Explorer 1 vs Oyster Perpetual 39 - Dial Size

[Davidt]

Morning/Afternoon/Evening

Does anyone know of the dial size on the current Explorer 214270 and the discontinued OP39 is the same size?

As far as I'm aware they share the same case, but obviously the bezels are different with the Explorers being flat and the OP's domed. However, I've seen a couple of pictures that suggest the dial on the OP39 is slightly small than that on the Explorer.

Does anyone know?
Is this just an illusion?

The E1 is almost perfect but even on my 7.5" wrist the dial appears slightly large sometimes so I'm considering adding the OP39.

[Raffles]

First glance, the two watches look identical to me, apart from hands and dial.
I'm sure there probably are subtle size differences and the watch experts will be along to point them out.

[zengineer]

If you can see a size difference between those two, you should have your own comic book series because that's some sort of superpower. The dial may look bigger on a lighter color dial or one with less going on (no numbers vs numbers, lame vs metal, etc) but there's not a actual size difference you could possibly see.

The two photos (renderings?) also have slightly different lighting which creates a halo effect from the crystal. Under that cloudy area, it looks like same size dial to me.

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[Brny11]

Ignore the comments, these people are arrogant for some odd reason.

Small details, in many cases, is what separates 100$ vs 1000 vs 10000 price tags in the watch world and I couldn’t agree more about the explorer.

OP39 black or white were the only perfect watches Rolex made during their run. The explorer is close to perfect but as mentioned, the dial has a slightly disproportionate size. It is tough to see in pics, but in person it can be hard to miss.

I’d say the versatility of both are same, but Explorer is SLIGHTLY more sporty and a bit more interesting, so dial aside I went with Explorer. If you can add, the sunburst dial is awesome.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by Brny11

Ignore the comments, these people are arrogant for some odd reason .

These people ??????

Just comment on the question Skippy and leave the personal attacks out of it. This isn't Facebook.

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[Davidt]

Don't focus too much on the picture I've uploaded. That's just the best picture I've found comparing the two and I hate threads without pictures.

In person however (I own an E1 have have tried on a couple of OP39's) the dial on the E1 'appears' slightly larger. I don't expect it is as it's likely just how it appears but I'd like to know if anyone knows for certain.

I'd expect the busier dial of the Explorer to actually make it seems smaller not larger?

[winst]

I think it’s the bezel and crystal shape that makes the Explorer Dial look larger.

[RoRoRo]

OP. The oyster case is likely to be the same size. The difference will be in bezel thickness and dial diameter. But add the two together you should get same diameter on both.

The perception will also be down to the Crystal shape and dial colour the sunburst reflection will appear larger on op. I find this anyway.

People get really sensitive on these forums.

Take comments on the chin chaps

[chloebear]

The longer I'm into watches the more I understand that very subtle differences make a big difference. It's never about the nominal size, but rather the diameter, the proportions, the taper, the lugs, etc. The biggest difference to me is the flat bezel of the Explorer versus the domed crystal of the Oyster Perpetual. For such similar looking watches I think they look quite different in person.

If the Explorer face feels a little too big by all means grab the 39mm OP. I'll bet it wears a bit smaller. Generally I would never advocate getting rid of an Explorer, but I'm also an advocate of moving on from any watch that you aren't wearing or enjoying. Good luck with your decision!

[chloebear]

Here’s a picture of my new Explorer...just because we all like pictures.


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[Davidt]

Originally Posted by chloebear

The longer I'm into watches the more I understand that very subtle differences make a big difference. It's never about the nominal size, but rather the diameter, the proportions, the taper, the lugs, etc. The biggest difference to me is the flat bezel of the Explorer versus the domed crystal of the Oyster Perpetual. For such similar looking watches I think they look quite different in person.

If the Explorer face feels a little too big by all means grab the 39mm OP. I'll bet it wears a bit smaller. Generally I would never advocate getting rid of an Explorer, but I'm also an advocate of moving on from any watch that you aren't wearing or enjoying. Good luck with your decision!

I don't really see myself parting with it - I love the current Explorer, even if it could do with a mm shaving off the dial. I think I may however look at adding a white 39OP or even a 114270

[Marcjvr]

Some side by side pics help

[Davidt]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

Some side by side pics help

Thanks for posting - exactly what I was looking for.

Must simply be the perspective then as the OP looks larger in the first pic.

Are you able to confirm the crystals have the same outside diameter?

[Marcjvr]

I don’t own an OP39 to measure but I vaguely remember a thread a while back where the RSC confirmed to someone that the replacement crystal for an Explorer and OP39 were one and the same

Which is further supported by this claim from a parts dealer (not oem) who sells replacement crystals

“High Quality white sapphire crystal for Rolex Explorer I for model #s 214270 114300 case # 2430 Sapphire crystal comes with waterproofing gasket. This crystal and gasket will fit perfectly to the case and make it waterproof.”

[Maxtor]

Great pics. Love the ND Rolex watches!

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Davidt

I don't really see myself parting with it - I love the current Explorer, even if it could do with a mm shaving off the dial. I think I may however look at adding a white 39OP or even a 114270

Very smart move. An Explorer and the stunning white dial OP would be an amazing duo! I can't believe they stopped making that watch.