Don’t understand. Why go from 36 to 39 then back to 36mm

[tom1969]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The lugs of the 114270 are much thinner than on the DJ36 of the same period.

I never liked those "fat" lugs. The 124270 seems to have the same elegant shape as the original. Also they moved the "EXPLORER" back to the top of the dial.

Apart from the serial number and the bracelet, is there any way to tell a 114 from a 124? Short of looking if it's still running after 50 hours at rest?

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

No worries- you are indeed correct the 114270 and 116200 were offered concurrently. My point was that the 114270 continued to share the 16200 mid case for the entire production run starting with the 14270.

Oh.

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[nyc10ken]

Originally Posted by DFC45

The unspoken elephant in the room is China. They account for the shortages, as well as the move to updated 36mm in DJ and the new Explorer. I own a 114270 and a 214270 MK 1 and love them both. The new Explorer with solid links and new movement is awesome. If I have the chance I will add it to my collection

Curious what does China have to do with updating DJ 36mm and downsizing the Exp1? Not saying youre wrong I might have some idea too but would like to learn more.

Shortage is due to demand everywhere, but I guess sure scapegoat China why not.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by tom1969

I never liked those "fat" lugs. The 124270 seems to have the same elegant shape as the original. Also they moved the "EXPLORER" back to the top of the dial.

Apart from the serial number and the bracelet, is there any way to tell a 114 from a 124? Short of looking if it's still running after 50 hours at rest?

It looks the lugs on the 124270 are beefier than on the 114270. The lugs on the 114270 are almost razor thin. That's my perception anyway.

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[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by nyc10ken

Curious what does China have to do with updating DJ 36mm and downsizing the Exp1? Not saying youre wrong I might have some idea too but would like to learn more.

Shortage is due to demand everywhere, but I guess sure scapegoat China why not.

Smaller wrists and preference for smaller watches, in general. Surely there are exceptions, but there’s a reason why the 14270/114270 was such a hit in Japan.

[polarinda]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

It looks the lugs on the 124270 are beefier than on the 114270. The lugs on the 114270 are almost razor thin. That's my perception anyway.

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I agree. Also the 369 thickness. Looks like they took 3mm off the mark 2 39.

[IAN1]

Originally Posted by daveathall

I also think 36mm is perfect for the Explorer, I also think that the Explorer II is better in 39mm and was perfect, rather than the larger size (42mm) it is now. But that is just my opinion.

I agree. 36 for the Exp 1 is just right. I think the sweet spot for the rest of the range 40-41.

[Fleetlord]

Since opinions are being openly expressed, I have absolutely no interest at all in a 36mm EXP I.

[alphadweller]

The way I see it, the idea is probably to bring back style!

[csaltphoto]

Might also be a market test to see how smaller watches are doing. Dip a toe in with one reference.

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Since opinions are being openly expressed, I have absolutely no interest at all in a 36mm EXP I.

How’s come?

[doramas]

Rolex will probably also bring out an Explorer 41 which will actually measure approximately 39.5mm. So don't get nervous. It will all come.

[nyc10ken]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

Smaller wrists and preference for smaller watches, in general. Surely there are exceptions, but there’s a reason why the 14270/114270 was such a hit in Japan.

Alright if you say so. Then wouldn't the shortage that's being caused by them be for datejusts instead of the sports?

[davidevo]

Originally Posted by Tritto

I don't know that I'm going to get any support here, but for me 38mm is a really nice size. I have plenty of 36mm watches, but my 38mm watches have just a little more presence before you get into the bigger sports watches.


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A pipe dream perhaps, but I'm hoping for a 38mm Air King! Blue dial with an engine turned bezel

How sexy would that be...

[dannyp]

A few hypotheses:

1. With the demise of the 39mm OP, Rolex could repurpose certain aspects of production that would have been devoted to the company's sole 39mm watch (and sales of that watch didn't warrant such).

