Brilliant. Really love the explorer. As a big guy I can’t believe I’m drawn towards a 36mm watch. Having tried it on a few days ago, yes it looks a bit small and may take time to get used to but the comfort and fit was perfect. The dial is beautiful. I love the understated style.
I would go with the OP36 silver dial as it appears larger on the wrist than a black dial, amplifying it's presence. Wish they still had the "explorer dial" OP option; in silver it is hard to beat.
The fact that the OP has less dial text, and the coronet is used in the 12 o'clock position is reason enough to choose it over the Explorer every single time.
Hafiz, your content and production quality are among the best. Thank you for bringing this comparison to the market. We are all better informed because of your dedication.
Great video Hafiz, as usual! Will you be doing a comparison between the 39mm Explorer and the 36mm Explorer? I think alot of us are waiting for someone to do a proper comparison!
Steel explorer for me. Waiting for AD to call or might just go grey market once the dust settles and the stupid premiums drop, same thing happened to the DJ36 when it dropped in 2019.
I went to an AD and tried both the explorer and OP 36 mm in blue dial. It was strange - I always wanted an explorer but it just didn’t click. The blue OP on the other had felt nicer to me and I put my name on the waiting list for it. Edit: he is so right! One reason I liked the OP more is that the explorer felt small. OP has better proportions.
I think it would be awesome to see a comparison of OP34 and the new Explo in 36. Mainly because the lug width is the same (19). Just in case you’re in need of ideas for future videos 😅. Anyway, thanks for all the work you put in your vids !
Great work, Hafiz. As usual. Regarding Explorer 36, it looks like feminine watch because of bracelet and clasp, IMO. Although I have 6.5 small wrist, i rather will go with OP36 or DJ36. I bet that Rolex will make another Explorer with 41 mm case, and 36 version will be added with white or another colors.
Keep doing what you do Hafiz I absolutely love your videos they are of the highest quality and actually reaaaally help in the purchase decision process for me! The actual 'beyond the obvious' points are often left out in other reviews and are sometimes vital to my decisions. Big fan, keep at what you are doing, you're doing great!
Had both in my hand. Went with the OP36. After having had the Yachtmaster Rhodium and the Datejust Mint Green, the Explorer didn't excite me. I wanted simplicity and understated.
Ive decided to go for the green OP, instead of the Explorer... Don't know why... Something about the green and it's uniqueness.. Also the design of the OP is more subtle, more elegant and vintage looking, with the batons and curved bezel... I'm just really drawn to it.. Finally I like the simple no fuss clasp that you can shut and open easily... And being a very stealthy watch, I'm not worried about thefts.... I may go for the black OP if the green is unobtainable... Lovely vid and thank you for helping with our decisions !
Some of my favorite watch reviews on TH-cam! Keep it coming. Would LOVE to see a review of Cartier Santos medium from you. Highly considering it and think you could add a lot of value and perspective
Hi Hafiz! You make the best watch videos! If you have a chance, could you plz review the Silver OP36. It’s the only watch that has yellow gold indices, and very unique :)
I wish they kept the 20mm lug width with less taper like on the older 36mm Explorers. I was set to buy one when it was announced but then changed my mind when I read about and saw the bracelet.
You have to try it on. I had the exact same concern but pulled the trigger anyway. It is by far my favorite watch to ever owned. I owned 114270 twice and my gripe was always about the flimsy bracelet. The new one has very solid bracelet. And after owning it, I realize that the 19 mm bracelet is actually better proportioned for 36 mm wide case (actually 35 as Hafiz mention in the video). 20 mm are better suited for 39mm wide watches is what I feel now. And the heavy taper down to 14 mm is very nice on wrist.
@@benwong1111 I'm just not a fan of overly tapering or thinner bracelets. Personally love the look of 36mm watches with 20mm lug widths. I don't like the new Speedmaster bracelets either as they taper too much. I've owned the 39mm Explorer twice as well as the 42mm Explorer II but find the bracelet on the 216570 tapers too much and love the newer 226570 bracelet and taper.
Love your content as always. However, big mistake at 5:00 . The 14270 and 114270 (the first 2 models of Explorer that have applied markers) also had gloss black dial. My guess is that Rolex tried to make it look more premium and up market than all the previous Explorer with printed markers. The only modern Explorer with matte dial is the 39 mm version.
