Are the OP39 and. Explorer 1 too similar?

[icebergslm]

Over the past year I’ve sold all of my watches because I wanted to start over with watches that I really love, and make sense for me to have “forever”. I started with the rhodium OP39, which I do love. I think a small three watch collection is perfect for me, because I don’t like them to be sitting unworn for long periods.

The other Rolex that I’m absolutely in love with is the 2016 explorer I. In a small collection, do you feel these watches are too similar, sharing the same case?

[aussiejoe]

I have an 2015 Explorer which is the best fitting watch I own. I find myself now drawn to the OP39, either blue or Rhodium. I am thinking both can happily live together.
Cheers

[dberman3]

I own a 2016 EX1 and love it. When the rhodium OP came out I tried one on and loved it, but thought the same thing... just to similar. Both great, but just too similar in my opinion.


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[jonmdavis]

I think I’d just go with the Explorer in this case.

[NLYogi]

They look quite similar indeed. In a three watch collection it would maybe not look too good at least to me.

[Boothroyd]

I have the gold 3-6-9 small hands version of the Explorer. If I were going to pair with a 39mm OP, I think I would go with the newer Explorer for contrast. And don't forget Easy Link... a great feature to have on one of your watches.

A blue or red OP with a new Explorer would be differentiated, I think. The gray dial may be a little closer as the Explorer is matte black.

[mfm22]

I have a blue 39mm OP & love it ...perfect size understated sporty yet elegant

Was looking to add a 36mm DJ but I'm looking at the "new" explorer the 39mm size case may be the same ( not sure about that ) but most other things differ
Movement , clasp , dial , color , plenty to differentiate

My third is my Tudor Black Bay

[Chute]

No problem at all owning both, one has a gray dial and one black.
Some people own both the white and black dialed stainless Daytona.

[polaris72]

Personal preference. If you like certain case size, why not to enjoy both OP 39 and Explorer I. with different color dials. You can dress OP in a different bracelet, or vice-versa, and now you have completely different look.

[SemperFi]

I own both and don’t find them to be at all similar. Two completely different looks in my opinion.

[tomchicago]

The wear very differently on the wrist in person.

[ND10]

One of the major difference for me is the bezel. Its domed and rounded on the OP and straight and sharp on the explorer. If anything I decided I wanted the explorer instead of an OP. Sold the OP and eventually got the 2016 Explorer. Very happy with it so far.

[ajas]

Both are great and maybe look similar from the distance.

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[AK797]

Colours on the OP are great and very varied.

[Cru Jones]

If shooting for a 3-watch collection, I would pick one of these 2. Since you already have the OP, I would look at a diver or GMT and a watch on leather or a Daytona.

[tifosi]

If was to only have 3 watches, I would not own an OP39 and an Explorer1. Too redundant. Pick the one you like more between the OP and the EXP.

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by tifosi

If was to only have 3 watches, I would not own an OP39 and an Explorer1. Too redundant. Pick the one you like more between the OP and the EXP.

I agree with this. And being an Explorer owner, you can guess which I'd choose.

[MCO1]

I tend to agree with others that in a larger collection both could find their place. In a 3 watch collection I would personally want more diversity. The 39 OP is a cool watch but the Explorer is...well...the Explorer.

[watchwatcher]

I've noticed something about myself. My "forever" watches tend to be similar. So...if you like it, go for it.

[javier]

OP is classic and the Explorer 1 is sporty. Absolutelly different based on this point of view. Id love to have both

[MJaber]

I owned both and they are very different. The Explorer I is a sports watch and is just perfect for any outdoors activities you plan on doing. While the OP 39 is insanely handsome and dressier everyday watch.

[Mfrankel2]

To me, yes

[douglasf13]

You’ve already got arguably the best looking current Rolex, and, if you’re only doing a 3 watch lineup, I’d think you’d be better served with a something like a GMT and a dress watch on leather, or whatever. These seem too similar to me for a 3 watch lineup.

[icebergslm]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

You’ve already got arguably the best looking current Rolex, and, if you’re only doing a 3 watch lineup, I’d think you’d be better served with a something like a GMT and a dress watch on leather, or whatever. These seem too similar to me for a 3 watch lineup.

I feel the same way about the OP. I had the feeling when I was deciding between the two, that whichever one I got first, the other may never make it to the collection because of the similarities, and I chose to go with the OP first.

[tomchicago]

Originally Posted by MJaber

I owned both and they are very different. The Explorer I is a sports watch and is just perfect for any outdoors activities you plan on doing. While the OP 39 is insanely handsome and dressier everyday watch.

Well said and agreed.

[HogwldFLTR]

For me the Exp has the better lume although is missing the pretty dial. I'd go for lume over dial and would choose only one, the Exp!!!

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by icebergslm

I feel the same way about the OP. I had the feeling when I was deciding between the two, that whichever one I got first, the other may never make it to the collection because of the similarities, and I chose to go with the OP first.

Yeah, the OP has a lot of brushed surfaces, and the dial is really clean with a pop of color, so I don't really consider it to be much less sporty than the Explorer I. To me, it would be like buying two slightly different equipped versions of the same car, although certainly take my opinion with a grain of salt, since I'm the kind of guy who can buy a single watch and wear it forever, and both the OP and Exp would fit the bill for what I'm into (except I like having a date.)

[Uhtred59]

I would vote for the EXP but I have always been a sports watch guy.

[icebergslm]

Originally Posted by polaris72

Personal preference. If you like certain case size, why not to enjoy both OP 39 and Explorer I. with different color dials. You can dress OP in a different bracelet, or vice-versa, and now you have completely different look.

That’s a big part of it. They fit so perfectly on my wrist. I think 39-40 is the perfect diameter for me.

[Nikrnic]

I think they compliment each other and are different enough to have both. I have an AK and a black Milgauss and although they sound the same they look and wear different.