Is rolex explorer 39 really understated?

[Ukkanhifi]

I've had the new Exp 40 for 3 months now and not a single person has noticed me wear it around for grocery shopping, church, birthday parties etc during this time. Sometimes I feel I may need to get another watch that adds a touch of bling for some worthy occasions. If you want an under the radar watch the Exp is definitely one of them, if not at the top.

[goodolejr]

I imagine the only thing that comes close in terms of being understated is an OP 39mm black dial. Would love to know everyone's thoughts on a comparo between those two.

[k3nnis]

I have the black datejust 126200 36mm as well as the explorer 124270 36mm. I currently rotate these.i.e explorer one day, then DJ the next. Both are under the radar but I think the DJ slightly more bling with the PCL bracelet.

[SAP7]

No one notices Explorers.
Mine hasn’t had one person pick up on it. Ever.

The 39 is not a good option. Get the 40. Better watch, better proportions, better choice. I have the 36 but you have ruled that out.

[6161HH]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I have two explorers, a 114270 & a 214270
Definitely the quiet Rolex models.
No one notices


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I too have a 114270 as well as a 214270 Mk2 although my all time favorite Rolex is my 214270. You’re correct too that no one notices.

[173rdabn]

I had a 39 mm Explorer Mk 1 for several years. Never had anybody look twice or comment on the watch. Truly stealthy in my experience.

[6161HH]

Originally Posted by goodolejr

I imagine the only thing that comes close in terms of being understated is an OP 39mm black dial. Would love to know everyone's thoughts on a comparo between those two.

At one point in time I owned both a 114300 OP 39mm with black dial as well as a 214270 Explorer 39mm Mk2. However I sold my OP39 since I felt it was too similar to my 39mm Explorer.

Both models have the same case as well as the same 3132 movement. Both bracelets are the same except the Explorer has a fliplock clasp. The OP39 bezel is more rounded off than that of the Explorer. Of course you can see from the pictures how the dial and hands differ.

[Jonny8]

Originally Posted by SAP7

No one notices Explorers.
Mine hasn’t had one person pick up on it. Ever.

The 39 is not a good option. Get the 40. Better watch, better proportions, better choice. I have the 36 but you have ruled that out.

It’s all subjective. In your opinion it’s not a good option. Is the 40 a better watch? Not sure personally.

[ol' Rex]

Originally Posted by 6161HH

I've often read posts here on the forum where people complain about the "empty space" on the dial of the 39mm Explorer, but I have yet to see someone make the same claim about the OP although its dial has much more empty space.

[6161HH]

Originally Posted by Jonny8

It’s all subjective. In your opinion it’s not a good option. Is the 40 a better watch? Not sure personally.

You certainly raise a valid point. The 3230 movement in the 40 raises the power reserve to at least 70 hours but at what cost in terms of reliability and longevity? In any case I’m more than OK with the power reserve of the 3132 movement in my 39mm Explorer along with its reputation of long term reliability and durability.

Perhaps the 40 has marginally better overall proportions than the 39, or maybe not? Honestly said, if I thought the 40 were superior to the 39, I would strongly consider trading up my 39 for a 40. However I have no plans to do so.

[6161HH]

Originally Posted by ol' Rex

I've often read posts here on the forum where people complain about the "empty space" on the dial of the 39mm Explorer, but I have yet to see someone make the same claim about the OP although its dial has much more empty space.

Opinions and mileage vary greatly, don’t they? Perhaps a fine line between “excessive empty space” on the dial of a specific watch and a “cluttered dial.” Very subjective and dependent on individual preferences. Hopefully the OP is able to filter through opinions within this thread and come up with a rational decision.

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by FHFinster

Nice choice.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ha...ri-three-hands


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thanks! It will delivered next week. Cant wait!

[Rolexforthewin]

Put mine on a RubberB and love it. Very low key.


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[Verdi]

It is my GADA watch. Not only that its stealth but its also perfect size. Not too small, not too big, great legibility.

It flies under the radar because it does not have the emblematic Rolex features that make a Rolex easy to spot from afar (no fluted bezel, no jubile, no cyclop, no rotating bezel and no colors).
Of course, if someone knows watches, it is obvious its a Rolex but for the common crowd it looks like any other watch. I take it with me in most of my travels.

