I agree. I myself didn’t realise it was this beautiful, especially this blue dial. When I was doing the shots for this video, I was blown away with how stunning sunburst the dial and colour is. You can probably see in my video how the watch outshines everything else. Thanks again for watching, and I agree, this watch deserves a lot more love than it normally gets. I have a few other watches coming up on the channel so stay tuned :)
Cannot understand why this model doesn’t get more love. The 3/6/9 dial, the perfect 36mm size, ultra gorgeous blue, fantastic bracelet.... it takes everything that was appealing about the old explorer and wrapped it up in a new and (IMHO) better package. Also one of the cheapest models you can buy. This is my favorite current rolex and sort of a hidden gem in the current collection. Can’t wait for them to discontinue it and wait for people to come around, them watch the value of mine soar :)
I agree with Adrian from Bark & Jack, that there is no "entry level" Rolex. They are all expensive and some are more expensive than others, and that "entry level" would be Oris or Longines, and even then, those are great watches.
I bought this watch a year ago (this video helped me to decide!), and it’s been my daily ever since. I’ve owned a LOT of watches over the years (Rolex, FPJ,AP,JLC,IWC) and I know this sounds crazy, but this might be my favourite watch I’ve ever owned. It’s just perfect.I think of it as a ‘sports dress’ watch. It looks great with anything.
its a very special Rolex..origin OP with explorer DNA...fits both dress and sports. Looking at this video...it looks even better with all its nicks and scratches...the same can't be said by scratching up a JLC or any other dress watch.
I own this exact watch currently own 3 other Rolex watches and in the past various other brands including JLC and Blancpain. Although I have the GMT Batman, Explorer II Polar, and the SD4K. I wear my OP36 most of the time as I love the size and it's so comfortable on my wrist and that sunburst blue dial is stunning, better than the black dial on Subs and GMTs.
@@lettuce1305I have many other Rolex 5 digits, Blancpains, four IWC’s but just received this exact watch. This thing looks looks and fits so ideally it’s scary. How’d they do it???
Perfect. Love the narration and the very detailed analysis. Absolutely correct about the resemblance to the 36 explorer. Stunning blue sunburst dial, oldschool size, explorer link, Rolex always high quality workmanship, cosc cert., very reasonably priced and more importantly no waitlist, one really cannot go wrong with this. You must have done quite a lot of research my friend, very well done indeed. I am continuing to enjoy this as my daily wear for now. I can’t believe you actually did this full review - amazing.
Thanks so much my friend. I worked on my voice in this video and was conscious of the gaps too. I did realise after I had uploaded the last one that the gaps towards the end were very short. Thanks again for watching and especially the feedback. I do spend a fair bit of time researching the watch I’m going to talk about :) I agree, OP 39 is actually far more beautiful than I ever imagined. You gotta see it to believe to.
Have the exact same watch and adore it more than any other expensive watches. Love to see some scratches on the rugs which means you are enjoying this watch on daily basis. Thank you for through review on this most underrated watch.
Spectacular photography. Great use of light and shade and variability in the type of light to replicate a sunset appearance bringing an orange glow. You are a master at video, my friend.
Your review made me buy my 114200 with the same face from my AD in August 2020. I'm still so happy with it, but want to also get a 126234 with the fluted blue dial thanks to your review of that watch too :)
I just acquired my first Rolex ever, I went with the 39mm black dial Oyster Perpetual. I was torn for the longest time between it versus the Explorer. I'm happy with my choice.
Brilliant choice mate. Black OP39 is such a timeless and versatile design. The Lume in the hour markers is a bonus. Many congrats on getting such a beautiful piece as first Rolex. Thanks for watching and the comment :)
I was thinking of doing the same thing. I was also wondering if you can take the Explorer strap, and put it on the 39mm Oyster Perpetual, since it has the adjustable strap with the safety latch.
I was thinking of doing the same thing. I was also wondering if you can take the Explorer strap, and put it on the 39mm Oyster Perpetual, since it has the adjustable strap with the safety latch.
I like the hands on the explorer but the dial on the 39mm Oyster Perpetual, since the Crown or Coronet is at the top/12 O'Clock position, whereas on the explorer, it is undearneath the 12 O'clock down-arrow.
