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synth19 · 12 May 2012, 08:55 AM

First of all, I'm sure I'll regret this because I love my Explorer. It's one of the most comfortable watches I've ever owned and I just love the look. HOWEVER, the one thing that is starting to bother me is the lack of date. With that said, I've been considering a similar watch/look/pedigree, so the 41.5 Omega Aqua Terra Calibre 8500 is a possible replacement. I need to check it out in person, because I'm not sure if I'll like the "teak" look of the dial. Perhaps I should also consider an older Aqua Terra for the glossy black dial?

Anyone make the switch that I'm considering making? Looking forward to your thoughts,

Here is my Explorer

Explorer 39mm by synth19, on Flickr

capote · 12 May 2012, 09:09 AM

There are some threads about that here, try searching. I think both are great watches, but I would save up to buy it instead of flipping.

Monte Cristo · 12 May 2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capote

there are some threads about that here, try searching. I think both are great watches, but i would save up to buy it instead of flipping.

+1

jmsrolls · 12 May 2012, 11:13 AM

I've owned several 2500 ATs and a couple of 8500 ATs.

The new models were not that comfortable for me to wear due to the thickness of the cases required by the 8500 movement. On the other hand, the older models seemed to caress the wrist much like your Explorer.

My basic problem with the AT was that I was looking for a dress/formal watch and IMO the ATs suffer from an identity crisis. Are they dress or sport? I could never decide which so I ended up with the classic Rolex Datejust.

But the decision is yours to make. My advice is to get to an AD and try one on.

BTW, I don't care for the teak dial either.

Fr. John+

ray_g · 12 May 2012, 11:53 AM

I considered both, and while in photos they seem comparable, the feel on the wrist is quite different. The AT is quite thick due to the movement as Fr. John said. The Explorer was more comfortable IMHO.

Roley · 12 May 2012, 12:06 PM

Don't do it!

zannu · 12 May 2012, 12:19 PM

I was also thinking the same thing. Cant remember the date ever. Even forget what year it is :-). I went to try the AT mid size in ss. I dont like the stripes on the face. Makes the watch look like a cheap toy imo. Explorer is much more classy, so will have to go around not knowing what the date is.

Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

warrior · 12 May 2012, 12:38 PM

I have both...and love both. If I had to choose, it would be the AT. The dial is more interesting with the teak and it has a unique 3-D look to it. It's hard to see in pictures.

Take a look at the hour markers and hands of the AT and compare to the EXP markers and hands. More detail and better finished!!!

The AT has greater presence IMO and is more distinctive than the EXP. ALSO, it IS timeless and classy. Omega designs have a way of having a bit more style than Rolex and yet remain timeless. The
Omega 8500 movement is more advanced and better finished.

I love the EXP bracelet, though. Extremely well made. More comfortable than the Omega bracelet . The EXP bracelet has the easy link. Though both bracelets are very well made, the EXP bracelet/clasp gets the edge in terms of ease of use. The clasp on the EXP has the "flip lock" which I prefer.

zannu · 12 May 2012, 02:11 PM

Flip lock clasp is much better, but omega bracelet is not as sharp on the edges, so prefer the rounding on the AT. Back see through is also awesome on AT. Stripes and thickness the only drawback.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9900 using Tapatalk

caryyee · 12 May 2012, 03:18 PM

That first picture you posted of your Expy is gorgeous. Don't do it, the lack of date initially bothered me with the Daytona and Milgauss but after a few days, you don't notice it. Being surrounded by technology in the form iphones, ipads, etc etc, who really need a date?? Explorer I ... smart, simple, classic, timeless.

kymwatchlog · 12 May 2012, 05:01 PM

i prefer no-dates. cleaner.

don't flip it, look at how beautiful the oyster is on her.

bayerische · 12 May 2012, 05:17 PM

I like both, but the Explorer is one of my favorites, and I'll probably get one at some point.

So I wouldn't trade an Explorer for an AT.

InTime · 13 May 2012, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior

I have both...and love both. If I had to choose, it would be the AT. The dial is more interesting with the teak and it has a unique 3-D look to it. It's hard to see in pictures.

Take a look at the hour markers and hands of the AT and compare to the EXP markers and hands. More detail and better finished!!!

The AT has greater presence IMO and is more distinctive than the EXP. ALSO, it IS timeless and classy. Omega designs have a way of having a bit more style than Rolex and yet remain timeless. The
Omega 8500 movement is more advanced and better finished.

