Will Rolex ever release a large size Explorer 1 again?

[Draper144]

Thoughts?

I miss the 39mm


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[japenney]

I doubt it. The good thing is the 39mm was not zapped from existence. If you miss it so much you can save your money and buy one like new.

[5thLegion]

Some nice low miles 39mm out there, I’ve been seeing them. But I think the ship has sailed for a new one.

[enjoythemusic]

Never say never, in a decade or two 44mm could be the norm. I remember when 40mm was considered big, with 36mm being fine.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Never say never, in a decade or two 44mm could be the norm. I remember when 40mm was considered big, with 36mm being fine.

Me too, for instance the early 80s I recall 36mm being the norm and in fact Rolex 40mm was an innovation, some saying at the time - too large

[TimeAZ]

The 39 was perfect. Great size, even for smaller wrists. Very sporty and elegant at the same time. Nice and thin. Perfect movement (caliber 3132), perfect bracelet and clasp. One of a few rare instances that I think it's actually worth paying the premium to buy from the secondary market. This, and the discontinued white OP.

[douglasf13]

I hope not. I never loved that they changed the classic sizing of the Exp and Exp II. Hopefully downsizing the Exp II is next.

[Rebel]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I hope not. I never loved that they changed the classic sizing of the Exp and Exp II. Hopefully downsizing the Exp II is next.

Amen on the Expy II.

[Defiant_Man11]

Never say never. But IMO, we won’t see anything similar for some time. I’m glad I was able to grab a 214270 a few years ago. Such a simple, perfect watch.

[JayHantz]

I can't say for certain, but I don't think we will. Since the OP39 and the Explorer were the only two sports models sharing that sized case and both are now gone, I think that we will see the 41mm and 36mm sizing stay for awhile.

[Nodzex]

I wanted Rolex to follow OP and release new 41mm since I have 8” wrist but I guess I will never have Explorer I!

[wetsum3]

Good piece to get from a TS if you really like it. I think they hover right around 10k. Not crazy if you’re looking for SS sports.

[Dirt]

Why not?
It's not like they didn't sell everyone they have ever made either way

[BDII]

Nah

[Plant]

No they seem to want everything 36 or 41

I think the Daytona moving to 41 is more likely than the return of anything 39. However, they do some stupid randon stuff like the new lefty gmt so who knows

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Plant

No they seem to want everything 36 or 41

I think the Daytona moving to 41 is more likely than the return of anything 39. However, they do some stupid randon stuff like the new lefty gmt so who knows

There’s also 42, 43 and 44 in the current catologue

[Danny83]

Hope they do the 36 is wayyyyy to small

[dannyp]

If I had to guess, based on some recent releases, I would guess we'll see a Tudor Black Bay Ranger 36/39/41 that amounts to a 1016 homage, riveted bracelet and all. Just a guess, though.

[CarlOver]

Explorer II in 42mm is a great size for some of us.

[douglasf13]

For 50+ years, the beauty of the Rolex sports models was that they all had approximately the same dial size, and you chose a watch depending on the functions needed. If you needed a basic, time only watch for out in the wild, you got an Explorer. If you needed a multiple timezones function, you got the GMT, etc. It didn't matter if your wrist was 6" or 8," you just bought the tool for the job, regardless of how it looked.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

For 50+ years, the beauty of the Rolex sports models was that they all had approximately the same dial size, and you chose a watch depending on the functions needed. If you needed a basic, time only watch for out in the wild, you got an Explorer. If you needed a multiple timezones function, you got the GMT, etc. It didn't matter if your wrist was 6" or 8," you just bought the tool for the job, regardless of how it looked.

That sounds about right!!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

For 50+ years, the beauty of the Rolex sports models was that they all had approximately the same dial size, and you chose a watch depending on the functions needed. If you needed a basic, time only watch for out in the wild, you got an Explorer. If you needed a multiple timezones function, you got the GMT, etc. It didn't matter if your wrist was 6" or 8," you just bought the tool for the job, regardless of how it looked.

Have said this exact same thing many a time. Form followed function. Side was determined by legibility, water resistance, shock absorption, and external (ie bezel) functions needed. It also is part of what I would imagine allowed Rolex to reach economies of scale otherwise unknown in the watch world at that time. It was a veritable mix-and-match of parts which have incredible production flexibility/ability to produce parts that could be used in many watches.

Again, form followed function, and designs were determined by “what made sense” (to more than the marketing department).

[Sothy]

Definite maybe. :-)

The existence of the 41mm black dialed OP makes me think that one day that it may happen. I liked the old explorer and 39mm white dialed OP as was mentioned above.

[S.Explorer]

If they do, I hope they continue the 36 alongside.

[R.bartlett]

I have a Exp ii from 94 new and always and still felt it was too small but in those days white faced Rolexes were few and far between..

[BillA]

yes, no

[VegasMilgauss]

214270 the best wind and wear there was, is and ever will be.

[28mm]

Originally Posted by VegasMilgauss

214270 the best wind and wear there was, is and ever will be.

Agree 100%. The perfect watch that gets the most wrist time.

[1William]

I really like the watch both in 36 mm and 39 mm. I was hoping for a 41 mm release and one would have been mine. We can always hope.

[Cru Jones]

More legible dial, better balanced text, more substantial clasp. Lots of arguments for the 39. Luckily lots on the secondary market if that’s what you want.