OP 39mm or Explorer 1 36mm (NOS) - opinions?

[red.earth]

I've just been looking online at the rhodium 39mm OP, which I think is stunning... but it occurred to me that I could probably get a new old stock 114270 for about the same money. Lo and behold, Chrono24 has just the thing, available for delivery from Italy to the UK.

I'd love to have both, but that's absolutely not an option, so I'm just pondering which I would choose. Which would you choose, and why?

I'd be interested to hear of any experiences of buying via Chrono24 from sellers in another country too.

Thanks ladies and gents

[Old Expat Beast]

If it's really NOS with stickers, then you'll probably be paying a lot more than for a 114270 in mint condition (which would be my choice). How much is it?

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

If it's really NOS with stickers, then you'll probably be paying a lot more than for a 114270 in mint condition (which would be my choice). How much is it?

£3387... probably plus import duties?

http://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/expl...-id3015412.htm

I'd be happy to have mint, as long as it really is mint with no discernible bracelet stretch.

As I just posted in another thread, there's also the BB36 to consider (available in July for closer to £1.5k, after discount) and the Tudor Style (a fair chunk less than that).

The OP 39mm is perhaps just too similar to my 214270 - same everything but dial, hands and clasp. At least the 114270 will feel obviously like a different watch... but worth double the BB36?

Maybe I think too much.

[japenney]

have you considered the new 214270 explorer 1 39mm which will be available at authorized dealers within the next couple of months? I owned the first gen 214270 and the majority seem to prefer the new changes.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by japenney

have you considered the new 214270 explorer 1 39mm which will be available at authorized dealers within the next couple of months? I owned the first gen 214270 and the majority seem to prefer the new changes.

If I had crazy amounts of money, I'd buy the 2nd gen as well as the 114270, to go with my 1st gen 214270. Unfortunately, however, I do not...

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by red.earth

£3387... probably plus import duties?

http://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/expl...-id3015412.htm

I'd be happy to have mint, as long as it really is mint with no discernible bracelet stretch.

As I just posted in another thread, there's also the BB36 to consider (available in July for closer to £1.5k, after discount) and the Tudor Style (a fair chunk less than that).

The OP 39mm is perhaps just too similar to my 214270 - same everything but dial, hands and clasp. At least the 114270 will feel obviously like a different watch... but worth double the BB36?

Maybe I think too much.

Price isn't too bad Adam, but I don't see any evidence that it really is NOS (i.e. stickers) and no warranty card is showing. You should be able to find one in that condition for closer to 2,700 quid, I reckon. I don't think there are import duties if it is coming from within the EU, but I may be wrong.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Price isn't too bad Adam, but I don't see any evidence that it really is NOS (i.e. stickers) and no warranty card is showing. You should be able to find one in that condition for closer to 2,700 quid, I reckon. I don't think there are import duties if it is coming from within the EU, but I may be wrong.

I spotted the absence of stickers etc and did wonder. It's all about the seller - now if only there was a trusted seller of a mint 114270 in the UK I could turn to...

In any case, if no import duties would be due, that may open up a few possibilities.

[joe100]

Chrono24 can be a minefield. Tread lightly

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by joe100

Chrono24 can be a minefield. Tread lightly

Thanks for the warning, Joe

[Stevestojan]

While I know the trend of big watches is slowly dying, 36mm is still too small for me. I'm a big guy though. That's said the 39mm OP I picked up yesterday is awesome. The most simple design I've ever seen on a modern Rolex and just beautiful.

[tomchicago]

The 36mm explorer wears quite small with its domed bezel. Make sure you try one on in person. I think the 39mm OP's are amazing.

[joe100]

The 114270 wears fine, but if the 114300 is in play, no brainer

[red.earth]

I've been pondering and weighing up my options. And right now... I'm feeling most strongly about the 114270. I've wanted one for 5 years and having worn my black dial 16570 today, I'm so charmed by the "tin" bracelet and clasp I think I'd be very happy with the Explorer. The challenge is where to find just what I'm after (mint, no discernable bracelet stretch with engraved rehaut), at a price I'm happy with.

If you know of any available, please do let me know. Thanks

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[JohnFM]

Sounds good red.earth. If your wrist size is 6.75" (like mine) or smaller, the 114270 will be perfect. A classic in my opinion, still at fair prices.

[Trurolexer]

Explorer 1 36mm

[red.earth]

Agreed

The hunt is on... Before the BB 36 appears on the scene and potentially upsets the plan!

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[tomchicago]

if 114270 works for your wrist then that's my vote. just make sure it works is all i'm sayin' by trying on in person

[G-Web]

Another vote here for 114270.
It can feel small when you first try it on, but it doesn't take long to realize what a perfectly proportioned watch it is. Extremely comfortable too.

And if you've been wanting one for 5 years, that's all the reason you need.

Here's mine toughing out the daily office grind.

Cheers,
-GW

[japenney]

both sound like great options. The major factor to consider is wrist size. 6.5 inches or less I would go with the explorer 36mm. The second factor is the new style bracelet and clasp on the op39mm. If you think you would really enjoy the bracelet upgrade I would go that route.

[Valencia_]

The 114300 Rhodium IS stunning! Love mine. That's my vote... But I'm biased. :)


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[dysondiver]

36 explorer every time ,, a true keeper