I love the EXP bracelet, though. Extremely well made. More comfortable than the Omega bracelet . The EXP bracelet has the easy link. Though both bracelets are very well made, the EXP bracelet/clasp gets the edge in terms of ease of use. The clasp on the EXP has the "flip lock" which I prefer.

^ well said

Joey_V · 13 May 2012, 09:11 AM

No way.... keep the Expy. Bad move IMO if you trade.

xjeeunitx · 13 May 2012, 09:57 AM

Yeah... you're going to miss the Exp sooner or later. Save up and buy later as you can picked up a used AT for cheap.

warrior · 13 May 2012, 12:01 PM

Thanks. Many of these folks who prefer the EXP are probably knee jerk in their reactions and/or haven't held the AT for any length of time. The name on the Rolex dial is too great for them.

As I said, I love both ( or else wouldn't have them).... but the AT is truly a more distinctive interesting piece. Fantastic. The dial has so much more depth and nuance. And the details are amazing. Even with the detail, it's still subtle and timeless. The movement? Killer. It's the kind of watch where you can't appreciate how interesting the dial is....until you see it on someone else's wrist!!! It truly grows on you more and more. It seems I see something new everytime I wear it.

With the EXP, it's pretty much what you see is what you get from day one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by InTime

^ well said

wardman · 13 May 2012, 12:14 PM

I have the 214270 and am lost without the date too. That said, the bracelet is key to comfornt to me and the Omega's miss it there without the EZ link (try a IWC who has a slick barcele too). SubC or GMTiic for me. Or wait for the DJII with smooth bezel thas is coming. Omega will be a better price though.

h999r · 13 May 2012, 02:15 PM

The omega looks much better

AAMD11 · 13 May 2012, 02:56 PM

Omega, hands down

zannu · 13 May 2012, 03:14 PM

Congratulations on your fine taste in watches. Both are lovely.

Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

Chewbacca · 13 May 2012, 04:24 PM

both nice but the exp has staying power and presence the a.t. doesn't. when omega retires the a.t. line, you'll miss the exp as it keeps chuggin along for 30 years +.

just my opinions.

Mr. RoC · 13 May 2012, 10:38 PM

I have my Explorer 39mm and my iPhone. No need for a date feature on my watch. Now if I lived completely off the grid... then my choice of watch would had been different.

warrior · 14 May 2012, 01:19 AM

Few more pics....love the combo brushed/finished on the hands and hour markers ( might be tough to see).

synth19 · 30 November 2012, 01:26 PM

Thanks all for the advice and words. I apologize for this very late response. To give you guys an update, several weeks after starting this thread a good friend asked about my Explorer as he was in the market. Well, I gave him a solid deal on the watch and he took me up on it. Since then, I've been fairly busy with work but now looking again for a replacement.

As silly as this sounds (and I'm sure I'm not the only that feels like this), the Explorer was my first and only Rolex and I was a bit embarrassed to the reactions I would get when friends/work acquaintances asked what kind of watch I had. Although Omega is a fine watch, it doesn't have the same notoriety as a Rolex. I still miss my Explorer, but I'm looking forward to an Omega and it's subdued/low-key reputation to the general public.

Boardman · 30 November 2012, 01:47 PM

Haven't had the explorer...but I love my AT. Very distinct face and really comfy bracelet.

Great on a strap too

And don't forget the gorgeous rear view

Maxtor · 1 December 2012, 02:35 AM

Both great watches. I own an EXP so that would get my vote but I would also put some weight behind the informed opinion of someone who owns and wears both...

sea-dweller · 1 December 2012, 12:05 PM

Keep the Explorer!

Elementa · 2 December 2012, 12:04 AM

The Explorer is a beautiful watch and as much as I love my Milgauss, I feel like a should have gone with the Exp instead. Don't do it.

gregmoeck · 2 December 2012, 07:16 AM

The new exp is the most comfortable watch, I have owned it twice, the aqua terra 8500 and several milgauss, the milgauss is very comfortable. I would rank them in comfort

exp
mil
aqua

kymwatchlog · 2 December 2012, 11:18 PM

the 39mm ExplorerI is the Rolex i wear most!

but now with my new 114060, i am not sure...

but i never do it if i were u. but u make the final decision, do what u be happy! both ways, u get a nice classic simple timepiece :)

