Which Rolex Explorer - 36mm or 39mm?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
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Hi Guys,
Bob's watches in the US lent me a New Rolex Explorer 214270 Mk II, so I thought I'd go through the pros and cons of all the modern Rolex Explorers, but mainly comparing the wearability of the 36mm Explorer vs the 39mm Explorer.
The Rolex Explorer versions we look at are:
14270
114270
214270 Mk I
214270 Mk II
Thanks again to Bob's watches for lending me the watch.
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Which Rolex explorer is the best?, which rolex explorer should I get?, Is the 36mm explorer too small?, Is 36mm too small for a mans watch?, Rolex Explorer 36mm vs 39mm, what is the difference between the rolex explorers, what is the difference between the rolex explorer 14270 and 114270, what is the difference between the 214270 and new 214270,
Bob’s Watches: you can borrow any watch you’d like.
Adrian: Explorer
Bob’s Watches: don’t you already have one?
Adrian: a different Explorer
Bob’s Watches: ...
Adrian: ...
Bob’s Watches: sure, but we have other wa-
Adrian: EXPLORER
Haha. That’s pretty much how it went.
@@BarkandJack I hate explorer 1. Same design and color for decades. I will take op 39 any day for that budget
@@precociousdeathdealer202 hate is a very strong word
@@jeanraspail2979 it deserves it. Just like sub it is almost the same watch for decades. And all Rolex except vintage date just and op are grossly overpriced
Uncle Bark, Rolex price is tanking fast,quickly sell all your pieces
They need a new explorer version in 36mm. Imagine: the newest movement and that cool blue lume in that perfect small package.
I agree with you.
Maybe they could make it in a 20mm and have it the same size as the bracket.
@@michaeljasminestewart1618 Idiot
@@ayaanjasiah7723 your right, no one cares, about you
Well you got it now lol
For those wondering, the lug to lug on the 36mm case is 43.6mm and the 39mm case is 47mm.
Fair comment! I own the latest version (MkII). It's a fabulous watch and I also very much like the 36mm versions as well. as you pointed out, My 39mm variant is an everyday watch, never taken off. I have worn it when I scuba, outdoor hiking essentially no quarter given. I don't mother it. Wash it with warm water and fairy once a week. Last month I left it on a tea towel to dry and the picked the towel up. It dropped onto a stone floor at 4 feet, on its face. game over right? No! it worked, flawlessly and continues to do so at +1 per day of constantly worn. It's scratched to buggery and it is absolutely never noticed. It's not flash it's just functional and I adore it. My previous watch was and still is, the 14060 two-liner sub. Twenty plus years now with underrated and venerable 3000 movements, also scratched to hell, works perfectly +3 per day, never serviced. Now gaining considerable value and now worn only on curry night :) I have owned many watches, they come and they go but the Explorer and the sub remain. The thought of watches being stuffed away in bank vaults or watch cases and watch winders too risky to wear in an urban setting is a reason not to own those types of watches. Investment apart, both the purchasers and the industry have forgotten the reason for a wristwatch...a daily dependable companion. It has all got very silly IMHO. Love bark and Jack, thanks for the comparison Adrian, I might just yet treat myself to a 36 :) it is very likable
Rolex should offer the 36mm version again. Id buy it as a daily.
Here's hoping they do someday. I just picked up a circa 2005 36mm, wish I had an option to buy new, but I just can't get in on this oversize watch FAD. I'm sure someday soon they will realize the demand for the classic case sizes and stop this oversize case nonsense.
I would buy a used 114270, in fact I did. I would really recommend it.
You’d buy after a year of waiting😂
I bought a 114270 and love it
Brandon Kolar How is 39mm oversized?
One thing that happened in human: you can't stoped the curious and never satisfied of them, if you have a 36, you will want a 39, and then you have a 39, you think of a 36....
L'amore è mancanza
Got the 39. Massive fan. Just love it.
Ced GT how long did you have to wait?
