Explorer 114270 VS. OP 36mm 'Explorer dial'

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by zetaplus93

The 39mm looks fine as a modern watch on your hands (e.g. a bigger watch). However, if you’re going for the more traditional dressy watch, then a 36mm watch is better proportion-wise IMO.



The 114270 will be absolutely fine doing rigorous activities. It’s a relatively modern watch, so I wouldn’t worry.

Having said that, the updates in the 214270 or current generation OP does make it feel substantial and “modern”. For me, the new bracelet and clasp is worth the “upgrade” compared to the 114270. The older bracelet is by no means not secure etc, just didn’t have the heft I associate with the current gen Rolex references like the 116710LN (which I got after the 114270).

You’ll just have to decide what’s worth it for you. Good luck!

Appreciate for the valuable info.
Do people swim with their 20+ year old pieces too?

As a musician often surrounded by amps and such, would I need to consider magnetisation at all with a 114270? One reason I opted for the IWC was for the anti-magnetic cage surrounding the movement so I didn't really have to consider that aspect.

Thanks all.

[zetaplus93]

Originally Posted by Watch Explorer

Appreciate for the valuable info.

Do people swim with their 20+ year old pieces too?

Yes I believe so, as long as it’s been serviced recently to ensure the gaskets etc haven’t been broken and the crown screwed in.

[Watch Explorer]

At the moment it's approx. 14 votes for the OP and 9 for the Explorer.

[Chester01]

This is not going to be popular here, but if you have the iwc on bracelet, I would keep it. It’s quite tough and water resistant for most activities, fantastic daily wearer and I almost never see anyone else wearing one. I would personally save and then go for the op 36 which is a bit dressier.

[bigchelis]

Originally Posted by Watch Explorer

If there was a new 36mm Explorer I would probably get that, shame that the newest used ones are 8 years old.
The upgrades on a new OP are hard to ignore. The blue dial is awesome too, it's the Explorers horological father and has done a great deal of 'exploring' itself.

Do you think there will ever be 2 sizes in the Explorer line?

I do not think Rolex would offer a NEW 36mm. As they are now they cant apparently keep up with demand so why change.

My old 14270 Explorer ( I have 114270 now) I had waterproof service done to it, which they replaced all the seals and the crown and water tested it at 10 BAR. After that I wore it swimming often, wore it while working on the yard, and even while doing some house upgrades using power tools. Yet in about a 6 month of wearing it daily it kept time perfectly and I did not adjust it at all. I live in a Farm but work in an office so I need something for both environments. Tuff enough for the farm life but nice enough to wear with my collar shirts.

The White Dial OP is very nice too. Even the indices variant with no numerals is awesome. I myself will pick up the indices variant Used at some point.


bigC

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by Chester01

This is not going to be popular here, but if you have the iwc on bracelet, I would keep it. It’s quite tough and water resistant for most activities, fantastic daily wearer and I almost never see anyone else wearing one. I would personally save and then go for the op 36 which is a bit dressier.

Intresting thought Chester, I hadn't seriously considered keeping the IWC as well, I do indeed have the bracelet. It's 60m WR which IWC claims is fine swimming but I don't test it other than under the tap to clean it. An oyster case is an attractive proposition.

I'm always trying to simplify my life and trying to find the one perfect GADA watch rather than build a large collection (service costs etc are also a factor). The IWC has been nothing but fantastic but at 39mm I currently find it a bit large for my evolving taste.

Considered a 38mm Aqua Terra and do like them but don't think the designs may age as well as a Rolex.

Definitely food for thought though.

[Innocenti]

Interesting that both the explorer and 3-6-9 dial OP have rounded indices.
Next to the datejust and other dial variants on the OP they look pretty sloppy

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by bigchelis

I do not think Rolex would offer a NEW 36mm. As they are now they cant apparently keep up with demand so why change.

My old 14270 Explorer ( I have 114270 now) I had waterproof service done to it, which they replaced all the seals and the crown and water tested it at 10 BAR. After that I wore it swimming often, wore it while working on the yard, and even while doing some house upgrades using power tools. Yet in about a 6 month of wearing it daily it kept time perfectly and I did not adjust it at all. I live in a Farm but work in an office so I need something for both environments. Tuff enough for the farm life but nice enough to wear with my collar shirts.

The White Dial OP is very nice too. Even the indices variant with no numerals is awesome. I myself will pick up the indices variant Used at some point.


bigC

Great to hear about your experiences with the 14270 bigchelis and that an older watch with a good service can truly be relied on for rigorous tasks.

