Explorer 114270 or 214270 for me?

[tipsybanker]

Have been looking for my first “real” watch for a few months now and have finally come to the decision the Explorer 1 fits all my needs. I’d want to wear this in everything from office attire (suits) to weekends in jeans or shorts. I am now trying to decide between the 114270 and the 214270, with the major difference being size.

What do you think fits my wrist better? For reference I do have wrists on the smaller end (6.25-6.5 inches). Imgs linked are to the 214270 mk2 and a 36mm OP (didn’t have a 114270 for me to try in but I assumed this would be the closest)

I love the clean, simple and understated look of the explorer.

Other factors:

new lume (blue lume on the new version is awesome), does the 11420 have lumed numerals? I have heard people say both and I can’t find a definitive answer. I would prefer lumed numerals

New movement - is there really much difference?

New bracelet - is there really much difference? I have heard the new version is upgraded but I’m unclear on how

Changing bracelets (important to me) - I heard this is easier to do on the older models, I like the look on the jubilee, leather straps and the black Everest straps (I would like to change up the look)... also is the lug width the same? I am reading it is at 20mm but wanted to confirm... I have heard the 114270 damages leather straps?

Price - I can get the new explorer for 7.5k CAD all in, I am unsure what the pricing is for a late model 114270 (good condition and full set). What is the going price range (looks like ~5k USD/6.8k CAD from what I can tell)? Also, should I budget in a full Rolex service on the 114270 (nice to get the 2 year warranty)

Any other comments/opinions would be really helpful. Thanks!!

***I had an imgur file but I dont have 10 posts to post links, anyone know I can go about this?

[GarbanzoNegro]

I have a 114270 and have been wearing it daily for the past 16 years: suit, jeans, swimwear, etc

The bracelet is light and comfortable, but I miss some possibilities to adjust it to a finer degree, as with the Glidelock.

I have a small wrist (around 6.75) and think that this watch suits me very well.

The numbers don’t have lume in this model.

I switch the bracelet easily with the right tool and would say that it should be as easy with the 212470.

Don’t think you can go wrong with any of the models.

[tipsybanker]

Appreciate the detailed reply, thanks!

Originally Posted by GarbanzoNegro

I have a 114270 and have been wearing it daily for the past 16 years: suit, jeans, swimwear, etc

The bracelet is light and comfortable, but I miss some possibilities to adjust it to a finer degree, as with the Glidelock.

I have a small wrist (around 6.75) and think that this watch suits me very well.

The numbers don’t have lume in this model.

I switch the bracelet easily with the right tool and would say that it should be as easy with the 212470.

Don’t think you can go wrong with any of the models.

[poidog81]

214270 hands down!

I have smaller wrists than you 6” and it fits perfectly. I also tried on the older 36mm but it didn’t have the sam presence, and the modern version is light years ahead of the classic. Better, solid bracket, full lume, better shock resistance in the movement. You won’t regret it if you’re sold on the Exp.

[Thuilln]

I own both versions and never wear the 214270. When you hold both side by side, you see the damages 3 additional millimeters can do...

[poidog81]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I own both versions and never wear the 214270. When you hold both side by side, you see the damages 3 additional millimeters can do...

“Damages?” Lol ok.

[Pauln]

I had a 214270. But I felt like the dial was too big. Too much empty black space. I picked up a 114270 and love it. Perfect watch, IMO.

[HobokenRolex]

My vote is the 114270. I’ve had this for a few years and it’s my most-worn watch, over my Sub, Speedmaster (a close second), Day-Date, and a few Seikos/Hamiltons. Such a great all-arounder from work to outdoor activities. I admit that the full lume is pretty cool on the new 39s.

[HobokenRolex]

By the way, great Hodinkee article today.

[horse4642]

114270 is not a bad option.
Best wishes.

[abozz]

Rolex is one of the few companys that make better products today than before, if the desicion is about improved quality? Buy the new one, is better. If is about taste? Then is your call because both are great!

[DLRIDES]

6.35”-6.50” wrist ............................... 214270

Get a 114270 for the GF, so you can have matching watches.

[sillo]

Proportions are just so much better on the 36mm versions. This is what 36mm looked like on my 6.5" wrist.

[MagPI]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Proportions are just so much better on the 36mm versions. This is what 36mm looked like on my 6.5" wrist.

^This is what I consider a perfect fit. Upthread, poidog said his 39mm fits his 6” wrist perfectly. To me, it looks way too big. Keep in mind, the dial on the 214270 is larger than a Submariner or GMT dial. I find that it looks a bit bloated on smaller wrists....poidog’s pics provide a “perfect” example of that, imho.

[rph08]

Owned a 39mm sold it and bought a 36. I have 7.5 in wrists and prefer the 114270. IMHO it's just the better looking watch.

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Proportions are just so much better on the 36mm versions. This is what 36mm looked like on my 6.5" wrist.