@@Ferien7 I was lucky. Saw it in the shop window at my local AD here in Westfields - London (Shepherds Bush Mall) last June. I reserved it immediately as a couple of other people were hovering around. Best decision I ever made.
I asked around prior to that and the wait time was approx three months. Might be harder now though as I haven't seen any around. Hope you are able to find one.
Sold my 114270 to get the 214270 Mk2. I loved my 114270 and it is still the best looking explorer beside the 1016 in my opinion. But the 214270 has the better bracelet, useful Easylink, better movement and the best lume so far. With the lumed 369 it is far more a homage to the 1016 than the 14270 or 114270. It wears bigger than 39 mm, yes, but if you have the wrist size for it, it is the perfect watch for you. I had the luck to get one from my ad and I love it!
What's your wrist size?
I disagree, even if you have the wrist size (I do), it just doest look right at all. Bloated case with so much empty space on the dial. Plus the bezel is super thick. I was super disappointed in person. Lost its charm.
36mm, classic and perfect.
I tried the 36mm and the dial was just too small for my taste. Picked up a new 39mm this year and it is probably my favourite watch. It just works in any scenario, and the monochrome simplicity is just beautiful. The brushed bracelet and the way it meets the case is similarly gorgeous to me. The case is lovely and curved.
I think the brushed oyster is the best bracelet Rolex make, I have a jubilee and a polished centre link oyster and the brushed bracelet looks the best and suits the watches more IMO.
Do you feel like the bracelet should be bigger. I'm on the waitlist for one. My Rootbeer is a bigger watch of course but I feel like the bracelet is a bit dainty and shouldve been 21 and taper less...
@@jeremydahm2124 The bracelet suits the Explorer far more than a GMT as the case tapers way more and it has narrow curved lugs. If the bracelet was wider the lugs would have to extend out and that would take away that nice curvy case.
@@TheRunningManZ Thanks for the info my man. My AD says February or mid March. I wanted to secure one before they maybe go 41mm or change the color or worse, take out of the line up for a few years. I'm looking forward to a 2 watch rotation. This and the Rootie.... cheers!
I have an Explorer and I really want to put it on a jubilee bracelet. I love the jubilee.
Too true 39mm Explorer is the best version, especially the mark 2 with the longer hands and lume filled numbers..
39mm just feels too big for this watch. 36mm was perfect, glad they brought it back.
I own a 214270 mk2 and couldn't be happier. This will stay in my collection forever. I get the historic angle of the model makes 36mm the go to size. Yet the 39mm sits so incredibly well on my wrist it's brilliant. Great review and comparison as always. Keep up the great work love the channel
What’s your wrist size if I may ask plz? Ty!
I just purchased my first ever rolex, and it's the new Explorer 1. I absolutely love it! The simplicity and class of it is something I really appreciate. It's not trying too hard and it's not too flashy, It's simply a beauty!
Keep up the great vids
Ben Elsom
Its just called ‘the explorer’ and not explorer 1
how much does it cost ?
Would have to be the 39mm for me. 36 would look too small on my wrist. Tried an old Air-King on the other day and it looked like a kids watch. Haha
Yeah I don’t understand the air king. It doesn’t make sense.
I still think the old Air Kings are so much nicer than the new ones. They are only 34mm though
@@BarkandJack I quite like the modern air king. It's odd, a brave move by Rolex who are usually a predictable company. I think in a few years we will understand it better like the polar dial explorer 2. That was once considered the ugly oddball of the family and now look at it.
Don Mean yeah the old ones are cool. And 34mm on a bracelet isn’t too bad.
@@BarkandJack Still deciding over an Air King 14000 from 1998 silver dial 34mm and a new 34mm OP white the one like in your video...
I have the 39 Mark 2. Fantastic. 36 just too small....
Robert Nora what's your wrist size in inches?
7 1/2
Robert N Not for me....
39mm without doubt
The 36mm looks perfect. Don’t know why something doesn’t fit in the 39 model 🤔
Fuck me B&J talking about Rolex, I'm shocked, can you and Teddy stop shilling for Bob.
