Explorer I vs Milgauss

[kxux]

Both have their appeal. I decided for the Millgauss (black face) as my work watch. The Exp I is good, but I felt like reading the time on it was not as easy as Millgauss. I also prefer the PCL and heavier feel.

I sense that you may be leaning towards Millgauss as well. If you are not sure go to AD and wear both for 20-30 minutes. You will have better idea which one to get.

Both qualify as very understated Rolex watches an will go well with suit and tie.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

These are my 2 "dress" watches.....I wear suit/tie/solid blazer/dark pants/tie 3-4 days a week......


..my ss one

...yg one

Very nice, Bob!

[wokafu]

exp 1

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by DG123

The Explorer is a sport watch design and not a good match for dress up wear.
Milgauss is a better fit for a dressy environment.

Not a good watch for dress up wear ? How do you figure ? The Explorer is the best Rolex in my opinion. I was devastated when I tried it on and looked in the mirror because something didn't look right about it on me.

It, along with the Air King is the only all occasion Rolex. The cyclops on the DJ means it can look a bit of with very casual wear but the Explorer or Air king will go with everything. I just wish it suited me.

If I were to give a best Rolex award based on the best watch in general and not the best one on me, the explorer one would win (36mm or 39mm depending on your wrist size).

The Milgauss would not look too bad with a suit but the lightning bolt thing would probably make someone who doesn't know anything about watches think it came out of a cereal box. I know they had to distinguish it somehow but I think they should of come up with something better.

[DG123]

The Explorer was designed for mountain climbing.
The Air King was designed for airline pilots.
Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, and Oyster Date are the watch models Rolex produces within the "all occasion" category.
The sport watches are designed for sport.
If the OP was to only wear his watch for work, Cellini is the best match for wearing with a suit.

Originally Posted by jay1988

Not a good watch for dress up wear ? How do you figure ? The Explorer is the best Rolex in my opinion. I was devastated when I tried it on and looked in the mirror because something didn't look right about it on me.

It, along with the Air King is the only all occasion Rolex. The cyclops on the DJ means it can look a bit of with very casual wear but the Explorer or Air king will go with everything. I just wish it suited me.

If I were to give a best Rolex award based on the best watch in general and not the best one on me, the explorer one would win (36mm or 39mm depending on your wrist size).

The Milgauss would not look too bad with a suit but the lightning bolt thing would probably make someone who doesn't know anything about watches think it came out of a cereal box. I know they had to distinguish it somehow but I think they should of come up with something better.

[QueueCumber]

I don't think most (not all!) people tend to buy their watches for their designed purposes...

I would never wear my TT blue Sub scuba diving! Heck, I wouldn't even wear my Blancpain DLC Fifty Fathom scuba diving. Likewise, I wouldn't wear my Daytona while racing a car (on a racetrack.............). I also don't know any presidents to wear a presidential bracelet DD with. I'm not even sure WTH a Breguet La Tradition would be designed for besides pulling up my sleeves to look at it every few minutes in complete awe at the pretty movement.

I do think a dark leather Cellini looks elegant with a suit though (as do a lot of crocodile strap watches, including the Tradition), as one poster mentioned. Then again, I think the DJ and DD are great suit watches also... I also don't like the Milgauss watch because of the lightening bolt, as another poster mentioned, but it isn't me who is buying the watch.

[Joey_V]

I would say that if you are comparing the Explorer 39mm vs the black Milgauss - I'd have to say go for the Explorer 39mm.

If you were thinking GV... then the answer is easy - GV.

[Hairdude1]

I wear my EX I everyday! It takes a beating! I am a hairdresser and I slam it against shampoo bowls and etc.. It still looks great. I have won my ExI with suits and I believe it looks great! I have a GMTIIC also which I wear as my weekend watch!

[Bangel]

Not a lightning bolt fan myself. Explorer I is an understated classic and gets my vote. However, that's only a reflection of my personal tastes and if the Milgauss is calling you, that's all that matters.

[byeedo]

I personally love the lightning bolt on my GV so you can tell which one I would vote for. It isn't for everyone, but I will probably keep this one forever!

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by DG123

The Explorer was designed for mountain climbing.
The Air King was designed for airline pilots.
Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, and Oyster Date are the watch models Rolex produces within the "all occasion" category.
The sport watches are designed for sport.
If the OP was to only wear his watch for work, Cellini is the best match for wearing with a suit.