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

Interesting that both the explorer and 3-6-9 dial OP have rounded indices.
Next to the datejust and other dial variants on the OP they look pretty sloppy

Good observation, not a deal breaker for me though. I do like the white dial OP, but its getting a bit too far away from the Explorer vibe for me.

[Innocenti]

I have a sub and a datejust .
The little blue 116000 op36mm is the next and probably only other Rolex I’d buy

[hhtwaijri]

I'm a sucker for the Mercedes hands.

But for a daily beater, something to swim with comfortably, I'd say go with the OP.

39 explorer is fantastic piece by the way, did you try it?

Good luck. Cheers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[R!$]

Both Rolex are fine. Im just glad you are trading away that IWC

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by R!$

Both Rolex are fine. Im just glad you are trading away that IWC

I liked the RAF connection (for my grandfather) with the IWC Marks and despite housing a modified ETA it has run -1 per day since I got it so couldn't ask for much more from it.

[Watch Explorer]

Later found out he actually wore a Rolex

[Explorer1nyc]

Get the 36mm Ex (either 14270 or 114270) and bring it to a good watchmaker, have them pressure test it and slap new seals on it and go swim w/ it and do anything you want w/ it w/no worries. it'll last you a lifetime. it's a Rolex.

Think abt a 14270 - lighter on the wrist w/ hollow end links, plus the holes case means you can swap out for straps easier.

the OP will be around for years, you can always flip the 36mm Ex for that. Get the Ex while they're still at a price that's reasonable.

[Watch Explorer]

Should I be concerned about magnetism with a 36 Explorer? I spend quite a lot of time around amps and speakers etc. for my job.

[Blingtone]

Lume is green same as my 14270 & 114270 Explorers.....
all 3 are great watches (and the're all 'Oyster Perpetuals') but I find myself wearing the OP blue 'Arabic' dial more often these days.

[Explorer1nyc]

Originally Posted by Watch Explorer

Should I be concerned about magnetism with a 36 Explorer? I spend quite a lot of time around amps and speakers etc. for my job.

No. It'll be fine.

Amps and speakers aren't Milgauss worthy

Get the 36mm Ex, flip for an OP if unhappy.

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by Explorer1nyc

No. It'll be fine.

Amps and speakers aren't Milgauss worthy

Get the 36mm Ex, flip for an OP if unhappy.

Thanks Explorer1nyc

[Watch Explorer]

Does the Explorer look like a good fit for my wrist?

[Innocenti]

Why are you counting votes?
Will your choice come down to the opinion of others ?

Flip a coin to decide and stick with whatever lands, my guess is you will decide for your self before the coin lands.

Another option is to look for a nos 114270,,, it seems like it’s the explorer you really want

[bigchelis]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

Why are you counting votes?
Will your choice come down to the opinion of others ?

Flip a coin to decide and stick with whatever lands, my guess is you will decide for your self before the coin lands.

Another option is to look for a nos 114270,,, it seems like it’s the explorer you really want

Heck yeah a NOS 114270 is what I wanted. Sadly they are unicorns and when they exists they cost much much more than a gently used one.

[Watch Explorer]

To tie a neat bow on this thread, things have moved pretty quickly.

I went with my heart and pulled the trigger on an Explorer. I found a minty 114270 from 2010 with the engraved rehaut from a nice local seller :)

Very Happy!

Thank you for all your input, much appreciated and fun

[RHJ]

So, big congrats and welcome in the Explorer - Gang!

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by RHJ

So, big congrats and welcome in the Explorer - Gang!

[bigchelis]

Wow....The last year the 114270 was made. that is a Crazy awesome find.

Must be a V series or did they actually make them in G series?


Well you got a rare awesome piece.

bigC

[dafuture]

The Explorer is a fantastic piece, but the blue OP is stunning. I say go with the new one.

[Watch Explorer]

Originally Posted by bigchelis

Wow....The last year the 114270 was made. that is a Crazy awesome find.

Must be a V series or did they actually make them in G series?


Well you got a rare awesome piece.

bigC

Yeh it's a V series, I was super lucky and am grateful. I took a bath selling the IWC though so the world is in perfect balance

[Explorer1nyc]

You made the right choice. Congrats.

"The Explorer is a fantastic piece, but the blue OP is stunning. I say go with the new one."

- dafuture

dafuture is like the soldier in the jungles of Vietnam who still thought the war was going on years after... sad.

[Uhtred59]

Would have been my choice too. Congratulations