Explorer 36 vs 39: Which Looks Sportier?

[fatal]

May be splitting hairs here but which Explorer (1/14270 or 214270) do you think looks sportier (however you define sporty)? And why?

[Photo courtesy of Georgio1962 from r-l-x.de]



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[SaddleSC]

The term "sporty" to me evokes a feeling of a watch that is a little bigger, a little bolder, perhaps with a little more wrist presence. I would say that the 214270 is sportier, while the 114270 is more classically styled and a bit more elegant.

They are both beautiful...I chose the "sportier" 214270 and I am thrilled with it:)

[Old Expat Beast]

39 is sportier, 36 is classier, IMO.

[CWIN]

I like both but prefer the 36.

[elcompa]

I would say 36 is classier and sportier. I would might also consider "sportier" as meaning less cumbersome, more agile, not in the way while being active.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by elcompa

I would say 36 is classier and sportier. I would might also consider "sportier" as meaning less cumbersome, more agile, not in the way while being active.

I know what you mean, but for me the 'Sports' in Rolex terms is more about Sports Cars and Sports Jackets than physical sports. Does that make sense?

[fatal]

Really cool picture there...

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

The term "sporty" to me evokes a feeling of a watch that is a little bigger, a little bolder, perhaps with a little more wrist presence. I would say that the 214270 is sportier, while the 114270 is more classically styled and a bit more elegant.

They are both beautiful...I chose the "sportier" 214270 and I am thrilled with it:)

[Sunny Arizona]

36

[viper9669]

For myself, 39mm is sportier, improved bracelet gives it a chunkier feel.

[Wesley Crusher]

The 36mm looks slightly more proportionate, but the 39mm is sportier. It is larger (something that I associate with being sporty), and has an upgraded bracelet and clasp. Between the two, I would choose the 39mm any day of the week.

[elcompa]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I know what you mean, but for me the 'Sports' in Rolex terms is more about Sports Cars and Sports Jackets than physical sports. Does that make sense?

It does make sense. And I suppose that is likely what the OP meant.

[fatal]

Originally Posted by elcompa

It does make sense. And I suppose that is likely what the OP meant.

Actually, I didn't have a strong impression either way. I guess my impression of sporty is closer to yours: unobtrusive, utilitarian.

[hardel]

36mm - classic. You def will want the new bracelet - so I would suggest sourcing one to install or just getting the 116000.

[Cru Jones]

If anything, the shiny numerals on the 39 dress it up just a little more?

I don't know. They are both plenty sporty while being classy and understated at the same time.

[postalworker]

39

[JohnFM]

To my eye, the 39mm looks sportier, while the 36mm looks more classically proportioned. I prefer the look of the 36 but the size of the 39, which is why I don't yet own a Rolex Explorer. If I had to choose, I'd go 39 (due to size) but I continue to hope that the 314270 will perfectly blend the two ;-)

[Karbo]

This

[floater156]

39

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[fatal]

Man, I just knew it was a matter of time before someone posted a picture of the 1016 :D

Lovely watch...

Originally Posted by Karbo

This

[vman]

36mm. It won't be in the way as much as the 39mm.

[Touring]

36mm is "sportier" due to the lumed markers at 3, 6, and 9.

The shiny white gold markers on the 39mm model make it way more blingy/dressy.

[jshepard]

I'd say they're pretty much the same. I'm not sure how the new movement compares to the old one in terms of shockproof and durability. It's all relative. As far as looks goes, a 36mm on a skinny wrist will be a decent size sports watch whereas a 39mm on a beefy wrist could look small. Both watches have the timeless no BS sports watch design and tough build, but low profile enough to wear under a dress shirt.

[Mick P]

Chaps

Everyone is saying - go for the 36mm or go for the 39mm, but have you actually compared them side by side at the same time.

I bought my Explorer in January and was looking for a 36mm model.

Fortunately the dealer was wearing a 36mm model and the 39mm looked better and classier in every way. Also the bracelet looked better.

I walked out with a 39mm one and have never regretted it.

The 39mm update is a true success story, it is better than the 36mm in all respects.

Regards

Mick

[S329]

36 > 39

[drhr]

Larger is sportier in the way you mean it (I think) but I prefer the look, size and balance on the wrist of the smaller . . .

[AK797]

This is just about Rolexes most hybrid watch imho between classy and sporty, and I would say the larger size lends itself more to a sporty feel as it fills up your wrist more as do the larger numerals.

[travisb]

214270. A little bigger and sturdier feeling gives it a edge in my opinion.
I love both. Bought the 36 for my father and plan to add the 39 for myself.

[77T]

Sporty is as sporty does...if you have <7" wrist the 39mm may look too big and on a >8" wrist the 36mm may look small.

So your size matters as much as case diameter. And either works great as being sporty when on a strap...

[bg17]

Depends on your wrist bro, i would choose 39

[masterkiller]

None of them look sporty in my book, a SubC looks sportier to me anyway...