Trade up to Sub or go for Explorer?

[BlackRose]

Hi all,
I am relatively new to watches and love this forum. My only piece is the Black Bay Black ETA, which I wear 24/7. As much as I like it, the no date Sub does call to me. I’ve considered selling the BB and using proceeds toward a Sub, but also have considered keeping BB and buying Explorer, which is my other favourite Rolex. While I fancy myself as a one watch guy, the BB and Explorer combo would give me two different looks vs having the diver look everyday if Sub was my only watch. I dress casual everyday. Wear a suit a handful of times all year. Any opinions welcome! Thanks to a great group of enthusiasts.


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[BoomerSooner]

I'm biased...Explorer gets my vote

[Jack T]

For me, the Explorer hands down. I also have a Sub, 14060m, and to be honest I’m a bit tired of it. The Explorer was my third Rolex; had it been my first, it might be my only. Versatile, reliable, durable and discreet, it’s the best in the lineup, and would be a better compliment to your Black Bay, in my opinion. Have fun deciding ��

[NLYogi]

I prefer the Explorer over the Submariner. Smooth and pleasing to the eye.

Everyone has a ss sub with or without date. Sub becomes highly interesting when TT though.

Try them out at your AD.

[FTX I]

Sub. No brainer.

[douglasf13]

Sell your BB, buy the Explorer, then read this: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/op...-one-watch-guy

[Rocco21]

Really can’t lose with sub or explorer as they are two of my favorites but being I’m a one watch guy myself I would prob go with the sub.

[rmlovett1]

I’d agree 2 > 1. But, if you’re used to being a 1 watch guy, the Sub is an outstanding watch to enjoy every single day (until your next purchase ) being a 1 watch guy is awesome! But a collection is also very fun!

[slillestrand]

I've had both the Sub and the explorer.

Here are my thoughts on the two.

Explorer is a Dressy sports model...understated for sure and wears a bit small.....no one will ever know it is a rolex which works for me too.


Sub says it like it is.... I'm a sub.....and everyone knows it is a sub

Sub is a bit larger in size and wears better on the wrist....I have a small wrist and it still wears better.
Sub has a great bezel...ceramic...looks fantastic and functions great. I use it to time how long I keep beer in the freezer...go figure, but it works.

Most important...Buy the sub..... it is "the" prototypical tool watch.

I literally just traded away my sub date for another watch....and I will be buying that one again....I just could not justify having both right now...only so much money to go around.

The sub rocks....I can't say one bad thing about it....seriously....there is a reason Rolex doesn't change it much and its been around for over 50 years.

Good luck!

Scott

[MariettaMike]

I own both watches and like them equally. I always wear the Explorer II when I travel across the pond because of the two timezone feature. So, it's 50/50 for me. You can't go wrong with either watch.

[Strummer25]

Two is always better than 1 and Explorer a great watch, go for it

[SevenWays]

Originally Posted by jack t

for me, the explorer hands down. I also have a sub, 14060m, and to be honest i’m a bit tired of it. The explorer was my third rolex; had it been my first, it might be my only. Versatile, reliable, durable and discreet, it’s the best in the lineup, and would be a better compliment to your black bay, in my opinion. Have fun deciding ��

x2

[ras47]

I’m a two-watch guy. Rolex GMT2 BLRO (16710) and an Omega Speedmaster.

The Sub and BB are a little redundant in terms of style, so if you’re going to stay a one-watch guy the Sub is the one.

If you’re going to be a two-watch guy I’d say get the Explorer II to compliment the Tudor.

[watchwatcher]

Big sub fan here...however, sounds like you enjoy the BB and the EXP would complement that very nicely. So, I think I would go with that...you can always add a sub down the line.

[slide13]

I’m a one watch guy and I prefer it that way. For me, the Sub is the watch I’ve always loved and it serves as a great daily.

Explorer is awesome too and would make a great only watch as well if you prefer it, but sounds like you prefer the Sub.

I had two Black Bays (not at the same time) before my Sub, never loved them and didn’t keep either too long. I was really just trying to satisfy my Sub desire with something cheaper and it didn’t work. Never once had any regret for selling them and getting my Sub.

[Nikrnic]

If that's your choices I'd rather have two. But to me a Sub is a must have, just saying I had a BB red and had to sell it for a sub because it kept haunting me every day. I bought a mint 14060m but had to try on a 114060 just because, Immediately I traded for it and never looked back.

[69ways]

You will notice that many on the forum regret spending cash on other brands before moving to Rolex
The Tudor will always live in the shade of the Rolex and as the Sub is for the stone you will built the collection on then I strongly suggest going for the Sub

[GarbanzoNegro]

Explorer all the way!

I have been wearing it for the last 15 years. Only last year started to feel a little bored about it and I spiced it up by changing straps.

Best regards,

[soho]

BB + EXP =


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[Peter99]

I have the SubC with date plus an Explorer 39mm.

Both are lovely watches with I much recommend, but for a watch to wear 365 days of the year it must be the Explorer 39mm.

The SubC is not really a watch to wear on dress up ocassions with the tux or up in the hills/mountains, but on average I of course wear the SubC.

I might add the Explorer 39mm is the more comfortable watch to wear due to the fit on the wrist.

[HogwldFLTR]

There really isn't all that much difference between the Sub C and the BBN Eta at first glance. The BBN is much rarer so imho keep it and go with the Exp 39.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by 69ways

You will notice that many on the forum regret spending cash on other brands before moving to Rolex
The Tudor will always live in the shade of the Rolex and as the Sub is for the stone you will built the collection on then I strongly suggest going for the Sub

Duplicate post.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by 69ways

You will notice that many on the forum regret spending cash on other brands before moving to Rolex
The Tudor will always live in the shade of the Rolex and as the Sub is for the stone you will built the collection on then I strongly suggest going for the Sub

Weird, I’ve owned several Rolex watches, and now I only wear a Tudor...

I’d wear a BB over the 6-digit Sub, but I’d take an Explorer over both...if we’re talking 36mm.

[DoctorA]

Sub every day any day all the day!!

[Rp930]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

Sub every day any day all the day!!

!!!

[run23]

Can’t go wrong either way— I have a Sub, so I’m lusting after the Explorer and feel like it’s the perfect watch. Of course if I owned an Explorer, I’d feel the exact opposite (always want what you don’t have and all that).

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

Sub every day any day all the day!!

There are so many SubC around just because of this sentiment. Any WIS will see a SubC and say, nice watch, but their heart will say...another Sub C. With the Tudor BBN Eta, they'll take notice. IMHO.

[Danwealth]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

Sub every day any day all the day!!

Yes.. you are right

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by soho

BB + EXP =


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x2

(Or add the Ranger if you want better depth rating than the Explorer).

[BlackRose]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Lots to think about.
Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!


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