Could I kindly get some advice and thoughts?

[SteelRiver]

Good evening,

As the topic goes I was wondering could you help with a dream decision I have to make!

I've finally saved up enough money to purchase my first rolex, I'm so excited and a little nervous.!

This watch will be my everyday watch and I hope to wear it for many years to come.

The two models I have narrowed it down too are the following ;

Rolex Explorer 214270

Rolex oyster perpetual 116000 ( blue dial)

I'm 40 years old with a 6.75 inch wrist and in my job I've no need for suits just casual wear.

Could you please give me your thoughts and opinions on the two watches including any pros or cons? Any photos would also be helpful.

Finally thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

Frank

[Car32]

Either the 39mm Explorer or 36mm OP is fine for your wrist size, it comes down to your personal preference. The Exp has a flat smooth bezel while OP has a domed smooth bezel - I suspect it will be relatively harder to see scratches on the domed dial. The Exp has a an E-Z link extension, which is a nice to have but not necessary for everyone (strangely, I find myself using it on my Exp but not on my GMT or Daytona). The Exp also has a safety lock on the clasp (don’t think this is necessary either as DJs don’t have em and no one complains about their clasps coming undone).

The dials are similar in style but obviously have differences, again it comes down to personal preference. Do you like the blue sunburst dial over the black? The white gold 3-6-9 over the lumed 3-6-9? Baton hands or Mercedes hands? Personally i like the blue suburst dial but the lumed 3-6-9 and Mercedes hands.

Either is a great choice, enjoy!!

[burnthesehills]

Both are great choices. Explorer might be a bit more difficult to find at an AD. Explorer probably the more popular of the two. I would choose the Explorer but it comes down to personal preference. Can’t go wrong here.

[brandog]

Rolex's sunburst dials are really a thing of beauty.

[macrowatch]

I bought an explorer 1 as my first Rolex years ago. Wish I had bought a sub no date instead.

If between your two, would go explorer over OP. Better clasp and IMO not as commoditized as much as one can say that for any mass produced watch.

[marshallr47]

The 39mm Explorer would be a great choice. Rugged and a thing of beauty.

[SteelRiver]

Thanks so much for the replies so far! If any owners of the Explorer with a 6.5 - 6.75 inch wrist have time would you mind sharing a wrist shot please? Thank you

[thesharkfactor]

Have you considered a Submariner Date? This is a very popular 'only' and 'daily' and ' it goes with anything'. It's tough as nails and looks amazing. It is perhaps the most popular choice worldwide. You really can't go wrong with an Explorer or OP, they are just abit sedate and below the radar.

[Seibei]

Explorer. I would rather have a sub though but it might be a struggle to get one.

[SteelRiver]

Would love a submariner however it's out of my budget sadly!

[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by SteelRiver

Would love a submariner however it's out of my budget sadly!

Don't settle for 2nd choice. It's only a little more and it's worth it.. and I'm sure your local AD can get one for you quite quickly (weeks/months not years).

[briweed]

+1 for getting that you really want. If you can afford an Explorer, then you can afford a SubC. If you need to save a little bit more, it's easy to do. Get in front of an AD now and inquire about getting their next one.

B

[Charm City]

I always thought I’d end up with a sub until I discovered the Explorer. There’s just something special about it

6 months in and I’m still obsessed...




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[Flyinghunter]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

Don't settle for 2nd choice. It's only a little more and it's worth it.. and I'm sure your local AD can get one for you quite quickly (weeks/months not years).

Great advice.

[timepieceluvr]

Explorer for sure! It’s cooler than the Sub


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[Fat_ninja]

Explorer. Over an Op or sub

[weaseldriver]

Blue OP all day long. They both keep time. You need the most versatile in color and style.


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[Pauln]

Explorer is a fantastic watch.

[TheGRman]

After viewing photos of each side by side, IMHO I'd go for the O.P. 116000. It's beautiful blue "explorer-ish" dial, smooth rounded bezel, and baton hands combines the DNA from both models. Of course this is based on my own view of design aesthetics and didn't take into account the functional differences in the bracelet clasps. Whichever one you decide, may it give you many many years of service and enjoyment!

[justjay82]

Similar wrist size here.
I have a GMT IIc and an OP39. And I’ve owned a no date Sub in the past.
The explorer is a very nice piece too - though I’ve never owned one personally.
All great options.
If it were me - and you only planned on getting one Rolex... I would probably go with a Sub or a DJ.

[ruffa]

Explorer for sure.

[Waxtactic]

The Explorer 1 for several reasons: tool watch, 39mm looks great on a wrist your size, far more of a unique piece, the clasp is a functionally solid part of the watch, heritage...and honestly the list goes on. Buy with confidence.

[s.m.b.]

I prefer the 36mm OP over the 39mm Explorer. Better proportions.

[Marcjvr]

My Explorer on my 6.75 inch wrist




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[SilverJackHammer]

I recently ordered my first Rolex, then suffered conflict over my choice. I couldn’t decide between 3 models. The call came and the one hour drive really had me questioning my choice.

I hope you will be thrilled after you pull the trigger, after I purchased all my doubts and soul searching was replaced with complete happiness.

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by SteelRiver

Good evening,



As the topic goes I was wondering could you help with a dream decision I have to make!



I've finally saved up enough money to purchase my first rolex, I'm so excited and a little nervous.!



This watch will be my everyday watch and I hope to wear it for many years to come.



The two models I have narrowed it down too are the following ;



Rolex Explorer 214270



Rolex oyster perpetual 116000 ( blue dial)



I'm 40 years old with a 6.75 inch wrist and in my job I've no need for suits just casual wear.



Could you please give me your thoughts and opinions on the two watches including any pros or cons? Any photos would also be helpful.



Finally thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.



Frank

Exp. 100%


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Duke of Dulwich]

Explorer I for sure if I were buying. I would find a well stocked grey dealer and try both on. Then buy which ever sings to you or neither. You may find that another reference catches your eye and is within your budget.

The latter has happened to me a few times. I had my heart set on an Exp II polar dial and walked away with an Air King. I had my heart set on a Pam 1312 and walked away with a Pam 797. I bought these two because they sang to me when I saw them in person.

[s.m.b.]

Here's a link to a guy reviewing the 116000 with the blue dial...

[Amochosto]

If the 116000 numerals are lumed, and I think they are, I’d chose it over the 39mm Explorer. The video linked in the post above says it better than I can, but right now I just like the OP better.

[jstan9]

They are both amazing watches and so similar that I would use your feelings and the aesthetics that appeal to you. For my part, it would be the blue oyster perpetual all the way but that’s because I’ve always dreamed of a blue watch and blue and green (the accents) are my favorite colors.

These are both hard to find (at least here, in the Bay Area) but if you can see both, your heart will guide you.

Good luck! And welcome!!