Rolex Explorer 114270 vs 124270

[alexwatchguy]

I'm looking to pick up an Explorer and needless to say, am super excited. For those of you who've owned or tried both the old 36mm reference and the new one, which one would you recommend? Is the new model worth the $3000-$4000 premium?

Thanks,
Alex

[AJMarcus]

The updated 124270 is far superior in every way. Vintage proportions but with the vastly improved movement, lume and bracelet.

[Litflynt912]

I’ve owned both including the 124273
Hands down the new one is perfect as a GADA

[Apwillard1986]

The 124270 feels much more refined to me. The clasp, taper on the bracelet, tweaks to the indices, upgraded movement, lume, AR coating, all combine to offer what feels like a very modern classic. Even the silly 19mm lug width seems to add something to the proportions that works really well.

From what I have found there isn’t that much difference in price between the 114270 and the 124270 at retail. I wouldn’t go grey on this one. I had to wait five months but it isn’t as difficult a watch to acquire as some of the other professional models.

Short of the 1016 the 124270 is going to become a lot of folks favorite 36mm Explorer.


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[alexwatchguy]

I've purchased all of my Rolexes grey so far. Any chance I'll be able to snatch one up from an AD if I'm a first-time customer?

Originally Posted by Apwillard1986

The 124270 feels much more refined to me. The clasp, taper on the bracelet, tweaks to the indices, upgraded movement, lume, AR coating, all combine to offer what feels like a very modern classic. Even the silly 19mm lug width seems to add something to the proportions that works really well.

From what I have found there isn’t that much difference in price between the 114270 and the 124270 at retail. I wouldn’t go grey on this one. I had to wait five months but it isn’t as difficult a watch to acquire as some of the other professional models.

Short of the 1016 the 124270 is going to become a lot of folks favorite 36mm Explorer.


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[Litflynt912]

Originally Posted by Apwillard1986

The 124270 feels much more refined to me. The clasp, taper on the bracelet, tweaks to the indices, upgraded movement, lume, AR coating, all combine to offer what feels like a very modern classic. Even the silly 19mm lug width seems to add something to the proportions that works really well.

From what I have found there isn’t that much difference in price between the 114270 and the 124270 at retail. I wouldn’t go grey on this one. I had to wait five months but it isn’t as difficult a watch to acquire as some of the other professional models.

Short of the 1016 the 124270 is going to become a lot of folks favorite 36mm Explorer.


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Not every ones mileage is the same. My 124273 was a walk in at my AD. I’ve been waiting all this time for a 124270 and finally went grey today because a couple grand isn’t going to break me.
But agreed the 2021 Explorer is a hit

[alexwatchguy]

I've purchased all of my Rolexes grey so far. Any chance I'll be able to snatch one from the AD as a first-time customer?

[Apwillard1986]

Originally Posted by alexwatchguy

I've purchased all of my Rolexes grey so far. Any chance I'll be able to snatch one from the AD as a first-time customer?

I was a first time customer. I had a fairly easy time of it. I expressed interest, talked watches with the SA, and followed up every other month or so. Started in November and got the call a week ago. It helps that it isn’t one of the references bringing double the money on the secondary market. It is definitely worth a try. The grey market will always be there so you aren’t out anything…


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[Westonwcu]

Originally Posted by alexwatchguy

I've purchased all of my Rolexes grey so far. Any chance I'll be able to snatch one from the AD as a first-time customer?

I got mine about three months after it was launched. I was a first time customer but had bought other pieces of jewelry from the Ad. The explorer doesn’t seem to hard to get and in my area it isn’t popular compared to other models. I was told I received the first new explorer they got in. I guess that was pretty lucky for me as the 36 size is best for my wrist and the explorer was always my favorite Rolex made.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by alexwatchguy

I've purchased all of my Rolexes grey so far. Any chance I'll be able to snatch one from the AD as a first-time customer?

