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Old 11 September 2017, 07:53 AM   #1
red r
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Explorer or Sub no date

Explorer or Sub no date which do you prefer?

I'm having a hard time deciding and I can only get one.
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Old 11 September 2017, 08:00 AM   #2
rushca01
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Is this your one and only Rolex? If so, I would go sub not date as it's more versatile in my opinion.
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Old 11 September 2017, 08:02 AM   #3
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Depends. Are you considered 5 or 6 digit models? 5 digit I prefer the 14060M. 6 digit I prefer the 214270 long hand 3 6 9 lume dial
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Old 11 September 2017, 08:03 AM   #4
carlhaluss
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I had the same dilemma. And I was thinking that I like the dial on the Sub better than the Explorer (assuming you mean Explorer I?), but I didn't want the diver bezel. And, while I like the Mercedes hands, they are not a favorite for me. So, I was at a Tudor AD and had a look at the Black Bay 36, fell in love and bought it. And, I like the "Snowflake" hands better. And now they make it in a 41mm model as well. So with the money I saved, I got a Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual, then soon after another one.

Worth looking at Tudor as well, I would say. They make a fantastic, quality watch. Perhaps not the Rolex prestige, but no compromise in quality IMO.

Sorry, that doesn't really answer your question. If I chose between your two, I would get the Sub no date. I love, firstly, the beautiful crown operation and how it just screws down without any force at all, and stays in place. I also like the dial better. And also the clasp, with the Glidelock extension. But it is the crown mechanism that really gets me. The only negative might be it is not as versatile for wearing on various occasions.

That would be my choice. But they are both gorgeous watches.
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Old 11 September 2017, 08:07 AM   #5
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Watches are very different in purpose and design. I own both, but first went with the Submariner (note proper naming: either Submariner or Submariner Date), then added the Explorer second.
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Old 11 September 2017, 08:19 AM   #6
dysondiver
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i wear an explorer 1 as a daily , and love the classic size . and no fuss dial , if i want the date , i look at my phone.
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Old 11 September 2017, 09:02 AM   #7
dubins930
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I was in the same dilemma... I went with the 214270
perfect everyday watch...I love the sub but if I get one it will be a 5 series
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Old 11 September 2017, 09:04 AM   #8
dr35mm
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As much as I like the Explorer, you just can't beat a sub, most specially a No Date.
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Old 11 September 2017, 09:06 AM   #9
OgSnowflake
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No date Sub for me... but the explorer best believe is a great watch as well, u won't be disappointed with either choice.
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Old 11 September 2017, 09:13 AM   #10
Polarbears
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Don't forget the Bezel can always be used as a date function.
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Old 11 September 2017, 09:23 AM   #11
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You would need a timing bezel
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Old 11 September 2017, 09:27 AM   #12
liu_watch
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Explorer or Sub no date

I would choose the explorer I. Couldn't get used to the wide lugs on the Sub. I also prefer the shorter clasp on the exp I.


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Old 11 September 2017, 09:49 AM   #13
gregmoeck
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Two completely different watches, and both great, I would make sure to try both on and after doing so I bet you pick the explorer
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Old 11 September 2017, 10:01 AM   #14
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As nice as the Explorer is, the Sub wins hands down in my book. It's a great starter for a collection or to use as an everyday wear.
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Old 11 September 2017, 10:02 AM   #15
dafuture
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I looked at both and chose the Explorer. While I still love the Sub, I just fell in love with that classy, perfectly proportioned case and 3-6-9 dial.
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Old 11 September 2017, 10:06 AM   #16
The Libertine
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Quote:
Originally Posted by meganfox17 View Post
You would need a timing bezel
Excellent illustration, Megan! I thinks that restaurants could also use the following as many seem unable to properly cook within the various "shades" of medium!
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Old 11 September 2017, 10:55 AM   #17
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Explorer, then a Sub Date. That's what I did...
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Old 11 September 2017, 10:57 AM   #18
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I am biased. Went Explorer then a Tudor Black Bay Black to scratch the Sub itch. Explorer.
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Old 11 September 2017, 11:05 AM   #19
tatery
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I wear the 214270 as a daily now. The 114060 is beautiful but I think the explorer is a little more comfortable. I would try 5 and 6 digit references of both on in person first if possible


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Old 11 September 2017, 11:24 AM   #20
173rdabn
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Had a 39mm Explorer 1, great watch. Only reason for a Sub is diving. If you don't dive, it's a waste as the bezel is just a non-functional style element.
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Old 11 September 2017, 11:37 AM   #21
geebob
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I'm having the same problem I thought I was set on Explorer, I love the Explorer... but lately I started to have second thought on this, Submariner the 114060 one.

This will not be my only watch, I have a Speedy Pro, but it will be my first Rolex and probably the only one for a couple of years and maybe will be my only one.

I need to go back to the AD again to try the Sub. The last several times I was there I did not try the Sub, cause I was set on the Explorer.

ETA: BTW, watching Dr. No, From Russia With Love and Goldfinger this past week, makes things worse... I know it's
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Old 11 September 2017, 11:47 AM   #22
shawndww
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I have Explorer ii 16570, explorer I 114270 and no date 14060 2 liners 1999 Swiss only. The explorer ii in my opinion is the ugliest of the bunch in photos. I put it on, then it looks good and it has been my daily forever. Everything is perfect for a one watch collection, crown protection, date, bezel Gmt etc... I never second guess putting on this watch.
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Old 11 September 2017, 02:10 PM   #23
Richardreyan
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Sub no date for me.

It is more iconic
Higher resale value in case u decide to flip it
Higher Water resistance
Not as polished looking as the explorer
Has a timing bezel
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Old 11 September 2017, 03:22 PM   #24
Ruud Van Driver
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Libertine View Post
Excellent illustration, Megan! I thinks that restaurants could also use the following as many seem unable to properly cook within the various "shades" of medium!
An expert chef uses touch (as in feel of the meat), not timing, to deliver the steak requested by the patron.

Back to the OP, original Submariner all the way. The only watch you'll ever need.
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Old 11 September 2017, 03:46 PM   #25
ADB85
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If I could only have one I would say Submariner but I am biased as it as my first Rolex. I do love the look of the new Explorer though.
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Old 11 September 2017, 03:54 PM   #26
geebob
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Not an expert, but I also use touch
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Old 11 September 2017, 03:57 PM   #27
Stevec14
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Sub for me, but try on both the 5 and 6 digits as they wear quite different and differ in wrist presence. Both great however.
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Old 11 September 2017, 04:15 PM   #28
meganfox17
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Originally Posted by The Libertine View Post
Excellent illustration, Megan! I thinks that restaurants could also use the following as many seem unable to properly cook within the various "shades" of medium!
Why, Thank You Sir ! To the other readers, If you are a fan of MasterChef Australia and Canada, some amateur cooking contestants racing against time actually used their timing bezels on their watches to prepare hot and cold dishes in front of the judges.

Even seasoned chefs have admitted making the occasional mistakes by relying on their instincts and experiences rather than the time tested method of timing and tasting when cooking .Clearly some people love to make assumptions without knowing the basics and facts.
I have more than 15 years of experience in my field of expertise that requires timing of execution and after all these years, I still rely on my timing bezel (or chronograph or ask someone to shout out the countdown for me! No kidding )
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Old 11 September 2017, 04:22 PM   #29
Welcome
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Sub.
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Old 11 September 2017, 07:42 PM   #30
a-new-hope
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2016 explorer over the latest nd sub or 14060m over the 36mm explorer gets my vote
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