Explorer 36 - Old vs New

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Andad

I can’t remember when I ever became ‘accustomed’ to a watch G.



I either liked it or I didn’t?



Probably why I still have all the watches I have ever bought.



Except for some given to family and friends.

I used to think the AP Royal Oak was ugly as hell, but now I like the look. I guess people are different.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[S.Explorer]

Originally Posted by Dave455

I’ve got to say I think this is superb.

The Explorer (as opposed to the Explorer II) was historically a military watch as much as an “explorers” watch. Rugged without being obtrusive, legible without being oversize, it’s target market was the outdoorsman or army officer who wanted / needed the utmost mechanical reliability, but didn’t want excess weight, bulk or complications. The Explorer has always done this superbly, and done so for decades.

I never “got” the 39mm Explorer. Sure, the size was more fashionable for a bit, but the Explorer’s DNA was as a tool watch, not a fashion accessory, and I’m delighted Rolex have returned to 36mm.

There will be some who are unhappy, but if you want a bigger watch, or if the 36mm just doesn’t look right on you, there are plenty of other choices. Personally, I’m slightly saddened that Rolex didn’t go “all the way” and return to a printed dial as well. Applied numerals don’t really have a place on a service watch.

Although I’d probably favour the bracelet (36mm Rolex’s on Oyster bracelets always look superb) I have a feeling that this Explorer would look awesome and work superbly on a British “general service” (NATO) strap. Rolex used to supply these as an option on the Explorer, described as “Admiralty Pattern”!

Agreed, although I can wear a 39mm just fine, I always felt the 36mm was a better field watch as its compact size made it more comfortable.

[Jimmy66]

Looks good to me

[Yachtbuoy]

Originally Posted by Dave455

I’ve got to say I think this is superb.

The Explorer (as opposed to the Explorer II) was historically a military watch as much as an “explorers” watch. Rugged without being obtrusive, legible without being oversize, it’s target market was the outdoorsman or army officer who wanted / needed the utmost mechanical reliability, but didn’t want excess weight, bulk or complications. The Explorer has always done this superbly, and done so for decades.

I never “got” the 39mm Explorer. Sure, the size was more fashionable for a bit, but the Explorer’s DNA was as a tool watch, not a fashion accessory, and I’m delighted Rolex have returned to 36mm.

There will be some who are unhappy, but if you want a bigger watch, or if the 36mm just doesn’t look right on you, there are plenty of other choices. Personally, I’m slightly saddened that Rolex didn’t go “all the way” and return to a printed dial as well. Applied numerals don’t really have a place on a service watch.

Although I’d probably favour the bracelet (36mm Rolex’s on Oyster bracelets always look superb) I have a feeling that this Explorer would look awesome and work superbly on a British “general service” (NATO) strap. Rolex used to supply these as an option on the Explorer, described as “Admiralty Pattern”!

Completely agree here. Also I don't agree that a smaller watch would suit a larger wrist, I've yet to see anyone be "too big" for a 36mm Rolex and I'm a pretty big guy myself.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by Dave455

I never “got” the 39mm Explorer. Sure, the size was more fashionable for a bit, but the Explorer’s DNA was as a tool watch, not a fashion accessory, and I’m delighted Rolex have returned to 36mm.

Yes, this 36mm is no longer a fashion accessory but for some reason 39mm was?

[Jster]

I prefer the older version. I don’t care for the maxi case and dial on the new one.
The best of the bunch is the 39 mm MkII.

[Brovsko]

A few more photos comparing the 124270 vs 14270 from Hypebeast. Looks like the bracelet is thinner and tapers more than the 114270/14270.





- Brovsko

[liberalclown]

That AR coating really makes the dial look blacker black. It might be due to the dial size but 36mm Exp looks awfully same size or a tad smaller than the Exp II 40mm. I love the new case but from the photos, not a fan of the dramatic taper, it might be too thin around the clasp.

[vlps]

the taper looks insane lol, would feel dainty as hell

[CagKaly]

Originally Posted by liberalclown

That AR coating really makes the dial look blacker black. It might be due to the dial size but 36mm Exp looks awfully same size or a tad smaller than the Exp II 40mm. I love the new case but from the photos, not a fan of the dramatic taper, it might be too thin around the clasp.

