The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10 September 2022, 06:45 AM   #1
Daniel23456
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Watch Land
Posts: 683
The 36mm Explorer wears big for its size

Folks,

Despite many people’s saying that the Explorer wears small, I find it wearing pretty large for its size due to the big font & no bezel design. I tried a new Submariner (supposed to get the call any day now) and even next to my older 16660 the new explorer wears very substantially. It doesn't feel much smaller at all. Now I know I always said that because the dials are the same size it feels almost the same size, but I find it very weird that many people tried on the Explorer at 36mm and it was too small for them. When I tried the 39mm Explorer back when I still had my 16610 it felt bigger than my sub.

Anyways, thanks for listening
Daniel23456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 07:04 AM   #2
SaddleSC
"TRF" Member
 
SaddleSC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Real Name: Charles B
Location: GMT -7
Watch: Hulk 116610LV
Posts: 6,131
I certainly enjoy it...6.75" wrist here:)

__________________
Hulk 116610LV + GMT II 126710 BLNR + Explorer 124270 + Air King 126900 + Submariner 16613LB
SaddleSC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 08:04 AM   #3
Daniel23456
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Watch Land
Posts: 683
Quote:
Originally Posted by SaddleSC View Post
I certainly enjoy it...6.75" wrist here:)

Tailored fit on you!
Daniel23456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 08:06 AM   #4
GradyPhilpott
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Seiko #SRK047
Posts: 34,460
No bezel?
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 08:53 AM   #5
TomInNJ
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 118
I have a 7.5 inch wrist, and the two tone Explorer is my favorite watch. No one in the real world has ever said, “That looks two small on your wrist.” Many people, have said, “That’s a beautiful watch.”
TomInNJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 09:20 AM   #6
pinkpiano
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: United States
Watch: Baltic Aquascaphe
Posts: 50
Wow I’ve heard the opposite from so many people!

It does suite you well though, looks great!

That’s probably my second watch in line after I get a Datejust (waitlist: 15 days so far)
pinkpiano is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 12:29 PM   #7
Kenny G
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,106
The new 36mm explorers are great and look perfect on wrists up to 7.5”…imo, once your wrist is larger than that I think the older 39mm usually (but not always) looks better.

I do feel the older 36mm look slightly larger on wrist though due to the wider bracelet to case ratio…especially from certain angles that accentuate that.
Kenny G is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 02:35 PM   #8
buzzroll
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: NYC
Posts: 21
I tried the current 36mm Explorer and it looked smaller on my wrist than my 36mm Date Just. I prefer the previous 36mm Explorer with the wider bracelet.
buzzroll is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 06:40 PM   #9
pessoa00
"TRF" Member
 
pessoa00's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Portugal
Posts: 164
I love my exp 36mm, but it definitely wears smaller than a dj36
pessoa00 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 07:21 PM   #10
Harry-57
2024 Pledge Member
 
Harry-57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Harry
Location: England
Posts: 10,681
It does wear small. But it's all relative. Each to our own.
Harry-57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 07:31 PM   #11
Daniel23456
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Watch Land
Posts: 683
This watch is dividing the watch community in half... Either people love it and think its size is great, or not... Interesting
Daniel23456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 08:59 PM   #12
travisb
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
travisb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Travis
Location: FL / NYC
Watch: Yes..
Posts: 33,493
I love this watch but for my taste it is a tad small.
travisb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 09:00 PM   #13
zengineer
"TRF" Member
 
zengineer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Michigan
Posts: 4,588
One of the great mysteries of this forum is reading a thread full of 6 inch wrists convincing each other that their SkyDwellers and DeepSeas fit just fine...followed by threads insisting that the 39mm Explorer needed to be 3mm smaller to fit even average size wrists.

I like the 39mm size on my 7.25" wrist. I don't disagree that the 36mm is better on small wrists...it just seems to go against the wave of what I see as many wearing watches that are comically too large.

Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk
zengineer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 10:00 PM   #14
JayHantz
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
JayHantz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Real Name: Jonathan
Location: Texas
Watch: @Escapementt
Posts: 9,844
Quote:
Originally Posted by zengineer View Post
One of the great mysteries of this forum is reading a thread full of 6 inch wrists convincing each other that their SkyDwellers and DeepSeas fit just fine...followed by threads insisting that the 39mm Explorer needed to be 3mm smaller to fit even average size wrists.

