Even though I don’t really like Rolex, that’s one thing they do very well is they don’t make the rehaut and dial so deep into the case. That’s something like 90% of affordable watches get wrong is they make the dial sink so deep into the case when it looks so much better if it’s more raised up to the crystal.
That’s actually due to the movement a lot of the time. The center pinion is at a certain height and therefore the crystal has to be a certain distance away. The best way to get around this is to have a domed crystal that is considerably higher at the center. But that requires a lot more planning that a lot of budget companies don’t really take into consideration.
Agreed. Combined with the glossy finish and the white gold hands, the closeness of the dial makes it feel like it's jumping out at you. It's surreal to see in person
@@chasehuggins6157while generally true, you can curve the crystal so that it isn’t a problem. San Martin has a few watches that use nh35 and have a thin rehaut. (Dial looks close to crystal )
I have a 116900 rolex air king for 5 years. Interestingly the watch that got me into the hobby was a seiko chrono a year later. They were both gifted to me. I think that owning and experiencing a "luxury" watch at the start of watch collecting was a gift. It made me realize there's very little to justify the huge price deference between this and the good sub 1000$ watches, or the aliexpress "specials" i enjoy wearing. Yes there are many areas that rolex is better, but not by a mile. It is just a watch and don't expect something that will blow you away or justify it's price tag except from the logo on the dial and the prestige that it brings.
I kind of agree with what you’re saying, Rolex isn’t 10 x better than Seiko or 100 x better than an AliExpress homage. But the finish , attention to detail ,overall build quality ,accuracy, materials used and the quality movements used are part of the reason why you pay more. Homages are a great way of having a beautiful looking and designed watch. But they’re kind of hanging off the coat tails of Rolex and the other luxury watch brands that did all the hard work. Also as the saying goes you get what you pay for.
@@winstonsmith6552 agree with what you say also. The Chinese do not design they do copy. Although I have Ali brands in my collection as well as Seiko and Swiss. I feel some Ali brands are producing watches that compare or are better than the watches the Swiss were producing in the 90s. They even match some Swiss brands in finish now as well. Homage watches do allow people to get a watch in the style of a well known brand. There is no way I would wear some of my homage watches in London for fear of getting mugged for it, how ironic that would be😬
@@winstonsmith6552 You are correct. You come to a point that it is easy to reach a certain level of finishing. After that the cost grows with geometric progression. It is up to personal preference if this cost is worth it. Also you are correct that they mainly copy so they cut major costs. That's why i like to wear homages of long discontinued designs that are no longer in production, or are reissued with rediculous price.
I’m not really a watch guy but I am ex aircraft mechanic, mechanical engineer who has been machined, designed and built countless countless precision things over 30 years. My brother has 3 Rolex’s and trying to get me to buy one but when I man handle his and look at the quality vs cost I don’t see the value or worth in one. I own a Tissot and a Mido, IMO my Tissot is a tad bit better than the Mido but both were under $1,200 and I have to say none of my brothers Rolex make me say boy I’m missing out. I will also say my brother couldn’t take his eyes and hands off my recent Ocean Star 39, he wouldn’t say it (probably because he paid $11k for his last Rolex) but I could tell he was impressed at the bezel action and smoothness of crown of mine.
Rolex watches are good, but really it is because they are masters of marketing and hype that they command such high prices. As my preference for watches is simple stainless steel 3 hand designs with either white, black or silver dials, fixed non-rotating smooth bezels and no complications other than second hacking the only Rolex watches I would consider wearing seem to have missed the hype train. Flippers aren't interested in them as they don't resell above retail so they are relatively easy to buy through an AD without jumping through hoops, 'prior purchasing' my way onto a list or waiting forever.. Being able to buy easily and knowing any watch I may buy isn't 'an investment' helps to avoid getting caught up in the hype or me feeling 'lucky' about having the opportunity to hand over a huge chunk of cash. At the moment I don't see anything particularly special about Rolex that justifies the inflated price for the brand name.
@@KeepingWatchUK The original Rollys are 36mm it's the best choice for most people and would be better on him by the look of it. Most people don't care about fit and believe you have to rock big watches 🤣.
I believe he was air quoting the "oyster" steel in reference to Rolex marketing their grade of stainless steel as being something different to other stainless steel.
@@robertposteschild2353 I’m not sure I’d say they weren’t practical. I bought an automatic watch 30 years ago and just wore it everyday regardless of what I was doing. It kept good enough time for me - I always set it a couple of minutes fast so I’d be on time for meetings; when it had gained too much time, I just knocked it back a couple of mins. No drama. I had it serviced a couple of times but at least that’s better than today's Apple Watch with the need to charge up the battery regularly.
