Help me to pull the trigger on Explorer 36mm

[~Ocho1~]

So as some of you may know I've been desiring an Explorer I for a while now.

Been waiting until the funds had been funded, lol. So got my bonus this past week & now I'm hesitant.

I guess my main concern is that the 36mm may be too small on my large frame & 7.75" wrist. I don't really like the 40mm for some reason.

So C'mon fellow Rolex enthusiast, help me pull the trigger. Convince me it won't look like my wife's/kid's watch on my wrist!

[Brich436]

What I will say is this watch is a slow burn but once you adjust to the size (and most importantly the WEIGHT) you will never look back. It felt a bit small at first (especially compared to my Submariner) but as I started wearing it more and more it really came into its own. If you have 40mm pieces in the collection, then the 36mm Explorer 1 will provide you not only with a completely different look but also a different wearing experience (which is amazing by the way). The thing disappears on wrist and you can wear it with literally anything (slips perfectly under a dress shirt cuff).

The one downside is it is not LOUD. If you are looking to scream ROLEX this definitely is not the right peice. Go with a GMT or Sub for more wrist presence!

In short it has a vintage size and vibe with all of the modern updates (movement, bracelet and dial) that make the watch so special.

If I could only have one (horror I know) this would be it.

[Bazil]

Go to a casino, put all that bonus money on red, because percentage wise Red always beats black, win, and go buy a Daytona .. live a little ..
Failing taking my daft advice, buy the watch at the size you like - and the watch you like - quickly before that bonus goes on something else ..

[~Ocho1~]

Originally Posted by Brich436

What I will say is this watch is a slow burn but once you adjust to the size (and most importantly the WEIGHT) you will never look back. It felt a bit small at first (especially compared to my Submariner) but as I started wearing it more and more it really came into its own. If you have 40mm pieces in the collection, then the 36mm Explorer 1 will provide you not only with a completely different look but also a different wearing experience (which is amazing by the way). The thing disappears on wrist and you can wear it with literally anything (slips perfectly under a dress shirt cuff).

The one downside is it is not LOUD. If you are looking to scream ROLEX this definitely is not the right peice. Go with a GMT or Sub for more wrist presence!

In short it has a vintage size and vibe with all of the modern updates (movement, bracelet and dial) that make the watch so special.

If I could only have one (horror I know) this would be it.

Thanks. See, the one downside you mention is not a downside to me at all. I'm a very low key guy. I buy my watches (& all the other crap I like) for me, not to show off at all.

I do have a BLNR, which I love & is probably the watch I wear the most. Also have a DJ41, all SS with fluted bezel on jubilee which at times feels a little too "blingy" but I still love it.

If I had to only keep one watch, it would be my BLNR, but thankfully I'm not in that spot, lol.

[Bald Angus]

I don’t know if this helps, but…

the 40 just looks weird. 36 is definitely the way to go.


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[S.Explorer]

Are you an adventurer / outdoors kind of person? If so, the Explorer is ideal. The tapered bracelet, small size and weight make it a very comfortable all-day wear. Plus you get a nice, highly legible dial with lumed 3 / 6 / 9 markers.

[Guppydriver]

Too much $ on something you need convinced to buy.

After saving diligently as you have, you should be darn near giddy to buy, not in need of affirmation.

Hold off for a reference that leaves no doubt.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Too much $ on something you need convinced to buy.

After saving diligently as you have, you should be darn near giddy to buy, not in need of affirmation.

Hold off for a reference that leaves no doubt.

This is terrible enabling advice!

But I also happen to agree….

You have two great SS Rolexes that cover all the bases. For a third, I would consider another brand in the price point or continue saving.

Good luck with the choice!

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by Brich436

What I will say is this watch is a slow burn but once you adjust to the size (and most importantly the WEIGHT) you will never look back. It felt a bit small at first (especially compared to my Submariner) but as I started wearing it more and more it really came into its own. If you have 40mm pieces in the collection, then the 36mm Explorer 1 will provide you not only with a completely different look but also a different wearing experience (which is amazing by the way). The thing disappears on wrist and you can wear it with literally anything (slips perfectly under a dress shirt cuff).

