Rolex Explorer I: Is it the perfect watch?

[Salmosalar]

Gotta have one.

[kyle L]

9 months later, and my answer is still the same.
YES!!!!

[carlhaluss]

Interesting question. I was just thinking about that today. When I got my first Rolex last week, it was narrowed down to the Milgauss black dial with plain crystal, or the Explorer I. At first, I had passed by the Explorer I because I thought that it was too much like my Omega Railmaster, which is also 36mm.
In my opinion, 36mm is a great size for a man's watch. And the fact that it does not have a date is a big plus for me. One reason I love Rolexes (among others), is that they have a varied selection of 34mm-40mm watches, and also without the date. On the other hand, my pet peeve about Rolexes is that Cyclops date on every single model with date , except the DSSD. To me, it just spoils some of the beautiful dials. I won't go into which dials in particular I feel that way about, because I don't want to offend anyone. At least Rolex makes enough variations within their model lineup to suit just about everyone. Without bowing to the "bigger is better" fad.
Anyway, I am rambling . Sorry.
When I was looking at replacing my 10-year-old Breitling Superocean a couple of years ago, the Explorer I is exactly what I was looking for, and I never knew it existed. Although I have to admit that for a year or so, I was also a victim of the "bigger is better" thing, and had some pretty hefty pieces.
I am more than satisfied with my Mulgauss, and at 40mm is about as large as I would go. But, yes, I would say that the Explorer I is the perfect watch. Probably, if I could have only one Rolex - or even one watch - that would be the one.
Cheers,
Carl

[OTE200]

Yes, and I want one! Its heritage and ability to be both sporty and dressy at the same time is what I love about it the most.

My wife just bought me a new Tag for my 30th b'day (which I also love). However, we've also just struck a deal that I won't receive any more b'day/x'mas/anniversary/father's day presents for the next couple of years so I can get the Explorer I instead! Can't wait...

[weizhen77]

Woohoo...(this is another chance to post the perfect photo for my perfect Explorer)

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by weizhen77

Woohoo...(this is another chance to post the perfect photo for my perfect Explorer)

You guys are probably sick of my pics by now.

[dalip]

yes yes yes Kyle!!! But they are awesome shots mate!!!!!!

[esm]

voted - "Nope" for me, simple because of its size.

it is an elegant, simple watch imo.

[OTE200]

Kyle, I'm fairly new here but have already noticed that you are probably the leading advocate for the Exp I on this forum.

I love your photos. Any chance you can post some nice wrist shots of your Exp I? I'm a bit obsessed with it at the moment...

[rkb]

Had a Sub- sold it..

Had a DJ- sold it...

Have a Explorer 1, keeping it.....

It's simplicity is perfect, the dial is a classic and I love the smaller size. As for no date- most of the time I don't even care what time it is much less the date. This mostly because at my place of work we use digital GMT clocks that continuously sync with NORAD, which basically renders all but the finest HEQ watches unusable.

[E.Jumper]

Perfect watch! Robust and right-sized for an active lifestyle.

[jglassjr]

I absolutely love mine!!!!!! for my preferences....sleek, elegant and clean, just all around perfect for me!!

[shandy]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

nice looking watch... but i dont like the 36mm... that size is now geared for women....

I am sorry but that has to be the most I'll informed ridiculous statement I have ever seen on this forum!

Millions upon millions of men every year continue to purchase 36mm wristwatches.

Reasons for doing so vary but include comfort and understatement.

I have both large and smaller watches(34 mm being the smallest) none of the smaller ones look effeminate and they usually get the most wear as I can forget they are there as they are so comfortable.

There is an old saying, engage brain before speaking!

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by OTE200

Kyle, I'm fairly new here but have already noticed that you are probably the leading advocate for the Exp I on this forum.

I love your photos. Any chance you can post some nice wrist shots of your Exp I? I'm a bit obsessed with it at the moment...

No problem. My wrist is kind of small though...






I kinda went overboard with the special effects...

[AndersB]

IMHO, the older versions (1016 and its predecessors) are nicer than the newer ones. Particularly the domed crystal and the absence of white gold around the hour markers make a big difference I believe.

[rolexcd]

I really love mine one which I am wearing now, reading the forum while waiting at the airport.

I do agree that it may look better since it can be sized up a little bit.

[joe100]

36mm is a perfect size. Comfortable etc. Why everyone HAS to have 40mm+ is kinda strange really.

[mr.briar]

Just got mine from Oscar (bodybump) this week and it is AWESOME!

[Tombstone]

Love this watch. I owned one prior to falling in love the with Sub series. The Exp. for years was the hottest sell Rolex in Japan due to the size.

[dkpw]

Originally Posted by AndersB

IMHO, the older versions (1016 and its predecessors) are nicer than the newer ones. Particularly the domed crystal and the absence of white gold around the hour markers make a big difference I believe.

Definitely not perfect.

I agree with Anders on the superiority in regard to the previous face.
It is too small for my tastes at 36mm.
I like to have a date on my watch.
I also like a cyclops on my Rolex.
It is stylish and works well with straps, but these are needed to give it a lift in my opinion.
For the cost of a new Explorer, there are too many better watches to acquire. I went for an Omega Speedmaster.

[Akira]

Damn close to the perfect

If I has to choice only one to wear all my life, it will be Explo I or 14060M.

[Howie]

I wish it were a little bigger - that's why I got the Milgauss instead.

[Akira]

Originally Posted by Howie

I wish it were a little bigger - that's why I got the Milgauss instead.

The hope still for Basel 2010
May be a new model of the Explo I?

[Bullyterrier]

Everyone will have a different interpretation of 'perfect'.. It's not what i would call perfect. I think the size is too small for my liking. Looking at the wrist shots here they are all worn by people with fairly small wrists, because the watches fill the wrists, and look ok. But I think it would look silly on me. The dial is quite nice though.

[jmsrolls]

First let me say that there is no perfect watch but I was considering the Explorer as a good all-around wearer. I made several trips to local ADs to check it on my wrist. I even purchased an Alpha "Explorer" for some extended wrist time.

Ultimately, I went with the Omega Aqua Terra 36mm in black:



Similar look of the Explorer but with date, display back, nicely decorated co-axial movement, solid link bracelet/hidden clasp, increased WR, and half the price.

It has become my "go-to" watch. It goes with anything for any occasion, formal attire or jeans, boardroom or beach.

It's not perfect but much closer than the Explorer.

Fr. John†

[Yoreese]

What year did they at Rolex around the inside of dial on Explorer?

[gmh1013]

Originally Posted by BZA

It's nice - but too small for me !

WAY to small and no date.

[aaronr]

36mm is great for me!

Is there anyone that can point me to the history of the Explorer (like where the piece sign on the hour hand comes from, etc)?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by aaronr

36mm is great for me!

Is there anyone that can point me to the history of the Explorer (like where the piece sign on the hour hand comes from, etc)?

There's lost of information in our Reference Library.........

[PRVPAGE]

Hello..... I think the Explorer would make a great everyday watch. If it's your favorite, then I guess it would be perfect for you.