It's a shame you didn't get the 124270. That's the classic one with perfect proportions. Nothing else comes close to it for overall understated elegance.
To be fair, Rolex makes very normal watches at an insane quality level and that has to be your thing in a sense. Looking at Rolex watch services and seeing how well things fall into place, how good things look and perform after a service after decades of neglect, pure bliss. In essence it looks like, to me at least, it's on the high horology quality level without the extensive decoration or complications. Are they a great value though? Well...
Their quality isn't that great, they were first made as the best quality "tool watch" you could get, meaning they were supposed to be rugged not fancy. But somehow they gained the reputation of luxury because it was such good quality. It's be the equivalent of a Toyota or maybe Lexus with the recognition of Ferrari. They're far from the high end cars but are viewed as the best, primarily because of how well they retain value and have recognition.
Rolex does make some great watches, but they are nowhere near high horology. I would even argue that Omega for example makes better movements than Rolex at a lower price point. Similarly, many Swiss watch brands in the $5K-15K range have just as well made movements and cases, if not better. Or look at the German Glashütte Original Lunamatic Panometer for example. The movement finishing of that watch blows any Rolex out of the water, and it's cheaper than a Datejust. Besides, all luxury movements have tight tolerances, this isn't really something where Rolex is especially good at. The only thing where Rolex genuinely is among the best, are their bracelets.
@@gclip9883Interestingly, I work as a watchmaker at an AD that sells a variety of different luxury watch brands, among which are rolex and omega. If you deem this as any indication I can say that the brand that has to come back for a service the first 5-7 years the LEAST by far of them all, is rolex. You get 4-5 omegas back for every rolex. Rolex watches also perform more accurately on average, altho omega watches tend to be quite accurate too. Cheers!
No one does the 'end-link to case' fitment like Rolex, there no discernable gap. It would be amazing if literally ANY other brand paid attention to this other than Rolex homages.
I had this very model, same year etc and loved it to the moon and back. The fit and finish were extraordinary and the comfort was off the scale. The downsides were that it scratched more than I expected and the value rocketed to such a level that I stupidly took the money. Big regrets.
The current version is actually 35.5mm with a diminutive bracelet. It's quite effeminate. Rolex released the 40mm because of slowing interest in the 36mm. I suspect in time the 40mm will become increasingly popular, like how the standard size for the Sub is 41mm, where the "purest form" version was always 37mm.
@liquid_metal the 36mm was always ok until insecurity & caring what others think became so popular. 39/40mm are less than 15 years old. They are absolutely the Fat Elvis versions.
@65hi863dhyu I think the insecurity/caring what people think is with the 36mm cult. There's a snobbish attitude to any other watch size where apparently an extra 3mm is "too big". Ultimately Rolex released the Explorer 1 39mm (actually 38mm) and 40mm (actually 38mm) because sales of the 36mm (actually 35.5mm) were so sluggish. They gave the market what it wanted. In another 30 years it will likely be the more desirable size like how the Submariner was released initially as a 37mm, then later as 40mm and then increased by 1mm again in 2020. It's that latest model that's particularly desirable. It's peculiar that there's this online crowd who are so precious about the original size of the Explorer 1.
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MAMACOO, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.
@@cocoyc495 takes a tweezer spring bar tool to take it off. A regular spring bar tool won't work. That's how tight the tolerances are. My Omega, GS, Sinns, Tags & P39 aren't as tight.
If ever i was so loaded i was in the market for a Rolex, id have one of these, or one of the other less blingy ones, like an Air King. A lot of Rolexes are too "Tarts handbag".
My daily wearer is a 124270, so the newer 36mm version and I think that would be more up your ally with the smaller case and the slightly glossier dial. Cool video that gives an interesting perspective since more affordable watches are so often a topic on your channels!
In June this year I bought the Pagani Design PD1701 V3 watch and I love it. I can't honestly see the point in paying so much for a Rolex when a £55 Chinese homage watch looks, and performs more or less exactly the same tasks.
I just wish more Explorer Homage watches were a step or two further away, like how so many divers sorta-kinda look like a Rolex Submariner, but a lot of the small details are unique.
I think it’s very difficult to review something like an explorer in such a short amount of time. This video would have been much better had you spent a few days actually USING the watch, ideally a week. That is where most rolexes truly shine. Especially something as utilitarian and no frills as a Rolex Explorer. Looking forward to hopefully an update to this video once you’ve actually used the watch.
Thank you, I bought a Baltany then... 😂 Jokes aside, you have to look very close on the hours markers to spot how they are on the Rolex. They are slightly rounded, and this reflects more lights in various angles instead of flat surfaces (no matter how crisp they can be) that only reflect 1 direction. That makes the lot of them look shinier.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the Steinhart homage. I had one, it was beautiful and compared very well to the Rolex Explorer I subsequently tried on at the AD. The SW200 elaboré movement only gained 2-3 seconds a day. I sold it, because it wasn’t getting very much wrist time, but often wish I’d kept it!
