2021 Rolex Explorer, or 41mm Submariner (no date)

[Sothy]

Might be just me, but what’s the difference now between the OP36 and Explorer now that the OP got a better bracelet? Mercedes hands? Anything else? I’d check out both the OP36 and 41 line too. You already have a diver (ym1 is a diver more or less), so that would make me lean Exp1/colourful OP36. However, the exp1 and op36/41 do not have ceramic bezels. So the sub probably scratches less in everyday use (ceramic bezel) if that matters.

[levvity]

I would go with the Sub if given the choice between the two.

[liberalclown]

Originally Posted by Sothy

Might be just me, but what’s the difference now between the OP36 and Explorer now that the OP got a better bracelet? Mercedes hands? Anything else? I’d check out both the OP36 and 41 line too. You already have a diver (ym1 is a diver more or less), so that would make me lean Exp1/colourful OP36. However, the exp1 and op36/41 do not have ceramic bezels. So the sub probably scratches less in everyday use (ceramic bezel) if that matters.

Mercedes hands, 3-6-9 dial and flip lock clasp are the differences from OP36. Hard to tell from the pictures but the case and bezel seems different as well, but we will see when the hands-on reviews comes up. Overall Exp 36 is a dressy sports watch and OP 36 is sporty dress watch.

[Rollieo]

Going against the grain. Explorer.

Depends on what you’re looking for. The sub with ceramic bezel, larger diameter, and fluted bezel, is a much flashier watch. It’s also much sportier, and while I’d say it still goes well even with an untucked dress shirt, is too sporty with a suit.

The Explorer is a lot more versatile. It works equally well with jeans or shorts with the brushed bracelet and 3,6,9 dial, but is classy enough (especially now at 36mm) to wear with a tux.

Plus you already have a YM. Too much overlap with the Sub.

[Rollieo]

Oh yea and you mentioned lume legibility. If the YM isn’t working out for you, not sure how much better the sub will be.

The Explorer is built for that.

[1William]

I would get a Submariner.

[JRique]

Explorer all the way.

Sub is such a common watch, it is great of course, but is so standard, go for the Explorer for a more exclusive and rare watch.

[Orangeface]

Do NOT get the no-date Sub. You might be taking the one I'm waiting for!

[cydesai]

The sub will take your breath away! But Explorer will be just a great watch!

Sub it is

[Rolexatlast]

Sub

[Shazbot302]

ND Sub 100%.

[trippinjimmy]

Sub!

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Shazbot302

ND Sub 100%.

X2

[kieselguhr]

Me personally would pick the Submariner given the choice between the 2 you listed.

[Little machines]

Sub !

[greg19]

Another vote for the Sub. The Explorer is boring.

[Notforme]

Sub

[Sothy]

Originally Posted by liberalclown

Mercedes hands, 3-6-9 dial and flip lock clasp are the differences from OP36. Hard to tell from the pictures but the case and bezel seems different as well, but we will see when the hands-on reviews comes up. Overall Exp 36 is a dressy sports watch and OP 36 is sporty dress watch.

Thanks

[AJMarcus]

Submariner.

BTW, Cool name for TRF. Why not keep it.

[Mr Biggles]

Since you already have the YM go Explorer, perfect combination. Perfect daily

If you're not gonna keep de YM in the long run then perhaps the Sub

[sgarrity]

Originally Posted by Krash

.........Don’t get me wrong, I do see them, but I see way more Datejusts and DayDates than Submariners. That’s for sure and it’s not even close...

Probably depends on where you live. Here in SoCal Subs are everywhere. Quite a few DJs. DD are rarer. I’ve seen one other guy with an Explorer.

[John1083]

Originally Posted by Orangeface

Do NOT get the no-date Sub. You might be taking the one I'm waiting for!

Hhahahahahaha


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[Check]

I know that I am a bit late to this thread, but here goes… I purchased a new Explorer 124270 in June from an AD and a few months later bought a new Sub 124060. The two things that I would mention are that the Exp is sooooooooo comfortable that you can literally wear it all day, every day. The Sub gets NO wrist time because it just can’t compete on wearability and comfort. Interestingly enough, the Exp is much more legible with the 3-6-9 than the Sub.

I previously owned the 39mm Exp 1 (214270) and now the current model. In the last 3 years of ownership, and daily wear of both Explorers to the exclusion of all other watches, I have only seen ONE Exp 1, but countless Subs. I also like that the Exp 1 flies completely under the radar. I traveled all over Europe this summer with it on a NATO without any unwanted attention whatsoever… sheer perfection! Very versatile indeed! The Sub is beautiful, but the Exp is a classic that you can only truly appreciate after having worn it.
If you haven’t made your decision and/or purchased yet, go for the Exp 1!

[Nairn1980]

Sub ND 41

[Andrews148]

They arey two favourite Rolex watches. I chose the Explorer, as I already have a nice diver that my wife bought for me 18 years ago (a Seamaster 2254.50)

With your wrist size the Explorer will look great - and you will love the watch!

[TswaneNguni]

Compared the the 41 the other one wont even get to explore the mall .

[ikincooper]

OP what did you go for in the end? Have you purchased either yet?

Given you have a YM already, it’s be an easy choice for me to suggest the Explorer. You’d get so much more variety in your collection. You also have a smallish wrists and so based on my experience (6.25” wrist) you’d find the Explorer more comfortable.

I’ve owned a SUB (114060) and found it be be an amazing piece but ultimately a little too big. Great to have owned one but it wore me whereas I wear my Explorer…




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[robinmgb]

100% easiest decision ever, Sub 41 no date.
The explorer is too small and has nothing going for it at all in my opinion, completely undesirable!
The ceramic bezel sub on the other hand is simply a good looking man sized watch.

[GST15]

Sub without question

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by liberalclown

Mercedes hands, 3-6-9 dial and flip lock clasp are the differences from OP36. Hard to tell from the pictures but the case and bezel seems different as well, but we will see when the hands-on reviews comes up. Overall Exp 36 is a dressy sports watch and OP 36 is sporty dress watch.

Case difference is in the taper of the lugs: OP has 20mm lug-to-lug width and Exp has 19, so Exp case appears a bit smaller. Bracelet tapers more at the clasp, too.

Bezel is much more angular on Exp, as it's always been (and similar to the DD40 platinum and DJII/DJ41), while the OP is domed.