@@TheChadWork2001 That was the exact difference maker for me. I figured if I was going to get my first ever 'top of the line' watch I wanted it to have that iconic Rolex look with the big crown at the 12 o'clock. That was the deciding factor.
I got my eyes on this beauty for a long time, it will be a gift to my self if i ever graduate, even though I'm able to buy it now. A Rolex should be achieved.
Discontinued now as well and the prices are starting to increase nicely. Purchased mine in 2007 for £3950. They are posted on chrono24 between £5000 and £6000.
I actually agree with you 100%. This is practically a more of a dress watch and is supposed to work well with jacket or formal shirt better. Now I feel, I should have done the wrist shot with a jacket, and I agree it would have worked better. Thanks again for watching and the feedback. I’ll keep that in mind in my next video 🙂
I own three 40mm Rolex. Sub date 16610M, Sub 14060M and a GMT 16710M and all fit perfect. Recently purchased a OP 39mm 114300 and the dial sits too large. I just received this watch and it fits like a dream! I never thought I’d go back to a 36, but this thing is a jewel. It’s gotta be the super case because it wears so much larger. My wrist is just shy of 7”.
Subscribed to your channel a couple mths ago, watched all your new videos and now looking back at sone of the older ones. Can I ask that the new OP36 you reviewed somehow looks bigger than this old OP36 even though the lug to lug is smaller on the new OP36? Is the dial on the new OP36 bigger?
The signs of wear on this watch, the dings and marks make it look incredible. I can only hope that my 214270 ages in the same way. Would beg Rolex to not refinish it during service!
I have a 36mm blue dial (3/6/9) Oyster Perpetual hommage watch. It is a 1-1 copy without the Rolex name and i got it to test if the smaller 36mm would fit my wrist and look okay on my close to 7,5" wrist BEFORE I went away and payed for the real thing, and that little 36mm fits perfect. It is the ONLY 36mm watch that looks okay on my wrist and not to small like all other 36mm watches. I did do a wrist check with a real Rolex 36mm Oyster Perpetual but WITHOUT the 3/6/9 and that looked to small. I guess the 3/6/9 numerals makes a big difference and lets the dial look much bigger and more like a 38mm watch.
It’s actually a good approach to try on and then pay the full price if you really liked it. I agree, the Arabic numerals make the face of this watch bigger and bolder. With stick hour markers, it’d imagine the dial to look even smaller. Id personally pick 39mm OP if I were to to go stick hour markers. Reviewing coming to channel this weekend too ;)
Hafiz J Mehmood -Yes, the stick hour markes with a 39mm is the way to go. I love the Black Explorer 39mm and a friend has one that I tried on, but it looks very very big on the wrist, even with my 7,5" wrist. Almost like a 41mm. BTW, can you make a lume shot on the 36mm?
Very good review and high class video !! (just I would love to see the same video with a brand new watch, without scratches, just sayin, sorry).. everybody crazy trying to find any Explorer, but this watch is a heavy competitor as you showed. Thank for the video. Well done !!
Thanks so much. I agree, this watch was quite a bit bashed but that’s all I could get hold of. I’ll sure try to get a newer one and redo it when I can :)
Rolex has produced a 116000 OP36 with black Explorer dial for the Asian market. Very few pieces were made. Much rarer was the 116034 OP36 with black Explorer dial and fluted bezel 👍
Thank you so much for watching. The blue sunburst dial on this 36mm is actually very beautiful. If a little small size isn’t a concern to you, I see it no brainier. The 369 dial has its character indeed too.
This fits so much better than my OP 39MM. I typically wear 40MM 5 digit subs but the OP 39 had too much wrist presence. Almost like a 41. This 36MM with super case is an absolute godsend.
I honestly don’t think Aqua terra Blue stands a chance against this blue OP36. My personal preference but I find this OP blue very interesting. But since you have 39mm Explorer, the dials May become too similar for you, so maybe worth trying a dial with stick hour markers?
Hafiz J Mehmood The AT also has the dark blue dial with vertical teak deck dial which looks black in most conditions. It doesn’t have the sunburst effect of the OP. I always loved this OP but had to buy the Skyfall as its so rare. I have an Explorer, Aqua Terra Skyfall, GS SBGN001 as my travel GMT, SBGA083 as my dress. What would you recommend as my next watch?? Thanks for replying!