Hi Ben, interesting review and I would be most interested in seeing your views on the comparisons, which of your channels will you be putting the comparisons on? Or if a text only comparison can I have a link to it?
Wear an Explorer as a beater. Solid watch. Not overly flashy nor attention seeking. One of my faves from Rolex tbh even though it’s one of the least hyped 👍🏻
The tester will depend on crystal thickness, mostly composition and coatings etc, Rolex don’t use AR on the top side in the Explorer 1 but I reckon it’s the thickness or composition here. It’s not really telling you anything about quality unfortunately.
Rolex focus on tool watches, not high complications. And they have taken the tool watch to a high point of bling and quality, relatively. Simple and robust. You clearly play a premium for the brand, but I’m guessing all products over 2k start to get into that category, even holy trinity have machine made parts. So? If you compare to even a Christopher ward, they are overpriced. But if you can afford one, they are nice watches. I use a 14060m neo vintage sub as my daily wearer, and enjoy thoroughly.
Its a bit dear! I like small classic design field watches. Have the Baltany Dirty Dozen, Pagani PD-1751 Ranger, Citizen Chandler and Bulova Hack as well as some Timex's and Seiko's in the same style. Would like to upgrade but just dunno if I would get the benefit from spending that kind of cash. Maybe a Vertex or a Benrus? Don't have a Hamilton. At a push maybe a second hand Tudor Ranger...or go for the catchy titled Baltany Discoverer! Wait a minute, I actually need a dress watch.
I really like my 36mm Explorer (the latest version). It’s an even more versatile watch than my Omega Aqua Terra but the Omega movement is better. It’s annoying that the Rolex loses 2s a day. That’s within its advertised specs but the Omega never loses time and gains about 1s a day, also within its METAS specs. I prefer gaining time to losing it!
I love my 40 mm explorer it’s perfect, day , night , formal or casual , water proof ,all bases covered yes it’s expensive , I saved hard for mine and yes they are worth it you can pass it on to your kids when you keel over and it will still be a icon watch, still going and still worth something unlike a lot of other watches out there, ps the hands , numerals and makers look sharp because they are gold,simple , as they say the crown 👑 is always king.
Yes, it is very nice but in no way is it 100x "very nicer" than my Addiesdive or Watch Dives equivalent. The fact that mine are quartz is an added benefit as I have no interest in auto movements. I am glad Rolex and Omega watches exist but I personally have absolutely no interest in owning one.
Something I learned is that the Oyster Perpetual is actually the least expensive in the catalog. The one I want from Rolex, however is the sky dweller .
@aesopsphere it's a much better product. And San Martin wouldn't exist without Rolex. Most brands wouldn't. And some of us have no problem paying for high end design vs a rip off of someone else's work. No matter how overpriced you think it is
The 36mm generally considered the aesthetically more pleasing presentation. That's why Rolex recently returned to it from the 39. I've worn mine for 20 years now, taking it on many a worldly adventure. Remember, the "mystique" a watch offers can be quite important. The Explorer was worn by Ian Fleming when he wrote the James Bond Novels and Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay when they summited Everest (granted, an Explorer prototype). It has an iconic status hat is part of the price you pay for one.
My watch was purchased 2 years ago from MAMACOO and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
No matter how much money I have, I would never consider buying a luxury watch as a "beater" or "tool" watch. That's why Casio, Timex and many other brands exist. And it has to be easy to read.
@princelinus8320 it's the exact same reasoning. You just don't like it... enjoy your apt, burlap sacks and public transportation. You don't need anything more:)
Nice to see MAMACOO show a watch that can be afforded by almost anyone rather than these pieces costing thousands and thousands which are out of reach for so many.
For me i have a other feeling as with a clomage from AliExpress. Have a few but dont wear them often. In Business i feel Like a lookalike to if the Partner spot die Design copy with a other logo 🙈
Rhodium plating. Dial and dial furniture won't age as they're white gold. The endlink fitment is as good as it gets. Much better than any micro. Can't use a regular spring bar tool. The movement is engineered to a much higher standard than an ETA/Selitta. Mine might as well be my Spring Drive for accuracy. But with a lot less moving parts and 10+ year service intervals. And parts will be stocked forever so it can always be maintained. And lastly Rolex will be around in 20 years. Most micros & budget watch companies won't survive the next two years. Love my Christopher Ward but it's not a Rolex. Nothing is. Most reliable, accurate and low maintenance movements on the market.
When a person sits in a Porsche or Ferrari they know it’s nice but have no reference to compare it to. Point is unless you are educated to know what the differences are you cannot truly appreciate them.