Yes. I did in 2021 when it was harder. Now easy. Go be you, friendly engaging and wait a bit


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[7enderbender]

I’m usually not a fan of the new models with their shiny bezels and odd proportions. The new Explorer is the one exception. It’s a real improvement without destroying the look and proportion of the originals. This is what an improved modern classic should look like.
The only thing that I don’t like about it is the blue lume.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

i’m usually not a fan of the new models with their shiny bezels and odd proportions. The new explorer is the one exception. It’s a real improvement without destroying the look and proportion of the originals. This is what an improved modern classic should look like.
The only thing that i don’t like about it is the blue lume.

+1

[Josunese1975]

I've owned both 14270 and 114270 and eventually sold them. Currently own both 124270 and 214270. Comparing the 114270 vs 124270, the new model feels and is better. Full lume and the ability to remove an additional link on the 6 o'clock side is huge improvement. The clasp sits much better on the underside of the wrist...centered and not off to the side. Lack of lume on the 3,6,9 of the older model made it look like missing teeth in the dark. Not to mention the newer movement. Overall 124270 is a better watch. But when it comes to $3,000 to $4,000 extra in the secondary market....not sure if it's worth it. That's something only you can decide. Look in the mirror and your bank account. That's a lot of money for a simple three hand watch....

[seabreeze60]

The 124270 is probably the one SS sports model you can eventually get from an AD.
It’s worth a monthly visit to your local AD if you have one nearby. Rolex did a good job bringing back the 36mm classic Explorer.

The lume at 3-6-9 and 19mm bracelet is a nice design change. I like the blue lume.

[Hawkeye98]

I am biased given I own the 114270, but I will share with you why I went that route. The Exp was only the second Rolex I owned, the first being a Zblue Milgauss. I was searching hard for an Exp with the engraved rehaut as I thought seeing “Rolex” engraved around the ring (like my Milgauss) was the coolest thing ever; however, I wound up going with a 2006, non-engraved example bc I wanted to maintain a timeless and clean look that, in my opinion, complemented the simple and clean dial. The Exp has a simple and perfectly balanced dial - I felt the engraved rehaut would take away from that. Additionally, given that it’s only 36mm, space is already at a premium and adding the engraving made the dial look smaller and more busy in my eyes. I think the engraved rehaut works on larger dials, but is tricky for anything less than 40mm. Again, my opinion. Lastly, given my newfound love for vintage pieces, I prefer the non-lumed, solid white gold Arabic numerals.

The beauty of this hobby is that you can make it your own, and no one can blame you for going with what you like best. Get what you want and wear it without regrets.


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[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye98

I felt the engraved rehaut would take away from that. Additionally, given that it’s only 36mm, space is already at a premium and adding the engraving made the dial look smaller and more busy in my eyes. I think the engraved rehaut works on larger dials, but is tricky for anything less than 40mm.


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Aren't the dial sizes the same though?

[Cloitus]

Also very curious to see the answers here. I currently own the 114270 and have had it a while. I've been on the fence on this one for a while so definitely keen to see what people say who have owned both

Steve.

[Jfullm42]

Bracelet taper / clasp, movement, lume... all far superior on the 124270 imo.

I've had many 1016, 14270, 114270, 214270's and now a 124270 over the years. I'd take my 124270 over any of them for daily wear. It is so comfortable that I often find myself forgetting I'm wearing it as the day goes along.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Jfullm42

Bracelet taper / clasp, movement, lume... all far superior on the 124270 imo.

I've had many 1016, 14270, 114270, 214270's and now a 124270 over the years. I'd take my 124270 over any of them for daily wear. It is so comfortable that I often find myself forgetting I'm wearing it as the day goes along.

That's an impressive collection of Explorers over the years Jeff! I've had both versions of the 214270 and both of the new versions (steel and two tone). Any one of does the job, but I would agree that the 124270 is probably the best all around. I look at it and can't believe how perfect it is.

The 124273 is the most fun Explorer I've ever owned, but as a one and only GADA - 124270 all day long.

[alexwatchguy]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, will contact my local AD and hope for the best.

[christian-h]

I have owned a couple of 14270, but no 114270. I quite like 14270 over 114270 due to non solid end links and the feeling and look it gives you. (I sourced a 114270 for my brother and I compared them side by side.)

