Explorer 39mm to replace my DJ 41 ?

[horseco]

I sold my daily wearer, a DJ41 white stick jubilee fluted bezel. I have 116508 newman, 116500 panda & a 126710 Pepsi, but the truth is I seldom wear them.
My DJ was my everyday. Any one have pics of their MK1 or MK2 dial Expl 39 ?
Im sure its been written about to death but my second choice is OP41 anyone have a side by side with both or any of those I listed?

[FL2024]

Originally Posted by horseco

I sold my daily wearer, a DJ41 white stick jubilee fluted bezel. I have 116508 newman, 116500 panda & a 126710 Pepsi, but the truth is I seldom wear them.
My DJ was my everyday. Any one have pics of their MK1 or MK2 dial Expl 39 ?
Im sure its been written about to death but my second choice is OP41 anyone have a side by side with both or any of those I listed?

I have a Explorer 1 39mm MK2 and wear it daily. It is a fantastic watch. IMO it is the most versatile Rolex you can buy. 39mm is the perfect size watch. It is the sweet spot between traditional dress-watch and modern sports watch territory. Unlike a Sub, which isn't the best watch to wear with a suit, the Explorer is an excellent choice for both a t-shirt or a suit. It also wears very comfortable and light on the wrist.
The Explorer is one of the few modern Rolex models (also Sub and SD) that can truly take a beating and somehow look even better than when new. If you worry about scratches, nicks, and dents, this a very good watch for you. It took me a while to realize this but it's true. Unlike the Datejust 41 especially flutted bezel, you will the be able to wear the Explorer almost carefree.

I guess some people say its "boring" or "too simple", that is kind of the point. If you want a little more flare get the MK2. The illuminated 3,6,9 look terrific in the dark. It is not supposed to be loud and flashy though. It's low profile makes it one of the safer Rolex to wear in a city or crowded area.

The OP is a very similar to the Explorer is a better all-around daily. The OP is more dress-oriented and the Explorer is a sports/tool oriented. The Explorer has a safety lock on the clasp, much like the SUB or GMT. For me that is a deal breaker. It gives you that extra sense of security that you won't find on the OP or DJ. At the end of the day choose the watch that appeals to you. I am speaking purely from my experience and opinion.

Good luck!

[nyc2la]

The 39mm Explorer 1 is a great all around watch. It’s one I wear often in my collection. I love the size, the matte dial, the thinness (for a Rolex), the flip lock clasp, the versatility, the legibility, the understated nature of the watch (especially considering it’s a Rolex), the comfort, and the blend of dressy, sporty, cool, and simplicity.

I have the MK2.

I’d find one that’s in mint condition (either MK1 or MK2) and wear the heck out of it.

[TimeAZ]

Go for it. The 39mm explorer is perfect. Especially MK2 dial with full lume. A great watch.

[Mr. Superlative]

I don’t have one personally but have admired from afar the Explorer I. It’s simply beautiful. The true Go Anyhwere Do Anything timepiece. The price, style, versatility make this serious contender for a 1-watch collection.

[996marty]

The Explorer 1 would make a great replacement and great daily. So for me I say go for it whichever you choose I’m sure you’ll love it

[horseco]

ty everyone ! expl FTW !!!!

[Tqmb79]

Exp 39 is a great watch. Quite different from a Datejust 41 though. A great daily no question

[worldofoyster]

Originally Posted by FL2024

I have a Explorer 1 39mm MK2 and wear it daily. It is a fantastic watch. IMO it is the most versatile Rolex you can buy. 39mm is the perfect size watch. It is the sweet spot between traditional dress-watch and modern sports watch territory. Unlike a Sub, which isn't the best watch to wear with a suit, the Explorer is an excellent choice for both a t-shirt or a suit. It also wears very comfortable and light on the wrist.
The Explorer is one of the few modern Rolex models (also Sub and SD) that can truly take a beating and somehow look even better than when new. If you worry about scratches, nicks, and dents, this a very good watch for you. It took me a while to realize this but it's true. Unlike the Datejust 41 especially flutted bezel, you will the be able to wear the Explorer almost carefree.

I guess some people say its "boring" or "too simple", that is kind of the point. If you want a little more flare get the MK2. The illuminated 3,6,9 look terrific in the dark. It is not supposed to be loud and flashy though. It's low profile makes it one of the safer Rolex to wear in a city or crowded area.

The OP is a very similar to the Explorer is a better all-around daily. The OP is more dress-oriented and the Explorer is a sports/tool oriented. The Explorer has a safety lock on the clasp, much like the SUB or GMT. For me that is a deal breaker. It gives you that extra sense of security that you won't find on the OP or DJ. At the end of the day choose the watch that appeals to you. I am speaking purely from my experience and opinion.