Definitely looks like it. Very dissapointing. Seems like they found a way to mess up the great looking case.

[baamvino]

Here is another comparison shot by YoureTerrific
https://youtu.be/ePQVpr-q34g

[Recondope]

I was very excited to the see the Explorer return to its 36mm size but seeing that dramatic taper has me thinking I really need to see it on my wrist before I pass judgment. Case and dial look perfect to me, I just hope the tapered bracelet doesn't make it feel too dainty.

[pk552502]

I prefer the rolex 14270 appearance. I love that model. I don't like the shorter lug width- that's my first impression.

[BlakeA]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I used to think the AP Royal Oak was ugly as hell, but now I like the look. I guess people are different.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

I feel the same about the RO. I used to like almost nothing about it, then the more I look at it, the more I’d love to have one. I felt very little about a Rolex Sub for quite awhile, then the more I looked, I had to have one. Got my 114060 3 years ago and still feel like I’m in the honeymoon period with it. LOL. I have 2 other nice watches I never wear now. Always the Sub.

[DCheeta]

Oh man, did they ruin this new Explorer by making the bracelet 19mm and tapering the hell out of it? I was fully behind the 36mm size, but that looks like it could potentially disappoint me. I’ll reserve judgement until I can try it on.

[toolr]

Like the new one a lot.

[DM101]

We hope a clasp shots comparison.... is there one ?

[MOOI]

Do all new models have AR coating?

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by Brovsko

Wow, looks exactly same watch. Just better clasp and new movement. Atleast 5- digit to 6- digit had ceramic bezel upgrade but for Explorer it looks same as steel bezel.

Come to think of it, the upgrade between 114270 and 124270 with 11 years gap is exactly same as 216570 and 226570 with no gap. At quick glance both versions look same.

[Car32]

Originally Posted by Maxy

Wow, looks exactly same watch. Just better clasp and new movement. Atleast 5- digit to 6- digit had ceramic bezel upgrade but for Explorer it looks same as steel bezel.

Come to think of it, the upgrade between 114270 and 124270 with 11 years gap is exactly same as 216570 and 226570 with no gap. At quick glance both versions look same.

Nope. Bracelet on 124270 much thinner and much more aggressive taper. Can easily see in this pic. And lumed 3-6-9 makes big difference. Especially in the dark!

[Innocenti]

New Bracelet taper looks the same as the modern DJ or Op ?

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

New Bracelet taper looks the same as the modern DJ or Op ?

I'd like to see a side by side comparison with a black OP.

[CagKaly]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

New Bracelet taper looks the same as the modern DJ or Op ?

Current DJ and OP 36 both have 20 lug width. The Explorer is 19mm and tapers down to a thinner clasp. This is the best photo of the clasp so far.

[ink3027]

Originally Posted by CagKaly

Current DJ and OP 36 both have 20 lug width. The Explorer is 19mm and tapers down to a thinner clasp. This is the best photo of the clasp so far.

Where is this picture from?

[WatchNutcase]

Originally Posted by thorm

Not for me. For me it's the best thing they could've done. However I do feel for all those with bigger wrists. I think it could easily have been a two size offering on the explorer.

+1 not for me either, this is literally the perfect watch for those around the 6.5 inch wrist size. The 39mm was perfect for those with around a 7 inch wrist.

The dial layout looks excellent as well, any complaints here is serious nitpicking.

[JJK]

Part of what makes a 36mm Rolex fit and look good on any size wrist has been the way the 20mm bracelets work with the profile and flow of the classic oyster case.

It’s been that way for eons.

[WatchNutcase]

The 34mm air-king's of past also had the 19mm lug width and they fit great, although definitely cater to those with slender wrists. The new Explorer 1 is targeting the smaller wrist group or those who prefer a more tailored fit.

[Just_Watch]

All these guys wearing skinny pants and complaining about small watches being dainty

[Innocenti]

I’m not sure it’s about wrist size

[CagKaly]

Originally Posted by ink3027

Where is this picture from?

From Horas y Minutos