12 May 2012, 08:55 AM	#1
synth19 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 51	Considering trading/selling my Explorer I (39mm) for Omega Aqua Terra First of all, I'm sure I'll regret this because I love my Explorer. It's one of the most comfortable watches I've ever owned and I just love the look. HOWEVER, the one thing that is starting to bother me is the lack of date. With that said, I've been considering a similar watch/look/pedigree, so the 41.5 Omega Aqua Terra Calibre 8500 is a possible replacement. I need to check it out in person, because I'm not sure if I'll like the "teak" look of the dial. Perhaps I should also consider an older Aqua Terra for the glossy black dial? Anyone make the switch that I'm considering making? Looking forward to your thoughts, Here is my Explorer Explorer 39mm by synth19, on Flickr __________________ Explorer 39mm

12 May 2012, 05:17 PM	#12
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	I like both, but the Explorer is one of my favorites, and I'll probably get one at some point. So I wouldn't trade an Explorer for an AT. __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

13 May 2012, 09:11 AM	#14
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	No way.... keep the Expy. Bad move IMO if you trade. __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

13 May 2012, 02:56 PM	#19
AAMD11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Illusive Man Location: NYC Watch: Omega Worldtimer Posts: 599	Omega, hands down __________________

13 May 2012, 10:38 PM	#22
Mr. RoC "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Canada Watch: where you're going Posts: 277	I have my Explorer 39mm and my iPhone. No need for a date feature on my watch. Now if I lived completely off the grid... then my choice of watch would had been different. __________________ 1993 Tag Heuer S/EL Professional 200 Two-Tone (SOLD) 1997 Omega Seamaster Professional Mid-Size 1120 cal. (SOLD) 2012 Rolex Explorer 39mm 214270 2012 G-Shock GW-2310FB-1 2013 Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN

12 May 2012, 09:09 AM	#2
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	There are some threads about that here, try searching. I think both are great watches, but I would save up to buy it instead of flipping.

12 May 2012, 11:13 AM	#4
jmsrolls Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 3,185	I've owned several 2500 ATs and a couple of 8500 ATs. The new models were not that comfortable for me to wear due to the thickness of the cases required by the 8500 movement. On the other hand, the older models seemed to caress the wrist much like your Explorer. My basic problem with the AT was that I was looking for a dress/formal watch and IMO the ATs suffer from an identity crisis. Are they dress or sport? I could never decide which so I ended up with the classic Rolex Datejust. But the decision is yours to make. My advice is to get to an AD and try one on. BTW, I don't care for the teak dial either. Fr. John+

12 May 2012, 11:53 AM	#5
ray_g "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: CT Watch: 16600, 1603 Posts: 39	I considered both, and while in photos they seem comparable, the feel on the wrist is quite different. The AT is quite thick due to the movement as Fr. John said. The Explorer was more comfortable IMHO.

12 May 2012, 12:06 PM	#6
Roley "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Roland Location: GMT -4:00 Today Watch: Enthusiast Posts: 874	Don't do it!

12 May 2012, 12:19 PM	#7
zannu "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: Ari Location: Perth and Sydney Watch: Explorer Posts: 15	I was also thinking the same thing. Cant remember the date ever. Even forget what year it is :-). I went to try the AT mid size in ss. I dont like the stripes on the face. Makes the watch look like a cheap toy imo. Explorer is much more classy, so will have to go around not knowing what the date is. Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

12 May 2012, 12:38 PM	#8
warrior "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: massachusetts Watch: Explorer Posts: 1,667	I have both...and love both. If I had to choose, it would be the AT. The dial is more interesting with the teak and it has a unique 3-D look to it. It's hard to see in pictures. Take a look at the hour markers and hands of the AT and compare to the EXP markers and hands. More detail and better finished!!! The AT has greater presence IMO and is more distinctive than the EXP. ALSO, it IS timeless and classy. Omega designs have a way of having a bit more style than Rolex and yet remain timeless. The Omega 8500 movement is more advanced and better finished. I love the EXP bracelet, though. Extremely well made. More comfortable than the Omega bracelet . The EXP bracelet has the easy link. Though both bracelets are very well made, the EXP bracelet/clasp gets the edge in terms of ease of use. The clasp on the EXP has the "flip lock" which I prefer.