Good luck!

Well said

[georgew]

Originally Posted by FL2024

I have a Explorer 1 39mm MK2 and wear it daily. It is a fantastic watch. IMO it is the most versatile Rolex you can buy. 39mm is the perfect size watch. It is the sweet spot between traditional dress-watch and modern sports watch territory. Unlike a Sub, which isn't the best watch to wear with a suit, the Explorer is an excellent choice for both a t-shirt or a suit. It also wears very comfortable and light on the wrist.
The Explorer is one of the few modern Rolex models (also Sub and SD) that can truly take a beating and somehow look even better than when new. If you worry about scratches, nicks, and dents, this a very good watch for you. It took me a while to realize this but it's true. Unlike the Datejust 41 especially flutted bezel, you will the be able to wear the Explorer almost carefree.

I guess some people say its "boring" or "too simple", that is kind of the point. If you want a little more flare get the MK2. The illuminated 3,6,9 look terrific in the dark. It is not supposed to be loud and flashy though. It's low profile makes it one of the safer Rolex to wear in a city or crowded area.

The OP is a very similar to the Explorer is a better all-around daily. The OP is more dress-oriented and the Explorer is a sports/tool oriented. The Explorer has a safety lock on the clasp, much like the SUB or GMT. For me that is a deal breaker. It gives you that extra sense of security that you won't find on the OP or DJ. At the end of the day choose the watch that appeals to you. I am speaking purely from my experience and opinion.

Good luck!

i too would agree with these comments. While I don;t wear my Exp 1 all that often, it is a classic that goes with everything - everywhere. I last wore it on a cruise to be a little more "under the radar" (vs. 1 of my subs or a daytona). go for it! BTW, my wrist is 6.75 in circumference

[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by FL2024

I have a Explorer 1 39mm MK2 and wear it daily. It is a fantastic watch. IMO it is the most versatile Rolex you can buy. 39mm is the perfect size watch. It is the sweet spot between traditional dress-watch and modern sports watch territory. Unlike a Sub, which isn't the best watch to wear with a suit, the Explorer is an excellent choice for both a t-shirt or a suit. It also wears very comfortable and light on the wrist.
The Explorer is one of the few modern Rolex models (also Sub and SD) that can truly take a beating and somehow look even better than when new. If you worry about scratches, nicks, and dents, this a very good watch for you. It took me a while to realize this but it's true. Unlike the Datejust 41 especially flutted bezel, you will the be able to wear the Explorer almost carefree.

I guess some people say its "boring" or "too simple", that is kind of the point. If you want a little more flare get the MK2. The illuminated 3,6,9 look terrific in the dark. It is not supposed to be loud and flashy though. It's low profile makes it one of the safer Rolex to wear in a city or crowded area.

The OP is a very similar to the Explorer is a better all-around daily. The OP is more dress-oriented and the Explorer is a sports/tool oriented. The Explorer has a safety lock on the clasp, much like the SUB or GMT. For me that is a deal breaker. It gives you that extra sense of security that you won't find on the OP or DJ. At the end of the day choose the watch that appeals to you. I am speaking purely from my experience and opinion.

Good luck!

This pretty much nails it. Both are fantastic…versatile, robust, and very wearable pieces.

Curious as to what prompted you to sell the DJ…it’s a great watch too.

[daysky1]

To each his own. As for me I have the Explorer one with the 369 loomed I have the Explorer II polar dial today I'm wearing a 12... something reference Submariner on a rubber B black strap, it feels very light weight, tomorrow I'm not sure what I'm going to wear. I'll know when I get to my watch collection and look at it and I try not to wear the same watch 2 days in a row but I sometimes will simply because it's already wound up and set and I liked it the day before so I'll continue to wear it the next day. I know I am fortunate in that I can afford more than one Rolex and so I don't expect my advice to be there for everyone. I was purchasing a variety of quartz watches whether it be Casio or Timex or whatever before I started my collection with mechanical watches and so here I am. all I can say each one to his own it is your collection be happy with it and enjoy.

[John Doyle]

Explorer 36mm fan here - go for it, it's the perfect do everything everywhere watch

[jcdevoe26]

I absolutely love my 39mm Exp. 1, its so easy to daily or even to wear with a nice outfit for dinner. My favorite part of the 214270 is the matte dial, it looks so different depending on lighting conditions and has a unique depth to it.

[1William]

Nice watches. If it is what you want then go for it. A classic.