Best value for money Rolex - New Explorer I

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by jbreeden

Can you explain how the new 36mm explorer at $6450, is a better value that the 36mm OP at $5700 if they both have the same movement, same bracelet, same easy link clasp, and both have lumed hands and markers?

It's probably hard to make a strong argument that any Rolex is a strong or better value than some other watch, especially since there is a diversity of what people consider to bring value to a watch.

That being said, I see the point of this post, as the OP and the Exp are basically identical in construction except for the dial and hands. The OP is an outstanding watch, with a variety of cool dials over the years. For those who favor the Explorer, I think it boils down that that difference in dial and hands -- there is something special about them. The dial and hands take you into Rolex sport watch territory, while the case design also has its foot planted in casual territory (and works with a suit in a pinch). For many, this makes the Explorer slightly more versatile than the outstanding OP, and worth the extra few hundred bucks. To each his/her own!

[JRique]

Originally Posted by Oyster Sauce

It's probably hard to make a strong argument that any Rolex is a strong or better value than some other watch, especially since there is a diversity of what people consider to bring value to a watch.

That being said, I see the point of this post, as the OP and the Exp are basically identical in construction except for the dial and hands. The OP is an outstanding watch, with a variety of cool dials over the years. For those who favor the Explorer, I think it boils down that that difference in dial and hands -- there is something special about them. The dial and hands take you into Rolex sport watch territory, while the case design also has its foot planted in casual territory (and works with a suit in a pinch). For many, this makes the Explorer slightly more versatile than the outstanding OP, and worth the extra few hundred bucks. To each his/her own!

The 3 6 9 dial plus the hands.

Explorer >>> OP

[greg19]

I had both the OP and blue dial Explorer the same time and hands down I'd take the OP every time. It could be dressed up and down as well. The only thing "better" (to me) about the Explorer is the flat bezel. The 3,6,9 comment is very subjective. Arabic numerals aren't for everyone, and at 36mm it takes it off the radar for a lot of people. And since it's stainless, good luck getting one from an AD so that will pretty much throw the "best value for money in the Rolex lineup" out the window.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by JRique

It can't get much better than this, best value for money in the Rolex line up, best one watch you can have for sure. Dress it up, dress it down.

OP 36 has same movement and same case - $5600.
Explorer 36 has same movement and same case - $6450.

Just dial,hands/bezel are different but its similar watch. How can Explorer be the best value for money when they have OP36 and in multiple dial options for almost 1K less? If you get color dial OP36, it'll be worth more than Exp36 any day of the week!

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by jbreeden

I was not saying a datejust.
This, $5700 for the updated version of this with new movement and new clasp.

The OP with the 5 min interval minute track would allow for much better precision and quicker glances than the “Explorer”. Less clutter on the dial as well. Interesting.

[noshame]

I actually quite like the new Explorer, very well proportioned; however, I don't like how they moved the "Explorer" text back to the top of the dial. I understand that's where it was originally, but the dial looks unbalanced now with too much empty space below. Anyone else agree?

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by JRique

It can't get much better than this, best value for money in the Rolex line up, best one watch you can have for sure. Dress it up, dress it down.



https://www.lesrhabilleurs.com/2021/...uveautes-2021/

I like it. But it’s not for everyone. Most Rolex owners, not collectors, will find 36 way too dainty and small certainly to what they wear on a daily basis. I think the Explorer 36 will appeal mostly to vintage lovers and those with smaller than average wrists. It won’t be a big seller but more of a niche piece. Rolex knows that and I’m sure will no doubt reflect that in the volume it produces of this model.

[JRique]

Originally Posted by Maxy

OP 36 has same movement and same case - $5600.
Explorer 36 has same movement and same case - $6450.

Just dial,hands/bezel are different but its similar watch. How can Explorer be the best value for money when they have OP36 and in multiple dial options for almost 1K less? If you get color dial OP36, it'll be worth more than Exp36 any day of the week!

Just hands, dial and bezel... Thats the entire look of the watch...

[vengapat]

Entirely too small for most wrists.

[RyanJ]

Rolex could release a 41mm but...

I am starting to think that the 39mm was just not a big seller. I love it but it was more expensive than an OP and many I have spoken with dont think the differences were worth it.