Edit, Ok sorry for the short and grumpy comment but I had just watched Teddy pouring over gmt designs and Bob boasting how he has 6 of them, then I come straight to your video, riled up and ready to fight.
I hope the Scotland move goes swiftly and smoothly for you Adrian, moving can be hellish and I have one coming up in 3 weeks so you have my sympathies,. I loved the trip to the isle of man videos and podcast with Roger Smith and look forward to more odd this content.
Ps, buying one of them structured nylon nato straps of yah as penance.
Resurrecting the comments section for 2024, I went for the newer 36mm Explorer ref. 124270 thinking that it would be a perfect match for my smallish 6.5" wrist. As it turns out, this 36mm reference actually measures closer to 35.5mm. Despite my smallish wrist, however, the watch looked to be a "boy's size" for lack of a better term. Indeed, my wife's reaction on seeing it on wrist was "it's nice but it looks soooo small". True, she's used to seeing 40mm sports models (GMT, Sub) on my wrist, so this significant down-size was very noticeable. Her concluding words on the subject, given how well she knows me: "It's not gonna last", and she was right (of course). Although compact and comfy, it was just too small even for my smallish wrist. Literally within days of receiving it, I traded it for the 39mm Explorer 214270 (MK2 dial), which I should have bought in the first place. What a difference that added 3mm makes. I rejected the idea of getting the new 40mm Explorer, only because I much prefer the 20mm lug width on the 39. The 21mm lug width on the 40, and corresponding bracelet width at the end links and wider clasp, not to mention the additional overall weight, was a non-starter. The 39 is literally perfect for my 6.5" wrist in all respects. It looks and feels great. A true 38mm, if one existed, would probably also work, but definitely not the 36...at least for me. I'm well aware that other folks with wrist sizes similar to mine, or even larger wrists, and the purists of course, swear by their 36mm Explorers. There's no right or wrong. It's just a matter of preference when it comes to wrist presence and the comfort level you're seeking in the Explorer.
I think people really overstate the size to arm size aspect of watch suitability. It’s more down to taste than anything else. I’ve read people who say they have big arms so anything less than 42mm looks bad, but I think that’s more of a case of guys who just want big watches. I’m 6’3 and over 220lbs, and I regularly wear a 34mm Seamaster that looks awesome. Once you get over the mental block and are open to smaller watches, a whole new world of watches Is open to you
The 34 mm OP silver dial with 3 6 9 numerals is quite nice aswell
jeppep95 but you have to have a tgv like wrist.
@@madstevens8961 g damn
@@madstevens8961 He probably isn't fat like you.
I own this 214270 explorer. Its the perfect rolex ever made. The size, the look, just everything. Not much to look at, but i still look at it every day still. Have it for like a year now
Did people’s wrists grow 10 inches larger for the past few decades? Or did the Humvee owners sold their ridiculous vehicles and got into watch design?
I'm prepping an Explorer discussion as I watch this! Completely agree with you about the 39mm size. Imagine it being 38 or 37.5? The proportions and dial architecture (dial negative space) would improve so much. Great comparison, brother! Hope your move is still going smoothly.
Thanks buddy. I've just dropped you a message on Instagram.
I've measured my 214270 with my own callipers. And it actually measures closer to 38.
I agree and said this over and over again....a 37.5mm version would be PERFECT.
36mm! Wish they would bring the vintage 3,6,9 markers back!
Why is this a constant question? It depends on the size of the man
It´s very easy: Old Explorer for men, new Explorer for women.
no questions 39 way to go
Got the 39mm 1 month ago and I’m in love with it 😍
I've just bought one, waiting for the shop to open...
Me too; cannot wait to collect once we are free :-)
Alan Richards how much from a dealer?
Paul Young how much from a dealer?
@@tiggerx1 5200.
The 39 is way too big and it ruins the aesthetics of the traditional rolex. The dial is way too big and the lugs can't grow in proportion. I really can't get it in my head how someone could enjoy the 39 but hey to each their own.