Many thanks for the correction. I’ll research this and try to find 14270/114270 to maybe do another video :) Update: I’ve trimmed the video to remove the section where I had stated that “it was the first Explorer to have glossy black dial” to avoid misinformation. Thanks again for the heads-up and information.
@@HafizJMehmood Yes please! That would be a great comparison also. Before i bought replaced my 114270 with the new 124270, I was very bothered by the new 19 mm bracelet that taper down to 14 mm. But I feel it actually look even better on wrist with the new heavier taper bracelet. The bracelet quality is miles above the old 36 mm too. That was the primary reason I wanted to buy the new 36 even though I had concerns about the new smaller bracelet. Loving my new 36 mm Explorer. All my other watches have been staying in the box since I got the new one and it has already been 1 months and 10 days 😂
Funny how both look so good and proportional on your wrist and both are considered “small”. We got used to big watches with no elegance and good taste. Sad to think that a lot of people will give up on both of these or consider them as “ladies watches”.
Wrong. It's not sad. It's great. It means that some of us may actually be able to get one at an AD!!! I can't wait to get the Explorer. Been wearing a casio F91w for a while now, and it's a perfect size (not a small wrist either). All this "ladie's watch" talk is way off. Wear what you like and what feels good
@@Valera_Scotland exactly, keeps the hype machine away. That being said they're going for way over retail on the secondary market, but that's just delusional dealers.
they have different cases-- if you notice, the op has a bolder case profile, the lugs curve a bit inward when viewed from top, and the bezel is domed. the exp has a flat bezel, less curves on the case profile and lugs when viewed from the top. the entire OP case is curvy and subtly bulbous, where the Exp is flat.
Another great video, Hafiz, thank you. If only there was one with the best attributes of both, for a reasonable price, readily available. Guess some would call that the Aqua Terra.
Just got the new explorer in all steel. Nice watch for the money. In my opinion, Omega is a much better value for money, but the Rolex looks classier(not nicer- more classic). I have a 🐔 wrist (around 14 cm) so it works perfectly for me. My next purchase will be a GMT master 2. Bought at retail. Rolex is a tool watch and is not worth the premium. Besides, if I am buying a Rolex I want the entire retail buying experience. Please do not buy at gray market, unless you’re getting a discount. Otherwise, you’re just hurting yourself and the Rolex brand as well.
I saw you reading my comments from the other videos while holding your iPad in this video....lol....All joking aside, another great video! Love seeing your channel grow, I remember when you were at 10k subscribers not too long ago and now you're at 25k! Congrats, and again....keep up the awesome work!
The bezel on the explorer looks better. It's flat. The bezel on the OP is has a radius from inside to outside edge if looking from the side, so reflections are a mess because they're also stretched vertically.
Very informative and thank you very much. aesthetically I feel the black dial OP lost the fight. The silver dial option is more comparable to the explorer.
This video was one of the first videos I've watched on my new OLED TV and it's f#cking magnificent! It's like you made them for this TV. Awesome watches as well, if the Explorer was sold at retail I'd really think about it. Unfortunately it goes for double which IMHO totally isn't worth it.
Maybe they upgrade the Explorer in 2023 to have a case like the Airking. After all it is the one meant to be used for exploring, more so than the OP. A new case would also justify the £1000 premium.
Thank you so much for focusing in your videos on the Oyster Perpetual line which is simply fantastic. Still dunno what to say about the two tone Explorer I other than that it is hideous. Could you please - please! - do a video on the new Datejust with the green palm dial?
I just got the AD call and went home with an all steel 124270 and I simply love it. I do however very much like the OP in dark blue and would prob pull the trigger if I got called again by the AD 😅 Is it too crazy to want it with a jubilee bracelet, though??
the 3,6 and 9 help you read the read the time much more easier the lumen is more brighter that help you read the time more easier at night I would go with the explorer
Great video as usual. I’m not a fan of 36mm watches in this day and age. My first two luxury watches bought new were a 36mm blue faced steel Datejust and a 36.25 Seamaster(still own) I just find them too small now. I own a 39mm Explorer but I always did like the OP. That said, I don’t like the two tone on the Explorer. Just doesn’t seem quite right.
