Which Explorer do you think is the best looking

[Wedders]

I am looking for an Explorer 1 214270 but I am torn between the full lume dial and the previous one with white gold shiny 3.6.9. Which is best in your personal opinion. I know it's all subjective but I would be glad to hear comments.
Thanks

[Boothroyd]

I have the first version and have tried on the new. Most will probably say the newer version is best with the lume as on the original and the longer hands.

To be honest, I really like the Mk1 (as you can tell from my avatar), and wouldn't replace it. I love the gold 3-6-9. It serves to dress the watch up a bit, with no loss of functionality or form, IMHO.

Congrats on your first post!

[TK-710]

I prefer the first. I liked it without the lume 3,6,9. I thought the complaints about the hands was overblown and for me they were a non factor.

[sgarrity]

I like the new one. More for the hands than the lume but it does make the dial more uniform. It's one of three watches I'm currently trying to decide between and I think it has the lead at this point. There's a classic elegance about it that's hard to pass up yet it's the ultimate wear everywhere, with everything, and do anything tool watch. Good luck on the hunt!

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

I have the first version and have tried on the new. Most will probably say the newer version is best with the lume as on the original and the longer hands.

To be honest, I really like the Mk1 (as you can tell from my avatar), and wouldn't replace it. I love the gold 3-6-9. It serves to dress the watch up a bit, with no loss of functionality or form, IMHO.

Congrats on your first post!

Totally agree. Love the white gold numbers.

[Melchizedek]

Personally I like the latest version.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[NLYogi]

The latest version, the hands have grown with the dial diameter and the lume shines all night I can tell you.

[Otto]

Both are great watches. I traded for the latest version, but still find myself missing the WG numerals, especially in the twilight hours. On the whole, however, I prefer the newer version because I like being able to see the numerals in direct sunlight and in the dark. The WG numerals give a blackout effect in sunlight and, of course, are almost invisible in the dark. The hands were never an issue to me; nothing to even notice.

[Stuffthatworks]

New one, small changes resulting in big improvements.

[Earnyourturns]

Originally Posted by Stuffthatworks

New one, small changes resulting in big improvements.

This

[watchwatcher]

The new lume 3-6-9 dial is not only the best looking explorer, but may be the best looking watch, period. My opinion only, of course.

[psv]

Never version. Without doubt.

[polaris72]

I have WG 3-6-9, but I would recommend either. The WG is possibly more dressy.

[droptopman]

I prefer the new version. Little more like the original IMO with lumed 369

[withthesword]

i find the new exp1 with lumed numbers kinda...blah. the all white gold numerals on the 39mm explorer is what set it apart from the 36mm version.

now it just looks like identical watches in different sizes with nothing really outwardly setting one apart from the other.

the all gold 3-6-9 was beautiful and if i was in the market for a 39mm explorer i'd rather have one of those than the new lumed numeral versions

[Jack T]

I prefer what I have, the Mk1. But for good reason, the white gold numerals give it a nicer look, I don't buy or pass on a watch because of the lume.
As for the hands, the minute hand really, everyone has made way too big a deal about it. I can easily tell the time at a glance.

[L.J.]

I can't stand the MK1 hands...so

MK2 for me is the only one I'd personally consider...a beautiful reference

[Friar]

To me the differences are rather subtle. I have the "Mk 1" but if both were available and I was buying for the first time, I'd probably choose the newer version. But no way would I sell mine in order to purchase it now.

[faz]

I bought the MK1 even though I could have bought the MK2 for very little extra.

The WG 3/6/9 is really nice.

The short hand 'issue' is no issue at all, more so a characteristic of that model which I happen to like as well.

But my friend bought the MK2 lume 3/6/9 and that is a beautiful watch too. I definitely consider the MK1 to be more dressy.

[weasel642001]

I had the first version. The hands didn't bother me, but the non lame numbers did. I sold it. Looking to pick up an updated one soon.

[mps354]

I owned both, prefer the newer version

[chessebj]

I think the new one looks more in balance, but I wouldn't turn down a Mk I if offered one; the MK I is a good looking watch.

[Colin10101]

New version. Hate the hands and the white gold 369.

[slide13]

I can see why both have their fans. I like the lume one myself.

[ras47]

42mm new version with black dial.

[Jake B]

Waited patiently for Rolex to exhaust their surplus of 36mm Explorer hands and come out with the updated piece with the new hands. Bought the very first one that I came across.

Everything is back in perfect proportion again...

[RichM]

Newer 3-6-9 lume.

[dafuture]

I prefer the Mk1. Ignoring that I have it now, I could've purchased the full lume dial when I got mine. I thought the gold 3-6-9 made the watch look a little more "special". The full lume kind of takes away some of the classic charm IMO.