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maxiboy60 · 13 March 2018, 12:49 AM

Back in November 2016 I acquired a 2008 V serial 114270. This was my second Rolex, having bought a M serial 11610 Submariner in 2008 Below are my thoughts on the watch, with some comparison made to my Sub. Technical observations I will leave to those more qualified that me, but they have practically the same movement, but the Sub has a date wheel and therefore a new ref.

Why the 114270?

Being a huge James Bond fan the first Rolex had to be a Submariner, and a collection of NATOs were purchased not long after to recreate that Sean Connery look. But even then the Explorer appealed to me. I have always like the Explorer for its simplicity. I view it as a hybrid, part sports watch, part dress watch. I am also a fan of the GMT and the Daytona, but in the former is too similar to the Sub and the latter too expensive. I admire the DJ, but prefer the versatility of the Explorer. It looks great under a tough jacket going on a walk through the woods, and at the same time looking great under a shirt cuff. In an ideal world I would be writing up a review of the 1016 Explorer, but sadly the price of these beauty's is far beyond my budget.

I did try on a 'short hands' 39mm Explorer last year, but the step in size was noticeable. I didn't hate it per say (apart from the polished numerals - too dressy), but the increase in size gave it similar wrist presence to my existing Submariner. It is also a good 30% more expensive that a pre-owned 36mm. After 2 years of obsessing over an Explorer, and settling on the 36mm version, I managed to acquire a 114270 with 5 months remaining on its RSC warranty for £3,760.

Initial Thoughts

After wearing a 40mm Tag Heuer Link Chrono for the last 12 years, and a 40mm Sub since 2008, the 36mm did take a while to get used to, but I absolutely love it. It sets it apart from my Sub, and indeed many of the watches I see around London and my place of work. On a watch like this 36mm is all you need, and it has a lovely profile on my wrist with the 78960 bracelet that has a slimmer profile than the 93150 Sub bracelet with the divers extension.

The inky black dial is absolutely gorgeous, and I love its no nonsense look. Watches that just tell the time will no longer be underestimated by me any longer! It’s just so easy, and a welcome change from my Tag which has a very busy dial, and the Sub with its date bubble that can sometimes distract. The arabic numbers are well proportioned, but I wish they were more in keeping with the style and font of the 1016 numbers. And as a bit of a lume fiend I wish they were filled with some lovely green stuff. This has now been corrected on the 39mm Explorer, but I still think the proportions don’t quite work in the 39mm size, despite the elongated hands.

vs 16610

One of my main concerns with purchasing the Explorer was that it was too similar to my Sub. Same brand, same oyster bracelet style, black face, same mercedes hands. All a bit similar, especially to part with £3,760 for. Thankfully I can report that this is not case at all. Anyway since when was one Rolex enough?! The Explorer has a completely different look, despite the similarities listed above.

When I want a chunky sports watch I strap on the Sub. When i'm at work I tend to strap on the Explorer. I find it is less in your face than the Sub, and it fits much better under a shirt cuff. I also work in finance in London, and I must see at least 3-4 Subs on peoples wrists per day, so the less popular Explorer makes a nice change. But the great thing is that by having both, I can immediately appreciate their respective differences when I change them over. I never considered this before my purchase, but in adding another Rolex to my collection I have fallen in love with the Explorer, but also fallen deeper in love with my Sub. To have both is absolutely fantastic, and I am incredibly fortunate that I have the means to own both.

Overall
To those that love the Explorer, I urge you to try the 36mm - it could be for you despite what you may think about the size. To those that are contemplating a second Rolex - you must do it. You will find your appreciation of both watches can only get higher.

spoilsofwar01 · 13 March 2018, 06:15 AM

My first Rolex is a 5513, I've been looking at the 114270 for while now whilst funds grow. this is how the pair will look in due course.

douglasf13 · 13 March 2018, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01

My first Rolex is a 5513, I've been looking at the 114270 for while now whilst funds grow. this is how the pair will look in due course.

Isn't that the 214270, or is the camera playing tricks on me??

