Explorer (36mm) hunting advice please

[watchstudent]

Good morning!

So my current stable consists of my Omega Speedmaster pro, my Seamaster (2254.50) and a SubC ND bought new from an AD a year ago.

I bought the SubC with the full intention of keeping it forever but I think I will be moving it on soon. It is a beautiful watch, and for many people, perfect. But for me I just think it is a little big and loud with the shine that comes from the bezel. The 2254 is a new acquisition and I have found I actually prefer it, I think due to the aluminium bezel, lugs and the slimness.

If I move it on, I think the watch I would want to replace it with would be an Explorer 14270 or 114270. Obviously I will need to go second hand so would really appreciate advice on any pitfalls. If people have good pics they know of with unpolished and overpolsished explorers that would be great. Also would just love to hear of peoples experiences with this watch and what you think of the Speedy, Seamaster and Explorer as a trio?

[mosfetaus]

I also have SpeedyPro and 2254, never had a SubC, but do have a 14060M. I love them all and they're very very very long term keepers.
I've owned the 114270 twice, and also a 214270 Mk2, but always eventually moved them on. Hard to say why, the 114270 has one the best dials I've ever seen and a beautiful, sensual case design. Maybe it was just ever so small for me and a bit on the light side. The 214270 on the other hand is a brute, didn't have that one for long at all.

[watchstudent]

Originally Posted by mosfetaus

I also have SpeedyPro and 2254, never had a SubC, but do have a 14060M. I love them all and they're very very very long term keepers.

I've owned the 114270 twice, and also a 214270 Mk2, but always eventually moved them on. Hard to say why, the 114270 has one the best dials I've ever seen and a beautiful, sensual case design. Maybe it was just ever so small for me and a bit on the light side. The 214270 on the other hand is a brute, didn't have that one for long at all.

Yeah, I agree, I have tried on the 214270 and it just doesn’t work, for me anyway. It just seems like rather than do a complete redesign they just made the Explorer get fat and out of proportion. Plus I think I will actually enjoy the lighter bracelets on the older models.
14060M is something that I have considered as well but just think the Explorer will round off the collection better and it is the only watch I have ever put on and just thought... perfect


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[HogwldFLTR]

I had a 114060 and agree that it was too large and too gaudy. As far as the Exp is concerned I'd be tempted to go with the larger version but if you've already tried that then smaller it is. Good luck with the hunt!!!

[sillo]

2254 is such a great watch!

With regards to the Explorer I prefer the 36mm also. Size and looks wise there's really not much difference between the 14270 and 114270. Most 14270s are tritium, but the last few years were lumionva. All the 114270s are luminova. The very early 14270s will also just have the friction clasp (78360 bracelet), which eventually changed to the fliplock (78790 bracelet).

The 114270 got solid end links and the upgraded movement.

If you want tritium you're stuck with the 14270. If you want working lume I would just try and find the best example of either reference and jump on whichever comes first. The movement and end links really don't make a difference in day to day life.

[J.P.Jones]

Originally Posted by watchstudent

Yeah, I agree, I have tried on the 214270 and it just doesn’t work, for me anyway. It just seems like rather than do a complete redesign they just made the Explorer get fat and out of proportion.

That's a great way of putting it.
The 214270 looks like an obese 114270.

[NachoNeal]

I think it all boils down to wrist size and personal taste.

[Pauln]

I had the 39mm Explorer but sold it and bought a 114270. There was just something about the bezel size and the negative space on the dial of the 39mm that seemed...off. I love the 114270. I think the size is great. I’ve seen a number of nice examples for sale here on the forum. I had it paired with a Speedy Pro and thought it was a really nice combo. But I keep buying and selling Speedys because they’re so plentiful. That’s the watch I sell when I make forays into current Rolexes, which I inevitably find too flashy for my tastes.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Pauln

I had the 39mm Explorer but sold it and bought a 114270. There was just something about the bezel size and the negative space on the dial of the 39mm that seemed...off.

It just seems big for a time only watch.

I love the 114270. I think the size is great. I’ve seen a number of nice examples for sale here on the forum. I had it paired with a Speedy Pro and thought it was a really nice combo. But I keep buying and selling Speedys because they’re so plentiful. That’s the watch I sell when I make forays into current Rolexes, which I inevitably find too flashy for my tastes.

They are certainly that.

[iliketime]

nice! added a 114270 and then a 14270 to the collection this year. the 14270 has been on my wrist practically since I bought it and sized it. Do you want the 14270 or the 114270 more? One has its updates but practically the same watch in most aspects. Definitely one of the better priced rolexes out there in this market and with quite the reputation.

[Johny]

Hi op.

Have a look on Chrono24.

[J.P.Jones]

Originally Posted by iliketime

nice! added a 114270 and then a 14270 to the collection this year. the 14270 has been on my wrist practically since I bought it and sized it. Do you want the 14270 or the 114270 more? One has its updates but practically the same watch in most aspects. Definitely one of the better priced rolexes out there in this market and with quite the reputation.

What's the most palpable difference between them for you, the bracelet? Otherwise they should be just about identical, unless I'm forgetting something.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by J.P.Jones

What's the most palpable difference between them for you, the bracelet? Otherwise they should be just about identical, unless I'm forgetting something.

Even the bracelet is essentially the same. The only difference between the 78790 and 78790a is the end links.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by watchstudent

Yeah, I agree, I have tried on the 214270 and it just doesn’t work, for me anyway. It just seems like rather than do a complete redesign they just made the Explorer get fat and out of proportion.

I agree with the feeling about the 214270; had the 214270 Mark II and replaced it with the 114270, which has the right proportions. I no longer own the 114270 (actually owned it twice), but think would be a great companion for the 2254 and the Speedy.

An alternative for the 14270/114270 that would suggest, if you can find one for sale, is the Omega Railmaster 2504.52.00

Loving mine!





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[sillo]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

An alternative for the 14270/114270 that would suggest you, if you can source one, is the Railmaater 2504.52.00. Loving mine!

I'm so torn between one of these, a Mark XV and a 14270 as my next watch. I have a Speedmaster and Seasmaster so completing the trilogy would be cool. 5 digit Rolex is my main area of interest so a 14270 would fit perfectly. I just love the Mark XV and I feel like it fits the same niche as the other two plus a date is nice.

[002]

The 114270 pairs great with a diver. Especially if you get a hankering for something chunkier or more rugged.

The lugs a so thin on the case that it will be pretty obvious if it’s been poorly polished. There’s not much room for fixing a mistake.

[iliketime]

Originally Posted by J.P.Jones

What's the most palpable difference between them for you, the bracelet? Otherwise they should be just about identical, unless I'm forgetting something.

there is practically no difference. The updated bracelet adds a nonsignificant amount of weight. Updated movement sure and the security features, why not. However it is essentially a 6 digit rolex that is not truly 6 digit as it has none of the beefed up features seen on the 6 digit lines. Originally, the explorer 1 didnt scream to me, the 1016 did. but as I stared at the watch during my bookmark test, I realized I am trending towards simple three handers and have been for some time. the watch purchase prior to this was an omega railmaster 39.2mm. The reason I got both 14270, and 114270 is the tritium factor to match the pair of explorer 2s that I have.