Great summary and spot-on photography.. got the 39 will get the 36 as well one day..
Thanks a lot buddy.
@@BarkandJack and now that day is fast approaching!
Lucky to get my 214270 MK2 in 2018 as my one and only Rolex. It retain its value in case I ever want out.
NEW 36mm !!! So happy about this release. I pretty much deleted my whole wish list 💜 36mm Explorer 124270 is the one
Looks, the 36mm wins.
Bracelet, the 39wins.
Welcome to Scotland. After 20 to 30 years, you won't be referred to as 'the incomers'. Maybe.
I’ve not mentioned it before, but I’m actually half Scottish. So I see it as coming home 😉
@@BarkandJack By jings! Help ma boab! Crivens! Michty me! Hoots!
Bark and Jack. Does a quarter Scottish count? From the Clan Guthrie.
There is just something off with the case shapes on most of the Rolexes to my eye. Too big of a flat area that the bezel rests on. The 36mm is the one exception to that visual but it might be a tad to small for the braclet. I have heard rumors that they may alter the Explorer case in the future. I would be interested to see if that enhances the look.
Ref OP36 "...don't expect this to hold value, and certainly don't expect this to go up in value." Haha! Crystal ball needs some AR coating!
36mm for me. I Tried on the 116000 with the 369 blue dial and its an awesome watch for a great price but it does bother me there's no explorer text on the dial. If there was I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Interesting to see the 36mm and 39mm side-by-side. Personally I prefer a sports watch to be a little larger - but each to his own.
Best wishes for the new life in Scotland.
I really like your old video where you explain the a differences between the different explorer 1 models, so I have been waiting for this video!
Just buy Tisell 39 mm and it's just as good and costs about Euros 300.
After being 36mm for 50+ years they decided to move it up to 39mm. To me that suggests they're following fashion trends rather than any carefully considered design in relation to the human form (although average weight increase may have been a factor?). I can't see why they can't offer it in both (like they offer the OP in different sizes), or at least offer the 116000 explorer dial in black with Mercedes hands (such a simple thing to do).
I'd say 39mm explorer mkII over even any OP and DJ at 41mm is too big for wrist sizes
Unless you have a tree trunk wrist 36 looks best
TwentyOne Five false... it’s the other way around. Unless you have a wiener wrist the 39 looks best 😉
TwentyOne Five 39mm looks better on a man for the same reason 36mm looks better on a woman. Unless you like those 26mm old ladies watches on women 😂
I've never watched one of these types of videos for absolutely anything where new beats old.. Just saying..
39 because Datejust w/ white gold fluted bezel completely owns 36mm
The 36mm looks more balanced, ratio between bracelet/strap width and case diameter does it for me.
Yaaaawn, another Rolex review. Seriously would this incredibly plain watch have any care factor if everything about it was the same but didn't have Rolex written on it? I doubt it. The 36mm Explorer reminds me of the watches the nurses used to wear when I was a child visiting my grandmother in hospital and for me and has about the same appeal.
So upset with the remover of 39mm Explorer... waited long for Rolex to improve 39mm and all the suddent being remove.
Is there any explanation to why 39mm Explorer Mk2 has such a heavy price premium over the entry level 39mm Oyster Perpetual? Just a swap of a dial?
Different case, dial, and easy-link extension built into clasp.
That’s a tough one. I love the classic feel of the 36mm, but my brain tells me the Explorer 39 is the better all-rounder for me, especially since it’s a sports watch. I’d love to have an Explorer 39 and a Datejust 36 as a two-watch rotation. Sometimes less is more with Rolexes. Safe travels, Adrian!
Chi-Town California. Totally agree with you. Especially a 36mm Datejust with blue dial.
Except the 39mm case, 214270 mk2 is the perfect model. So I picked up a 114270.
Excellent video as always, Adrian. As far as I'm concerned, you could do an all-Explorer-all-the-time channel. Love that watch!