That Looks like an older style Bracelet Clasp reason being is because if you look at the New Explorer 2 it has a one push mechanism on the clasp, even if you opt for a factory Rubber strap for it same feature, So it's possible this is an Older Explorer 1 model, Niece piece, but I would not buy this model, I would save and Buy a GMT Master, or the Explorer 2.
Sandwich leftovers in the clasp ,how can anyone sell the watch in this condition🤢. Making video with watch like that is another story. Enjoy, probably the best RE ever made.
It’s all in the head when wearing a Rolex. I couldn’t justify wearing a Rolex when the differences between that a a good quality seiko diver. I had a seiko diver and my buddy who has the submariner was impressed how much he liked my seiko that he ended up buying one and wears it more often the Rolex.
It's not that it's from Rolex. Its just a really comfortable and nice looking bracelet. That main reason people push Rolex being better mostly comes down to the clasp. Rolex in general have very nice adjustable clasps that are extremely comfortable to wear all day and even sleep with.
Even though I don’t really like Rolex, that’s one thing they do very well is they don’t make the rehaut and dial so deep into the case. That’s something like 90% of affordable watches get wrong is they make the dial sink so deep into the case when it looks so much better if it’s more raised up to the crystal.
That’s actually due to the movement a lot of the time. The center pinion is at a certain height and therefore the crystal has to be a certain distance away. The best way to get around this is to have a domed crystal that is considerably higher at the center. But that requires a lot more planning that a lot of budget companies don’t really take into consideration.
Agreed. Combined with the glossy finish and the white gold hands, the closeness of the dial makes it feel like it's jumping out at you. It's surreal to see in person
Most affordable watches are using an NH35 or similar movement, that's the culprit.
@@chasehuggins6157while generally true, you can curve the crystal so that it isn’t a problem. San Martin has a few watches that use nh35 and have a thin rehaut. (Dial looks close to crystal )
This just randomly came up in my recommended, and I thought, “I recognise that voice” and it turns out I’m correct and it IS Ben!
I have a 116900 rolex air king for 5 years. Interestingly the watch that got me into the hobby was a seiko chrono a year later. They were both gifted to me. I think that owning and experiencing a "luxury" watch at the start of watch collecting was a gift. It made me realize there's very little to justify the huge price deference between this and the good sub 1000$ watches, or the aliexpress "specials" i enjoy wearing. Yes there are many areas that rolex is better, but not by a mile. It is just a watch and don't expect something that will blow you away or justify it's price tag except from the logo on the dial and the prestige that it brings.
So true, well said.
so true - no difference really between a Seiko and a Grand Seiko - they're just ripping us off
I kind of agree with what you’re saying, Rolex isn’t 10 x better than Seiko or 100 x better than an AliExpress homage. But the finish , attention to detail ,overall build quality ,accuracy, materials used and the quality movements used are part of the reason why you pay more. Homages are a great way of having a beautiful looking and designed watch. But they’re kind of hanging off the coat tails of Rolex and the other luxury watch brands that did all the hard work. Also as the saying goes you get what you pay for.
@@winstonsmith6552 agree with what you say also. The Chinese do not design they do copy. Although I have Ali brands in my collection as well as Seiko and Swiss. I feel some Ali brands are producing watches that compare or are better than the watches the Swiss were producing in the 90s. They even match some Swiss brands in finish now as well. Homage watches do allow people to get a watch in the style of a well known brand. There is no way I would wear some of my homage watches in London for fear of getting mugged for it, how ironic that would be😬
@@winstonsmith6552 You are correct. You come to a point that it is easy to reach a certain level of finishing. After that the cost grows with geometric progression. It is up to personal preference if this cost is worth it. Also you are correct that they mainly copy so they cut major costs. That's why i like to wear homages of long discontinued designs that are no longer in production, or are reissued with rediculous price.
I used to knock the explorer until I tried on a 36mm one. I didn’t expect to love it so much
We love you as a budget watch expert.
Yeah the newer versions have way glossier dials. I have the 36mm and it’s very different. Plus the newer models have AR coating now too
I’m not really a watch guy but I am ex aircraft mechanic, mechanical engineer who has been machined, designed and built countless countless precision things over 30 years. My brother has 3 Rolex’s and trying to get me to buy one but when I man handle his and look at the quality vs cost I don’t see the value or worth in one. I own a Tissot and a Mido, IMO my Tissot is a tad bit better than the Mido but both were under $1,200 and I have to say none of my brothers Rolex make me say boy I’m missing out. I will also say my brother couldn’t take his eyes and hands off my recent Ocean Star 39, he wouldn’t say it (probably because he paid $11k for his last Rolex) but I could tell he was impressed at the bezel action and smoothness of crown of mine.
agreed on the 39 and agreed with your take on rolex...i believe that the 1000 to 3000 price range has incredible options
Rolex watches are good, but really it is because they are masters of marketing and hype that they command such high prices.
