Thoughts on Explorer 1 - 39mm

[kier333]

I am considering getting an explorer 1 in 39mm. I tried one on the other day and love the clean lines, the history and the fact the watch is now slightly bigger in diameter. I realise there is a lot of debate about the hand size being to small etc, but when I had it on the wrist I can't say I really noticed. Anyway I would be getting the explorer as part of a trade, I would trade my GMT Master from 1998 no papers just a box and no bracelet for a full set explorer 1 from 2011 + £700.

What are your thoughts, I have grown tired on the iconic rolex look on the GMT and want something more simple and refined, while being modern and classic.

Also is the explorer more of a beater watch than the GMT, I want something that will hold up to being worn everyday, and generally used as a tool watch, or is the GMT stronger all round?


Thanks in advance.

[doubleroll]

My Brother has an Explorer I and it looks great.

[Jack T]

I have an Explorer as my daily beater, bought it just for that purpose. When I say "beater" please realize I work in an office, dress in a suit and tie, so it is better described as my everyday work day watch - it is not subject to much stress or wear and tear in that sense. Nonetheless, it is a rugged, durable piece, looks good in a wide variety of settings, as versatile as any watch in the Rolex line.

There is some debate over the older 36mm vs the new 39mm - the proportions, etc. That is a personal thing. For me, I like the nod to the current larger watch look, without going overszed. 40mm is the tops for me, and I have a 7.5 inch wrist.

Two other advantages of the 39mm is the updated movement and the new bracelet and clasp (can't say enough about that, have the older one on my Sub)

Anyhow, can't comment on the economics of your deal, but for me it is a terrific watch, you can not go wrong.

[AWPage]

Classic and understated... can be worn anywhere... go for it...

[Old Expat Beast]

36mm is the classic size. 39mm looks a bit bloated IMO.

[salty_snack]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

36mm is the classic size. 39mm looks a bit bloated IMO.

Agreed.

38mm would have been better and the little hands... I just cannot get past those.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by salty_snack

38mm would have been better and the little hands... I just cannot get past those.

Really, but they are so little?

[mreed7864]

I had a 36mm, thinking it would do double-duty (sport & dress). But, I wound up getting one of the remaining non-ceramic Sub ND's (new) and realized the Explorer wasn't really a dress watch, and I now had the "iconic" Sub for casual. Then bought a Datejust for suits & dress events. Sold the Explorer (on these forums).

Moral of the story: could have saved money in the long run by not expecting one model to cover dress & casual. Explorer is a great model though, especially if the limit is only one Rolex, then it will be good enough for both.

[Cru Jones]

Doesn't "scream" Rolex, if that matters one way or the other. Nice watch. Up to you about the hands.

[gmlomas]

I had doubta, got it and they disappeared

[cop414]

The 39mm Explorer I will be the next Rolex that I purchase. Love the look as well as the history. OP's deal sounds okay to me not knowing the service history on the GMT that he's trading.

[viper9669]

39mm wears nicely on my wrist, can be worn pretty much everywhere, improved clasp was a factor during my pruchase.

[sea-dweller]

The Explorer 1 is the ultimate "stealth" Rolex. I have worn mine in places where I would not wear my Subs, SD, GMT or Explorer II's...

[ninotcs]

GREAT watch and value


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[Hairdude1]

I love my EXI! Great watch

[watchwatcher]

Great watch...unless the lack of date makes a difference. I'm assuming no with the interest in this piece from the OP in the first place.

[jot_]

I've owned several Rolexes and ended up flipping them all... except my Exp I. Says it all really :)

[kier333]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will proceed with the deal later, as stated the GMT is from 1998 no bracelet or clasp and limited known history. The explorer is 2011 just out of rolex warranty and is a full set.

I am really excited now, there is just to much happening on the GMT for me and it screams rolex, where the explorer is classic and understated. Pics to follow!!

[subtona]

36mm

[kier333]

Originally Posted by subtona

36mm

I know the 36mm is classic, but by today standards is just that little bit to small. It's a lovely looking watch, but when I looked at it and compared it in the store against the 39mm and other watches it was more like a large ladies watch. Lovely the 36mm but not for me.

[beaglehusky]

The Exp I is a very versatile and comfortable piece, and it sounds like you'd be getting a fair trade for your GMT, as the newer piece is just coming off warranty and therefore you will not need to service it for another 3 years or so.

That been said, the GMT is also outstanding, so make sure you won't be regretting the trade because you'll miss having this other very iconic piece. Also keep in mind that the GMT has date and multiple time zones, which you will not get with the Exp.

Best of luck with the decision!

[kier333]

Originally Posted by beaglehusky

The Exp I is a very versatile and comfortable piece, and it sounds like you'd be getting a fair trade for your GMT, as the newer piece is just coming off warranty and therefore you will not need to service it for another 3 years or so.

That been said, the GMT is also outstanding, so make sure you won't be regretting the trade because you'll miss having this other very iconic piece. Also keep in mind that the GMT has date and multiple time zones, which you will not get with the Exp.

Best of luck with the decision!

Thanks, the multiple time zones does not concern me as its a function I do not use. The date is possibly something I may miss, but I do not like the date window or cyclops on my GMT so certainly won't miss that. Generally I know the date so I don't think it will pose a problem.

[MoosicPa]

I thought the 36mm was too small, but when Rolex released the 39mm version, I got on my ADs list. Haven't regretted it.

[sncarney18]

I love the Explorer 39mm. I think it is the ideal size. My only issue with it is no date. I wish it had a non cyclops dual window date at the 4'oclock position like some of the upscale watch makers do. To me that just makes it a true tool watch.

[kier333]

I know the bezel is polished in the explorer, is there anywhere that is polished.

[Lew Archer]

I bought mine about two years ago...it's a great watch, whether as part of a collection or as the only watch you own.

I seriously considered the 36mm version, which was still available in ADs at the time. However, my eye was accustomed to 40mm and larger watches (i.e., Subs, GMTs, Speedmasters), so it seemed just a shade too small.

Oddly enough, I bought a 36mm Oyster Perpetual earlier this year. Silver dial. I love that watch, too. Not too small at all.

So, I think, either the 36mm or 39mm is fine for the Explorer. One's eye will acclimate to either, given a little wrist time.

Good luck with your deal...though I suspect you will miss that GMT one day.

[BillA]

Owned it twice, really liked it. Both sporty and formal, go for it.

[kier333]

I just finalised the deal and I am really happy.

My GMT head only - 1998 U series, no papers + £700 for
Explorer 39mm full set - 2011, with 1 year warranty

Seemed like a good deal to me, as it's going to be serviced prior to dispatch, and has a 12 month warranty (not Rolex). It has all it's box and papers from the UK.

I cannot wait to pick it up!

[gmlomas]

Congrats, good deal

[polarinda]

Congrats!