It’s still very appropriate to wear a 36mm watch. In my opinion, even more so than one that looks oversized for one’s wrist. I think it’s safer to size down than up…
@@DWilliam1 yes of course. I’d say 36 could be easily worn with a 6.75 inch wrist and smaller, possibly even 7. I’m just saying that assuming the watch was appropriate before on your wrist, it still would be now.
Hafiz, Maybe you can help me, I am looking at at 14000 air king 369, I am trying to figure out the actual size of it. I see 34 mm, but I’m wondering if it’s an actual 34 mm or a little bit larger? Because I see the explorer was 34.9 in one of your reviews.
Thank you for the love. Follow my watch journey at instagram.com/hafizjmehmood/
The OP IS STUNNINGLY PERFECT.
Hafiz, you’re absolutely killing it with the content. Keep it up!
It’s a cut above the rest.
Brilliant. Really love the explorer. As a big guy I can’t believe I’m drawn towards a 36mm watch. Having tried it on a few days ago, yes it looks a bit small and may take time to get used to but the comfort and fit was perfect. The dial is beautiful. I love the understated style.
Better too small than too big! Unless you have 8.5" wrists and above, I think 36mm looks wonderful on most men's wrists
Theres always something to be said about the simplicity of the OP36. I love it. Thatll be my first Rolex in the future.
do you have it now ? 👌
I would go with the OP36 silver dial as it appears larger on the wrist than a black dial, amplifying it's presence. Wish they still had the "explorer dial" OP option; in silver it is hard to beat.
same. the OP36 silver dial is clean and low key! love that version as well
The fact that the OP has less dial text, and the coronet is used in the 12 o'clock position is reason enough to choose it over the Explorer every single time.
100% agree here ! The crown at 12 makes the watch ! . OP's are just a classic timeless design !
Come back when it has scaled Everest.
@@invictus_They-Them_Nazi_Hunter
Tenzing Norgay Wore an OP. Edmund Hilary a Smiths Deluxe
@@CTizer wrong. They wore the Explorer.
@@invictus_They-Them_Nazi_Huntershow me the watch they wore then- lets see
Hafiz you should do a video of behind the scenes. I'd love to see how you do the filming.
Hafiz, your content and production quality are among the best. Thank you for bringing this comparison to the market. We are all better informed because of your dedication.
Great video. It's fascinating how subtle the differences in the proportions are when held side by side, but are much easier to see when on the wrist
So refreshing to see a relevant comparison vs the old 36 or 39 beaten to death discussion. The bi metal Exp36 is sharp!
Haven't really seen a good comparison... where? I'm trying to make one lol! As I currently own both.
Great video Hafiz, as usual! Will you be doing a comparison between the 39mm Explorer and the 36mm Explorer? I think alot of us are waiting for someone to do a proper comparison!
Many thanks. Next week has you covered here 😉
@@HafizJMehmood You are simply THE man! Thanks many times over for these videos, the quality is almost peerless!
Steel explorer for me. Waiting for AD to call or might just go grey market once the dust settles and the stupid premiums drop, same thing happened to the DJ36 when it dropped in 2019.
I own a 124270 and a 116000 (blue Explorer dial) and I think the OP wears bigger, imo. The OP feels sportier than the Explorer.
I went to an AD and tried both the explorer and OP 36 mm in blue dial. It was strange - I always wanted an explorer but it just didn’t click. The blue OP on the other had felt nicer to me and I put my name on the waiting list for it.
Edit: he is so right! One reason I liked the OP more is that the explorer felt small. OP has better proportions.
I think it would be awesome to see a comparison of OP34 and the new Explo in 36. Mainly because the lug width is the same (19). Just in case you’re in need of ideas for future videos 😅. Anyway, thanks for all the work you put in your vids !
agree!
Op34 has 18mm width
Great work, Hafiz. As usual. Regarding Explorer 36, it looks like feminine watch because of bracelet and clasp, IMO. Although I have 6.5 small wrist, i rather will go with OP36 or DJ36. I bet that Rolex will make another Explorer with 41 mm case, and 36 version will be added with white or another colors.
Just get the Deepsea then and be really macho
Am I the only one who thinks OP36 is the better watch, such a beauty!
Aside from the resale price, which is hipster driven, it’s pretty much the same watch (in steel).