Who it's designed for is completely irrelevant. Especially when it has no functional features. Does the explorer have an altitude level ? A compass ? Or any other thing that makes it a watch for one purpose. The sub has a bezel that makes it a divers watch but the explorer has nothing so how exactly was it designed for mountaineers ? When you look at the sub, the bezel tells you it was designed for divers. Put your explorer in someone's face and ask them what it was designed for. Unless they know Rolex they won't have a clue.

The explorer is a stainless steel watch without PCL's. It has a simple black face and no other distinguishing features.

Maybe if the OP said he attended formal black tie events every day then a cellini would work but I think it's Explorer all the way as personally I only like wearing leather all day in winter. When it gets hot I don't want my leather getting sweaty.

[beaglehusky]

From the choices you've mentioned and the purpose you have in mind, I'd say Exp I.

If you would like something dressier, save a little and consider the DJ. There are lots of dial/bracelet combinations that may suit what you like.

Congratulations on your graduation and our new job. Best of luck!

[Singslinger]

If the choice was between the 39mm Exp and any Milgauss, I would pick the Milgauss. Not a fan of the 39mm model.

However, if it was between the 36mm Exp and any Migauss, I would say - it depends on which. For me, the GV wins all the time but I would pick the 36mm Exp over the other 2 versions.

[Dave_T26]

Originally Posted by jay1988

The Milgauss would not look too bad with a suit but the lightning bolt thing would probably make someone who doesn't know anything about watches think it came out of a cereal box. I know they had to distinguish it somehow but I think they should of come up with something better.

If someone got a close enough look at the Milgauss to notice the lightning bolt, then they'd be close enough to notice "ROLEX" on the dial. If they still thought that it "came out of a cereal box" at that point, then you're dealing with someone who literally doesn't know the first thing about fine watches. Let them think what they want, oblivious in their own ignorance.

The lightning bolt is a throwback feature, just like the orange hour hand on the Exp II. It's certainly not for everyone, but I think this "tip of the cap" to the original is a nice touch.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by Dave_T26

If someone got a close enough look at the Milgauss to notice the lightning bolt, then they'd be close enough to notice "ROLEX" on the dial. If they still thought that it "came out of a cereal box" at that point, then you're dealing with someone who literally doesn't know the first thing about fine watches. Let them think what they want, oblivious in their own ignorance.

The lightning bolt is a throwback feature, just like the orange hour hand on the Exp II. It's certainly not for everyone, but I think this "tip of the cap" to the original is a nice touch.

So true. I'm the only one to see the lightning bolt. It's my quiet little enjoyment every time I look at my watch.

[td52]

Thanks for all of the posts! I went back to the AD yesterday and I think I am going to go with the Exp I. Just seemed to fit on my wrist better than the Milgauss. Also tried on a sub, exp II, and DJ I & II, none of them seemed to have the same appeal or wrist feel as the milgauss or expI. still deciding but about 90% sure the expI is the way I'm going.

[Ravager135]

If you like the Explorer, go with it and don't look back. That said, I am really confused by people commenting that the Milgauss (and/or the Explorer) is too sporty for a suit. You can just about get away with any Rolex and a suit. It is a Rolex. Yes by design a slimmer watch might be more traditional but if you work in a business where your boss gets upset with you because you have a lightening bolt minute hand on your Rolex, I would quit because you work for a jerk.

I work for the US Navy. I just had a uniform inspection in my summer whites with a 42mm Explorer II. If we don't care about the watch you wear, a boss at a bank probably shouldn't either. I'd ask to see watch attire policy of the work place.

[jdc]

My choice would be the black Milgauss an under rated watch. I don't like the balance of the new explorer I compared with the one it replaced

[beshannon]

If this were my choice I would take the Milgauss as I do not like the smaller older Explorer.

I am weighing the new Explorer II against the Milgauss and it is a tough choice

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by DG123

The Explorer is a sport watch design and not a good match for dress up wear.

I could not disagree with you more.

While my Explorer is the 114270 rather than the newer and larger 217270, I think either and especially the 36mm model works just fine as either a sports model or a dressy model

It certainly is almost as dressy as my 116200-63600 DJ.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by beshannon

If this were my choice I would take the Milgauss as I do not like the smaller older Explorer.