As my preference for watches is simple stainless steel 3 hand designs with either white, black or silver dials, fixed non-rotating smooth bezels and no complications other than second hacking the only Rolex watches I would consider wearing seem to have missed the hype train. Flippers aren't interested in them as they don't resell above retail so they are relatively easy to buy through an AD without jumping through hoops, 'prior purchasing' my way onto a list or waiting forever..
Being able to buy easily and knowing any watch I may buy isn't 'an investment' helps to avoid getting caught up in the hype or me feeling 'lucky' about having the opportunity to hand over a huge chunk of cash. At the moment I don't see anything particularly special about Rolex that justifies the inflated price for the brand name.
5:13 genuinely think that fits you like a glove doesn't look too big at all
36mm explorer is the way
Nah too big. Ben has girly wrists. He needs the 36mm
@@xDeVeYxfor tiny wrists yeh. For the bigger armed man even the 39/40 wears modestly tbh.
@@garylangford6755yeah he does but I thought it looked ok on him. Maybe it was because the camera was closer.
@@KeepingWatchUK The original Rollys are 36mm it's the best choice for most people and would be better on him by the look of it.
Most people don't care about fit and believe you have to rock big watches 🤣.
Ben, you dont need to air quote Oyster bracelet, when it's an actual Rolex 😂
Picky…..
I believe he was air quoting the "oyster" steel in reference to Rolex marketing their grade of stainless steel as being something different to other stainless steel.
He said oyster steel not bracelet
@D3ZG1978 you damn well know what I meant
All of you here and in the future, you know what I meant, don't play stupid and technical.
I love how on this watch the Explorer text is on the bottom (6oclock position) rather than being crammed in on top as it is in many other versions
yeah, me too
and they only do that on 39mm 214270
both 36mm and 40mm version has the Explorer word on top half of dial
Please compare lume with the Wise watches. I seriously want to know how well Wise compares against a Rolex.
I own a Daytona, a high end Reverso and a few others but i still love my Explorer. Perfect "1 watch collection" piece.
Anti reflective coating drives the low Saphire test
No scratch test?
Was hoping for a drop test, myself.
Most people say it's the best watch ever made: 39mm size, practicality, feel, case design with 3, 6, 9 numerals.
most people voted for the orange idiot, doesnt make him the best...
Mechanical watches aren't practical. These people want to wear the brand on their wrist while pretending they are not flexing. It's comical.
@@robertposteschild2353 I’m not sure I’d say they weren’t practical. I bought an automatic watch 30 years ago and just wore it everyday regardless of what I was doing. It kept good enough time for me - I always set it a couple of minutes fast so I’d be on time for meetings; when it had gained too much time, I just knocked it back a couple of mins. No drama. I had it serviced a couple of times but at least that’s better than today's Apple Watch with the need to charge up the battery regularly.
It's a shame you didn't get the 124270. That's the classic one with perfect proportions. Nothing else comes close to it for overall understated elegance.
To be fair, Rolex makes very normal watches at an insane quality level and that has to be your thing in a sense. Looking at Rolex watch services and seeing how well things fall into place, how good things look and perform after a service after decades of neglect, pure bliss. In essence it looks like, to me at least, it's on the high horology quality level without the extensive decoration or complications.
Are they a great value though? Well...
Their quality isn't that great, they were first made as the best quality "tool watch" you could get, meaning they were supposed to be rugged not fancy. But somehow they gained the reputation of luxury because it was such good quality. It's be the equivalent of a Toyota or maybe Lexus with the recognition of Ferrari. They're far from the high end cars but are viewed as the best, primarily because of how well they retain value and have recognition.
Rolex does make some great watches, but they are nowhere near high horology. I would even argue that Omega for example makes better movements than Rolex at a lower price point. Similarly, many Swiss watch brands in the $5K-15K range have just as well made movements and cases, if not better. Or look at the German Glashütte Original Lunamatic Panometer for example. The movement finishing of that watch blows any Rolex out of the water, and it's cheaper than a Datejust. Besides, all luxury movements have tight tolerances, this isn't really something where Rolex is especially good at. The only thing where Rolex genuinely is among the best, are their bracelets.
@@gclip9883Interestingly, I work as a watchmaker at an AD that sells a variety of different luxury watch brands, among which are rolex and omega. If you deem this as any indication I can say that the brand that has to come back for a service the first 5-7 years the LEAST by far of them all, is rolex. You get 4-5 omegas back for every rolex. Rolex watches also perform more accurately on average, altho omega watches tend to be quite accurate too. Cheers!