It was one of the last models to become hard to get at retail. Was that because Rolex just stopped making them and started to let the supply dwindle due to knowing they were going to discontinue it? Who knows???

Pure speculation on my part of course.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Rolex could release a 41mm but...

I am starting to think that the 39mm was just not a big seller. I love it but it was more expensive than an OP and many I have spoken with dont think the differences were worth it.

It was one of the last models to become hard to get at retail. Was that because Rolex just stopped making them and started to let the supply dwindle due to knowing they were going to discontinue it? Who knows???

Pure speculation on my part of course.

If I was a betting man, I'd bet that the Explorer gets an alternate 41mm reference based on the OP41. Polar dial. Perhaps in a few years. Compliment to the 36mm black dial.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by JRique

Just hands, dial and bezel... Thats the entire look of the watch...

Yes look is different but the quality you are getting is exactly same for $1K less with same case, movement. So how can Exp36 be better valued than OP36?

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by 904VT

If I was a betting man, I'd bet that the Explorer gets an alternate 41mm reference based on the OP41. Polar dial. Perhaps in a few years. Compliment to the 36mm black dial.

That's a watch I would wait in line for!

[inadeje]

The 36mm will be a good watch for my daughters. I may cancel the OPs and go for these

[worldofoyster]

look very small

[Frank McKay]

Looks like a little kids watch size in that photo.

[bboybatac]

This looks correct. I don't like the direction of larger cases blowing out proportion to the wrist. IMO, it looks gaudy.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by JRique

It can't get much better than this, best value for money in the Rolex line up, best one watch you can have for sure. Dress it up, dress it down.



https://www.lesrhabilleurs.com/2021/...uveautes-2021/

That's my feeling exactly about my 114270.

[t60]

Originally Posted by cardiel

keep seeing comments about 36mm being a watch for ladies......whats with that?

No different than people that have to drive big trucks. People are too used to big watches and like having dinner plates on their wrists.

I like the 36mm. Fight me.

[Undefeatable]

Originally Posted by Uhtred59

still doesn't say Explorer on the dial. The history is worth a couple of bucks.

Then wouldn't the OP be worth more since the OP is what was actually worn to Everest?

[britxt0]

Originally Posted by JRique

It can't get much better than this, best value for money in the Rolex line up, best one watch you can have for sure. Dress it up, dress it down.



https://www.lesrhabilleurs.com/2021/...uveautes-2021/

Well, I still say it's a lovely watch nonetheless...

[Ensign]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

Will these be available to order/buy from an AD do you think or is it going to be the same grey dealer lunacy ?

“Same grey lunacy,” I don’t see why not.

Triple MSRP for a year, then maybe settling down to double.

[flexibil29]

Can be Air King considered a good investigation?

[Alvar*]

Actually, the bracelet clasp of the OP 36 feels far inferior and less of quality than a bracelet clasp of a modern explorer 39 mm (I assume the bracelet and the clasp will be the same on the new 36 mm). Also the rolex crown in the OP 36 clasp is engraved where as it is applied in the explorer clasp. Thus the OP 36 bracelet feels overall less of quality. I dont know does it justify the price difference but there is indeed a difference.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by Ensign

“Same grey lunacy,” I don’t see why not.

Triple MSRP for a year, then maybe settling down to double.

That’s a shame I like the watch and would buy it at the manufacturers recommended price but not a penny more.

[Frits1980]

Its to small. Nobody will be able to see i'm wearing a Rolex.

I own the 39 but i will try the 36 for sure. It looks so much better/classic on pics at least.

[JRique]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Its to small. Nobody will be able to see i'm wearing a Rolex.

I own the 39 but i will try the 36 for sure. It looks so much better/classic on pics at least.

And thats the magic, its a completely under the radar Rolex, a Sub or GMT everybody have, a Explorer I no.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Its to small. Nobody will be able to see i'm wearing a Rolex.
.

Thank you for this post
Makes me want it more

[1William]

Nice watch, not for me.

[Mr Biggles]

Much better proportioned then the bloated 39mm.

Watches without a bezel (aka Sub/GMT) and all dial wear larger. Somehow I think people are only looking at the size on paper then the actual fit and look