Typically one would add a chrono after all the variants you have. Maybe speedy? But really depends on personal preference. I personally sometimes just buy same watch different dials when I love a watch, so I don’t mind monotony, as long as that particular watch floats my boat.
Hafiz J Mehmood Thank you for your suggestion. Yes, a chrono is indeed missing but somehow its not a complication I really miss. I will just give it time and maybe i’ll find the answer!
Trying to decide between this and an Explorer 36mm. I can get this brand new for about the same price as a used 36mm Explorer (which will be at least 10 years old). I was all set to pull the trigger on the Explorer but now I can’t decide.
Thanks Hafiz for explaining the term 'oyster perpetual'. I confess that I was previously a rolex snob but learning more about rolex's history and contribution to the industry I am appreciating rolex much more...indeed I'm on the hunt ('perpetual') for a steel daytona! Superb script and cinematography as always!
Thanks so much for watching and the feedback. I agree, Rolex are pretty much synonym to term horology for their contribution in what we call today as collectors world. One can dislike them but they’re actually very rich with their history and linkage with horological contributions. I also sold all my Rolexes at one point and replaced them with AP but then realised they’re actually special too. They’re versatile, and workhorse. They offer a unique experience, are very accurate and durable. Goodluck with your hunt. I ended up adding hulk back and think that’s the only one I’ll keep for now 😃
2014, Rolex introduced the first men's watch into the Oyster perpetual series? That is absolutely incorrect. The 34mm (e.g. 1500 series Oyster perpetual Date) was originally for men, and deemed a classic male size. It still looks fantastic. Why are you comparing current sizes to historically conservative sizes? Does an originally male watch become female nowadays? Of course not.. Many men, such as myself proudly wear 34mm watches such as vintage OPs.
Hi. Thanks for watching the video and feedback. 34mm in OP series also came out in 2014. What I’ve said is that it wasn’t until 2014 that Rolex introduced four different sizes into the range. The video is about 36mm which is what I’m showing so I didnt really mention 34mm, nor did I make any comment on it. I also didn’t say that 36mm was the only men’s watch in the range. I did say it was the first one so I understand your point and where it caused the confusion. Apologies, I wasn’t clear enough.
Finally the 116000 36mm OP with 369 blue dial gets some internet love and is understood. Thank you for the review.
I agree. I myself didn’t realise it was this beautiful, especially this blue dial. When I was doing the shots for this video, I was blown away with how stunning sunburst the dial and colour is. You can probably see in my video how the watch outshines everything else.
Thanks again for watching, and I agree, this watch deserves a lot more love than it normally gets.
I have a few other watches coming up on the channel so stay tuned :)
@@HafizJMehmood will do! I purchased my 116000 in January this year. You can see it on my Instagram @alexbizz
Couldn’t agree with you more @Alex Bizzarri. This is by far the best review of this model.
Cannot understand why this model doesn’t get more love. The 3/6/9 dial, the perfect 36mm size, ultra gorgeous blue, fantastic bracelet.... it takes everything that was appealing about the old explorer and wrapped it up in a new and (IMHO) better package. Also one of the cheapest models you can buy. This is my favorite current rolex and sort of a hidden gem in the current collection. Can’t wait for them to discontinue it and wait for people to come around, them watch the value of mine soar :)
@@toothbraslol did not age well
I agree with Adrian from Bark & Jack, that there is no "entry level" Rolex. They are all expensive and some are more expensive than others, and that "entry level" would be Oris or Longines, and even then, those are great watches.
An Oyster Perpetual was the watch originally worn to Everest’s summit.
I wear a 116000 silver 369 dial on a 7.5 inch wrist with no problem.
I bought this watch a year ago (this video helped me to decide!), and it’s been my daily ever since. I’ve owned a LOT of watches over the years (Rolex, FPJ,AP,JLC,IWC) and I know this sounds crazy, but this might be my favourite watch I’ve ever owned. It’s just perfect.I think of it as a ‘sports dress’ watch. It looks great with anything.
its a very special Rolex..origin OP with explorer DNA...fits both dress and sports. Looking at this video...it looks even better with all its nicks and scratches...the same can't be said by scratching up a JLC or any other dress watch.