2. Watches are going smaller these days (for proof, check out IWC's "new" 43mm Big Pilot).

3. Rolex doesn't offer a TT 36mm watch w/o date and perhaps this seemed like a good opportunity to introduce one.

4. Actually intended to replace the OP 36 w/3-6-9 dial that was mistakenly discontinued.

5. It's just a better size for that watch.

[jpwv]

Originally Posted by davidevo

A pipe dream perhaps, but I'm hoping for a 38mm Air King! Blue dial with an engine turned bezel

How sexy would that be...

That is a good looking watch.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

How’s come?

I personally think it comes up small.

[Cagwolf]

Goodluck trying to figure out why Rolex did that hahahha

[Epanerai12]

It was prob for scalability and profit margin. Since they changed the OP to 36 and 41 (and now sharing cases with the respective sizes of DJ), the Exp 1 at 39 no longer shared a case with any other model and Rolex prob felt it isn't profitable enough to produce a single watch on that case any longer. They could've gone up to 41 to share with DJ/OP but it was a logical step to go to 36 between the two since 36 is the original size.

[Rolextellstime]

Originally Posted by Epanerai12

It was prob for scalability and profit margin. Since they changed the OP to 36 and 41 (and now sharing cases with the respective sizes of DJ), the Exp 1 at 39 no longer shared a case with any other model and Rolex prob felt it isn't profitable enough to produce a single watch on that case any longer. They could've gone up to 41 to share with DJ/OP but it was a logical step to go to 36 between the two since 36 is the original size.

Excellent analysis, I believe this is the case

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[Innocenti]

Take this for what it’s worth as it’s only my opinion.
My interest is primarily older Rolex but the newer watches are undeniably better built and more robust.
A return to a smaller and more modest size is most welcome.
I prefer the idea of a nice watch being noticed by a few as opposed to SHOUTING at everyone.

[nat]

Originally Posted by Epanerai12

It was prob for scalability and profit margin. Since they changed the OP to 36 and 41 (and now sharing cases with the respective sizes of DJ), the Exp 1 at 39 no longer shared a case with any other model and Rolex prob felt it isn't profitable enough to produce a single watch on that case any longer. They could've gone up to 41 to share with DJ/OP but it was a logical step to go to 36 between the two since 36 is the original size.

Agree with your analysis. Love the way my 214270 Mark II smiles at me. There probably will not be a new 39mm Rolex for some time to come.

[zengineer]

They needed more watches in the ladies line up.

Look for a 41mm Explorer next year.

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[OrangeSport]

The 39 never looked right

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by zengineer

They needed more watches in the ladies line up.

Look for a 41mm Explorer next year.

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Not going to happen. YM aside, Rolex doesn't do otherwise identical professional models in multiple sizes.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Not going to happen. YM aside, Rolex doesn't do otherwise identical professional models in multiple sizes.

We'll see. The OP39 and Explorer used to share a case. A 41 mm Explorer is as likely as any other release.



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[Vetracer]

Originally Posted by OrangeSport

The 39 never looked right

So subjective, I snapped up a 39mm Explorer when I had the chance because it was always on my list and I realised it was going away. When I was working in the office, it became my daily wear.

I couldn’t imagine my collection without it.

[knighty88]

Originally Posted by OrangeSport

The 39 never looked right

In your opinion… in mine, it’s the perfect watch and will never leave my collection.

If we all liked exactly the same things, life would be boring.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by zengineer

We'll see. The OP39 and Explorer used to share a case. A 41 mm Explorer is as likely as any other release.



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It’s not because there’s no case to share, it’s because Rolex has never really been into the “same watch, different sizes” game on Professional models (YM aside). And I get it: I’d something is purpose-built (at least in theory) then the purpose dictates the size, not the trends). This isn’t where I see that starting.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by dannyp

It’s not because there’s no case to share, it’s because Rolex has never really been into the “same watch, different sizes” game on Professional models (YM aside). And I get it: I’d something is purpose-built (at least in theory) then the purpose dictates the size, not the trends). This isn’t where I see that starting.

Yes, I understand why you think what you think.

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