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Old 18 December 2017, 12:16 PM   #1
tommy90
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Icon20 One watch to rule them all, 116200 or 214270

New member. First post

I am a one watch guy and I am looking to purchase and keep for the long haul. 27 year old male, need something I can wear with slacks and a button up but also looks great in a t shirt and jeans. My decision has come down to two. Either the 36mm Datejust with the smooth bezel (silver dial) or the new explorer 1. I personally love them both so I’m asking you guys for help. What do you think and why?
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Old 18 December 2017, 04:16 PM   #2
byr0nic
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Explorer 1! Nothing wrong with a DJ, but there's something a little bit special/different about the Exp1 imo (the model's history may have something to do with this, depending on your proclivities); I've found it to be a little stealthier what with the absence of a date and the matte bracelet, and the Fliplock oyster clasp is genuinely useful I've found.

It's my go-to 'I don't want to think about whether my watch is appropriate to whatever I'm wearing (because Exp1 will be for anything I'm wearing) and/or I don't want to attract attention' watch - or rather was, until my wife took it off my hands recently! (Looks great on her too!) I'm looking for a replacement, and seriously thinking about just buying another one. (Let that be another compliment for the model!)

For my money, it gives you everything you need, and nothing that you don't. If you want one practical watch, it's difficult to go past.
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Old 18 December 2017, 09:48 PM   #3
chrisca70
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I personally love the DJ if it has not the new "inflated" bezel, I like the flat smooth bezel. The date complication is a must for me. In any case you should go to your AD and try them!
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Old 18 December 2017, 11:41 PM   #4
prozac51
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At this point the Explorer with the new movement would be better value. Never know when Rolex will add Paraflex to the DJ's 3135. That and the Explorer's big-handed dial is a lot more legible especially in low light (hence the Explorer moniker).

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Old 18 December 2017, 11:46 PM   #5
ajas
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Explorer is great choice but also look on new Air King.
Bit different than rest but this may be its strongest point.


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Old 19 December 2017, 12:03 AM   #6
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I love that air king
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Old 20 December 2017, 01:43 PM   #7
tommy90
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I love that air king


I like the air king but hate it for the same reason I hated the previous explorer 1. The gold 3,6,9 really turned me off. Since they have updated the hands and the new fully lumed dial I think I’m going with the explorer 2016 Basel edition. I really do love the Datejust but I do think it is too dressy. I am 27 and I do like to be a bit under the radar. Plus I love the satin finish of the bracelet.


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Old 20 December 2017, 08:51 PM   #8
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Good choice!
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Old 20 December 2017, 09:39 PM   #9
Mick8moses
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I think at 27 it makes more sense to go with a sportier option like the explorer.
You can always pick up a DJ in ten years and still keep the explorer for the weekend.
...when you decide to have a two watch rotation...

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Old 20 December 2017, 10:11 PM   #10
brandrea
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You'll never go wrong with having an Explorer in your collection
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Old 21 December 2017, 02:02 PM   #11
vette boy 52
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Explorer I 214270 the 2016 model with the lume 3,6,9.
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Old 22 December 2017, 10:25 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ajas View Post
Explorer is great choice but also look on new Air King.
Bit different than rest but this may be its strongest point.


Pic not mine, taken from internet.

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Can't take mine off

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Old 28 December 2017, 07:47 AM   #13
LinkAndreas
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I also would go for the explorer!
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Old 28 December 2017, 07:19 PM   #14
Torque Time
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Welcome! Good luck w your shopping adventure. I've found a more dressy watch dresses down better/easier than a less dressy watch dresses up.

Take a look at the TT DJ. My daily wear is pictured in my avatar. It is a vintage 4 digit from my birth yr. I wear it w a suit or jeans...never fails!

Happy Shopping!
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Old 24 January 2018, 04:44 PM   #15
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Explorer 1 vs. Datejust 41

I had the same question as you. I'm a one watch guy myself. I was just at my authorized dealer and tried on both the Explorer 41 and the Datejust 41. They are very similar.