Haha. I’d love that. More Explorer content will be coming. 👍🏻
Great educational and balanced video. One point you mentioned that could be expanded upon is the 114270 with rehault. It was only made from late 07 to late 09.
Importanly, this was the same time the finance crisis started and Rolex sales almost halved . They never reduced retail prices but deals were possible on all models. Popular sports watches sometimes took months to sell..
The 114270 with rehault are already selling for more than a new 214270 on the used market
That’s an interesting point. I didn’t go too deep on that part as I want to touch on “rarer” Explorers, such an the Black our, Swiss only dial, rehaut and the flat and rounded bezels. 👍🏻
@@BarkandJack l would sell my soul for a black out. However the Swiss dial feels like a what ever and round bezels on an explorer? Never!
The original modern 36 is perfect. Patina is personal though, as you mentioned but their not rare.They made them for many years.. However they are going up in value at an alarming rate, so what do l know...
I agree with everything you said and personally think that your video is balanced and l enjoyed watching it. I feel the 36 is better proportioned but the 39 is of higher quality. I have owned both and kept the 36. I have a 6.5 wrist and it just fits me better and is more comfortable
I disagree, to me the Mk1 is where it's at. If u have to be able to see the lumed numbers in order to tell time in the dark then u need to go back and learn to read a watch. Lumed hands should suffice. (not u personally but in general)
I was ready to purchase one and they discontinued the 39mm, prices are to high on those for me now.
Usually would prefer 36mm datejust or daydate but in this case the 39mm is more aesthetically pleasing by a long shot but cant really go wrong with either
In isolation the 39mm looks fine if a bit off in someway, I had a look at one in an AD. But next to the 36mm here, even the Mark II looks a bit like that 🐷 it just looks oversized with distorted numerals and indices, which look like they’ve just been magnified and not properly integrated into the design like they should of been. The same goes for when directly comparing the 39/40mm Explorer II to the contemporary 42mm version. There’s an excellent video by ID Guy that explains this perfectly.
Bob’s watches has the worst customer service....
This is exactly the video I needed! You're the man, Adrian. Best of luck with the move.
Thanks so much buddy. 👍🏻
Try buying one from an AD - no chance.
39 mm looks like that bold/big font on your iphone settings. Seems a bit off.
39 Mk 1 for me. Love the look of the hands. The feel is that each hand gets progressively longer from hour to seconds, with the second hand fully reaching out to the markers. Plus the full white gold numbers has a very classy/sporty feel. With such a small number of years in production, its a keeper.
Raymond Lam totally agree.
Agree
Adrian, I first came across the explorer on your channel a while ago and was unable to shake off the love for it. Ended up buying a 39 a few months ago and I hardly take it off. I love this thing. Keep up the great work on the channel and good luck with the move.
36mm all the way
I much prefer 36mm but the 39mm has a matte dial, something I only recently discovered. Gives it a slight edge in the tool/sport watch aesthetic over the glossy dials of the (1)14270.
Both seem boring. Just what size of boring do you want? Big boring or little boring?
Haha. Little boring for me.
Boring? I would also say so. That "boring" look however is the real beauty of the explorer and the reason why it is liked (& often loved) by non-Rolex watch guys. It's the "anti-Rolex" Rolex (if that makes any sense at all). Cheers!
I always wanted an explorer for many years but when I tried on a 36mm I was surprised how small the watch looked on my wrist. This always prevented me from buying it. When the 39 came along it was a no brainer. I love it.
Welcome to Scotland....bring beer. 😉 🏴
Bark & Jack straps... do these fit the new 2021 Explorer for which the spring bars (barrettes) are located more closely to the case as there's only 1 mm to put a strap through !?
The 20mm seatbelt nylon straps will fit, but it will be a bit of a squeeze. Certainly need to remove the spring bars first. I used to wear a 20mm nato on my 19mm grand seiko and it looked fine.
I got to try on an Explorer 36 today. Sorry, I don't know the reference, but I believe it was one with luminova or superluminova (no little Ts at 6:00 to indicate tritium). It was marvelous to behold in person. I think it would wear beautifully and lightly as an everyday watch, similar to (but of course more exquisite than) a Black Bay 36.