Explorer36 is the better watch imo.
Yes you’re the only one
Compared to the two tone maybe, silly comparison really
Basically the same, some minor trade offs with each
Keep doing what you do Hafiz I absolutely love your videos they are of the highest quality and actually reaaaally help in the purchase decision process for me! The actual 'beyond the obvious' points are often left out in other reviews and are sometimes vital to my decisions. Big fan, keep at what you are doing, you're doing great!
If i have to describe Hafizs content in one word : 'Clinical'
But in a good way right?
Awesome comparison. I really like the new Explorer at 36mm but still prefer the fully stainless steel version.
Had both in my hand. Went with the OP36. After having had the Yachtmaster Rhodium and the Datejust Mint Green, the Explorer didn't excite me. I wanted simplicity and understated.
Ive decided to go for the green OP, instead of the Explorer... Don't know why... Something about the green and it's uniqueness.. Also the design of the OP is more subtle, more elegant and vintage looking, with the batons and curved bezel... I'm just really drawn to it.. Finally I like the simple no fuss clasp that you can shut and open easily... And being a very stealthy watch, I'm not worried about thefts.... I may go for the black OP if the green is unobtainable... Lovely vid and thank you for helping with our decisions !
Some of my favorite watch reviews on TH-cam! Keep it coming. Would LOVE to see a review of Cartier Santos medium from you. Highly considering it and think you could add a lot of value and perspective
Hi Hafiz! You make the best watch videos!
If you have a chance, could you plz review the Silver OP36. It’s the only watch that has yellow gold indices, and very unique :)
I wish they kept the 20mm lug width with less taper like on the older 36mm Explorers. I was set to buy one when it was announced but then changed my mind when I read about and saw the bracelet.
The new bracelet is lovely to wear day in day out.
You have to try it on. I had the exact same concern but pulled the trigger anyway. It is by far my favorite watch to ever owned. I owned 114270 twice and my gripe was always about the flimsy bracelet. The new one has very solid bracelet. And after owning it, I realize that the 19 mm bracelet is actually better proportioned for 36 mm wide case (actually 35 as Hafiz mention in the video). 20 mm are better suited for 39mm wide watches is what I feel now. And the heavy taper down to 14 mm is very nice on wrist.
@@benwong1111 it's my favorite now too!
@@benwong1111 I'm just not a fan of overly tapering or thinner bracelets. Personally love the look of 36mm watches with 20mm lug widths. I don't like the new Speedmaster bracelets either as they taper too much. I've owned the 39mm Explorer twice as well as the 42mm Explorer II but find the bracelet on the 216570 tapers too much and love the newer 226570 bracelet and taper.
Very nice Video.
The Rehaut is significantly misaligned on the OP. I’m very surprised that such a high priced watch has still some flaws.
I still can't decide; I'll have to get both =) Thanks for the wonderful comparison!
Love your content as always. However, big mistake at 5:00 . The 14270 and 114270 (the first 2 models of Explorer that have applied markers) also had gloss black dial. My guess is that Rolex tried to make it look more premium and up market than all the previous Explorer with printed markers. The only modern Explorer with matte dial is the 39 mm version.
Many thanks for the correction. I’ll research this and try to find 14270/114270 to maybe do another video :)
Update: I’ve trimmed the video to remove the section where I had stated that “it was the first Explorer to have glossy black dial” to avoid misinformation.
Thanks again for the heads-up and information.
@@HafizJMehmood Yes please! That would be a great comparison also. Before i bought replaced my 114270 with the new 124270, I was very bothered by the new 19 mm bracelet that taper down to 14 mm. But I feel it actually look even better on wrist with the new heavier taper bracelet. The bracelet quality is miles above the old 36 mm too. That was the primary reason I wanted to buy the new 36 even though I had concerns about the new smaller bracelet. Loving my new 36 mm Explorer. All my other watches have been staying in the box since I got the new one and it has already been 1 months and 10 days 😂
Funny how both look so good and proportional on your wrist and both are considered “small”. We got used to big watches with no elegance and good taste. Sad to think that a lot of people will give up on both of these or consider them as “ladies watches”.