Pros and cons:

Explorer 1:

Pros: most understated Rolex, classic, mountaineering pedigree, shock resistant, clean dial, 'Mercedes' hour hand, lume is amazing (since 2016, the arabic numerals are lumed), 'bomber' 3132 movement, price (at $6550, at least $1K cheaper than the Datejust 41 you are going to want), 100M water resistant (although i wouldn't dive it)

Cons: 48 hour power reserve (not bad, but inferior to datejust 41), not as 'blingy' if you desire that

Datejust 41:

Pros: lots of dial and bezel configurations, identifiable as a Rolex from 10M, new 3235 movement (updated version of proven, bomber movement), 5 day power reserve - yes it'll go all week, date function, 41mm is a great size, 100m water resistant (although i wouldn't dive it), a dressier watch

Cons: going to be at least $1K more expensive than the explorer or more depending on your configuration, not as rugged as explorer i

Conclusion. Buy what you like. I tried on both and bought the Explorer I. I like understated more than bling. I also climb mountains and like and respect that heritage. It will suit my active lifestyle better than the Datejust 41. Both fantastic watches. Hard to go wrong. Buy the Explorer I and with the $1K you save, get yourself a good Seiko professional dive watch that you can double as your dive watch and your beater (i.e., going someplace you don't want to get mugged). Hard to beat Explorer i in the one watch to rule them all category.
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Old 25 January 2018, 01:01 AM   #16
BlackRose
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explorer gets my vote
second choice 39mm OP in dark rhodium (but bracelet not adjustable)
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Old 25 January 2018, 01:21 AM   #17
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explorer gets my vote
second choice 39mm OP in dark rhodium (but bracelet not adjustable)
One watch guy, seems tough to be. I have 5 incl. A Sub 114060 and a milgauss but I just got the new Air King 2 mos. ago and that's kinda turned me into a 1 watch guy. I just love it and can't take it off.Based on your 2 choices I'd have to say Exp.1. But there is just something about the AK. Many people seemed to hate it at first but I think it's becoming loved, just saying.

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Old 25 January 2018, 01:41 AM   #18
prozac51
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After awhile that AK dial starts to look like a vehicle speedometer. In a good way, of course.

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Old 25 January 2018, 02:13 AM   #19
tommy90
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I feel like I’ve let everyone down with this post. Last Wednesday I did the unthinkable, I purchased a 116610LN from a local AD instead of OCWG like my previous watches. I skipped over the DJ and the Explorer, since I’m down to one watch I felt I had to have the cyclops. It felt essential to me. I am glad I chose the date sub.


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Old 25 January 2018, 02:14 AM   #20
tommy90
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Here she is.


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Old 26 January 2018, 11:19 AM   #21
El Cascarrabias
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommy90 View Post
New member. First post

I am a one watch guy and I am looking to purchase and keep for the long haul. 27 year old male, need something I can wear with slacks and a button up but also looks great in a t shirt and jeans. . . .
When I got this far in your quote the Submariner immediately came to mind.

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Old 26 January 2018, 01:00 PM   #22
mattonthewater
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You chose..... poorly. ;) j/k, nice pickup!

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Old 26 January 2018, 06:00 PM   #23
MylesFalkingham
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Datejust

DJ all day! The Oyster 41mm steel & white gold, white the blue face, perfection.
I know its not the smooth bezel but I feel that with this, it adds depth and texture.
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Old 26 January 2018, 09:38 PM   #24
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Can't take mine off

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This watch needsto be stopped
Explorer os much better
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Old 26 January 2018, 10:14 PM   #25
1William
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I prefer the Explorer.
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Old 26 January 2018, 10:17 PM   #26
Nikrnic
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This watch needsto be stopped
Explorer os much better
boring

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Old 27 January 2018, 03:22 AM   #27
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boring

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Everyone has an opinion
Just like a mouth
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Old 27 January 2018, 03:27 AM   #28
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DJ all day! The Oyster 41mm steel & white gold, white the blue face, perfection.
I know its not the smooth bezel but I feel that with this, it adds depth and texture.
(Photo not mine)
This watch is one of the best ever made
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Old 29 January 2018, 05:56 AM   #29
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The explorer 1 is my favourite.
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Old 30 January 2018, 09:40 AM   #30
mschafer
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Explorer 1. classic, simple. I have a bunch of friends who are 1watch people, and they all have one appropriate to their age and it's brilliant getting together with them and seeing the progression of that specimen over the decades. Plus it's the under the Radar Rolex. Unless you need a date display which can come in handy, then 36mm blue stick dial.
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