Now if I only could get a 39mm....Waitlisted at 3 ADs....
I bought the 36mm after having hesitated for weeks :) I like both versions but I chose the 36mm because of Don Draper...this watch is a pure class beauty. I’m obsessed with this watch and can’t stop looking at it 😀
The Mk1 looks like a modern version of the blackout Explorer from some angles, due to the polished numbers. I’m surprised you didn’t mention that. I quite like it for that reason.
For this girl I would prefer the 36mm.
It’s great that there’s a choice between 36 and 39mm. For me, 39mm is the sweet spot. I tried on the 36, but I felt it was a little too small for me.
114270 is more slim fit ,better than 214270
IWC Mark VII is much better no doubt.
I'm a big chap so the 39mm is the one for me... !
My wrist is 6.5 inches, maybe a little more, and people tell me my 39mm OP in white is too small. LOL!
Right now gotta stick to my BB36, the closest I can get to an 36 Explorer without breaking the bank.
I always keep an eye on bobs, looking for a datejust, I already have a m series sub and omega 2008 seamaster. I don't mind admitting I bought a bp factory 3130 clone explorer that I really really like, so have my eye out for one.
Become my favourite watch even though its a knock off rep but really well made.
Worn nearly 3 years so really want to look for the explorer now. The BP dial apparently is very good I read.
39mm by far. Gorgeous watch.
Great video 👏 I love my 214270 Mk ll it fits my rather large wrist nicely.
Great video man!
If I had to pick just 2 watches (that is reasonably priced). It would probably be the Explorer 36 and the Tudor BB58.
Keep it up with the great content.
Got a 39mm MkII from Bob's. They are great. I have to say, I was originally interested in the 36mm, but ended up with a 39. Might just be the perfect watch.
Hi Adrian. Great video ! A very important info for me is your wrist size. Thanks and go further!
Personally, I think the 39mm Explorer Mk1 is a quirky and cool watch. It also is another Rolex which will always draw divided opinion between watch collectors/enthusiasts and potentially in the long run people may purchase this on the fact that Rolex did not get it right. Who knows but one things for sure it is still a desirable watch.
No it's just shit
Tim do have one? I have and it is a stunner since the dial looks totally different in different lighting conditions. Low light and the numerals nearly disappear (blacked out) as in most photos. Bright light (e.g. daylight or sunshine) and the gold numerals pop depending on the angle you look at the watch. The Mark 1 is therefore a bit dressier and bridge the gap between a smooth bezel datejust and the sports line.
@@madstevens8961 i don't have one since it's shit, are u daft or sth?
Tim you’re daft
Never do a 36 but, if you do, certainly don't do it with a steel sports watch.
14270 best
Next in line for the 39 Explorer at my AD. It's perfection to me. Can't wait! Thanks for the great review, Adrian!
That’s awesome. Congrats Milton. 👍🏻
Rolex just announced they’re bringing the 36mm Explorer back in steel and two tone. The 39mm will be discontinued. I’m getting a steel 36mm.
Come on Rolex, we need a 214270 mk2 in 36mm...will surely be a home run!
IKR all they need to do is shorten the lug to lug and slim the lugs.
@@n.h187 36mm dial with Arabic numeral Lumed will look so sweet!
Love my 39mm. Much better bracelet.
I prefer 39mm too, if there is one thing I need to change, I do hope Rolex introduce Glidelock to it.
Me too....
No contest Adrian, 36mm all day long. Thanks, Brian.
I agree. 👍🏻
39 is even too small for me. 36 almost is a ladies size these days
It annoys the hell out of me that your watch doesn't tick in the pocket shots
That's nice, we were missing the explorer :) good luck with unpacking, Adrian. 36 mm is the winner! :)
Thanks mate. 👍🏻
Mk2 for me. Slick, sporty looking and amazingly clear dial. Explorer is an amazing Rolex.
Neither. Go with the 40. 👍