Looks great. My wrist is about 7.5



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MagPI]

Grady Philpot is the only 114270 wearer on this Forum whose wrist I’d say would look better with the 39mm version.

[JePro]

Originally Posted by poidog81

214270 hands down!

I have smaller wrists than you 6” and it fits perfectly. I also tried on the older 36mm but it didn’t have the sam presence, and the modern version is light years ahead of the classic. Better, solid bracket, full lume, better shock resistance in the movement. You won’t regret it if you’re sold on the Exp.

[poidog81]

Originally Posted by MagPI

^This is what I consider a perfect fit. Upthread, poidog said his 39mm fits his 6” wrist perfectly. To me, it looks way too big. Keep in mind, the dial on the 214270 is larger than a Submariner or GMT dial. I find that it looks a bit bloated on smaller wrists....poidog’s pics provide a “perfect” example of that, imho.

Remember, up close watch shots appear bigger than they are, and I do agree that photo makes it look big. In person its not at all and fit better than the 34mm OP which looked small when looking at my whole frame, not just my write up close from 12" away. It sits flat, lugs do not extend over, and works for me (that's all that matters, right?). In person a SubC fits on me, but in up close photos I'm sure it would look huge! What are you after a vintage or modern look? To me, Pauln's is way too small on his wrist, but that's the look he's after and what he likes so I say

It's far from "bloated." Unless you understand the skinny boy struggle then no need to throw shade.

[tipsybanker]

Appreciate all the replies, especially helpful with the pictures. I think I just need to try them on again and see what I feel best in ...

Couple questions:

- Is the 36mm blue OP (current model) a good approximation for the 114270 fit?

- what is pricing looking like for a good example of the 114270 (with box and papers). I think I would want a later version with the rolex around the rehaut and luminova (vs tritium)

- should I budget in a full service for the 114270?

- how easily can I change up the straps on the 114270 (leather, rubber, aftermarket jubilee etc). Same question for the 214270

As soon as I get to 10 posts I'll link the images from last time I tried these on ...

[tipsybanker]

Originally Posted by poidog81

214270 hands down!

I have smaller wrists than you 6” and it fits perfectly. I also tried on the older 36mm but it didn’t have the sam presence, and the modern version is light years ahead of the classic. Better, solid bracket, full lume, better shock resistance in the movement. You won’t regret it if you’re sold on the Exp.

gotta love that blue lume

[lamkinpark]

Imo 114270 is better, 214270 bezel is too big n it feel out of proportion.

[mgsooner]

In general I’d say you’d have to really, really prefer the proportions of the 36 to choose it over the 39...because the 39 is a significantly better watch.

[tipsybanker]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

In general I’d say you’d have to really, really prefer the proportions of the 36 to choose it over the 39...because the 39 is a significantly better watch.

This really has been my issue ... updated movement, bracelet, overall case (904L steel), lumed numerals + new lume and apparently better performance (the whole superlative chronometer thing...), can buy new + 5 year warranty and for not a lot more $$ ...

I do think the 36 might look better on my wrist though, still undecided

[importstunna]

With your wrist size, my vote is for 14270/114270. It won't look too small, and you'll retain the classic proportions.

[dreyep]

Originally Posted by tipsybanker

This really has been my issue ... updated movement, bracelet, overall case (904L steel), lumed numerals + new lume and apparently better performance (the whole superlative chronometer thing...), can buy new + 5 year warranty and for not a lot more $$ ...

I do think the 36 might look better on my wrist though, still undecided

114270 is 904L and a superlative chronometer (see dial in pics above).

[djyolky]

Get the 214270 and be done with it.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[GarbanzoNegro]

Originally Posted by tipsybanker

Appreciate all the replies, especially helpful with the pictures. I think I just need to try them on again and see what I feel best in ...



Couple questions:



- Is the 36mm blue OP (current model) a good approximation for the 114270 fit?



- what is pricing looking like for a good example of the 114270 (with box and papers). I think I would want a later version with the rolex around the rehaut and luminova (vs tritium)



- should I budget in a full service for the 114270?



- how easily can I change up the straps on the 114270 (leather, rubber, aftermarket jubilee etc). Same question for the 214270



As soon as I get to 10 posts I'll link the images from last time I tried these on ...

If the 114279 was not serviced by Rolex in the last 5 years, then I would definitely budget it in.

Changing straps on the 114270 is very easy. Some pics.

[GarbanzoNegro]

Originally Posted by tipsybanker

This really has been my issue ... updated movement, bracelet, overall case (904L steel), lumed numerals + new lume and apparently better performance (the whole superlative chronometer thing...), can buy new + 5 year warranty and for not a lot more $$ ...



I do think the 36 might look better on my wrist though, still undecided

I went through the same process some time ago regarding a Submariner. Finally decided to go for a 5 digit, mainly because of the case design.

[Amazing]

I would go for the 114270. I've tried the 214270 a few times and even with my massive wrists, the proportions are off and it looks bloated to my eye.