36mm vs 39mm Explorer! Stuck in between

[gaoxing84]

Just got these babies in within 2 days.

I love the 114270 dial text placement, like 1016.
But i like the size of 214270.

[douglasf13]

36mm is a no-brainer to me, unless you have a particularly huge wrist.

[diracpoint]

Originally Posted by gaoxing84

Just got these babies in within 2 days.

I love the 114270 dial text placement, like 1016.
But i like the size of 214270.

The new one. Note that some early explorers (such as 6350; prior to 1016) had the "Explorer" text at the bottom half of the dial. In my opinion, it gives a balanced look.



[From Hodinkee]

[dave023]

36mm

[Maiden]

36 looks so much more proportionate and elegant IMO. Like all the other Rolex 36mm vs their larger siblings.

[cassin907]

I'd go with 36mm. Where did you acquire it, if I may ask

[You]

The new updated 214270 MKII

[Daniel23456]

I'd say there's no right answer for that... Both of them have their own charm, I love my 114270 36mm and I also like the new 214270... I can't afford both but if a one can, I wouldn't think its too weird... Cheers!

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

36mm is a no-brainer to me, unless you have a particularly huge wrist.

[FTX I]

I'd get the updated 39mm but that's just me.

[tomchicago]

Wrist test is only way to decide. Show 'em on wrist. Also many now prefer the origingal WG roman 39mm to the lumed version.

[tifosi]

36mm. All day.

[mjclark32]

I’ve tried 36mm, didn’t work for me. Go with what works best for you

[GGGMT]

I’ve wavered on this for years. I’ve owned both. I love both. I really liked the 39mm, but I’ve kind of come full circle: If I was starting at a blank slate I would purchase a 114270

[HHC]

36mm for me!

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by Maiden

36 looks so much more proportionate and elegant IMO. Like all the other Rolex 36mm vs their larger siblings.

Words of wisdom.

[gaoxing84]

that's true, 36mm is a true gentleman sized watch.
but i am pretty used to 39mm.
i am about 6ft tall, asian, bout 180lbs.

i shall post wrist shots later.

[gaoxing84]

Originally Posted by cassin907

I'd go with 36mm. Where did you acquire it, if I may ask

i got it in 2000s. i am looking to offload one of them.
pretty worn but in great honest condition.

am thinking hard on this but the 36mm is listed for the sake of it.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Hi. I'm not sure what's confusing about that post.

[gaoxing84]

Originally Posted by diracpoint

The new one. Note that some early explorers (such as 6350; prior to 1016) had the "Explorer" text at the bottom half of the dial. In my opinion, it gives a balanced look.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/H2fyNxyl.jpg[img]

[From Hodinkee]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/cKA1VkFl.jpg[/mg]

great info bud!

6350 is gold, so rolex went back to its roots for explorer.

but i still think 1016 looks better with explorer line on top.
but that's me. 1016 prices are insane lately. damn those vintages. hahaha
so beautiful yet hard to reach

[gaoxing84]

39 mm



36mm

[subtona]

I have had the 36 twice and felt it was too small for me. I am not a big watch guy 40mm is my go to.

I now own the 39mm and though it fits better and does little really wrong, I still feel more of a love for the 36mm, which happens to look great on your wrist.


Biggest issue is the way the lugs transition to the bracelet, the 39 just doesn't get it right.


I'm wearing it now and I'm mad at it for being so close to perfect.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by gaoxing84

39 mm



36mm

36mm doesn't overpower your wrist.

[gaoxing84]

the 36mm looks good, proportional on photos. but when its looking over in real life, it looks really small. haha

that's why i went out and get the 39mm to compare. the 39 definitely have more wrist presence.

damn it rolex! i think i am going to hold out on them both till i get something on the 36mm. if not i am keeping them both!

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by gaoxing84

the 36mm looks good, proportional on photos. but when its looking over in real life, it looks really small. haha

that's why i went out and get the 39mm to compare. the 39 definitely have more wrist presence.

damn it rolex! i think i am going to hold out on them both till i get something on the 36mm. if not i am keeping them both!

Not to make this the theme of the day, but...have you considered wearing it on the traditional place on your wrist? Wearing it down by the hand makes it looks smaller: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=573653

[gaoxing84]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Not to make this the theme of the day, but...have you considered wearing it on the traditional place on your wrist? Wearing it down by the hand makes it looks smaller: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=573653

i prefer it to sit on the end of my wrist. haha and i usually wiggle the watch around the wrist as i wear it abit looser than normal.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Not to make this the theme of the day, but...have you considered wearing it on the traditional place on your wrist? Wearing it down by the hand makes it looks smaller: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=573653

"traditional place to wear a watch."

Rubbish.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by subtona

"traditional place to wear a watch."

Rubbish.

I should have gone all the way and said “right” place to wear it, but that’s what the other thread is for.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by gaoxing84

i prefer it to sit on the end of my wrist. haha and i usually wiggle the watch around the wrist as i wear it abit looser than normal.

Fine by me. I’m just saying that’s likely why 36mm looks small to you.

[sgarrity]

I like them both but I’m partial to the 39mm. It just looks more modern while the 36mm has a more vintage look IMHO.