I own this exact watch currently own 3 other Rolex watches and in the past various other brands including JLC and Blancpain. Although I have the GMT Batman, Explorer II Polar, and the SD4K. I wear my OP36 most of the time as I love the size and it's so comfortable on my wrist and that sunburst blue dial is stunning, better than the black dial on Subs and GMTs.
@@lettuce1305I have many other Rolex 5 digits, Blancpains, four IWC’s but just received this exact watch. This thing looks looks and fits so ideally it’s scary.
How’d they do it???
Perfect. Love the narration and the very detailed analysis. Absolutely correct about the resemblance to the 36 explorer. Stunning blue sunburst dial, oldschool size, explorer link, Rolex always high quality workmanship, cosc cert., very reasonably priced and more importantly no waitlist, one really cannot go wrong with this. You must have done quite a lot of research my friend, very well done indeed. I am continuing to enjoy this as my daily wear for now. I can’t believe you actually did this full review - amazing.
Thanks so much my friend. I worked on my voice in this video and was conscious of the gaps too. I did realise after I had uploaded the last one that the gaps towards the end were very short.
Thanks again for watching and especially the feedback.
I do spend a fair bit of time researching the watch I’m going to talk about :)
I agree, OP 39 is actually far more beautiful than I ever imagined. You gotta see it to believe to.
Thank you very much! Liked, subscribed and shared. My absolute favorite TH-cam channel by far.
Have the exact same watch and adore it more than any other expensive watches. Love to see some scratches on the rugs which means you are enjoying this watch on daily basis. Thank you for through review on this most underrated watch.
This, the submariner no date, the dj 36m blue dial, and the gmt master ii black are my Rolex favs
good taste 👌
Spectacular photography. Great use of light and shade and variability in the type of light to replicate a sunset appearance bringing an orange glow. You are a master at video, my friend.
Your review made me buy my 114200 with the same face from my AD in August 2020. I'm still so happy with it, but want to also get a 126234 with the fluted blue dial thanks to your review of that watch too :)
I wear a 36mm Explorer on my 7.5” wrist too! I think this watch looks great on your wrists
The next thing i am doing is to get a DJ36 in blue for myself :-D
zanef28 can’t imagine how were you wearing the 44mm marinemaster 😅
Even people with large wrists years ago wore 36mm sized watches.
I just acquired my first Rolex ever, I went with the 39mm black dial Oyster Perpetual. I was torn for the longest time between it versus the Explorer. I'm happy with my choice.
Brilliant choice mate. Black OP39 is such a timeless and versatile design. The Lume in the hour markers is a bonus. Many congrats on getting such a beautiful piece as first Rolex.
Thanks for watching and the comment :)
I was thinking of doing the same thing. I was also wondering if you can take the Explorer strap, and put it on the 39mm Oyster Perpetual, since it has the adjustable strap with the safety latch.
I was thinking of doing the same thing. I was also wondering if you can take the Explorer strap, and put it on the 39mm Oyster Perpetual, since it has the adjustable strap with the safety latch.
I like the hands on the explorer but the dial on the 39mm Oyster Perpetual, since the Crown or Coronet is at the top/12 O'Clock position, whereas on the explorer, it is undearneath the 12 O'clock down-arrow.
@@TheChadWork2001 That was the exact difference maker for me. I figured if I was going to get my first ever 'top of the line' watch I wanted it to have that iconic Rolex look with the big crown at the 12 o'clock. That was the deciding factor.
I got my eyes on this beauty for a long time, it will be a gift to my self if i ever graduate, even though I'm able to buy it now. A Rolex should be achieved.
Couldn’t have been said better. You’re spot on my friend - a Rolex should be earned, and not just bought.
Where do you work?
Bro, you ever buy this for yourself?
Good video, I was looking for a proper review of this particular watch.
I have this model and love it.
Discontinued now as well and the prices are starting to increase nicely. Purchased mine in 2007 for £3950. They are posted on chrono24 between £5000 and £6000.
Great video. I’ve been eyeing this OP for a while now. It’s a beauty.
It’s even more beautiful in person. The sunburst blue is very elegant yet dramatic.
Amazingly shot video. This is convincing me to save up for this
Great watch size. It might look a little small on bare forearm but I find this watch looks on the sweet spot if worn with a long sleeve shirt.
