The New 36mm Explorer 124270

[Innocenti]

Op it looks like you took your top off and are wearing next to your armpit

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

"The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. "...this is correct as it is a woman's watch.

Only if a woman owns it

[JacksonRain]

Light small and dainty imo when I tried on the dummy been at my AD

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[polaris72]

With all due respect, that watch looks like it was made for you. Perfect fit. While I enjoy my Panerai bracelets changing exercise, I am getting tired of thick bracelets.

[SDREW22]

The proportions of the 39mm Explorer were off. That's why I ditched mine. Same with the OP39. Too much empty space on the dial. 36mm is the way to go.

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[Slackergirl]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

"The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. "...this is correct as it is a woman's watch.

Ok this is now on my list after I find my OP 36 Candy Pink. All you guys out there remember the new explorer and Candy Pink OP are NOT for you!

[1995akcoop]

But it looks absolutely great on you.


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[Juggernaut]

I'd like to hear ore about what the thickness and weight felt like as compared to either the 14270 or 114270. I really love the light weight bracelet of my 114270.

[pikers]

[mention]Ervelvo [/mention] I’m glad you made this post. I thought it was only me.

I was in the same boat as you. I own a 114270 which is hands down my favorite watch. When Rolex released the new 36mm version I knew I had to have it.

Yesterday, I went to my local AD to check it out (they only had the two tone in stock). I completely agree with your assessment. Overall, it felt pretty delicate/dainty, especially the bracelet. The SA brought over a 36mm OP and DJ to compare to the Explorer and both felt more substantial. I think it’s the bracelet and clasp more than the case although the case looks smaller than the OP and DJ.

It’s really too bad as I was excited about the move back to 36mm. Thankfully, they received a 39mm Explorer in their last batch of watches, so I snagged one. It’s a hair bigger than I would like but it’s incredibly comfortable on wrist and I much prefer the matte look of the dial to the gloss dial of the 36mm.



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[Cool Hand]

Originally Posted by pikers

Thankfully, they received a 39mm Explorer in their last batch of watches, so I snagged one. It’s a hair bigger than I would like but it’s incredibly comfortable on wrist and I much prefer the matte look of the dial to the gloss dial of the 36mm.

You lucky SOB - I've been waiting on the 214270 since July '19. Congrats!

[pikers]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand

You lucky SOB - I've been waiting on the 214270 since July '19. Congrats!

Gah, sorry to hear that! Keep the faith, they are still out there!


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[RonnieBadger]

Am I right in understanding the 14270 uses the 78350 bracelet which is 19mm tapering to 15mm at the clasp.

In which case (give or take 1mm at the clasp) the latest bracelet iteration on the 124270 is in keeping and has provenance??

[NathansExplorer]

After handling the new Explorer, I’ll be trading in my 114270. The 124270 is leagues ahead of the old 36mm Explorer. Even looks better on the OP’s wrist, maybe a little big.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

After handling the new Explorer, I’ll be trading in my 114270. The 124270 is leagues ahead of the old 36mm Explorer. Even looks better on the OP’s wrist, maybe a little big.

[Juggernaut]

It's funny, when I had the mark II 214270 I loved everything about except the size and sold it after a year. About 6 mo ago, I picked up a 2007 114270 which I love except for the lack of lume on the numbers. Now that the 36mm NEW version is out, I'm appreciating the classic attributes of the 114270.
I'll wait a year or so and see how much dough I'll have to come up with between the sale of my 114270 and a lightly used 124270.

[rossi46]

Originally Posted by pikers

The SA brought over a 36mm OP and DJ to compare to the Explorer and both felt more substantial. I think it’s the bracelet and clasp more than the case although the case looks smaller than the OP and DJ.

I don't supposed you managed to get a pic of this? As an OP36 owner, I really am interested in direct comparisons.

No way I'm trading for the Exp if it looks even smaller/dainty.

[AirPeasant]

It sucks that they reduced the lug width to 19mm. 20mm lugs on a 36mm case is like the golden ratio.

[pikers]

Originally Posted by rossi46

I don't supposed you managed to get a pic of this? As an OP36 owner, I really am interested in direct comparisons.

No way I'm trading for the Exp if it looks even smaller/dainty.

I wish I did. As soon as I left I was like “Ffffffff”.

I will say that I have small-ish wrists (6.5”) but I’m a larger than average person (6’4”) so that may have played into things a bit. When looking at it just on my wrist it looked OK, a little small, but seeing it next to the OP and DJ was the real surprise. Both the OP and DJ looked and felt noticeably larger.