12 May 2012, 02:11 PM	#9
zannu "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: Ari Location: Perth and Sydney Watch: Explorer Posts: 15	Flip lock clasp is much better, but omega bracelet is not as sharp on the edges, so prefer the rounding on the AT. Back see through is also awesome on AT. Stripes and thickness the only drawback. Sent from my BlackBerry 9900 using Tapatalk

12 May 2012, 03:18 PM	#10
caryyee "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: A Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,180	That first picture you posted of your Expy is gorgeous. Don't do it, the lack of date initially bothered me with the Daytona and Milgauss but after a few days, you don't notice it. Being surrounded by technology in the form iphones, ipads, etc etc, who really need a date?? Explorer I ... smart, simple, classic, timeless.

12 May 2012, 05:01 PM	#11
kymwatchlog Banned Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: US Posts: 853	i prefer no-dates. cleaner. don't flip it, look at how beautiful the oyster is on her.

13 May 2012, 09:57 AM	#15
xjeeunitx 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5,430	Yeah... you're going to miss the Exp sooner or later. Save up and buy later as you can picked up a used AT for cheap.

13 May 2012, 12:14 PM	#17
wardman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PA Watch: Sub-c date Posts: 192	I have the 214270 and am lost without the date too. That said, the bracelet is key to comfornt to me and the Omega's miss it there without the EZ link (try a IWC who has a slick barcele too). SubC or GMTiic for me. Or wait for the DJII with smooth bezel thas is coming. Omega will be a better price though.

13 May 2012, 02:15 PM	#18
h999r Banned Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: HR Location: Planet Earth Watch: -ing Barts. Posts: 4,244	The omega looks much better

13 May 2012, 03:14 PM	#20
zannu "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: Ari Location: Perth and Sydney Watch: Explorer Posts: 15	Congratulations on your fine taste in watches. Both are lovely. Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

13 May 2012, 04:24 PM	#21
Chewbacca Banned Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: CJ Location: Kashyyyk Watch: Kessel Run Chrono Posts: 21,113	both nice but the exp has staying power and presence the a.t. doesn't. when omega retires the a.t. line, you'll miss the exp as it keeps chuggin along for 30 years +. just my opinions.

14 May 2012, 01:19 AM	#23
warrior "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: massachusetts Watch: Explorer Posts: 1,667	Few more pics....love the combo brushed/finished on the hands and hour markers ( might be tough to see).

30 November 2012, 01:26 PM	#24
synth19 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 51	Thanks all for the advice and words. I apologize for this very late response. To give you guys an update, several weeks after starting this thread a good friend asked about my Explorer as he was in the market. Well, I gave him a solid deal on the watch and he took me up on it. Since then, I've been fairly busy with work but now looking again for a replacement. As silly as this sounds (and I'm sure I'm not the only that feels like this), the Explorer was my first and only Rolex and I was a bit embarrassed to the reactions I would get when friends/work acquaintances asked what kind of watch I had. Although Omega is a fine watch, it doesn't have the same notoriety as a Rolex. I still miss my Explorer, but I'm looking forward to an Omega and it's subdued/low-key reputation to the general public. __________________ Explorer 39mm

30 November 2012, 01:47 PM	#25
Boardman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Jay Location: Houston Watch: Rolex, Omega, IWC Posts: 321	Haven't had the explorer...but I love my AT. Very distinct face and really comfy bracelet. Great on a strap too And don't forget the gorgeous rear view

1 December 2012, 02:35 AM	#26
Maxtor 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Max Location: Toronto Watch: Exp 1, DJ Tuxedo Posts: 2,441	Both great watches. I own an EXP so that would get my vote but I would also put some weight behind the informed opinion of someone who owns and wears both...

1 December 2012, 12:05 PM	#27
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Keep the Explorer!

2 December 2012, 12:04 AM	#28
Elementa "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Here and there Watch: Panerai, Rolex Posts: 289	The Explorer is a beautiful watch and as much as I love my Milgauss, I feel like a should have gone with the Exp instead. Don't do it.

2 December 2012, 07:16 AM	#29
gregmoeck "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Maui Watch: Patek Posts: 2,032	The new exp is the most comfortable watch, I have owned it twice, the aqua terra 8500 and several milgauss, the milgauss is very comfortable. I would rank them in comfort exp mil aqua

2 December 2012, 11:18 PM	#30
kymwatchlog Banned Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: US Posts: 853	the 39mm ExplorerI is the Rolex i wear most! but now with my new 114060, i am not sure... but i never do it if i were u. but u make the final decision, do what u be happy! both ways, u get a nice classic simple timepiece :)

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