Bitten by the Explorer I bug

[red1108nyc]

Originally Posted by polarinda

stumbled into some of the exp 1 threads here and geez, beautiful watch...

never was into it but the simplicity and elegance is biting now..

question for the owners...

1) 1016,14270,114270 or 214270?


love the 1016 tritium dial.

not sure if I can handle 36mms.. which will leave me with the 214270.


thoughts?

got offered about 5kUSD box/paper on a 2013 214270....fair price?

I debated btw 36mm vs 39mm but found, for me, the dial is a bit more balanced on the 36mm!

[GregoryZ]

I'd vote for the 14270. I've been wearing mine lately and I can't even feel that I'm wearing it! I purchase it new about 11 years ago for $2800 out the door and I'm happy to report it's held it's value and may have even appreciated some!

[polarinda]

The whitened 369 looks better on the 114270 that the chromed numerals on the 214270 imo.

I found a 114270 F going for $3200.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by polarinda

The whitened 369 looks better on the 114270 that the chromed numerals on the 214270 imo.

I found a 114270 F going for $3200.

Great price! Agree with you about the Arabics too.

[alanc]

Originally Posted by polarinda

The whitened 369 looks better on the 114270 that the chromed numerals on the 214270 imo.

I found a 114270 F going for $3200.

Trav - Yes, the numerals on my 114270 attracted me to it as well - a subtle feature, but once you notice it, you can't miss it. I think the hands on the 114270 are better proportioned also.

My wrist is around 7" and it fits me fine. I bought mine here (D Serial) about a year ago from a trusted seller for $3200 or so - it runs about 2 to 3 seconds slow per week. Awesome watch.

[polarinda]

Originally Posted by alanc

Trav - Yes, the numerals on my 114270 attracted me to it as well - a subtle feature, but once you notice it, you can't miss it. I think the hands on the 114270 are better proportioned also.

My wrist is around 7" and it fits me fine. I bought mine here (D Serial) about a year ago from a trusted seller for $3200 or so - it runs about 2 to 3 seconds slow per week. Awesome watch.

Fantastic! This picture seals it. I can see the sub footprint all over it without the bezel bling.

[herbalt]

It's the archetype for the Rolex professional line.

I loved the 114270 when I tried it on, but I did NOT like the size. I may have gotten used to it, coming from wearing a Speedmaster Pro at 42mm most of the time. The 214270 had the DNA but wore quite a bit bigger on my 7.25" wrist. The bracelet and clasp sealed the deal. The 39mm Explorer is a fantastic evolution of the classic.

[Boothroyd]

I made a huge mistake in buying an EXP I as my first watch. It is so versatile, I have a hard time picking my second Rolex model, much harder than if I had picked a GMT IIc or SubC to start.

I can get what I want (within the Professional Steel/DJ and DJII steel range, anyway) but this watch is just a great daily wearer. Fills a lot of roles.

[polarinda]

Tried both the 114270 and the 214270 today.

1) 36mm's dial is way clearer than the 39mm's, the blackout numerals of the latter and the matte dial are not helping things.

2) 39mm is a very good size, 36mm a little on the small side

3) 39mm's bracelet and clasp is top notch..the whole watch feels substantial. 36mm is not too bad though.


I cannot get over the dial of the 39mm.
I can try to handle the 36mm size because of the much prettier dial.

[Lew Archer]

If you prefer the looks of the 36mm, then get it. Don't worry about the size issue, which seems the only point that makes you hesitate.

Our eyes become accustomed to what we see everyday. If you're used to seeing a larger watch, this one will look smallish...but only at first. As you wear it, your eye will attune to it.

I recently purchased a 36mm Oyster Perpetual. I've been wearing watches mostly in the 38-43mm range, with watches like the 14060M Sub, 40mm, being a particular favorite. My eye quickly adapted to the look of the 36mm OP and it's a reminder that, back in the day, the 36mm was definitely a man's watch, significantly larger than the petite watches typically worn by women, and the 40mm Sub was a big sports watch.

I see plenty of guys walking around with watches that look out of proportion (too large) for their wrists. The watch wears them, instead of the other way around. Seldom do I see someone wearing a watch and think, "My God, what's he doing wearing a watch that small?"

I doubt anyone will glance at your 36mm Explorer 1 and think it's too small.

[Howie]

Here is a vote for the classic 1016 - a pure toolwatch.

[mks4]

The 14270 was the first watch I ever luster after....back in the late 90's when they were not easy to find in the USA. (do people remember when the market was so hot because of Japan...crazy that eBay prices were higher than retail). I digress....The watch felt like such an achievement and goes with anything. I have many others including a 1016 but think the 36mm 14270 or 114270 is the best designed watch period.

[GregoryZ]

Originally Posted by mks4

The 14270 was the first watch I ever luster after....back in the late 90's when they were not easy to find in the USA. (do people remember when the market was so hot because of Japan...crazy that eBay prices were higher than retail). I digress....The watch felt like such an achievement and goes with anything. I have many others including a 1016 but think the 36mm 14270 or 114270 is the best designed watch period.

Mike, great reminder! I had forgotten all the trouble I went through to find my 14270. I would call AD's in two states to find a 14270 that wasn't price inflated. There was a run on those watches you couldn't believe! Similar to what the Daytona's went through a couple years ago.

[Jack T]

I love that watch, to all of you - enjoy. Today, I bit back, expect delivery next week.

[Racerdj]

Nice photos everyone! No known cure for the bug either.

[polarinda]

Originally Posted by jack t

i love that watch, to all of you - enjoy. Today, i bit back, expect delivery next week.

39?

[HACKNSACK44]

Congrats!!