I like the 39mm size on my 7.25" wrist. I don't disagree that the 36mm is better on small wrists...it just seems to go against the wave of what I see as many wearing watches that are comically too large.
I tend to agree with this. I have a 7" wrist and anything 40 mm is my personal sweet spot, however I tend to go for watches that are smaller, like my 37 mm Grand Seiko or my Santos Medium.
JayHantz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 09:55 PM   #15
S.Explorer
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: Rollie
Posts: 798
Personally at <7in wrist size, I think a 36mm Explorer is perfect.

To me, the current Explorer does look a bit larger than the previous 36mm Explorer due to the slightly thicker case, wider lugs and bolder dial.
S.Explorer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 05:41 AM   #16
dannyp
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: usa
Posts: 6,765
Quote:
Originally Posted by S.Explorer View Post
Personally at <7in wrist size, I think a 36mm Explorer is perfect.

To me, the current Explorer does look a bit larger than the previous 36mm Explorer due to the slightly thicker case, wider lugs and bolder dial.
I think it’s more the increased lung taper making the head appear wider relative to the bracelet.
dannyp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 11:00 PM   #17
Chester01
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: East Coast
Watch: 16610
Posts: 4,933
36 was the standard for decades until the internet made up peoples mind that they need led larger….they don’t. Modesty is not something society does well with these days. The news, internet, cars, and watches have to be big, loud, and in your face because god forbid one isn’t noticed. One has to be noticed these days.
Chester01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 11:08 PM   #18
Calatrava r
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: United States
Watch: Rolex and Patek
Posts: 11,427
Perhaps the 36mm just seems small compared to the discontinued 39mm model. The trend is slightly turning to smaller watches. There has been a big uptick in demand for the vintage 32-35mm watches, so it will be interesting to see where styles go.
Calatrava r is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2022, 11:56 PM   #19
HiBoost
"TRF" Member
 
HiBoost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,528
I have both in hand at the moment and find the 39 to be a visually perfect fit for my 7" (2.25" wide) wrist. That said, the 36 (mine is the 114270, not the latest) is quite comfortable and completely disappears on the wrist. For some this is a pro, for others it's a con.

I really feel like Rolex should have kept both sizes in production. Cartier makes a Medium and a Large Santos. Samsung and Apple make a regular and a "plus" size for their phones. I just don't get the premise behind "the entire world needs to make this one size work". So whether you are a 100 lb female or a 300 pound male, one size fits all? That's absurd at face value.

Name:  36v39.jpg
Views: 656
Size:  144.5 KB
HiBoost is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 12:12 AM   #20
Daniel23456
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Watch Land
Posts: 683
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiBoost View Post
I have both in hand at the moment and find the 39 to be a visually perfect fit for my 7" (2.25" wide) wrist. That said, the 36 (mine is the 114270, not the latest) is quite comfortable and completely disappears on the wrist. For some this is a pro, for others it's a con.

I really feel like Rolex should have kept both sizes in production. Cartier makes a Medium and a Large Santos. Samsung and Apple make a regular and a "plus" size for their phones. I just don't get the premise behind "the entire world needs to make this one size work". So whether you are a 100 lb female or a 300 pound male, one size fits all? That's absurd at face value.

Attachment 1317846
I actually think that the 36mm works on you better… plus, it is very apparent, especially in your photos that the 36mm is the better proportioned watch
Daniel23456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 12:32 AM   #21
NachoNeal
"TRF" Member
 
NachoNeal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Neal
Location: Point Loma
Watch: ing the river flow
Posts: 2,856
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel23456 View Post
I actually think that the 36mm works on you better… plus, it is very apparent, especially in your photos that the 36mm is the better proportioned watch
Very apparent?
__________________
.
Sub No Date (14060); Tudor Ranger; Explorer (124270); Day Date (18238) stolen by wife; CasiOak.
NachoNeal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 01:38 AM   #22
TimeAZ
"TRF" Member
 
TimeAZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: USA
Watch: Rolex & Tudor
Posts: 2,240
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel23456 View Post
I actually think that the 36mm works on you better… plus, it is very apparent, especially in your photos that the 36mm is the better proportioned watch
What on Earth are you talking about??? That 35mm diameter explorer "36" looks like a small button on that wrist... maybe works if you are looking for a dress piece or wanted to capture the vintage spirit. Whereas the 39mm is literal perfection, perfectly sized and sporty.