I actually agree with you 100%. This is practically a more of a dress watch and is supposed to work well with jacket or formal shirt better. Now I feel, I should have done the wrist shot with a jacket, and I agree it would have worked better.
Thanks again for watching and the feedback. I’ll keep that in mind in my next video 🙂
A great review, I own this model, it’s a piece of art.
top!!!
I own three 40mm Rolex. Sub date 16610M, Sub 14060M and a GMT 16710M and all fit perfect. Recently purchased a OP 39mm 114300 and the dial sits too large.
I just received this watch and it fits like a dream! I never thought I’d go back to a 36, but this thing is a jewel. It’s gotta be the super case because it wears so much larger. My wrist is just shy of 7”.
Subscribed to your channel a couple mths ago, watched all your new videos and now looking back at sone of the older ones. Can I ask that the new OP36 you reviewed somehow looks bigger than this old OP36 even though the lug to lug is smaller on the new OP36? Is the dial on the new OP36 bigger?
Best OP color and size imo. The explorer dial looks better than the 39mm dial
This is the Rolex Oyster Explorer
super
Still sad I passed up this one at my local ad for 4.4k 😬
I might have to keep it after watching this Hafiz, don't do this to me mate. Excellent vid brotha!
Haha. Glad to hear that. Thanks again mate :)
My first luxury watch !
The signs of wear on this watch, the dings and marks make it look incredible. I can only hope that my 214270 ages in the same way. Would beg Rolex to not refinish it during service!
That’s so true. Gives the watch a personality. Thanks so much :)
Tell them not to polish it
36mm is the most appropriate size for small wristers
the OP was around before the explorers and submariners
I have a 36mm blue dial (3/6/9) Oyster Perpetual hommage watch. It is a 1-1 copy without the Rolex name and i got it to test if the smaller 36mm would fit my wrist and look okay on my close to 7,5" wrist BEFORE I went away and payed for the real thing, and that little 36mm fits perfect. It is the ONLY 36mm watch that looks okay on my wrist and not to small like all other 36mm watches. I did do a wrist check with a real Rolex 36mm Oyster Perpetual but WITHOUT the 3/6/9 and that looked to small. I guess the 3/6/9 numerals makes a big difference and lets the dial look much bigger and more like a 38mm watch.
It’s actually a good approach to try on and then pay the full price if you really liked it.
I agree, the Arabic numerals make the face of this watch bigger and bolder. With stick hour markers, it’d imagine the dial to look even smaller.
Id personally pick 39mm OP if I were to to go stick hour markers. Reviewing coming to channel this weekend too ;)
Hafiz J Mehmood -Yes, the stick hour markes with a 39mm is the way to go. I love the Black Explorer 39mm and a friend has one that I tried on, but it looks very very big on the wrist, even with my 7,5" wrist. Almost like a 41mm. BTW, can you make a lume shot on the 36mm?
outstanding review as always Hafiz .... well done
Max Parkin thanks so much for watching and he support 🙂
Much appreciate the feedback.
no problem - i loved your side by side review of the Submariner & 50th Sea Dweller - look forward to the next one.
Great review, I’m loving my 36mm OP.
the silver dial version of this is the one watch i hope to wear in old age 🧐
Very good review and high class video !! (just I would love to see the same video with a brand new watch, without scratches, just sayin, sorry).. everybody crazy trying to find any Explorer, but this watch is a heavy competitor as you showed. Thank for the video. Well done !!
Thanks so much. I agree, this watch was quite a bit bashed but that’s all I could get hold of. I’ll sure try to get a newer one and redo it when I can :)
This is the perfect Rolex.....almost. If only the dial were black.
I actually think the blue dial is perfect for this model, if you want a black, might as well go for the Explorer
Rolex has produced a 116000 OP36 with black Explorer dial for the Asian market. Very few pieces were made. Much rarer was the 116034 OP36 with black Explorer dial and fluted bezel 👍
Excellent video, you made me want to trade my black OP39 for this. Subscribed!
Thank you so much for watching. The blue sunburst dial on this 36mm is actually very beautiful. If a little small size isn’t a concern to you, I see it no brainier. The 369 dial has its character indeed too.
This fits so much better than my OP 39MM. I typically wear 40MM 5 digit subs but the OP 39 had too much wrist presence. Almost like a 41. This 36MM with super case is an absolute godsend.
