2017 EXPLORER 214270 or SUBMARINER 114060?

[rolliesub]

Hi guys, long time lurker here.

As the above, i'm aware that this question has been posted a handful of times but I guess the 2017 Explorer model is a first.

I would try to include photos if i am allowed to.

So what do you think of these two models? Would you choose one over the other? This is solely IMO but I find the Submariner a bit boring compared to the Explorer now with the lumed 3,6,9. Probably, due to the fact you see Submariner look-alikes everywhere nowadays it's like its lost its prestige. I know on the contrary the Explorer isn't copied that much if not at all compared to the Sub. I very much wanted a Sub since the past year or so however I see myself leaning back and forth towards to Explorer and the Sub whenever I get to try them at ADs. Price difference is about a thousand dollars or 600 USD in where I am living so that's not an issue.

[SodiumMonkey]

I had been contemplating this exact same decision. I made my decision today and you can see it here along with a little commentary on why I chose the 214270 for my first Rolex: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=530843

I don't think you can go wrong either way. Enjoy the new watch, whatever it ends up being!

[TudorBeast]

I went the Exp.1 route. I also bought a used 114060 for giggles. I can tell you right now the Explorer wears a lot more comfortably than the Submariner due to the flatter caseback. Also, its less flashy... the Submariner has a lot more wrist presence.

Ideally i would have both and also a ceramic Daytona to complete the trio ;)

[HogwldFLTR]

For me it was a 114060, then a 14060 which I still have. I'd choose the Exp over the Sub C for my use.

[TeeBoi]

I would go with the SubC.

Simply a classic.

[Bigsykedaddy]

Definitely the 114060, even though both are great choices and you can't go wrong with either

[JRAH]

Buy the Sub first and then the Explorer. Together these two are a great tool watch collection ��

[rph08]

I'd start with the Explorer, then add a Sub Date (LVc perhaps?) later on.

[mikebike]

Welcome!

I'm new here too and currently having the same dilemma: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=530633

[ejvette]

Personally I would chose the sub for the same reason I don't own a Rolex with PCL's the shiny bezel inevitably gets scratched up ..... hazard of OCD

[1William]

I prefer the 114060. I like the case, lume, bezel and most of all the glidelock bracelet.

[Chiefs]

Although the Sub-C is gorgeous and I so badly wanted to love it, the extra bulk compared to previous 5 digit references makes for a very "different" feel on the wrist. The Explorer is more likely to melt into your wrist than the Sub so try and spend 10 minutes wearing each one whilst wearing your normal clothing (shirt etc).

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Bfd70]

I bought the Exp first then flipped it 6 months later for the Sub.
A few reasons:
1. I found the Exp dial just a little...plain, didn't really excite me.
2. I really prefer having a date (1 more reason to look at your watch)
3. Previous gen of Exp did not have lume numerals and the #'s they did have would constantly glare against sun when reading time.
4. With wrist swell/shrinkage due to weather/time of day, the glidelock cannot be beat. The Sub wears so comfortably, sometimes when it's under a shirt cuff i need to check to verify that i am wearing it.

So, very happy with the Sub choice for me.

[strafer_kid]

Got to be the Sub!

[rolliesub]

I read through each and every one of your comments with rellish. Keep it going. My job allows me to be dressed in short sleeve shirts, tee shirts, jeans. I would think both the Explorer or Sub will do the trick even if i go casual (short sleeve shirts and 3/4 pants). As for potential value, will the Explorer one day be worth more than the Sub? I know it's all about wearing what suits me best but it's fun to think a tad more at times.

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by rolliesub

As for potential value, will the Explorer one day be worth more than the Sub?

I would seriously doubt it.

I have both the new Explorer and a Sub. Both great watches. Both different with different looks. It would be hard for me to pick between the two.

[Steve36Efc]

No doubting the explorer is a superb watch but it's the Sub for me, ceramic bezel stunning dial. I just think it's a spectacular looking watch.

[rolliesub]

Originally Posted by Bluside

I would seriously doubt it.

I have both the new Explorer and a Sub. Both great watches. Both different with different looks. It would be hard for me to pick between the two.

Do they hold the same weight and value in your eyes? Does the Explorer go unnoticed when you are out?

[rolliesub]

I would also like to add that I will only be buying one of these two watches and this watch is going to last at least for the next 5 to 10 years as I have a wedding coming next year and a house to settle after that.

[Urosfan]

I'd go sub

[BDL]

I am in love with the 214270 Explorer. Has all the history, precision and quality of a Rolex without screaming to the world I AM WEARING A ROLEX

[rolliesub]

Looks like the majority prefer the Sub to the Exp. The Sub is just so jazzy isn't it?

[rolliesub]

Do any of you prefer your Rolex to turn heads? Just a show of hands.

[Hotrod297]

114060 all day!!!

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by TudorBeast

I went the Exp.1 route. I also bought a used 114060 for giggles. I can tell you right now the Explorer wears a lot more comfortably than the Submariner due to the flatter caseback. Also, its less flashy... the Submariner has a lot more wrist presence.

Ideally i would have both and also a ceramic Daytona to complete the trio ;)

I know you said the comfort was due to the flatter case back, but can you elaborate on this any further?

I love my gen2 214270, and it's supremely comfortable, but in the back of my mind I'd like to add a 114060 at some point. Now I'm wondering if I'll want to wear it since my first Rolex is so seemingly perfect.

[Bruins7]

sub!

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by rolliesub

Do any of you prefer your Rolex to turn heads? Just a show of hands.

I'd like to have the option. I love my 214270 and can't imagine selling it, but I wouldn't mind something flashier for certain times. I'd like a 114060, or maybe a 116610LV for some color. Not sure yet.

Having rocked the Explorer 1 for nearly six months now, in my experience no one notices it -- at least, no one who says anything to me. The only time it happened was at an Apple Store and the sales guy helping me was wearing the 1st gen model. Oddly enough, I immediately noticed his at the same time, and I wasn't even looking for what he was wearing. Funny.

[NLYogi]

Explorer for me! Such an aesthetically pleasing, balanced dial. For me it was less of a dilemma because I do not really like the sub. One teaser from last Christmas:

[Steph-paul]

I will go for the 214270, less flashy, and bulky.More under the radar and a touch of class.Then I prefer the last version of Sub 14160, this is me.But the 114160 is a great watch too, nothing wrong with it,try both.

[rolliesub]

Originally Posted by the_natural

I'd like to have the option. I love my 214270 and can't imagine selling it, but I wouldn't mind something flashier for certain times. I'd like a 114060, or maybe a 116610LV for some color. Not sure yet.

Having rocked the Explorer 1 for nearly six months now, in my experience no one notices it -- at least, no one who says anything to me. The only time it happened was at an Apple Store and the sales guy helping me was wearing the 1st gen model. Oddly enough, I immediately noticed his at the same time, and I wasn't even looking for what he was wearing. Funny.

I love reading situations like yours, gives me an insight as to how both watches might fare if I were to wear it. It would be safe to assume that almost no one if not only a handful will notice the Exp. I dont own any rollies now but if it were me next to you, I would have notice that Exp right away, haha!