The one downside is it is not LOUD. If you are looking to scream ROLEX this definitely is not the right peice. Go with a GMT or Sub for more wrist presence!

In short it has a vintage size and vibe with all of the modern updates (movement, bracelet and dial) that make the watch so special.

If I could only have one (horror I know) this would be it.

This is an amazing first reply. OP, this post is worth its weight in stainless steel. I'm a big fan of the 124xxx Exp1... recently bought one for my dad. He went from a 40mm PT YM1 (5 digit) to this & it took his eyes a little bit to adjust to a smaller, more classically-sized watch. It is such a great little piece, though. If I were in the market for a SS piece, this would be a top 3 contender from this brand.

[~Ocho1~]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Too much $ on something you need convinced to buy.

After saving diligently as you have, you should be darn near giddy to buy, not in need of affirmation.

Hold off for a reference that leaves no doubt.

Nothing else in that price point calls to me. And if I would get something cheaper, say a Longines Legend Diver, I know I would still be longing for the Explorer I. At this point in my collection, there aren't too many watches out there that I desire.

Guess I don't really need convincing to buy, I know I want one, been eyeing them for a while now. I'm just hesitant on the size matching my size. I don't like how the 40 looks, my other option would be a 39mm MkII.

I also haven't really "saved up" all that diligently. I get a very decent yearly bonus, so I have "fun money" at this moment. Last year I purchased a Zenith A3817 with the bonus.

thinking that if I get the 124270 & after a while it still feels too small for me I can always flip it for a 39mm.

[piratfisk]

If you're on the fence about the size, but don't like the 40mm Exp1, maybe consider a mk2 Exp1 39mm or a new-as-you-can-find black Milgauss.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Too much $ on something you need convinced to buy.

After saving diligently as you have, you should be darn near giddy to buy, not in need of affirmation.

Hold off for a reference that leaves no doubt.

This ^^^

[Cassian739]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Too much $ on something you need convinced to buy.

After saving diligently as you have, you should be darn near giddy to buy, not in need of affirmation.

Hold off for a reference that leaves no doubt.

^ I agree 100% with this!

Also, speaking from experience, If you are already questioning the size, trust me when I say that doubt won't go away. I have a 7.1" wrist and had a 36mm Explorer. It was an amazing and beautiful watch. However, from the beginning, I was questioning if the size was too small for me - and really it's closer to 35mm and not 36mm. I couldn't get over the "small" size and sold it.

[rossi46]

I'd love to help enable here, but I simply cannot. Why? Because Rolex messed up the new ExpI.

See, they could have simply used the existing OP36 case and bracelet (20mm at the lugs), add the classic 3/6/9 dial and professional hands, and voila! It would be an awesome watch.

Instead, those #$%@ers decided to release some weirdo 35.5mm case, 19mm lug width, feminine taper bracelet and too-small clasp. So upsetting. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

I have smaller wrists and REALLY wanted the new ExpI reference. But it's a pass for me. Hard pass.

[Rolexken]

If you need help you should not pull the trigger end of.

[JDR888]

If you need convincing then it’s not for you.

Each to their own how people spend their hard earned cash though.

[derklink]

This would be my recommendation:

https://nashvillewatch.com/product/r...214270-2019-2/

[ExplorerI]

I have the older 114270 explorer in 36mm with a similar sized wrist. I believe it’s my
Most comfortable watch I own and you can immediately forget you’re wearing it.
When you switch between a bigger watch and the 36 it takes a couple days to adjust then
It feels right at home. It also presents bigger than it is with no large bezel and a large dial for its size.