Wrong. It's not sad. It's great. It means that some of us may actually be able to get one at an AD!!! I can't wait to get the Explorer. Been wearing a casio F91w for a while now, and it's a perfect size (not a small wrist either). All this "ladie's watch" talk is way off. Wear what you like and what feels good
@@Valera_Scotland exactly, keeps the hype machine away. That being said they're going for way over retail on the secondary market, but that's just delusional dealers.
Great timing. I was just wondering about the differences between the two models a couple days ago and voila, you posted this video. Thank you.
they have different cases-- if you notice, the op has a bolder case profile, the lugs curve a bit inward when viewed from top, and the bezel is domed. the exp has a flat bezel, less curves on the case profile and lugs when viewed from the top. the entire OP case is curvy and subtly bulbous, where the Exp is flat.
Another great video, Hafiz, thank you. If only there was one with the best attributes of both, for a reasonable price, readily available. Guess some would call that the Aqua Terra.
Just got the new explorer in all steel. Nice watch for the money.
In my opinion, Omega is a much better value for money, but the Rolex looks classier(not nicer- more classic).
I have a 🐔 wrist (around 14 cm) so it works perfectly for me. My next purchase will be a GMT master 2.
Bought at retail. Rolex is a tool watch and is not worth the premium. Besides, if I am buying a Rolex I want the entire retail buying experience.
Please do not buy at gray market, unless you’re getting a discount. Otherwise, you’re just hurting yourself and the Rolex brand as well.
Hey, have you tried a GMT yet? Does it fit your chicken wrist? I also have small wrists
Thank you Hafiz.Explorer 40 video, I'm looking forward to it from you ☺️
I saw you reading my comments from the other videos while holding your iPad in this video....lol....All joking aside, another great video! Love seeing your channel grow, I remember when you were at 10k subscribers not too long ago and now you're at 25k! Congrats, and again....keep up the awesome work!
Hey Hafiz, what is your favourite dial colour of the 36mm Oyster Perpetual? Love the video.
Dial size is overlooked too often. It can make a huge difference with a small case size difference.
Great video! Which of the two would be a better pick, in terms of the movement durability and robustness though?
The bezel on the explorer looks better. It's flat. The bezel on the OP is has a radius from inside to outside edge if looking from the side, so reflections are a mess because they're also stretched vertically.
Come on Hafiz. Making WA proud 🔥
Very informative and thank you very much. aesthetically I feel the black dial OP lost the fight. The silver dial option is more comparable to the explorer.
WOW 😳.! I love your presentation and videos. I own a Rolex explorer l with a two tone watch.! The ultimate watch for my small wrist. Thanks. 💯
At 9:20, the Explorer almost looks like it's rose gold and not yellow. IMO it looks much better if it's rose gold.
This video was one of the first videos I've watched on my new OLED TV and it's f#cking magnificent! It's like you made them for this TV.
Awesome watches as well, if the Explorer was sold at retail I'd really think about it. Unfortunately it goes for double which IMHO totally isn't worth it.
36mm Oyster Perpetual with black dial for me.
I love the Explorer two tones 🤩🤩, hope it will be my next Rolex 🥰🥰
Maybe they upgrade the Explorer in 2023 to have a case like the Airking. After all it is the one meant to be used for exploring, more so than the OP. A new case would also justify the £1000 premium.
I bought my OP in 2016 and I intend to wear it till my death. I will not be seduced by any other watch, Rolex or otherwise. :)
So wish the explorer in this comparison was the none gold tone
Always great content. Do you still have both the OP39 (white dial) and the Explorer 39mm? How about a similar side by side video?
I really enjoy your comparison video. Can i know the wrist size of the model?
Hi. Thanks. It’s 6.5”
Just needed the regular explorer instead of the 2 tone
Thank you so much for focusing in your videos on the Oyster Perpetual line which is simply fantastic. Still dunno what to say about the two tone Explorer I other than that it is hideous. Could you please - please! - do a video on the new Datejust with the green palm dial?
Was waiting for this video ! Thanks for the amazing content !!
Perfect video ! Gave me goosebumps. The problem ist....now i want to buy both watches :-D
Can you compare Rolex 36 oyster perpetual to Tudor bb36 blue ?
Yes! Another vote for that comparison.
So odd that crystal and case are different. Such a loss in industrial efficiency. I know the Explorer ended up with 19mm lugs. Still. Odd.
