs. With every opinion there's always an alternative angle. I'm not bothered by those who's opinions are different than mine. In fact, I encourage it.
dP

Well said.


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[junamuan]

I had both but sold one of them.

Love my Explorer.

[uddind]

Exp 1, tudor is too chunky and unreliable gmt movement gauranteed

[LChanyungco]

Depends on your personal vibe and how you want to express yourself. the Tudor screams "GMT" and the Explorer whispers "Seiko." I went for the Explorer and later a GMT2.

[JDR888]

Explorer I in a heartbeat. Zero contest as an anytime, anywhere watch with the accent on wearability. For me the 39mm case is a sweet-spot.

Not had the Tudor GMT but having had a Black Bay Blue just couldn't get on with the thickness of the case.

I love Tudor and if they downsized the Pelagos in the same way as the BB58, that would be my next purchase. Sold my Pelagos for the same reason as above. I do wear shirts and suits for work 24/7 so the shirt-cuff conundrum was a major downer for me.

[samson66]

If this was the Tudor vs an Explorer II I'd go with the Rolex. But the Explorer 1 does nothing for me. I'm just going to say it .... boring! Go with the GMT

[SFmedic13]

Welllll let me see......Explorer_6250.jpg

[Golfpaul66]

If I already owned a Rolex or two, I'd go for the BB GMT. It has so much more functionality and is more masculine, in my opinion.

[johnorpheus]

Originally Posted by samson66

If this was the Tudor vs an Explorer II I'd go with the Rolex. But the Explorer 1 does nothing for me. I'm just going to say it .... boring! Go with the GMT

I concur. Love the Explorer II. Explorer 1, not so much.

[Pauln]

Love my Explorer!

[Oyster Sauce]

This is an interesting set of choices, and I suspect that many are in a similar boat. Both are cool choices.

The Tudor GMT looks super cool...love the shades of red and blue, and how they cooperate with the black dial. A true jumping hour GMT is definitely a nice complication to have. I really like Tudor in general and would be more likely to seek this model if it weren’t for the thickness (to thick for my wrist) or the date wheel issue that some experience (probably many don’t have the issue, but I would be anxious). As many have shared, a GMT in the BB58 form factor with datewheel corrected might just be perfection.

The a Rolex Explorer is a consensus every day watch. Feels good on wrist (either old 36 or new 39), looks cool, and somehow also goes under the radar. It does lack the two complications that the Tudor GMT offers, and I can see why some would want those complications.

If still undecided, why not get an Explorer II — seems to combine the best of the two worlds you are currently choosing between.

[TUDORTIME]

Both great choices.

Which calls out to you? I’m a firm believer that watches are like puppies. They’ll choose the right owner if you let them.

[Largoshark]

Explorer for me. It's a tried and true classic, and a great GADA watch.

The BB GMT is a little too thick and slabby for my liking, and the date change issue would stress me out.

[Mafanchai]

Explorer all day.

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[ANDEEZY]

Originally Posted by rtr77

I love the history, versatility, and simplicity of the Explorer, but love the GMT functionality and attractive price point of the Tudor.

Sounds like you already have more reasons to go with the Explorer than you do with the BB GMT. If you can afford either one without later feeling any kind of remorse, then I don’t think price should even be factored in. Go with the Explorer :)

[JayB]

If you're a one watch person, it's got to be the Explorer for me. A perfect watch for every occasion.

The correct answer though is both

[Zoomerang]

Originally Posted by Oyster Sauce

If still undecided, why not get an Explorer II — seems to combine the best of the two worlds you are currently choosing between.

Agreed! I went with the Explorer II black dial and I'm very happy with the choice.

I like the Oyster bracelet with easy link 5mm extension, large legible black dial and hands, thinner than the Tudor GMT and since I have a 7.6" wrist, the 42 mm case fits me perfectly. Only thing lacking when compared to the GMT is the rotating bezel.

[Flyfisher]

The Exp is a Rolex.

The BB is, um, a Tudor.

Sort of like comparing a VW and a Porsche, just because both are owned by the same parent.

[Vinnee]

I would get the Explora

[coaxial]

The Explorer, no questions asked...

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Flyfisher

The Exp is a Rolex.

The BB is, um, a Tudor.

Sort of like comparing a VW and a Porsche, just because both are owned by the same parent.

Yeah and Rolex ain't no Patek either so there's plenty looking down their noses at you too. How's it feel hanging with the common folk?
dP

[jon_jon]

Both are great watches at their respective price points. I feel Tudor are solid, reliable watches at their under $5k USD price point. Rolex makes great solid watches at the over $5k USD price point. If you can comfortably buy either, I would say get the Explorer. Rolex is still Rolex and Tudor is still a Tudor.

Tudor GMT is a nice watch at its price point though and may be a bargain compared to a Rolex GMT.

I have tried the Tudor GMT at an AD and I wasn't in love with the watch and left it for someone else to buy and enjoy. The AD agreed it would be an easy sell for them and wasn't concerned it sitting around.

[TurboTim14]

I would pick the BB GMT if it wasn't for the date problem that continues to plague those watches. I am surprised Tudor has still not fixed the issue as many owners continue to have problems with them even after sending them in multiple times for repair. To me it is unacceptable and a shame.

Because of that alone I would pick the Exp 1. Preferably 36mm.

[subprimero]

Explorer 1.

[Gimoozaabi]

Both are great watches yet very different. I own both and if I had to choose only one it will be very hard. Both have their merits and it comes down to personal preference and what else do you have in your collection. I don't subscribe that the Tudor is the lesser watch, in fact in many ways I like it more than the modern BLRO. The Explorer is my daily at work the GMT is my travel/leisure time watch. If one is looking for a single and versatile watch the Explorer is the one to get.

[Sgb020]

I’m in the minority here but I would go bb gmt better value and more complications. The explorer 1 felt to small on my wrist. I would go explorer 2 over the bb gmt and explorer 1.

[GST15]

IMO, for quality, comfort, and future value, get the Rolex
Good luck

[erekose]

Considering your current collection, I'd say the Exp fits better. I have the Exp 214270 Mk1 and it is just a great all around watch. I also have a BB41 to compare as well as other Rolex and Tudors.

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[Brny11]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

The Explorer 214270 is super comfortable (thanks to EasyLink)

Hey, curious how easylink makes it more comfortable? When I owned, I disliked easy link. My wrists in humid weather grow .2-.5mm, so sub glide lock would come in handy. However, easylink (@5mm) was useless IMO. If watch was tight, I’d open it up and it become wayyyy to loose sliding around wrist obnoxiously.

Curious your experience?

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Brny11

Hey, curious how easylink makes it more comfortable? When I owned, I disliked easy link. My wrists in humid weather grow .2-.5mm, so sub glide lock would come in handy. However, easylink (@5mm) was useless IMO. If watch was tight, I’d open it up and it become wayyyy to loose sliding around wrist obnoxiously.

Curious your experience?

Under normal circumstances I have a pretty good fit on both the Exp and the GMT. However, when wrists swell as a result of weather/activity etc they become too tight.

Explorer I can adjust quickly and keep comfortable - like Goldilocks, the EasyLink is just right for me. GMT has nothing, and becomes noticeably uncomfortable - to the point I think I’m going to wear it on a nato and sell the bracelet.