Opinion on the 39mm Exp.

[burger'n'fries]

I went to South Coast Plaza today to begin my Christmas shopping and paid a visit to the Rolex store. The selection was pretty amazing. It appeared as if they had an example of every watch in the Rolex line. Service was friendly and very helpful.

I finally got a chance to see the new Exp. in the flesh and I have to say that I like it. It's a smart, stylish looking watch. Personally, I feel it's a completely different model from my 36mm Exp. due to its overall appearance. They do share the same name and are similar in design and appearance, but my side-by-side comparison left me feeling as if I was looking at a watch completely built from the ground up. Though smaller than a Sub it actually appears larger due to the size of the dial and crystal. The color of the dial is more akin to a really dark gray than it is black. The matte finish gives the face a soft, subdued appearance. The new bracelet design is far superior than the old ones, but it is heavy. The milled clasp and solid middle links really add some weight to the watch. I'm personally inclined to believe that a lighter watch is inherently more comfortable. However, the bracelet feels rock solid and doesn't seem it will stretch over time.

The hands...they're fine. I was staring at the watch on my wrist for a while and began to think if the minute hand was longer it wouldn't look right for some reason. The dial is big and an over-extended minute hand would look funny in a way. It's hard to explain, you just have to see it for yourself. I think the hands fit the overall appearance of the watch. They were not recycled from the 36mm. They did appear to be different from my Exp.

It may sound a little strange, but comparing the 39mm to the 36mm is like comparing apples to oranges. The new Exp. really does seem to be a completely different design. And I for one really like it. This doesn't mean I like my 114270 any less. In fact it was quite the opposite. I left feeling the that classic styling of my watch was even more so than what I had previously thought. The sales rep. behind the counter actually complemented my watch and told me never to part with it.

To sum it up, I like both designs. Both have unique features that differentiates one from the other, yet both possess that classic, simple aesthetic that makes people admire the Explorer. Too bad I already own one or else I would consider buying a 39mm.

Also, tried the Sub-c. It's very heavy and wears a lot bigger than the older model. Looks really good though. Also tried the no-date model which I think is going to be my next purchase. I'm going to wait to see if it gets an update though.

Happy Holidays.

[Matrim604]

I also really like the 39mm Explorer. I only noticed the short minute hand after it was pointed out to me, and while I guess if it were up to me i'd make it longer, it really doesn't bother me either. I love the matte dial, and wish Rolex would make more watches like that. The 39mm Explorer is actually likely to be the next watch I buy.

[xjeeunitx]

Count me in the fan club as well!

[Art 1]

I like it very much.

[warrior]

Saw one yesterday. Do not like it as much as the 36MM. The dial is waaaay out of proportion IMO. Too much wide open space makes it look bloated. Sort of like a person's face.... with small eyes and a huge face. I can't think of another Rolex model that looks disproportionate. MY opinion.

Also, the 3,6,9 is not at all legible compared to the 36MM. In the lights of AD, the Arabic markers seemed non-existent.

[padi56]

Have to agree a case where bigger is not better.

[rolex222]

36mm exp1 would be my choice. 39mm flawed with shorts hands. Lost it's heritage and soul.

[Kanger]

Like the new look very much. Don't know what the whole rubbish about hands is, but I love the look.

[warrior]

People always mention the hands...it's really the whole look. The larger flat pancake face coupled with the short hands...make for a truly disproportionate appearance.. as I mentioned. The hands and markers should be bigger given the bigger face. The fact that the numerals aren't that legible only add to a look that's not quite right.

I do like the matte dial, though.

[Route 66]

Is there actually a "Rolex store" in the South Coast Plaza?

If so, I know where I'll be next weekend.

[Engi]

Originally Posted by Stevarn

Is there actually a "Rolex store" in the South Coast Plaza?

If so, I know where I'll be next weekend.

Yea, upper floor, if I remember well ...

Ciao

Engi

[burger'n'fries]

Originally Posted by Stevarn

Is there actually a "Rolex store" in the South Coast Plaza?

If so, I know where I'll be next weekend.

It's on the second floor right next to De Beers and diagonally across from Coach. It's a little hidden, but you can't miss the Rolex green colors and the Rolex clock/sign in the front. It's actually a fairly large place.

[Gottog]

Some people just don't care about watch-face aesthetics. More power to them. For me i prefer the 36mm. Isn't choice great? Ohwait... the 36mm got discontinued and replaced with the 39mm "Look At ME" (LAME) version. The 36mm will no longer be available. There won't be a choice after current stock is gone. Bleh.

