The New 36mm Explorer 124270

[ervelo]

I had the chance to play with the new 2021 36mm Explorer release yesterday... and it was underwhelming.

As a smaller wrist guy and a 14270 owner, I welcomed the 36mm change to the Explorer. In fact, I was contemplating if I should make the switch but after seeing the watch in person yesterday, it's a hard pass on the 124270. I'll be sticking to my 14270.

What do I not like about the watch?

The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. I can't find anything on Rolex's website, but it seems the bracelet width starts at 18 or 19mm and tapers to 15mm or maybe even 14mm. It just doesn't give the "oomph" you're looking for when it comes to wrist presence, at least to me.

In photos, it looks fine but once you see it in person, you'll know what I mean.

[RonnieBadger]

That’s a shame.
I’m having the chance to buy later this week and look forward to seeing it in person.
Was it just the strap that was underwhelming?
What are your thoughts on the face and case presence?

[brandrea]

That’s too bad, as it looks about dead nuts perfect on you.

[Boothroyd]

Did you notice an appreciable difference in thickness to your watch? Others were commenting on that in another recent thread.

[Rick_Nashville]

No problem whatsoever with voicing your honest reaction. 36mm will never be for everyone, but at least you're doing the right thing and allowing the piece to remain available for someone else!

[vengapat]

Entirely too small. The prior model was better in every way. I don’t understand the hype behind this unless you have a small wrist.

[ervelo]

Originally Posted by RonnieBadger

That’s a shame.
I’m having the chance to buy later this week and look forward to seeing it in person.
Was it just the strap that was underwhelming?
What are your thoughts on the face and case presence?

Don't get me wrong, overall the watch is great. But I am judging this from a 36mm 14270 owner. And between the two, I'd rather just keep what I have. I think people will enjoy this watch, but it just wasn't the 'upgrade' I expected it to be from the older reference.

[ervelo]

Here's a photo of my 14270 - still one of the most perfect watches IMO

[jswing]

That's too bad, it actually looks just right on your wrist IMO. I look forward to trying one, I had the 39mm Mk2 but felt it wore a little too big for my small wrist.

[jed11]

Great insight. I've tried on DJ36 in the past and don't mind the size/bracelet on that but perhaps because it's more on the 'dressy' side??? And so with a 'sporty' watch like the Explorer, perhaps I too would feel like it's not substantial enough.
Looking forward to seeing in myself...

[michaelodonnell123]

"The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. "...this is correct as it is a woman's watch.

[Lemieux66]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

"The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. "...this is correct as it is a woman's watch.

Sounds like a like a line from Blackadder!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_EfW9znJYjw&feature=share

[direwolf]

If anything it looks a little big on you, but can appreciate your feedback.

[seabreeze60]

The 114270 36mm had 20MM lugs. It would be nice if someone could measure the lug width of the new 124270.

IMG_4865.jpg

[Lemieux66]

The 124270 has been widely measured to have 19mm lug width.

[snyde]

It looks like a watch that will age well.


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[britxt0]

I'm really sorry you were disappointed but it looks good on your wrist tho IMO... well it's your purchase and your choice.
Maybe when I get to see it, I'll have my evaluation too.

[jlunn5]

Oh man, I was worried about the bracelet size too. I tried on the OP34 when it had a 19mm lug width and I felt the same feeling as you. It’s so odd to me that a 36mm sports watch is smaller than a 36mm dress watch?

This could be a sign of things to come with the DJ36 range... get ready for 19mm

[GST15]

Originally Posted by direwolf

If anything it looks a little big on you, but can appreciate your feedback.

I think it looks big because the close up photo's distort the reality of the size.
I have also seen this watch, and like the OP, was disappointed. 39 was the correct size in my opinion. I am thinking of getting this for my wife. The bracelet definitely seems smaller. Really nice watch though.

[Njw]

Originally Posted by vengapat

Entirely too small. The prior model was better in every way. I don’t understand the hype behind this unless you have a small wrist.

Except for the weird proportions of the dial and bezel the last gen was perfect

[RonnieBadger]

The bracelet is clearly a matter of opinion and as decisive as Marmite... I hate Marmite...

...whether you like the phat 20mm version (bangle like) or a tapered 19mm to 16mm (dainty) version. All I am sure can be overcome with an alternative strap arrangement to take advantage of the better 3230 movement and face features / lume provided by the 124270.

I’m sure there will be a poll set up in due course.

[Lemieux66]

Originally Posted by RonnieBadger

The bracelet is clearly a matter of opinion and as decisive as Marmite... I hate Marmite...

...whether you like the phat 20mm version (bangle like) or a tapered 19mm to 16mm (dainty) version. All I am sure can be overcome with an alternative strap arrangement to take advantage of the better 3230 movement and face features / lume provided by the 124270.

I’m sure there will be a poll set up in due course.

The 124270 is 19mm lug width, tapering to 14mm at the clasp. Like many things, it’s probably a matter of time to get used to it, nothing more.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

"The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. "...this is correct as it is a woman's watch.

It’s listed as a Men’s watch on the Rolex website.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

"The bracelet. It feels small and dainty. "...this is correct as it is a woman's watch.

[101031-28]

Not trying to offend anyone but the 39mm was perfect.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by jlunn5

Oh man, I was worried about the bracelet size too. I tried on the OP34 when it had a 19mm lug width and I felt the same feeling as you. It’s so odd to me that a 36mm sports watch is smaller than a 36mm dress watch?

This could be a sign of things to come with the DJ36 range... get ready for 19mm

Unlikely since:

1. DJ range was just redesigned two years ago.
2. DJ would look odd, since it has PCL, which will look that much wider at the ends relative to the narrowed end links.
3. Better differentiation between OP/Exp. than the five-digit versions (where Exp and AK shared a dial).
4. Greater parity with other Pro models, with their "rounder" look.
5. Still think that the clasp, with its flip-lock, had something to do with the width being what it was in the end.

[nigelUK]

Originally Posted by Lemieux66

Sounds like a like a line from Blackadder!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_EfW9znJYjw&feature=share

aaargghhh .... you have a women's purse !

one of my favourite sketches. Made me laff tonight watching that

[-Ally-]

Didn’t you take any pictures of clasp?

[jb335]

Too bad, it looks great on you.

I got to try one last month and I did not have the same observation in relation the bracelet. I rather liked the new version.

[AJMarcus]

The dimensions on the latest iteration of the Explorer 36 are more reminiscent of the vintage 1016. Which I prefer. Seems much more classic to me. Enjoying my 124273 so much that my BLRO is taking a long rest in the safe.