I just got the AD call and went home with an all steel 124270 and I simply love it.
I do however very much like the OP in dark blue and would prob pull the trigger if I got called again by the AD 😅 Is it too crazy to want it with a jubilee bracelet, though??
I would probably prefer the Explorer, but 36mm is a bit too small for my taste, build and wrist.
To small for your taste, but perfect for your wrist.
The 39mm was ok for small men. The new one is for the ladies only.
@@maitrehg trying to make up for something??
@@nathanf1934 I sincerely believe that the average straight man will not wear a girls' watch.
@@maitrehg 34-36mm is the best, and traditional, Rolex size for men. Only above average men will realize it, however.
Great comparison video, just one tiny comment - the OP comes with simple oyster bracelet that, unfortunately, lacks the easy link.
Thank you. The new 2021 OPs indeed do have 5mm easy links on them too now. Full review here
th-cam.com/video/vh6Xq-FprxI/w-d-xo.html
@@HafizJMehmood wow, that's something new, even google lied to me. Thanks!
0:44 perfect!
Excellent review, what's your wrist diamter Hafiz?
Your cinematography is fantastic! Keep it up man!
Op is perfection in simplicity and symmetry
the 3,6 and 9 help you read the read the time much more easier the lumen is more brighter that help you read the time more easier at night I would go with the explorer
They are both lovely, how big is your wrist?
Superb comparison, commentary and filming Hafiz! A master of observation and finite detail which I always look forward to.
After watching your comparison, I brought 36op 🎉
very informative before buying rolex watches thank u sir
A superb comparison. Superb. Thank you.
Great video as usual. I’m not a fan of 36mm watches in this day and age. My first two luxury watches bought new were a 36mm blue faced steel Datejust and a 36.25 Seamaster(still own) I just find them too small now. I own a 39mm Explorer but I always did like the OP. That said, I don’t like the two tone on the Explorer. Just doesn’t seem quite right.
It’s still very appropriate to wear a 36mm watch. In my opinion, even more so than one that looks oversized for one’s wrist. I think it’s safer to size down than up…
@@Jerf1 it depends on what size your wrist is. I’m not a fan of watches that are too big or too small. Think Goldilocks.
@@DWilliam1 yes of course. I’d say 36 could be easily worn with a 6.75 inch wrist and smaller, possibly even 7. I’m just saying that assuming the watch was appropriate before on your wrist, it still would be now.
Content is awesome, I going to say that that explorer looks perfect on your wrist mate, all class!
Hafiz, in your video there is all I want to know and all I want to see. Ciao from Italy.
Finally the proper comparison
Amazing content, I love your videos, comments and appreciations.
Wow thank you for sharing so much details !
Love the all steel 124270.
Got the explorer will get op next
Is it available at retail ?
Hafiz, Maybe you can help me, I am looking at at 14000 air king 369, I am trying to figure out the actual size of it. I see 34 mm, but I’m wondering if it’s an actual 34 mm or a little bit larger? Because I see the explorer was 34.9 in one of your reviews.
Love the 36mm explorer. But steel or two-tone. I'm torn
You just saved me a lot of money... cheers!
Oyster Perpetual looks very elegant and classic just amazing
Excellent review. So much details!
Great photography!
👍👍👍
Another fantastic review!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The Mercedes hand of the explorer & the 369 markers made me chose the Explorer.
Hafiz 14270 and 114270 have glossy black dial
YEASS!!!! Thanks for this video Hafiz!!!
I would have chosen the explorer before the video.
Fantastic video. Thank you
Explorer is beautiful!
36mm explorer all the way.19mm lug with suits the 36mm much better. Secure clasp is better as well as the lumi.
Please do a Panerai review 🇮🇹😀
Fantastic video.
Yet another superb video.
great review. very informative.
Is there a difference in durability?
Why would they use different looms? Why not just use the best one in both?
Maybe new formula in 2021? Someone need to compare them again later in the production cycle
perhaps to distinguish it as a professional model
Maybe cuz the markets are thicker in the explorer so it makes it brighter?
Love the shots but please don t modify your voice to much. Keep up the great content!
Hafiz, do you feel that the 36 OP, 36 Explorer, and 36 DJ is redundant?
Are you on drugs?