If the 124270 were marketed at 36, but actually measured 37 and came with a 20mm bracelet, then it would have been the perfect happy medium between the arguments "36 too small" and "39 too big". Guess we will have to wait until the 224270 gets released
__________________
The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life.
TimeAZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 01:42 AM   #23
HiBoost
"TRF" Member
 
HiBoost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,528
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel23456 View Post
I actually think that the 36mm works on you better… plus, it is very apparent, especially in your photos that the 36mm is the better proportioned watch
Which you feel looks better is entirely a matter of opinion. But on the topic of proportions specifically, I have to strongly disagree. I feel this is more a matter of math than of opinions. It would be really hard to argue that there is a more iconic and classic look than a traditional (pre ceramic) Rolex GMT or Daytona. These watches basically defined "the" look of men's sport watches for multiple generations. They consist of a 39-40mm case and a 20mm bracelet. As such, the 39mm Explorer with the 20mm bracelet is holding up this golden ratio (1.95:1) more closely. The 36mm Explorer on the 20mm bracelet presents a decidedly diminutive case look (1.8:1). For further proof of this concept just look at the latest 36mm Explorer. Rolex dropped the bracelet size to 19mm to make the new 36mm case look proportionally bigger and in doing so restored the ratio back to 1.9:1.
HiBoost is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 12:09 PM   #24
LA_LEC
"TRF" Member
 
LA_LEC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 1,793
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiBoost View Post
I have both in hand at the moment and find the 39 to be a visually perfect fit for my 7" (2.25" wide) wrist. That said, the 36 (mine is the 114270, not the latest) is quite comfortable and completely disappears on the wrist. For some this is a pro, for others it's a con.

I really feel like Rolex should have kept both sizes in production. Cartier makes a Medium and a Large Santos. Samsung and Apple make a regular and a "plus" size for their phones. I just don't get the premise behind "the entire world needs to make this one size work". So whether you are a 100 lb female or a 300 pound male, one size fits all? That's absurd at face value.

Attachment 1317846
IMHO that the 39mm fits you perfectly.
__________________
1661016610LV214270 MK2
"Life is far too short not to wear a Rolex!"
LA_LEC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 12:39 AM   #25
Watchsprings
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: Cali
Posts: 1,955
I love my 36mm, I wish the bracelet was 20mm for more strap options.
Watchsprings is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 12:46 AM   #26
Kevin of Larchmont
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kevin of Larchmont's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: The Ice House
Watch: Ingersoll Mickey
Posts: 3,399
My 36mm Exp1 indeed wears larger than the DJ36 I traded in on it. I marvel at that every time I wear it. And I often think that if I could only have just one watch (that’s not gonna happen) it would be the Exp1. In fact if the Exp1 was the first Rolex I bought I probably wouldn’t have as many watches as I do now.
Kevin of Larchmont is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 02:40 AM   #27
Baiv
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Usa
Watch: SubLV
Posts: 402
It fits perfectly on my wrist
Baiv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 05:44 AM   #28
2loaded
"TRF" Member
 
2loaded's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: USA
Watch: es watches
Posts: 2,107
The wife has several in 36, I sneak links in and wear. Great size and fit.
2loaded is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 01:55 PM   #29
GST15
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: USA
Watch: CHNR/YM/DJ/OP/SUB
Posts: 1,972
For me personally, with a 7" wrist I felt it was a bit small on me, so I will opt for finding a 39
GST15 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 07:13 PM   #30
Dirt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 8,066
Quote:
Originally Posted by GST15 View Post
For me personally, with a 7" wrist I felt it was a bit small on me, so I will opt for finding a 39
I agree.
I used to have a 114270 and it wore on my >7" wrist like a boys watch size. Alas, there was no 39mm size.
It ran beautifully but it had to go to a new home where it was better loved.
Dirt is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.