This watch or the Omega Aqua Terra Blue Dial “Skyfall”?? What would you choose?? Thanks
PS: I already have the modern 39mm Explorer
I honestly don’t think Aqua terra Blue stands a chance against this blue OP36. My personal preference but I find this OP blue very interesting. But since you have 39mm Explorer, the dials May become too similar for you, so maybe worth trying a dial with stick hour markers?
Hafiz J Mehmood
The AT also has the dark blue dial with vertical teak deck dial which looks black in most conditions. It doesn’t have the sunburst effect of the OP. I always loved this OP but had to buy the Skyfall as its so rare. I have an Explorer, Aqua Terra Skyfall, GS SBGN001 as my travel GMT, SBGA083 as my dress. What would you recommend as my next watch?? Thanks for replying!
Typically one would add a chrono after all the variants you have. Maybe speedy? But really depends on personal preference. I personally sometimes just buy same watch different dials when I love a watch, so I don’t mind monotony, as long as that particular watch floats my boat.
Hafiz J Mehmood
Thank you for your suggestion. Yes, a chrono is indeed missing but somehow its not a complication I really miss. I will just give it time and maybe i’ll find the answer!
Great video, thank you!
I wish the OP-39 had better dial offerings.....such as the blue in your video and perhaps a silver version of the same.
mrg1911 Thanks so much. OP39 does have blue dial. No?
@@HafizJMehmood it does come in 39 blue. I have it.
Great video, please do a datejust 41 review.
Many thanks for watching. Yes, I’ll be covering dj 41 blue dial with jubilee and fluted very soon 😁
Stay tuned
Yeah, too bad it was phased out. Was on waiting list for op 39. Just managed to get my explorer 1 at 39 mm after 8 months.
Still hunting for this model to complement my Explorer 1 mk2 at 39 mm.
They are both essentially the same.
Trying to decide between this and an Explorer 36mm. I can get this brand new for about the same price as a used 36mm Explorer (which will be at least 10 years old). I was all set to pull the trigger on the Explorer but now I can’t decide.
pejpm get the OP!
Thanks Hafiz for explaining the term 'oyster perpetual'. I confess that I was previously a rolex snob but learning more about rolex's history and contribution to the industry I am appreciating rolex much more...indeed I'm on the hunt ('perpetual') for a steel daytona! Superb script and cinematography as always!
Thanks so much for watching and the feedback.
I agree, Rolex are pretty much synonym to term horology for their contribution in what we call today as collectors world. One can dislike them but they’re actually very rich with their history and linkage with horological contributions.
I also sold all my Rolexes at one point and replaced them with AP but then realised they’re actually special too. They’re versatile, and workhorse. They offer a unique experience, are very accurate and durable.
Goodluck with your hunt. I ended up adding hulk back and think that’s the only one I’ll keep for now 😃
Is Porsche entry level to Ferrari? San Martin must be entry level to Seiko.
This size with a grape dial
The history goes back way before 1964
Only thing missing is a lume shot.
Agreed. I realised that after I finished shooting. Thanks for feedback.
Give it Mercedes hands and an inverted triangle at 12 o’clock and it’s a blue Explorer.
1926 is not over a century ago lol you still have 6 more years to make it a century ago. Great video though! ;)
Haha. My apologies mate. Thanks anyway :)
2014, Rolex introduced the first men's watch into the Oyster perpetual series? That is absolutely incorrect. The 34mm (e.g. 1500 series Oyster perpetual Date) was originally for men, and deemed a classic male size. It still looks fantastic. Why are you comparing current sizes to historically conservative sizes? Does an originally male watch become female nowadays? Of course not.. Many men, such as myself proudly wear 34mm watches such as vintage OPs.
Hi. Thanks for watching the video and feedback.
34mm in OP series also came out in 2014. What I’ve said is that it wasn’t until 2014 that Rolex introduced four different sizes into the range. The video is about 36mm which is what I’m showing so I didnt really mention 34mm, nor did I make any comment on it.
I also didn’t say that 36mm was the only men’s watch in the range. I did say it was the first one so I understand your point and where it caused the confusion.
Apologies, I wasn’t clear enough.
@@HafizJMehmoodI own this watch thanks to you and absolutely love it!