114270 Explorer on leather—did I make a mistake?

[aramingo_venango]

Hi, first-time Rolex owner looking for opinions/advice.

I just bought a 114270 Explorer from HQ Milton without a bracelet, because bracelets don't suit my style at all. I was hoping to put it on a leather strap because I think it would look awesome that way.

But now I am seeing photos of chewed-up straps because the sharp edge of the Explorer's case eats at the leather. I am thinking that I may have screwed up, and that the Explorer is really at home on a bracelet.

I can do 3 things:

1. Return the 114270, since HQ Milton has a generous 5-day inspection period granting a refund.

2. Ask them about exchanging the 114270 for a 1997 14270 they have in stock. Is the 14270 any better with leather? I didn't think the cases were different between them, but some people are saying the 14270 has more room between spring bar and the sharp edge of the case. Is this true?

3. Just keep the 114270 and use thin straps, curved spring bars, etc. But at this point I think it is something that will really bug me and prevent me from enjoying the watch.

Thanks in advance.

[tyler1980]

return it

IMO putting a strap on a Rolex is fine as a change of pace from time to time. If you want the watch on a strap permanently, then there are better options. Watches designed to be worn on a strap look much better.

[chuckblocker]

I'd return it and get one on a bracelet. You can always put it on leather and adding a bracelet to this would cost you more IMO.

[Helmi]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

return it

imo putting a strap on a rolex is fine as a change of pace from time to time. If you want the watch on a strap permanently, then there are better options. Watches designed to be worn on a strap look much better.

+1

[yessir69]

Welcome to the forum. If it bugs you now, it will drive you crazy long term. Return it.

[Chadridv]

I personally would not have bought the watch without the original bracelet. A. it's an awesome bracelet that would be my favorites look for the watch. B. it's very difficult and costly to replace it.

That said, I love playing around with alternative straps for my watches.

If you decided to keep it. I'd check out everest. They make a killer rubber strap for your watch, and I believe the make some amazing leather straps that would fit your watch too.
https://www.everestbands.com/collect...lorer-i-214270

[rmlovett1]

I like the Explorer on leather....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by yessir69

Welcome to the forum. If it bugs you now, it will drive you crazy long term. Return it.

Agreed.

[aramingo_venango]

Thanks everyone. I think tyler1980 nailed it. A strap "is fine as a change of pace from time to time," but ultimately I didn't understand that the bracelet is a pretty big part of what makes a Rolex a Rolex.

The watch is really nice. But I am going to return it and seek out a field watch that is more at home on leather.

Thanks again.

[PLNYC]

I'd return it and look for an explorer with the bracelet and buy leather straps to change into. I like a few that Everest has to offer especially since it has endlinks which will help make it look more complete.

[Tedwin]

I'm probably a lone voice on this, but..

I have had two 114270's, both of which the bracelet remained in the box while they were worn on leather or Perlon.
The bracelets only got put on when my girlfriend was wearing them.
I still have the second one, it remains because I like to wear something small and simple sometimes, robust, accurate, great movement, easy to read day and night. No date, great looking dial. It's a lightweight watch and very comfortable when on a simple Shell Cordovan strap (as pictured below) If I could have saved a load of money I would have bought it without the bracelet :)

My current daily wearer (16523 Daytona) I think (just my opinion, I'm not starting anything) looks truly awful on its bracelet, but is absolutely gorgeous on leather! Oyster bracelets (again, just imho) make a watch look distinctly 'generic'

[sensui]

Bracelet would be nice to have, but IMO the Exp I is one of the rare Rolex that looks good on a leather strap (most of them go with bracelets). I wouldn't worry too much about chewed up straps with properly sized straps/infrequent changes.

[encarter13]

You can always go for a Rubber B or Everest.

[JKolmo]

I would return it too. The 114270 is a real strap chewer (due to lug holes very close to the case). Not many straps will clear the case.

[Limey-]

I have a 14270 which i have two bracelets for and a big pile of straps. The watch lives on leather or nato. Its a versatile watch that looks and works great both ways. Im sure you will have no problem picking up a used bracelet down the line. I would explore the strap options on Rolex's best watch in the meantime.

[polaris72]

I bought a Rubber B for my Exp 214270 MkI. I could have never make myself to replace the oyster bracelet. That said, I have other watches, such as Panerai, where I replace bracelets to achieve different looks.

[Old Expat Beast]

2. Ask them about exchanging the 114270 for a 1997 14270 they have in stock. Is the 14270 any better with leather? I didn't think the cases were different between them, but some people are saying the 14270 has more room between spring bar and the sharp edge of the case. Is this true?


Yes.

[heng51]

Why don't you try a Rubber Strap? Brands like Rubber B make straps just for Rolex and have a pretty good reputation.

Not sure how much you paid for your "leather" strap but if it got worn and torn pretty quickly maybe it wasn't as great quality as you thought.

[Sunny Arizona]

Why don't you simply source a proper Bracelet?

[GarbanzoNegro]

I have several straps (some from Hirsch) and they do not get chewed by the watch. Having said that, I always return to the SS bracelet, since IMO I feel it looks much better with it.

Best regards,


Mr. Gonzalez

[Etschell]

Id return it.

[sickened1]

14270 on leather.

[GarbanzoNegro]

Another one.


Best regards,


Mr. Gonzalez

[toomuchtalk]

What's more important-
The strap or watch?