36mm OP vs. 36mm Explorer?

[cab56]

Hi, my son is thinking of a getting a Rolex (with his own money!). He is interested in a blue 36mm OP 116000 with 3-6-9 markers and a black 36mm Explorer 14270 or 114270. The obvious differences are the hands and the clasp. I've read what was available in the Watch Review section and pointed him at the reviews.

When the time comes, I'll steer him toward a trusted seller here at TRF.

Brief opinions of a few sentences will be very, very welcome. Thanks in advance.

[VinnieVegas]

I picked up an Explorer 114270 recently, and that gets my vote. You can't go wrong with it. It's a thing of beauty.

[chloebear]

That's awesome! Both are nice, but i'd go Explorer. Such a classic.


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[Duey]

Go with the blue 36mm OP 116000 and add an easy-link. It feels like a solid watch too.

[Loevhagen]

Get the best of both. :)

[HogwldFLTR]

I like the variations available on the OP where as the Exp although classic is like every other one out there; just my take on it all. I personally chose the savings and concentric black OP.

[cosmoliu]

I bought the 34mm blue OP with 3-6-9 dial, and went through a similar exercise leading up to the purchase. Wrist to watch ratio aside for the moment (I simply like 34mm size better for MY watch), I would make these points. The 3130 movement is the same, so from a value perspective, the OP makes more sense. You mentioned the hands; the difference can only be seen from less than 5 feet away, and only then by a Rolex WIS. The dials would be identical, except for color, and then again, only a WIS would know that blue belongs on a OP, and black on the $1000+ more expensive Explorer. Again, value for dollar spent. Finally, I just think the Blue dial is much more attractive, but your son's mileage may vary.

Edit: No, come to think of it, the 36 mm Explorer will be x number of years old, running in the $3.5-4k range, so would be less expensive, more than likely, than a new or lightly used OP. Still, my vote is for the OP.

[wrightbrain]

I like that OP with the Mercedes hands a lot, but if you're not willing to go that far I would stick with Explorer.

[tylerad1]

Honestly, they're too similar to separate based on technical semantics. It comes down the always classic black dial that will never ever go out of style, or the blue sunburst dial that is beautiful to look at, but a bit more casual. Honestly, go with the Exp. Can never go wrong

[Sam Crow]

I tend to pick watches that have a cool story or history behind it, so the 36mm Explorer hands down. Plus it doesn't hurt that it's sexy as hell.

[mschafer]

Big fan a of a blue face, but the Explorer in 36mm is just such a classic. Impressed by your kid and his determination. Hope he has to work for it, that sets him up for life...

[Danny83]

Out of the 36's op

[luvsub]

Vote for op

[Matt748]

114270 Explorer has a rich history and is a very comfortable watch.
Haven't tried an OP but love the Explorers.

[Naz737]

Fact: they are both great choices. Research both and see where the attraction comes from. Ie, the blue, the black, cool story about Mt Everest, etc...

If he's actually torn? Likely he'll be like the rest of us soon and always looking for the next purchase! Muahahahahaha!

[Malak]

phonograph record dial

[cab56]

Thanks everybody for the comments. He has a black Tag Heuer Aquaracer and prefers the blue Rolex OP (this week). He worked for the money and it's his choice. I just point him to reviews and the trusted sellers. Thanks everybody.