Explorer (36 mm) or dark rhodium Yacht Master (37 mm)

[schro]

Hello,

for a male I have a rather small wrist (only 17 mm) and my every day watch is an OP Date (34 mm).

Next, I plan to buy a sports watch, but almost all of the Rolex watches I have tried on are way too big or just feel awkward on me.

As for now, it only comes down to a 36 mm Explorer (114270), which would have to be pre-owned. (Again, the new 39 mm feels too big.)

On the other hand, I could just wait (and save) for the new 37 mm dark rhodium Yacht Master (268622). I have tried on a 35 mm YM (168622) and with 2 extra mm it could just fit right.

So what do you guys say: go for a decent used Explorer or wait for the new YM?

Thanks for your opinions!

[designerguy]

The Explorer is classic and always will be - gets my vote

[KevNev]

I think the new YM in the dark rhodium is a beautiful configuration. That's what I would go for!

[Jemspeed]

A 17mm wrist is indeed small.

[francksuperbaby]

You can try the oyster perpetual 36 mm, clean dial and they look a little bigger than the explorer 114270.
For the same price as a second hand explo 1 I would buy an oyster 116000.

rolex 116000 around 4500 euros, yachtmaster 37mm around 10000 euros....

[fskywalker]

I would say go for the 114270 Explorer. There are many on the used market, probably you can source a mint example. The latest ones (think are M serial) have rehaut if that is a feature you would like.

[douglasf13]

Explorer, I would also look at the awesome new Tudor 36mm Heritage Black Bay.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Jemspeed

A 17mm wrist is indeed small.

is the OP a chipmunk

I'm guessing not and the OP meant 17 cm or 6.6" wrist.

I would wait for the new YM. Always fun to have something new

[schro]

Originally Posted by Jemspeed

A 17mm wrist is indeed small.

...should be cm 😂😂😂

[The Joker]

17cm - 6.7" wrist isn't that small, mine is 6.5".

You can definitely push to a 40mm watch for a sporty look. Give it a try. This is refreshing to hear after so many want to wear huge watches.

[HobokenRolex]

Explorer 36 mm!

[sea-dweller]

Explorer!

[schro]

Thanks for all your comments so far.

Here is my daily beater (OP Date 15210). With only 34 mm it appears larger with the engine bezel:





On this pic I wear the 36 mm Explorer (114270), which is absolutely classy:





And here is the 35 mm Yacht Master (168622) on my wrist, which felt too "feminine":





So now I have to wait and try on the 37 mm YM (268622):
(pic borrowed from the internet)

[Gerardus]

EX36mm all the way

[joe100]

I say be different, get the YM

[thomaspp]

Explorer

[JayJ]

Originally Posted by joe100

I say be different, get the YM

[sickened1]

Explorer (pic borrowed from Rob).

[VicLeChic]

I'm biased towards the YM (probably because I sold a kidney to get a 116622 Rolesium). However, although the new dark grey dial might look good under certain angles, I do remain skeptical about such contrast between a dark dial and a shiny large bezel, I think it clashes (this was my problem with the blue dial 116622 when trying it on at the AD). How about the new two tone Rose Gold YM?

There's definetly something to be said about the Explorer. Pure, simple sufficient and elegant Just everything I seek in a watch these days. I can't see it ever looking dated.

Both are great choices for several reasons. Get the one you really like in the flesh.

[cht]

man's model explorer or a girl's model YMII....

hmmm.....what would I pick.....

[VicLeChic]

Originally Posted by cht

man's model explorer or a girl's model YMII....

hmmm.....what would I pick.....

Any watch with a case under 38mm could probably be considered unisex these days, including the Explorer.

[dysondiver]

explorer would be easier to read , bigger face ,, time elapse bezel can be great , or not , depending if you use it or just like the divers look , but to my mind there is no wrong choice buy one , and save for the other.

[myc ritz]

I'd go 36 for explorer, but if you go Yachtmaster do the 40mm. A 37mm Yachtamster appears very small with the larger bezel.

[tkc324]

Explorer gets my vote.

[mui.richard]

My wrist is only 16cm and I rock a 216570 42mm Polar proudly. So I'd say even a 39mm Explorer wouldn't be too big on OP's 17cm wrist.



a watch is meant to be worn

[vitalsignsrn]

I'd suggest waiting till the new YM comes out & giving it a try. It's a beautiful dial. Your wrist isn't small in my opinion. My wrist is the same size, maybe I have man wrists. :-( LOL I did try on the 35mm YM & the 40 about a year ago. I found the 35mm felt better but I thought it was a bit small looking & the 40 looked ok but was too heavy. Overall, I think the 37mm is going to be a nice size.

[Trurolexer]

Explorer I

[schro]

Originally Posted by vitalsignsrn

I'd suggest waiting till the new YM comes out & giving it a try. It's a beautiful dial. Your wrist isn't small in my opinion. My wrist is the same size, maybe I have man wrists. :-( LOL I did try on the 35mm YM & the 40 about a year ago. I found the 35mm felt better but I thought it was a bit small looking & the 40 looked ok but was too heavy. Overall, I think the 37mm is going to be a nice size.

Finally, I was able to try on the 37 mm YM. The size and weight seem just perfect for me. But I am not sure about the blue second hand...

Here are some pics:

[deerhunter]

Explorer, this was easy.

[Kosgad]

Originally Posted by Jemspeed

A 17mm wrist is indeed small.

Yes I totally agree with Jamspeed.

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