New (Basel 2016) vs Old Explorer (14270 114270)

[Art Vandelay]

I'm torn between new vs old. Please help me make a decision.

36mm vs 39mm (basel 2016)



I like the new one a lot. But I am a puriest at heart.

Eta: I have a deposit on a new one

[Tbonewalk]

a big difference between 3k and 6k ;-)

I was pleasantly surprised to find the 36mm very appealing and not at all too small, and I have big wrists...

Love the lug holes and contours of the older one too. Mine is a 14270 from 1991 and gains 2-3 sec/day, and I don't even know much about it's service history, if any. And the minute hand extends all the way to the markers lol a complaint about the newer one.

But the newer one is new, and there's something to be said for that. The new bracelet is superb. A new crown is a joy to experience. The pedigree of being the original owner, from perhaps an AD. But then again, anyone can go and buy a new one. It's fun to find one that's a little more unique and should be a lot cheaper too. And can be sold for about what you paid, unlike a new one, where you will lose if you change your mind and want out.

I also find the 39mm almost too big now that I have gone with the 36mm. But I am an old fart and am more accustomed to the smaller watches.

But it's a nice dilemma to have!

[Old Expat Beast]

The 2016 Explorer is the only current Rolex that really interests me, but I already have a 36mm and am happy to stick with that. There's not that much difference for the extra money.

[ernie2]

I have a Y serial 114270. I lost the love for it. It just feels too small. I guess 40mm is the new sweet spot for me. I was posting it for sell here on TRF a few weeks ago but no one was taking the bite. At the end, my wife took it. She loves it. 36mm is the perfect size for her.

[Trailblazer]

I missed out on the 36mm due to the clasp and found the old 39mm too blingy with the WG numerals, I will have to admit this one interests me more than the DaytonaC for 2016 and I can't wait to see one in the metal.

[soundserious]

The newest one just works better. Well proportioned without being jumbo. Love the 36mm one also but those are getting pounded since the 2016 was announced. Good bargains to be had on those.

[Javier2.0t]

Originally Posted by ernie2

I have a Y serial 114270. I lost the love for it. It just feels too small. I guess 40mm is the new sweet spot for me. I was posting it for sell here on TRF a few weeks ago but no one was taking the bite. At the end, my wife took it. She loves it. 36mm is the perfect size for her.

I think I was following your post for a bit lol. I'm going to buy one soon, to celebrate the birth of my first child.

OP: it depends on what you like and whats important to you. If you're price conscious then 36. If you have massive wrists then 39. Do you like full lume? do you prefer a glossy or a Matte dial? can you live with buying used?
I answered all those and ended up deciding on a 36mm (price being my motivating factor at the time)

[watchwatcher]

New for me.

[Jack T]

My 214270 is the 'old' 39mm, pre-Basel 2016 and post 36mm. It has the upgraded bracelet and clasp, white gold 3-6-9 numerals and the so-called short minute hand. It is the convergence of understated elegance, simplicity and versatility.
Rolex fixed something that wasn't broken.

[Oscarpapa]

I agree about the elegance/classiness of the white gold numerals but there is just something about the hands that doesn't do it for me. Each to their own.

[ernie2]

[QUOTE=Javier2.0t;6792605]I think I was following your post for a bit lol. I'm going to buy one soon, to celebrate the birth of my first child.

If you are still looking for a 36 exp1 locally, i can always snatch it back from my wife and sell it to you.

[GradyPhilpott]

I love my 114270 and I wouldn't trade it for any other Explorer.