As always the most thoughtful , well researched & eloquent watch channel around , keep AMZWATCH coming !
No one does the 'end-link to case' fitment like Rolex, there no discernable gap. It would be amazing if literally ANY other brand paid attention to this other than Rolex homages.
Would be funny if it turns out to be fake
my thought exactly
Not to Chris it wouldn't...
Would be terrifying
Rolux
I’ve owned the Explorer MK1 for years and is my daily beater. Great all around watch.
I had this very model, same year etc and loved it to the moon and back. The fit and finish were extraordinary and the comfort was off the scale. The downsides were that it scratched more than I expected and the value rocketed to such a level that I stupidly took the money. Big regrets.
I was very tempted too. They were up to £8k just after they discontinued it 😮
You can buy one at a discount now and either pocket the money you made or buy another watch.
Welcome to the club 😊
Is what I would say ...
... If I had a Rolex myself 😅
You have to set the tester on 3 light bars for the testing.
Outstanding video.I have to go with the AMZWATCH, especially with that green dial as my favorite
Honestly I think the Explorer is in its purest form at 36mm
40mm is the Fat Elvis version
The current version is actually 35.5mm with a diminutive bracelet. It's quite effeminate. Rolex released the 40mm because of slowing interest in the 36mm. I suspect in time the 40mm will become increasingly popular, like how the standard size for the Sub is 41mm, where the "purest form" version was always 37mm.
@@liquid_metal dude wtf are you talking about? go back to school
@liquid_metal the 36mm was always ok until insecurity & caring what others think became so popular. 39/40mm are less than 15 years old. They are absolutely the Fat Elvis versions.
@65hi863dhyu I think the insecurity/caring what people think is with the 36mm cult.
There's a snobbish attitude to any other watch size where apparently an extra 3mm is "too big".
Ultimately Rolex released the Explorer 1 39mm (actually 38mm) and 40mm (actually 38mm) because sales of the 36mm (actually 35.5mm) were so sluggish.
They gave the market what it wanted.
In another 30 years it will likely be the more desirable size like how the Submariner was released initially as a 37mm, then later as 40mm and then increased by 1mm again in 2020.
It's that latest model that's particularly desirable.
It's peculiar that there's this online crowd who are so precious about the original size of the Explorer 1.
The 114270 36mm is a very nice understated Explorer.
Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the MAMACOO, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.
The endlinks are very much deliberately designed to not be flush with the lugs and are slightly recessed. It's a Rolex design hallmark.
If it was another brand, it would be called bad fit and bad quality. Hahaha.
@@cocoyc495 takes a tweezer spring bar tool to take it off. A regular spring bar tool won't work. That's how tight the tolerances are. My Omega, GS, Sinns, Tags & P39 aren't as tight.
Same on Tudor
Hope to be able to afford this one day.
Same
I think you might like the islander watches. I recently got one at a good discount, 39mm, miyota 9039, so really the only complaint is the loud rotor
And it's cosc certified. You just have to adjust maybe once a month to keep it under 30s off
If ever i was so loaded i was in the market for a Rolex, id have one of these, or one of the other less blingy ones, like an Air King. A lot of Rolexes are too "Tarts handbag".
I agree for what’s supposed to be a classy quality product some of the blingy models look cheap to me.
Just think how many a158s you can have instead Ben . Just as iconic and more accurate
Beautiful watch
The slight lip in the lugs is on purpose. This is a perfect explorer.
I got the Sinn 556A instead for $1500 a few years ago. Great alternative for the Explorer.
I really want a 556 especially in the coloured / mother of pearl dials however the tiny hands put me off
My daily wearer is a 124270, so the newer 36mm version and I think that would be more up your ally with the smaller case and the slightly glossier dial.
Cool video that gives an interesting perspective since more affordable watches are so often a topic on your channels!
In June this year I bought the Pagani Design PD1701 V3 watch and I love it. I can't honestly see the point in paying so much for a Rolex when a £55 Chinese homage watch looks, and performs more or less exactly the same tasks.
Outstanding video.I have to go with the MAMACOO, especially with that green dial as my favorite
I just wish more Explorer Homage watches were a step or two further away, like how so many divers sorta-kinda look like a Rolex Submariner, but a lot of the small details are unique.
214270's dial is indeed matte
36mm 114270 and 40mm 224270 are glossy
I think it’s very difficult to review something like an explorer in such a short amount of time. This video would have been much better had you spent a few days actually USING the watch, ideally a week. That is where most rolexes truly shine. Especially something as utilitarian and no frills as a Rolex Explorer. Looking forward to hopefully an update to this video once you’ve actually used the watch.
This is an unboxing channel and this video is not a review. He even says in this video that he'll make a main channel video featuring this watch.