Yobber76 · 13 March 2018, 06:25 AM

I thought the same thing, it looks like a 39mm

spoilsofwar01 · 13 March 2018, 06:40 AM

This was a trying of for size comparison shopping trip, I could have sworn the sales staff said it was a 36mm 2017 model,

however for your appreciated I've attached a photo of a 2004 pre owned one that I'm currently considering.....

imagwai · 13 March 2018, 06:53 AM

The 36mm Explorer is a beautifully proportioned watch. If I ever went down to just one watch, then my 114270 would be it. Go anywhere, do anything. Classy, yet under the radar. Beautiful, yet robust.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

spoilsofwar01 · 13 March 2018, 07:01 AM

QUOTE=imagwai;8365184]The 36mm Explorer is a beautifully proportioned watch. If I ever went down to just one watch, then my 114270 would be it. Go anywhere, do anything. Classy, yet under the radar. Beautiful, yet robust.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Pairs nicely with the Submariner as well,

douglasf13 · 13 March 2018, 07:58 AM

Yeah, after a few sport watches, I've gone back to 36mm. They're just so much more comfortable than the sports models, IMO. The 114270 is probably the only 6-digit Rolex I'd consider buying, but I like having a date complication.

imagwai · 13 March 2018, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01

Pairs nicely with the Submariner as well,

Agreed. I did say "if" ;) Mine is paired with a Tudor Submariner (and a Tudor Big block). 3 hander, diver, chrono, all bases covered :)

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Thuilln · 13 March 2018, 08:05 AM

Good review. I love my 114270, I wear it right as I write this down. It could be my only watch without any problem.
The 214270 lost all the appeal that the original Explorer had to meet demand for bigger watches. Tremendous fail from Rolex.

Thuilln · 13 March 2018, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imagwai

The 36mm Explorer is a beautifully proportioned watch. If I ever went down to just one watch, then my 114270 would be it. Go anywhere, do anything. Classy, yet under the radar. Beautiful, yet robust.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

So true.

JacksonStone · 13 March 2018, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01

I could have sworn the sales staff said it was a 36mm 2017 model.

Rolex discontinued the 36mm in Explorer in 2010 when they increased the size of the model to 39mm, so there's no such thing as a 36mm 2017 model. The model in your first pic is the current version in 39mm. Your second pic shows the older 36mm version.

spoilsofwar01 · 13 March 2018, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Rolex discontinued the 36mm in Explorer in 2010 when they increased the size of the model to 39mm, so there's no such thing as a 36mm 2017 model. The model in your first pic is the current version in 39mm. Your second pic shows the older 36mm version.

Thanks for the update, I was at goldsmiths just trying on and comparing when I took the photo... I wasn't really looking to buy at that moment in time and my funds are restricted so any Rolex's I look to buy are pre owned, once again thank you for the update