[~Ocho1~]

Originally Posted by derklink

This would be my recommendation:

https://nashvillewatch.com/product/r...214270-2019-2/

That very much is an option

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

I have the older 114270 explorer in 36mm with a similar sized wrist. I believe it’s my
Most comfortable watch I own and you can immediately forget you’re wearing it.
When you switch between a bigger watch and the 36 it takes a couple days to adjust then
It feels right at home. It also presents bigger than it is with no large bezel and a large dial for its size.

Good to know, thanks.

[JJGreen]

Have you tried both on?

I like smaller watches. I have a vintage Explorer, but they don't look good/right on everyone.

PS - Congrats on being ready to buy!

[~Ocho1~]

Originally Posted by JJGreen

Have you tried both on?

I like smaller watches. I have a vintage Explorer, but they don't look good/right on everyone.

PS - Congrats on being ready to buy!

I have. The 39mm looks Ok. That's my sweet spot with watches 39-41

The times I've tried on the new 36mm it looked really small, but I also has just taken off my BLNR, so I think that size difference was even more exaggerated by switching from a bigger watch to a smaller one.

I really, really like the 36mm, but years ago I also really liked the Honda S200, but I simply didn't fit in one, lol.

[CedCraig]

For me, the 36mm Explorer wore like a kids/ladies watch. I have a 7.25” wrist and wear 38.5 mm to 42 mm watches. That bracelet tapers to almost nothing, to add to the overall diminutive size. I’d never buy one but the internet says it’s the only size Explorer anyone, regardless of wrist size, should ever wear ��. But if you’ve tried it on and like it, now is the time to pull the trigger!

[bob78h]

114270 Explorer was my first Rolex and I loved the size. Also owned a 214270 and found it too big. However, my wrist is 6 inches, if I had a bigger wrist, I would probably go for the 39mm Explorer.

[simon101]

The dial and crystal are approx the same size as your 40mm.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

If you need to be convinced then you’re not ready. It takes a lot of confidence to wear a smaller watch. You might want to buy something that’s easier to understand.

[Cambo]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

If you need to be convinced then you’re not ready. It takes a lot of confidence to wear a smaller watch. You might want to buy something that’s easier to understand.

I agree. Take some time and look at other watches of different sizes. I bought a 36 Datejust thinking it was a nice size…ended up never wearing it and sold it almost new.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by ~Ocho1~

So as some of you may know I've been desiring an Explorer I for a while now.

Been waiting until the funds had been funded, lol. So got my bonus this past week & now I'm hesitant.

I guess my main concern is that the 36mm may be too small on my large frame & 7.75" wrist. I don't really like the 40mm for some reason.

So C'mon fellow Rolex enthusiast, help me pull the trigger. Convince me it won't look like my wife's/kid's watch on my wrist!

I'll say it.

Because you are thinking it.

Its too small.

Thank me later

[East of Eden]

Too small even for my 6.75” wrist

If you have to talk yourself into it, it ain’t going to work

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by ~Ocho1~

I have. The 39mm looks Ok. That's my sweet spot with watches 39-41

The times I've tried on the new 36mm it looked really small, but I also has just taken off my BLNR, so I think that size difference was even more exaggerated by switching from a bigger watch to a smaller one.

I really, really like the 36mm, but years ago I also really liked the Honda S200, but I simply didn't fit in one, lol.

I think you should try it. Remember all men used to wear watches that size, and smaller watches are coming back into vogue. Buy it. Wear it for a month. If you hate it after trying it, trade for something else. IMO, there is just something so cool about the 36 mm Explorer, beyond all the other iterations of the model. My guess is that you will love it.

Kat


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[Cambo]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I think you should try it. Remember all men used to wear watches that size, and smaller watches are coming back into vogue. Buy it. Wear it for a month. If you hate it after trying it, trade for something else. IMO, there is just something so cool about the 36 mm Explorer, beyond all the other iterations of the model. My guess is that you will love it.

Kat


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With respect Kat, keep in mind you will not be trading it for full value.if you don’t like it, you’ll be taking a loss in the trade.