The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

View Poll Results: Which one would you eliminate?
BB58 150 48.70%
214270 158 51.30%
Voters: 308. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11 January 2019, 07:33 AM   #1
tng11
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: N/A
Posts: 3,629
Tudor BB58 vs Explorer I 214270

I have both of these pieces, and they operate more as the "beater" or "toolwatch" in my rotation.

The goal is to eventually eliminate one of them, but I can't quite decide which one I would eliminate if I had to today.

The BB58 is a perfect size for a dive watch with excellent proportions like vintage Subs and the little gold details give the watch more character than a black Sub, without being overdone. The con is that the BB58 doesn't have a dive extension, or Easylink type of adjustment, and in-house movement doesn't quite have the same heritage as the Rolex movement does.

On the other hand, the 214270 is a very plain and simple piece. I'd say it's boring for the most part. But boring can be a good thing. It's very legible, no-nonsense and under the radar. The case proportions are also excellent, much better than Rolex Maxi cases, and it has the benefit of the Oyster bracelet and Easylink extension.

If you had to eliminate one of them, which one would you eliminate? In the end, it's likely I'll keep both, but I am just thinking about narrowing the collection even further.
tng11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 07:35 AM   #2
tng11
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: N/A
Posts: 3,629
Of course, pictures are worth a thousand words.



tng11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 07:48 AM   #3
watchmavan
"TRF" Member
 
watchmavan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Michael
Location: Melbourne, Aust
Watch: Polar 16570
Posts: 1,166
I also have both. If continue to keep both. They are different enough to warrant this. You've already outlined some.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
watchmavan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 07:51 AM   #4
JacksonStone
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 5,150
Man, that Explorer is classic. Great shot.
JacksonStone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 08:52 AM   #5
Cru Jones
2024 Pledge Member
 
Cru Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 34,376
Put the 58 on a strap and keep both.
Cru Jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 09:19 AM   #6
Jmbarrack
"TRF" Member
 
Jmbarrack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: United States
Watch: Ever changing!
Posts: 1,142
Tough choice. I do not envy you. They’re both have some similarities and some differences. I own a 58 and I simply love it. Being someone like you with a small wrist, it’s one of the few divers that looks good. Plus the touches of gold and red make it a really interesting and unique piece to look at. I say 58.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jmbarrack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 09:27 AM   #7
TickTockChuck
"TRF" Member
 
TickTockChuck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Real Name: Chuck
Location: Canada
Watch: Rolex 116610LV
Posts: 2,079
Since you're asking, say goodbye to the BB58. I think the Explorer is the timeless classic of the two with better build. It makes the perfect "beater", as you call it, that will go the distance. Good luck. Cheers!
TickTockChuck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 09:32 AM   #8
dwatcher
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: USA
Watch: Luxury Watches
Posts: 264
Keep both to yourself man. I can't eliminate any
dwatcher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 10:50 AM   #9
mfm22
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Mike
Location: NY
Watch: Explorer 1
Posts: 488
I'm in the market for both of these.
I figured to get Explorer first (had one so I know it's nuances ) Then add the 58 when it became available.
I see that as a great if not perfect 2 watch rotation. Explorer would never come off the bracelet. The 58 would have an Everest rubber strap in addition to bracelet

In other words Keep them both ..
mfm22 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 02:44 PM   #10
Ssunnylee24
"TRF" Member
 
Ssunnylee24's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Explorer II
Posts: 852
I’ve had the same dilema about 3 months ago and after all, I miss the 58.
Ssunnylee24 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 05:01 PM   #11
edyu
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 582
Explorer I is the perfect watch for starting out whereas BB58 is a great watch. It all comes down to perfect vs great. :)

I think the difference is less on the dial (as that’s too subjective) but on the case and the bracelet. Even do the shine on the 2 SS watches are very telling and fairly different.

I personally would choose explorer I of the two. And honestly both dials are “boring” and I actually love the Pelagos dial from a non-boring perspective.
edyu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 05:05 PM   #12
mikkolopez
"TRF" Member
 
mikkolopez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Philippines
Posts: 2,301
Tudor BB58 vs Explorer I 214270

Explorer 1 will be my keeper in this case.

Or you can of it this way when keeping both ...

Explorer 1 is the wife, solid and boring but will be a classic with age

BB58 is the mistress, perfect proportions and exciting, perfect for living fast but may not be there for a long time and will be moved on


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
At my age now ...
I have SEEN everything,
I have HEARD everything,
I have even DONE everything,
I just don't REMEMBER everything.
mikkolopez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 05:13 PM   #13
KarlTheToyotaGuy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: Karl
Location: Texas
Watch: Datejust 36!
Posts: 323
I went through something similar just a few months ago. Though, mine was only a Smiths Everest, essentially a 1016 tribute (or homage) watch. Don’t miss the Tudor even for a second. The Explorer is a timeless design, and can be used for anything.

And a pic of the Smiths, just because:
KarlTheToyotaGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 05:35 PM   #14
importstunna
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: World
Watch: BLNR
Posts: 855
I am having the same dilemma right now, but with a 114270 instead.