But again... some people just don't care or won't notice aesthetics unless it's pointed out to them. Kinda like a tie that's too short and wide. Some people just don't notice or care. And even if pointed out. They still don't care. Which is fine. It's not my watch.

[rolex222]

Originally Posted by Gottog

Some people just don't care about watch-face aesthetics. More power to them. For me i prefer the 36mm. Isn't choice great? Ohwait... the 36mm got discontinued and replaced with the 39mm "Look At ME" (LAME) version. The 36mm will no longer be available. There won't be a choice after current stock is gone. Bleh.

But again... some people just don't care or won't notice aesthetics unless it's pointed out to them. Kinda like a tie that's too short and wide. Some people just don't notice or care. And even if pointed out. They still don't care. Which is fine. It's not my watch.

Very well said and it just doesn't make sense when you enlarge the case but choose to leave the hands untouched. That's plain silly. Just like DD2 and DJ2, same crown size as the originals...with larger case. What the heck was rolex thinking????????

[barstoolman]

Originally Posted by rolex222

Very well said and it just doesn't make sense when you enlarge the case but choose to leave the hands untouched. That's plain silly. Just like DD2 and DJ2, same crown size as the originals...with larger case. What the heck was rolex thinking????????

Looks like they were just getting rid of an overrun of hands from the 36mm Explorer. Eventually, that watch will have properly proportioned hands

[Sixxgrand1]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

Looks like they were just getting rid of an overrun of hands from the 36mm Explorer. Eventually, that watch will have properly proportioned hands

They are not hands from the 36mm Explorer.

[2jabs]

Out of interest, what color is the lume on the 14270 ( org Exp 1,36mm), as I know 100% the color on the 39mm is Blue (the new lume as on the Subc and DSSD).

If the older exp has green or blue, then this should settle the debate for good that they are/are not old stock hands.

[Matrim604]

Originally Posted by Gottog

But again... some people just don't care or won't notice aesthetics unless it's pointed out to them. Kinda like a tie that's too short and wide. Some people just don't notice or care. And even if pointed out. They still don't care. Which is fine. It's not my watch.

Can't help but feel this is a pot shot at my post. It's not that I don't care, I just don't think it looks bad. Maybe the hand is shorter because they're trying to cost cut, maybe not, it really doesn't matter to me what the reason is. I either like it, or I don't, but in this case I like it. So many people seem to get angry when things change, or models are updated. Sometimes I like these changes, and sometimes I don't, but it will take more than a couple aesthetic differences for me to go as far as calling something inferior or lame. Does that mean I don't care? It just means I don't have to knock something just because it's not my cup of tea. For those people who prefer the 36m model, that's fantastic. It's a great watch that's made even more valuable by it's discontinuation. If you plan on buying one, it will still be available at ADs for years to come, and will still be able to be purchased BNIB from resellers for many more after that. It's not the end of the world

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by Matrim604

Can't help but feel this is a pot shot at my post. It's not that I don't care, I just don't think it looks bad. Maybe the hand is shorter because they're trying to cost cut, maybe not, it really doesn't matter to me what the reason is. I either like it, or I don't, but in this case I like it. So many people seem to get angry when things change, or models are updated. Sometimes I like these changes, and sometimes I don't, but it will take more than a couple aesthetic differences for me to go as far as calling something inferior or lame. Does that mean I don't care? It just means I don't have to knock something just because it's not my cup of tea. For those people who prefer the 36m model, that's fantastic. It's a great watch that's made even more valuable by it's discontinuation. If you plan on buying one, it will still be available at ADs for years to come, and will still be able to be purchased BNIB from resellers for many more after that. It's not the end of the world

X2

[burger'n'fries]

Originally Posted by Matrim604

Can't help but feel this is a pot shot at my post. It's not that I don't care, I just don't think it looks bad. Maybe the hand is shorter because they're trying to cost cut, maybe not, it really doesn't matter to me what the reason is. I either like it, or I don't, but in this case I like it. So many people seem to get angry when things change, or models are updated. Sometimes I like these changes, and sometimes I don't, but it will take more than a couple aesthetic differences for me to go as far as calling something inferior or lame. Does that mean I don't care? It just means I don't have to knock something just because it's not my cup of tea. For those people who prefer the 36m model, that's fantastic. It's a great watch that's made even more valuable by it's discontinuation. If you plan on buying one, it will still be available at ADs for years to come, and will still be able to be purchased BNIB from resellers for many more after that. It's not the end of the world

Don't take it the wrong way. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Some people will like it and others won't. It's your money, spend it however you want.