BUT. 124270 just nails it. It has the aesthetics of a vintage Explorer, with the perks of modern Rolex watchmaking. 70 h power reserve, an awesome bracelet. The tapered bracelet givets it a really nice look and feel and it makes 14270/114270 almost look weird after a while.

The more you think about it, the more the tapering makes sense. I compared the bracelet from my 16610 (93150) and the bracelet tapers from 20 mm to 15 mm, with I 16.5 mm clasp, if i'm not mistaken.

124270 tapers from 19 mm to 14 mm, with a 16.2 mm clasp. It makes sense.

It's a bang and I would argue that it's one of Rolex most versatile watches. I like clothing as well, vintage and modern and this watch just goes with everything.

[seabreeze60]

Originally Posted by christian-h

I have owned a couple of 14270, but no 114270. I quite like 14270 over 114270 due to non solid end links and the feeling and look it gives you. (I sourced a 114270 for my brother and I compared them side by side.)

BUT. 124270 just nails it. It has the aesthetics of a vintage Explorer, with the perks of modern Rolex watchmaking. 70 h power reserve, an awesome bracelet and the tapered bracelet givets it a really nice look and feel and it makes 14270/114270 almost look weird after a while.

The more you think about it, the more the tapering makes sense. I compared the bracelet from my 16610 (93150) and the bracelet tapers from 20 mm to 15 mm, with I 16.5 mm clasp, if i'm not mistaken.

124270 tapers from 19 mm to 14 mm, with a 16.2 mm clasp. It makes sense.

It's a bang and I would argue that it's one of Rolex most versatile watches. I like clothing as well, vintage and modern and this watch just goes with everything.

Nice post!

[ExplorerI]

Daily worn an 114270 for 7 years. I actually like the lighter clasps on them. Hardly know you’re wearing a watch it’s so light. Not sure id pony up for a more expensive one.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

Daily worn an 114270 for 7 years. I actually like the lighter clasps on them. Hardly know you’re wearing a watch it’s so light. Not sure id pony up for a more expensive one.

I concur. I would like to add the new 124270 but I’m leery about the new 32XX movement.

[MRBolton]

The new Explorer nails everything so near perfectly! If I could change a couple things, I’d make the minute hand a little longer (someone pointed this out and I can’t unsee it), and I’d find a way to make the watch have a 20mm lug width. I bet Rolex wanted to have that width, but settled on the 19mm, so I’m probably wrong on that.

As someone else mentioned, having the modern movement is very nice. The power reserve is convenient, and wow—mine was about +1.7 seconds after almost a month!

[LFFL]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

The new Explorer nails everything so near perfectly! If I could change a couple things, I’d make the minute hand a little longer (someone pointed this out and I can’t unsee it), and I’d find a way to make the watch have a 20mm lug width. I bet Rolex wanted to have that width, but settled on the 19mm, so I’m probably wrong on that.

As someone else mentioned, having the modern movement is very nice. The power reserve is convenient, and wow—mine was about +1.7 seconds after almost a month!

Wonder why Rolex decided on the shorter minute hand on the new reference, seems like an oversight—now I can’t unsee it as well ><

[subtona]

Originally Posted by LFFL

Wonder why Rolex decided on the shorter minute hand on the new reference, seems like an oversight—now I can’t unsee it as well ><

Are u guys confusing the first generation 39mm?

Or does the current production 36mm have a short minute hand? I don’t see it?

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by LFFL

Wonder why Rolex decided on the shorter minute hand on the new reference, seems like an oversight—now I can’t unsee it as well ><

After having it for a few months now, I don't notice it anymore unless I look for it. However, for a couple weeks there--it did bother me.

Don't let that dissuade you from the watch if you like it otherwise, as it really does go away!

[travisb]

New on the left, old on the right. I like the more solid feel of the new one along with the updated clasp.



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[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by travisb

New on the left, old on the right. I like the more solid feel of the new one along with the updated clasp.



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Thanks for posting this picture. I have a 114270 and have worn it a lot for many years. Was intrigued with the new offering because it seem to be the same watch with the newer options, but with this picture, I feel the face of the new one is too big and makes it look bug eyed. The proportions of the 114270 seem dead on for me. The body works with the face.

My opinion of course.