[GGGMT]

Yes. Worn it in many countries and cities. No one even looks. Or cares. (Below in gautemala). Except in aspen, you’ll get laughed at because everyone’s got a RM




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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Depends... I live in the outskirts of a city that has gangs dedicated to the theft of Rolex watches. Up until recently I wore my EXP I exclusively when going into the city without a care. Because of new Gov and less punishment, these gangs have gotten more brazen, now I feel like ANY Rolex is a target. I stopped wearing it into the city altogether.... I considered a MARK XX as no thief will give a crap about that but ultimately opted for a SPB143 from Seiko. Any country in Europe, US or Canada - I'd wear the EXP I everywhere without hesitation.

That’s a very nice Seiko.

Kat


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[Eddiea]

The Explorer is understated not an attention magnet for sure, then again in the decades I have been collecting I may have a couple instances when people asked about a watch I'm wearing , me thinks most folks just don't care.

[subprimero]

Even more understated on a NATO strap.

[Chris_80]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Yes. Worn it in many countries and cities. No one even looks. Or cares. (Below in gautemala). Except in aspen, you’ll get laughed at because everyone’s got a RM




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And the joke would be on them. RM’s are hideous IMHO and they paid 6-7 figures for what looks like (and in some cases is) a plastic watch on a rubber strap.


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[the dark knight]

My experience was it was extremely understated, and I had several IRL examples in the rather short time I owned one. Once I was in a meeting with a guy that had a 5-digit Sub, so I asked him about it and we had a discussion about the watch and its history. Afterwards he looks at my Exp I and asks "so what kind of watch is that?"

I've also walked into at least two non-Rolex watch ADs and had the salesperson ask me what kind of watch I was wearing. Now I know SAs all have different levels of knowledge, but another SA at one of these ADs recognized a Grand Seiko on my wrist. And SAs at non-Rolex ADs almost always comment if I'm wearing my Sub or esp the BLNR. Never a comment about the Exp I, ever.

So yea, imo, extremely understated.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Chris_80

And the joke would be on them. RM’s are hideous IMHO and they paid 6-7 figures for what looks like (and in some cases is) a plastic watch on a rubber strap.


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Concur! That’s why I have an x1


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[watchwatcher]

Yes, but in a really awesome way.

[Metro]

39 mk2 is an awesome choice that looks and wears great.

I haven’t seen a 40 in person, but my 39 is the perfect size for me.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by Chris_80

And the joke would be on them. RM’s are hideous IMHO and they paid 6-7 figures for what looks like (and in some cases is) a plastic watch on a rubber strap.


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Is there a watch less legible than RM?

[macluven]

I'm a new member and have been collecting for over a decade. I'm just curious and hoping to understand a little better, for those that like the Explorer I, what's the fascination or draw to it? It just seems like a regular watch with a single complication. It just doesn't seem very luxurious (maybe that's the draw) and not much of a "tool" watch.

I'm just hoping to learn a little more about it, so pardon me for my ignorance, and I apologize if I'm hijacking the OP's post.

[Metro]

Originally Posted by macluven

I'm a new member and have been collecting for over a decade. I'm just curious and hoping to understand a little better, for those that like the Explorer I, what's the fascination or draw to it? It just seems like a regular watch with a single complication. It just doesn't seem very luxurious (maybe that's the draw) and not much of a "tool" watch.

I'm just hoping to learn a little more about it, so pardon me for my ignorance, and I apologize if I'm hijacking the OP's post.

I suggest you go try one on.

[nyc2la]

Nothing flashy, and it does it all.

[Metro]

I love my Explorer Mk2 because it’s super high quality and it looks great - I also love that it’s very low key.

[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by SAP7

The 39 is not a good option. Get the 40. Better watch, better proportions, better choice. I have the 36 but you have ruled that out.

Originally Posted by Jonny8

It’s all subjective. In your opinion it’s not a good option. Is the 40 a better watch? Not sure personally.

The 39 MK2 is the best Explorer ever made imo.

[the dark knight]

If robbery is a concern, just remember that thing about out running a bear. You don't have to out run the bear, you just have to out run the person you are with.

So just make sure you are hanging out with people with flashy PM Rolexes and you will be okay.