I am weighing the new Explorer II against the Milgauss and it is a tough choice

I just went through this dilemma. I want both and as I have made public elsewhere on TRF, the Milgauss is my next purchase. I was looking at the Polar Explorer II versus the white Milgauss or GV. What really influenced my decision was the "anytime, anyplace" attitude of the new Explorer II. That is precisely what I was looking for in my next time piece. Don't get me wrong, the Milgauss has a very neat, throw back vibe. I am still sold on the watch. If I was wearing a shirt and tie everyday, I probably would have picked up the Milgauss first.

You gotta go in, try both, pick one and don't look back.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I just went through this dilemma. I want both and as I have made public elsewhere on TRF, the Milgauss is my next purchase. I was looking at the Polar Explorer II versus the white Milgauss or GV. What really influenced my decision was the "anytime, anyplace" attitude of the new Explorer II. That is precisely what I was looking for in my next time piece. Don't get me wrong, the Milgauss has a very neat, throw back vibe. I am still sold on the watch. If I was wearing a shirt and tie everyday, I probably would have picked up the Milgauss first.

You gotta go in, try both, pick one and don't look back.

Bravo, my thoughts exactly. I too want both and will have to choose. It will likely be an on the spot decision and since I like both as well as the GMT I know I will be happy!

[warrior]

Personally, I think you've made the right choice with the Explorer ( assuming you're staying with the decision). I had a Milgauss and while it looked really nice, I ultimately preferred the brushed bracelet and overall sleeker appearance of the EXP .

Even more important, I preferred the lighter weight of the Explorer. The Milgauss felt very top heavy---even more heavy than a Sea Dweller! To me, that's a "no no" for a non dive watch. I dont even like my dive watches to feel that top heavy.

Originally Posted by td52

Thanks for all of the posts! I went back to the AD yesterday and I think I am going to go with the Exp I. Just seemed to fit on my wrist better than the Milgauss. Also tried on a sub, exp II, and DJ I & II, none of them seemed to have the same appeal or wrist feel as the milgauss or expI. still deciding but about 90% sure the expI is the way I'm going.

[dimitros]

Originally Posted by QueueCumber

I don't think most (not all!) people tend to buy their watches for their designed purposes...

I also don't know any presidents to wear a presidential bracelet DD with.

I guess it's true...
Supposedly Sarkozy wore a gold dd or dj, but after he became president of France, Carla Bruni made him get rid of it for a less bling Patek.

Oh and my voter is explorer I. I like simple elegant watches. If I didn't already have a nd sub I'd go for the exp1. I think the green and orange and lightning bolt is an eccentric combination in the gv. It's certainly not for everyone. Magnetic shielding is not really practical. It's not really strong enough to resist any industrial magnets.

[Roley]

214270 hands down. Great watch with a sports jacket.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by td52

Thanks for all of the posts! I went back to the AD yesterday and I think I am going to go with the Exp I. Just seemed to fit on my wrist better than the Milgauss. Also tried on a sub, exp II, and DJ I & II, none of them seemed to have the same appeal or wrist feel as the milgauss or expI. still deciding but about 90% sure the expI is the way I'm going.

Excellent choice! Congrats on graduation, new job, selection, and excellent taste. Look forward to wrist pics when in possession. But take your time, make sure it is the right choice for you..that's all that counts.

[witch watch]

[QUOTE=Dave_T26;3308800
The lightning bolt is a throwback feature, just like the orange hour hand on the Exp II. It's certainly not for everyone, but I think this "tip of the cap" to the original is a nice touch.[/QUOTE]

Well said. I don't get all the hate for the orange bolt, you'd think it was the size of adults arm or something the way some folk go on about it.

Anyways OP as a fan of the older Milgauss' i had to have a new Milgauss when they appeared and 'The One' for me was the GV, the green glass just as a very subtle hint of green depending on the way the light hits it and the amount of times people have commented on that i've now lost count of. The black Milgauss is by no means second best but lacked that eye catching detail for me as for the white it was a disapointment, much better in pics than live :(.

I see you are leaning towards the EXP1 a very nice watch which in my humble CAN do 'up' as well as 'down' as easily as any Rolex can the slightly slimmer profile might make it more suitable for dress than a Milgauss but that is debatable either way i'm sure you'll pick the right one for you

[Watchdog]

Milgauss for me. I just find it a more interesting watch.