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[rossi46]

Originally Posted by pikers

When looking at it just on my wrist it looked OK, a little small, but seeing it next to the OP and DJ was the real surprise. Both the OP and DJ looked and felt noticeably larger.

We probably have a similar build - I'm 6' 1" with a ~6.5" flat wrist, so this is good info. Appreciate it

All signs point to me sticking with my OP36.

Ugh, Rolex, how hard was it to get this one right??? Just take the OP36 case/bracelet and throw in the famous 3/6/9 dial and professional hands

[pikers]

It may be worth trying on before you rule it out. But for me it just felt a bit too small. Again, I would definitely rock the hell out of one if that was my only option but compared to the 39mm (which they had in the store) the larger variant just felt more like a robust/rugged sports watch in the wrist. And the 39mm is incredibly comfortable, most comfortable watch I own.


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[matthew P]

Ive always thought of the explorer MKII as a dressy sport watch..... it sounds like the 124270 is more of a sporty dress watch on wrists 6 1/2 inches or larger.

[zab]

Great looking watch and I love the return to the original 36mm classic size.

Here’s some food for thought.

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/men...es-11617107212

[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by NathansExplorer

After handling the new Explorer, I’ll be trading in my 114270. The 124270 is leagues ahead of the old 36mm Explorer. Even looks better on the OP’s wrist, maybe a little big.

Compared to your 114270, how did the new Explorer feel in terms of weight?

[GooseHoward]

When I went to my local AD here in Salt Lake City today, the rep told me that they're not even taking names or doing a waitlist for the new Explorer and that I could just check back with them at a later time; she said they'd most likely not have it in this year. After chatting with her for a bit (and after she noticed I was already wearing a Sub and commented on it), she said that there wasn't much interest so far about the new Explorer and then finally took down my info and gave me her business card. It was a bit of an awkward experience since that was the first time I had gone down to the AD physically and she clearly had no interest in helping me with anything until I continued to talk with her more and told her I already had a Sub and Datejust. This new Explorer model is the first one I've been excited about in a while and the first one I'd like to purchase from an AD directly.

[Car32]

Tried on the two tone at AD today. The bracelet definitely feels thin but wouldn’t be a deal breaker to me.

[RonnieBadger]

Agree. Bought mine today and feels good. Just a matter of adjusting. Feels classic.

[tle156]

This would be a perfect watch for me. I believe (and hope) that demand for this watch is not too high so it will be not too hard to get my hand on one soon. IMHO, I do not see why many are not unhappy with the change from 20mm to 19mm. I saw some videos on youtube and find this piece absolutely gorgeous. I may be bias since my first Rolex was 114270 and I always regret letting it go

[LA_LEC]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

Not trying to offend anyone but the 39mm was perfect.

I agree with you on this.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by 101031-28

Not trying to offend anyone but the 39mm was perfect.

Well perhaps for you, but found it disproportioned, the bezel was too fat for my taste. The 1016 / 14270 / 114270 proportions on the other hand are perfect, looking forward to see a 124270 to see if like it or not !


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[FLx_]

Originally Posted by ervelo

I had the chance to play with the new 2021 36mm Explorer release yesterday... and it was underwhelming.

As a smaller wrist guy and a 14270 owner, I welcomed the 36mm change to the Explorer. In fact, I was contemplating if I should make the switch but after seeing the watch in person yesterday, it's a hard pass on the 124270. I'll be sticking to my 14270.

What do I not like about the watch?

The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. I can't find anything on Rolex's website, but it seems the bracelet width starts at 18 or 19mm and tapers to 15mm or maybe even 14mm. It just doesn't give the "oomph" you're looking for when it comes to wrist presence, at least to me.

In photos, it looks fine but once you see it in person, you'll know what I mean.

I tried on one a few days ago as the first demo piece arrived to my country. I had the same feelings, the bracelet is almost identical to the OP34 not to the OP36 or DJ36. I was really surprised. Also the black dial and the smooth bezel makes the watch smaller than OP or DJ36.
I have a very small wrist (like a girl :D ) and felt it too small even for me. All the other Rolex 36mm watches are spot on for me and I was really happy when Rolex announced the 36 Explorer, but I don't know what to do know. Maybe I'll buy another DJ with Wimbeldon dial or wait for a green or red OP...