After 3 months with the 58, I am unsure I need both in my collection. However, I can't seem to let go of either one.
importstunna is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 06:41 PM   #15
uncleluck
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: England
Posts: 518
I’d keep the BB58 purely for the bezel, it’s more useful. I use my bezels every time I cook, I’d be lost without it on the wrist.
uncleluck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 07:17 PM   #16
glamorama
"TRF" Member
 
glamorama's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Real Name: Dan
Location: Benelux
Posts: 1,917
I never owned the BB58 but had similar dilemma in theory since I sold the Explorer I to acquire the BB58 at a later point.

I think the BB58 is a better 'beater' watch at half the price of an Explorer plus it has timing bezel. Also the Explorer I 39mm is imao too much dial, the 36mm looks better proportioned.
glamorama is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 08:44 PM   #17
The Libertine
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: Mike
Location: BOS
Watch: 16710;14060;214270
Posts: 6,375
Explorer, while understated in its presence, is the ideal watch for all occasions. The Tudor, not so much.

I say keep the Explorer.
The Libertine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 09:52 PM   #18
VegasMilgauss
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 1,027
I'd keep the Rolex over the Tudor, the 58 is a lovely watch but it's no Rolex.
VegasMilgauss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 10:01 PM   #19
1William
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Watch: Rolex/Others
Posts: 44,325
I think the BB58 is the keeper. A friend has one and I have worn it on occasion and am impressed. I like the Explorer but have no feelings one way or the other on the watch. Which kind of describes it down side and appeal at once.
1William is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 10:35 PM   #20
opawlows
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Earth
Watch: Rolex/Tudor/Breit
Posts: 1,155
I think the BB58 looks better on your wrist from the photos. I'm sure your collection will change over the next few months, but the ALS/PP/Tudor combo would be a great trio!
opawlows is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 10:54 PM   #21
Juan Luis
2024 Pledge Member
 
Juan Luis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Juan Luis
Location: Dominican Rep.
Watch: Undecided
Posts: 1,319
Explorer with a strap is a great understated dress watch as well, in my opinion.
Juan Luis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 11:04 PM   #22
AK797
2024 Pledge Member
 
AK797's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,066
I would have to have 1 Rolex in the collection so I'd keep that, if you had another one I'd maybe keep the BB.
AK797 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 11:05 PM   #23
icemandl6
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Canada
Posts: 29
OP,

You should have reformulated the poll question as “which one too keep?” instead.

I misunderstood your question and selected the wrong answer ��
icemandl6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 January 2019, 11:09 PM   #24
TonyD
2024 Pledge Member
 
TonyD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Tony
Location: Boston North
Watch: Meteorite Daytona
Posts: 1,456
This is all about you and your collection.

One watch guy? Definitely the Explorer.

Rolex guy that has another SS piece like a Sub or GMT? Definitely try the BB
__________________
Pepsi GMT/SD43/DSSD Blue/ DJ41 TT Rose Diamond Dial/ Daytona Meteorite/ SS Sky Dweller White Dial/ IWC Bronze Big Pilot/ Aquanautic Super King / Omega Ploprof 1200 / Graham Scarab Diver
TonyD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2019, 12:10 AM   #25
watchwatcher
"TRF" Member
 
watchwatcher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Larry
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Yes
Posts: 34,443
If it was me, this would be too tough of a call for an elimination...I'd probably just hang on to them both for now and let nature take its course.

Now, having said that, I find the BB a little more interesting to look at. The little splash of red and the gilt touches on the dial are amazing.
watchwatcher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2019, 12:35 AM   #26
Jmbarrack
"TRF" Member
 
Jmbarrack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: United States
Watch: Ever changing!
Posts: 1,142
If you own another Rolex Sport model, I would keep the 58. The gold gild is a nice departure from the typical "silver" color hands and indices of most sports models.

If you don't, then a stronger case could be made for keeping the Explorer.

Overall, I like the look of the 58 better on your wrist. I think the watch is better proportioned and balanced. I love the Explorer and the tradition behind it, but I don't necessarily love the look of the 39mm version. Something to me is missing with the size increase and it feels bloated.
Jmbarrack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2019, 12:41 AM   #27
stefs
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: essex
Watch: 16570/214270
Posts: 190
Keep the bb58. The most perfect proportions and to my eyes the watch the original black bay should have been.
stefs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2019, 01:33 AM   #28
James Taylor
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: johannesburg
Posts: 101
I would also keep the BB58, but all that depends on you.
The dive extension really only matters if you're a diver and even then, a cheaper digital dive watch can serve a better purpose underwater.
I wouldn't rush the decision unless you have to though, i understand the dilemma.
James Taylor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2019, 01:48 AM   #29
slin1110
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 67
I like the explorer more. If I were to choose, definitely the explorer.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
slin1110 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 January 2019, 02:41 AM   #30
ap1
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: usa
Posts: 18,976
I find the explorer lifeless so I’d keep BB and it’s a more sensible beater and agree needed to man the bbq
ap1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.