As for the hands, I've never seen such division on TRF over something as simple as a minute hand. To reiterate, the new minute hand is not from the old Exp. I spent some time comparing them and I can definitely say that the minute hand is thicker and a bit longer than the 36mm minute hand. The second hand is obviously longer. The hour hand however, does appear to be the same. But the minute hand is different; it's not recycled from the older model.

If the minute hand were any longer it would look out of proportion to the hour hand. That's probably why it's the way it is. Rolex would have to make a larger hour hand to keep the size ratio acceptable. However, if Rolex increased the size of both hands, then the dial would look overcrowded. The markers are much larger, as is the text and in my opinion, bigger hands would be like over-stuffing the whole package.

I wish a had taken some photos. I did have a camera but didn't feel comfortable pulling it out and taking detailed pictures in a busy store; didn't want to look like a Rolex freak or something. Especially when I wasn't going to buy anything.

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by burger'n'fries

I wish a had taken some photos. I did have a camera but didn't feel comfortable pulling it out and taking detailed pictures in a busy store; didn't want to look like a Rolex freak or something. Especially when I wasn't going to buy anything.

these are from another thread i saw.

[Gottog]

Originally Posted by Matrim604

Can't help but feel this is a pot shot at my post. It's not that I don't care, I just don't think it looks bad. Maybe the hand is shorter because they're trying to cost cut, maybe not, it really doesn't matter to me what the reason is. I either like it, or I don't, but in this case I like it. So many people seem to get angry when things change, or models are updated. Sometimes I like these changes, and sometimes I don't, but it will take more than a couple aesthetic differences for me to go as far as calling something inferior or lame. Does that mean I don't care? It just means I don't have to knock something just because it's not my cup of tea. For those people who prefer the 36m model, that's fantastic. It's a great watch that's made even more valuable by it's discontinuation. If you plan on buying one, it will still be available at ADs for years to come, and will still be able to be purchased BNIB from resellers for many more after that. It's not the end of the world

Pot shot at you? I skimmed the entire thread before posting. I wasn't seeking to pot shot anyone in particular. Don't take it personally. There are many people who like the look of the new 39mm Explorer. No need to personally call out someone who disagrees and thinks it's lame.

The OP specifically asked for personal opinions of the new 39mm Explorer, which i gave.

[Badandy]

Originally Posted by Gottog

Some people just don't care about watch-face aesthetics. More power to them. For me i prefer the 36mm. Isn't choice great? Ohwait... the 36mm got discontinued and replaced with the 39mm "Look At ME" (LAME) version. The 36mm will no longer be available. There won't be a choice after current stock is gone.

LAME version? The new Explorer, even at 39mm, is the most subdued in appearance of all of the current Rolex's. The reason I'm interested in the new Explorer is because I think it's got classic styling, doesn't shout "look at me" but is a perfect size for a man's wrist. The 36mm on the other hand looks a bit small on me even though I appreciate it's styling.

But again... some people just don't care or won't notice aesthetics unless it's pointed out to them.

How about the people who have read the current opinions on the "ruined aesthetics" and just don't agree? This isn't an objective opinion.

[Gottog]

Originally Posted by Badandy

LAME version? The new Explorer, even at 39mm, is the most subdued in appearance of all of the current Rolex's. The reason I'm interested in the new Explorer is because I think it's got classic styling, doesn't shout "look at me" but is a perfect size for a man's wrist. The 36mm on the other hand looks a bit small on me even though I appreciate it's styling.



How about the people who have read the current opinions on the "ruined aesthetics" and just don't agree? This isn't an objective opinion.

Good for you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion please don't attack mine.

[Badandy]

Originally Posted by Gottog

Good for you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion please don't attack mine.

Sorry, I suppose your comment saying people who like the new Explorer don't care about or notice aesthetics is the same as just expressing your dislike for the new design. I wasn't aware condescension is what passes for opinion.

[HL65]

Personally not a fan-but that is coming from someone who has never been a fan of Explorers other than of the Orange hand 1655 Explorer II.

[mbury]

Personally prefer the 36mm it's a classic heritage watch. Just unsure that upsizing works with this watch but I am sure that someone will buy them.

[rosspanics]

Thanks 2jabs for the side by side photos! I haven't seen the 39mm version yet, but think I like the 36mm more anyways!

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by rosspanics

Thanks 2jabs for the side by side photos! I haven't seen the 39mm version yet, but think I like the 36mm more anyways!

no probs. I love both watches.

[Steelfish]

I have a 7 3/4 inch wrist, and want to own an Explorer, would I buy the old 36mm although it looks too small for my wrist? Just because it's dial and hands are in good proportion?
Maybe I should just get surgery and have my wrists reduced. Or maybe I will just get the 39mm instead and skip the wrist surgery. Hmmm....?