Explorer OR OP 39mm?

[ace1]

Explorer OR OP 39mm (black dial)?

[opawlows]

Prefer the balance of the OP dial

[Zakalwe]

I prefer the OP too.

Basically the choice comes down to how you feel about:
- Mercedes hands
- Arabic’s at 3, 6 and 9
- Easylink
On the EXP versus the hands, batons and clasp on the OP.

[The Libertine]

Both are great References; however, I preferred and went with the EX I as it had more wrist presence. Candidly, I never even considered the EX I until I tried it on at an AD, and it impressed the heck out of me.

[JayHantz]

I think that it depends what else you have in your collection. Personally, with black I prefer the Explorer. I think the white dial OP is the one to have.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[benouah]

I own Explorer so I might be biased but the history of that watch makes the whole difference to me.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[adamteague]

Have owned both (white OP) and I prefer the OP. Just a bit more special to me

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by JayHantz

I think that it depends what else you have in your collection. Personally, with black I prefer the Explorer. I think the white dial OP is the one to have.

The key is to own both the Exp and the white OP! ;)

I went with the Exp for the reasons already described above. I fell in love with the 3-6-9 and the mercedes hands. As a noob I viewed easylink as a throwaway feature but now can't fathom being without it. I also prefered the flat bezel on the Exp to the domed bezel on the OP - it's a slightly sportier look, which is what I was looking for.

[Pauln]

Explorer is a very special watch, IMO. Iconic. Both sporty and elegant.

[mixxmaster]

I would go with the OP 39mm
It’s a really awesome piece for me .. and it would fit my personality for sure.

[RichM]

Been there, done that. I went with the Explorer. Gone, but not forgotten.

[burnthesehills]

Either would be a great choice. I think the Explorer for a sportier vibe and the OP39 for dressier / subtle vibe but either can do both well.

[LesserBlackDog]

Much prefer the OP for the look of the domed bezel versus the flat bezel on the Exp.

Also prefer the look of the sunburst dial to the flat matte dial on the Exp.

[Jerrocop]

Explorer . . . I love the Arabic numerals, triangle at 12, lumed second hand and mercedes hand . . . plus there's more lume than the OP.

[rolexpatek363]

OP 39 for me (wearing my blue one as I type).

That black OP 39 is very tempting indeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_6Yp7FV_6o&t=44s

[MR. STEEL]

Originally Posted by JayHantz

I think that it depends what else you have in your collection. Personally, with black I prefer the Explorer. I think the white dial OP is the one to have.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed. Love my Explorer. The white dial OP is the only 1 in that range I would even consider owning.

[Kh114060]

Personally I'd pick explorer over the OP.

OP seems more accessory jewelry ish as to explorer being practical, tool watch.

[pigman08]

Explorer for me... If I were going with the OP, it'd be the white dial.

[VegasMilgauss]

Both great, the explorer edges it for me. You can’t go wrong though

[CoveWatch]

Code 1159! I prefer the Exp here

[icemandl6]

Explorer 1 for me too as the full lume makes it more functional than the OP.

[carlhaluss]

I admit, it is a dilemma. The Explorer just looks more casual to me, and the OP a lot dressier. However, I would still wear the Explorer for all the same occasions. And compared to many of my watches, the Explorer does look dressier, and that was a comment I got from a friend of mine recently. Of course, the Explorer, having been around for so long, does have that vintage appeal. The OP, on the other hand, really looks updated and more modern in comparison. Glad you supplied both photos.

And, having seen both in real life, I would go with the Explorer. When I saw the OP in real life for the first time, I was glad I have my Explorer.

Of course, the OP is likely more obtainable right now. However, I wouldn't let that sway my decision. Go with which one you like even if it means a bit of a wait.

Cheers,
Carl

[denmanproject]

OP

[Zuger]

I would go Explorer first, OP39 white second, for an awesome black/white combo.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

I prefer the OP too.

Basically the choice comes down to how you feel about:
- Mercedes hands
- Arabic’s at 3, 6 and 9
- Easylink
On the EXP versus the hands, batons and clasp on the OP.

One other slight difference to mention. The bezel on the Explorer is "flatter", whereas the bezel on the OP39 is rounded. The Explorer might survive dings a bit better based on that. Otherwise, personal preference rules on the points above. (Compare the bezel on my avatar to the photos above to see the difference in bezels).

Edit: missed earlier comment calling out the bezels.

[flyingtiger85]

OP39 all day every day

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by Zuger

I would go Explorer first, OP39 white second, for an awesome black/white combo.

This is exactly what I'm working towards, only considering both the white OP 39 or white DJ 41.

[Zuger]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

This is exactly what I'm working towards, only considering both the white OP 39 or white DJ 41.

Funny, I am working in the opposite direction. Got the OP39 white recently, and now actively seeking the Explorer, which I see you have.

[Sammers23]

I was considering both and was originally leaning towards the OP, I was even on the list with the AD for a black one. However, I was passing by recently and they had an Explorer in the window and it sang to me and that was that. They're both great, but I went with the Explorer..

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[diracpoint]

I'm a big fan of the explorer. Love everything about it - classic mercedes hands, matte dial, full lume, famous 3-6-9 layout - so that gets my vote. But I agree that the new OPs are awesome as well.