@@grmpf got it. Only strengthens My point then. Thanks for that!
he wasn't that impressed with the watch...
Thank you, I bought a Baltany then... 😂
Jokes aside, you have to look very close on the hours markers to spot how they are on the Rolex.
They are slightly rounded, and this reflects more lights in various angles instead of flat surfaces (no matter how crisp they can be) that only reflect 1 direction.
That makes the lot of them look shinier.
Come on , Ben: You have to be able to recognize and Explorer when you see one. My favorite Rolex for sure..
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on the Steinhart homage. I had one, it was beautiful and compared very well to the Rolex Explorer I subsequently tried on at the AD. The SW200 elaboré movement only gained 2-3 seconds a day. I sold it, because it wasn’t getting very much wrist time, but often wish I’d kept it!
Hi Ben, interesting review and I would be most interested in seeing your views on the comparisons, which of your channels will you be putting the comparisons on? Or if a text only comparison can I have a link to it?
I wish you tested the lume compared to the Wise a well.....Wise would have won by a long shot
I really prefer the green seconds hand version
Edit😂 I'm on about the air king lool my bad
The Rolex logo is what makes approximately 90% of the price. 😅
I'm getting the 214270 in another month a long time grail watch such a great every day do it all watch .
First!
Compare it to $50 Pagani Design.
I've gone one better than that, keep your eyes peeled on Ben's Watch Club!
Interesting. Thanks for uploading!
Wear an Explorer as a beater. Solid watch. Not overly flashy nor attention seeking. One of my faves from Rolex tbh even though it’s one of the least hyped 👍🏻
The tester will depend on crystal thickness, mostly composition and coatings etc, Rolex don’t use AR on the top side in the Explorer 1 but I reckon it’s the thickness or composition here. It’s not really telling you anything about quality unfortunately.
Rolex focus on tool watches, not high complications. And they have taken the tool watch to a high point of bling and quality, relatively. Simple and robust. You clearly play a premium for the brand, but I’m guessing all products over 2k start to get into that category, even holy trinity have machine made parts. So? If you compare to even a Christopher ward, they are overpriced. But if you can afford one, they are nice watches. I use a 14060m neo vintage sub as my daily wearer, and enjoy thoroughly.
Its a bit dear! I like small classic design field watches. Have the Baltany Dirty Dozen, Pagani PD-1751 Ranger, Citizen Chandler and Bulova Hack as well as some Timex's and Seiko's in the same style. Would like to upgrade but just dunno if I would get the benefit from spending that kind of cash. Maybe a Vertex or a Benrus? Don't have a Hamilton. At a push maybe a second hand Tudor Ranger...or go for the catchy titled Baltany Discoverer! Wait a minute, I actually need a dress watch.
I really like my 36mm Explorer (the latest version). It’s an even more versatile watch than my Omega Aqua Terra but the Omega movement is better. It’s annoying that the Rolex loses 2s a day. That’s within its advertised specs but the Omega never loses time and gains about 1s a day, also within its METAS specs. I prefer gaining time to losing it!
Interesting perspective, would like to see you review more high end watches
You're the only one. That "review" was awful...
Is there a Citizen or Seiko that has that type of face and numerals, does anyone know?
I love my 40 mm explorer it’s perfect, day , night , formal or casual , water proof ,all bases covered yes it’s expensive , I saved hard for mine and yes they are worth it you can pass it on to your kids when you keel over and it will still be a icon watch, still going and still worth something unlike a lot of other watches out there, ps the hands , numerals and makers look sharp because they are gold,simple , as they say the crown 👑 is always king.
Yes, it is very nice but in no way is it 100x "very nicer" than my Addiesdive or Watch Dives equivalent.
The fact that mine are quartz is an added benefit as I have no interest in auto movements.
I am glad Rolex and Omega watches exist but I personally have absolutely no interest in owning one.
i agree as whenever i see a rolex or omega on someone's wrist i just see it as flashy and unnecessarily expensive.
AR coating on saphire crystal
4:55 - Would you maybe be open to sharing the watch’s measurements, like its lug to lug and all that?
NICE WATCH I LIKE IT
Bro., News Flash!! That watch fits you perfectly. Not sure why you say it doesn't.
not really it seems too long on him...the lugs are ugly long and male end link is a fail imo
@@quantttum You opinion has nothing to do with the fitment of that watch to his wrist. Thank you, but ultimately unnecessary.
Something I learned is that the Oyster Perpetual is actually the least expensive in the catalog.
The one I want from Rolex, however is the sky dweller .
This is the perfectly improved explorer over the decades and went downhill after its discontinuation.
I agree entirely that the Oceanus kicks the Rolex's butt.