13 March 2018, 12:49 AM	#1
maxiboy60 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: London Posts: 23	114270 Explorer vs 11610 Submariner Back in November 2016 I acquired a 2008 V serial 114270. This was my second Rolex, having bought a M serial 11610 Submariner in 2008 Below are my thoughts on the watch, with some comparison made to my Sub. Technical observations I will leave to those more qualified that me, but they have practically the same movement, but the Sub has a date wheel and therefore a new ref. Why the 114270? Being a huge James Bond fan the first Rolex had to be a Submariner, and a collection of NATOs were purchased not long after to recreate that Sean Connery look. But even then the Explorer appealed to me. I have always like the Explorer for its simplicity. I view it as a hybrid, part sports watch, part dress watch. I am also a fan of the GMT and the Daytona, but in the former is too similar to the Sub and the latter too expensive. I admire the DJ, but prefer the versatility of the Explorer. It looks great under a tough jacket going on a walk through the woods, and at the same time looking great under a shirt cuff. In an ideal world I would be writing up a review of the 1016 Explorer, but sadly the price of these beauty's is far beyond my budget. I did try on a 'short hands' 39mm Explorer last year, but the step in size was noticeable. I didn't hate it per say (apart from the polished numerals - too dressy), but the increase in size gave it similar wrist presence to my existing Submariner. It is also a good 30% more expensive that a pre-owned 36mm. After 2 years of obsessing over an Explorer, and settling on the 36mm version, I managed to acquire a 114270 with 5 months remaining on its RSC warranty for £3,760. Initial Thoughts After wearing a 40mm Tag Heuer Link Chrono for the last 12 years, and a 40mm Sub since 2008, the 36mm did take a while to get used to, but I absolutely love it. It sets it apart from my Sub, and indeed many of the watches I see around London and my place of work. On a watch like this 36mm is all you need, and it has a lovely profile on my wrist with the 78960 bracelet that has a slimmer profile than the 93150 Sub bracelet with the divers extension. The inky black dial is absolutely gorgeous, and I love its no nonsense look. Watches that just tell the time will no longer be underestimated by me any longer! It’s just so easy, and a welcome change from my Tag which has a very busy dial, and the Sub with its date bubble that can sometimes distract. The arabic numbers are well proportioned, but I wish they were more in keeping with the style and font of the 1016 numbers. And as a bit of a lume fiend I wish they were filled with some lovely green stuff. This has now been corrected on the 39mm Explorer, but I still think the proportions don’t quite work in the 39mm size, despite the elongated hands. vs 16610 One of my main concerns with purchasing the Explorer was that it was too similar to my Sub. Same brand, same oyster bracelet style, black face, same mercedes hands. All a bit similar, especially to part with £3,760 for. Thankfully I can report that this is not case at all. Anyway since when was one Rolex enough?! The Explorer has a completely different look, despite the similarities listed above. When I want a chunky sports watch I strap on the Sub. When i'm at work I tend to strap on the Explorer. I find it is less in your face than the Sub, and it fits much better under a shirt cuff. I also work in finance in London, and I must see at least 3-4 Subs on peoples wrists per day, so the less popular Explorer makes a nice change. But the great thing is that by having both, I can immediately appreciate their respective differences when I change them over. I never considered this before my purchase, but in adding another Rolex to my collection I have fallen in love with the Explorer, but also fallen deeper in love with my Sub. To have both is absolutely fantastic, and I am incredibly fortunate that I have the means to own both. Overall To those that love the Explorer, I urge you to try the 36mm - it could be for you despite what you may think about the size. To those that are contemplating a second Rolex - you must do it. You will find your appreciation of both watches can only get higher.

13 March 2018, 07:01 AM	#7
spoilsofwar01 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Real Name: "H" Location: England Watch: ing Rainclouds Posts: 1,437	To Right QUOTE=imagwai;8365184]The 36mm Explorer is a beautifully proportioned watch. If I ever went down to just one watch, then my 114270 would be it. Go anywhere, do anything. Classy, yet under the radar. Beautiful, yet robust. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk[/QUOTE] Pairs nicely with the Submariner as well,

13 March 2018, 08:05 AM	#10
Thuilln "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Real Name: Nick Location: YUL Watch: 16570 Posts: 1,936	Good review. I love my 114270, I wear it right as I write this down. It could be my only watch without any problem. The 214270 lost all the appeal that the original Explorer had to meet demand for bigger watches. Tremendous fail from Rolex. __________________ Nick _________________________________________ 14060M - 114200 - 114270 - 214270 - 16710BLRO - 16570 - 3570.50 - Cartier Tank Solo - Cartier Tank Française ‘Yearling’ - CWC Navy Diver

13 March 2018, 06:25 AM	#4
Yobber76 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Real Name: Mike Location: Illinois Watch: BLNR VTNR PAM 915 Posts: 1,742	I thought the same thing, it looks like a 39mm

13 March 2018, 06:53 AM	#6
imagwai "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: UK Posts: 61	The 36mm Explorer is a beautifully proportioned watch. If I ever went down to just one watch, then my 114270 would be it. Go anywhere, do anything. Classy, yet under the radar. Beautiful, yet robust. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

13 March 2018, 07:58 AM	#8
douglasf13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 5,615	Yeah, after a few sport watches, I've gone back to 36mm. They're just so much more comfortable than the sports models, IMO. The 114270 is probably the only 6-digit Rolex I'd consider buying, but I like having a date complication.

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