Would love to see you review the spoof of this the relax exploder, coming in at 280 bucks
I’ll do it: it’s junk.
My question is, is it really worth the thousands more? Would I really like this or a Helm or San Martin more?
It sure is because supply and demand says it is
Once you put this watch, or any Rolex, on, you will understand.
@aesopsphere it's a much better product. And San Martin wouldn't exist without Rolex. Most brands wouldn't. And some of us have no problem paying for high end design vs a rip off of someone else's work. No matter how overpriced you think it is
The 36mm generally considered the aesthetically more pleasing presentation. That's why Rolex recently returned to it from the 39. I've worn mine for 20 years now, taking it on many a worldly adventure. Remember, the "mystique" a watch offers can be quite important. The Explorer was worn by Ian Fleming when he wrote the James Bond Novels and Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay when they summited Everest (granted, an Explorer prototype). It has an iconic status hat is part of the price you pay for one.
Hey that looks a bit like my Addiesdive, nice
My watch was purchased 2 years ago from MAMACOO and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
The bracelet is flush with the case . U are pointing to the wrong part
Now do Grand Seiko
That humble priced Casio Oceanus is, in fact, the superior watch Ben.
Why would you send Ben (a small wrist king like myself) the 40 mm version? Someone send this man the 36mm explorer!
Looks like my 37mm tisell explorer 240$
No matter how much money I have, I would never consider buying a luxury watch as a "beater" or "tool" watch. That's why Casio, Timex and many other brands exist. And it has to be easy to read.
Then you don't need a house. An apt will work. Only need basic transportation and should wear burlap sacks. They're cheap 🍻
@@65hi863dhyu Not remotely the same comparison. You and I most likely don't NEED a watch either.
@princelinus8320 it's the exact same reasoning. You just don't like it... enjoy your apt, burlap sacks and public transportation. You don't need anything more:)
You only say this because you don't yet have enough money.
Its exactly the same reasoning. You just don't like being a hypocrite. What phone did you type this from?...@princelinus8320
Nice to see MAMACOO show a watch that can be afforded by almost anyone rather than these pieces costing thousands and thousands which are out of reach for so many.
New channel name?
could u review a date just?
finally someone willing to compare homage to the real deal
124270 is the greatest watch ever made.
For me i have a other feeling as with a clomage from AliExpress. Have a few but dont wear them often. In Business i feel Like a lookalike to if the Partner spot die Design copy with a other logo 🙈
Are you sure it is a genuine Rolex? How much you have paid it?
Rhodium plating. Dial and dial furniture won't age as they're white gold. The endlink fitment is as good as it gets. Much better than any micro. Can't use a regular spring bar tool. The movement is engineered to a much higher standard than an ETA/Selitta. Mine might as well be my Spring Drive for accuracy. But with a lot less moving parts and 10+ year service intervals. And parts will be stocked forever so it can always be maintained. And lastly Rolex will be around in 20 years. Most micros & budget watch companies won't survive the next two years. Love my Christopher Ward but it's not a Rolex. Nothing is. Most reliable, accurate and low maintenance movements on the market.
When a person sits in a Porsche or Ferrari they know it’s nice but have no reference to compare it to. Point is unless you are educated to know what the differences are you cannot truly appreciate them.
Think the Casio looks better and a 6th of the price!! 6:25
The AR on the bottom of the crystal bugs me.
That Looks like an older style Bracelet Clasp reason being is because if you look at the New Explorer 2 it has a one push mechanism on the clasp, even if you opt for a factory Rubber strap for it same feature, So it's possible this is an Older Explorer 1 model, Niece piece, but I would not buy this model, I would save and Buy a GMT Master, or the Explorer 2.
Casio for the win😂
Sandwich leftovers in the clasp ,how can anyone sell the watch in this condition🤢. Making video with watch like that is another story. Enjoy, probably the best RE ever made.
Love a nice Rolex ...
It’s all in the head when wearing a Rolex. I couldn’t justify wearing a Rolex when the differences between that a a good quality seiko diver. I had a seiko diver and my buddy who has the submariner was impressed how much he liked my seiko that he ended up buying one and wears it more often the Rolex.
Ben?
Do you think Rolex would be petty enough to send a cease and desist because their watch is in an IWC case😂
They should offer better travel cases..
Interesting what you said about the bracelet since most people praise the rolex because of the bracelet and how it's the best thing since slice bread.
It's not that it's from Rolex. Its just a really comfortable and nice looking bracelet. That main reason people push Rolex being better mostly comes down to the clasp. Rolex in general have very nice adjustable clasps that are extremely comfortable to wear all day and even sleep with.
Ever since I bought a watch from MAMACOO, My question is if it's this hard to tell them apart, what is the point of owning an authentic watch?