Comfort of Submariner vs Explorer I

[penguin_2000]

Hi, new to the forums. I've had a submariner for a little over a year and have enjoyed wearing it off and on. I just put a deposit down on an Explorer but realize I have never tried one on. Thought I'd ask before the watch comes in and I give up the rest of the money... For those who have both, and particularly if you have a smaller wrist, which do you find to be more comfortable?

[AJMarcus]

I have both and can attest the Explorer wears much more comfortable and has a much lower profile. Its lugs are more tapered than the Sub and it’s oyster bracelet more svelte. They really do compliment one another. The Explorer is truly the best under the radar Sports Rolex made today. You’ll have two great icons. Enjoy

[rickc007]

Had both, the Explorer is one of the most comfortable watches to wear

Completely balanced, not head heavy (Migaus is head heavy)
Thin, slides under every cuff

Comfort is not an issue with the Explorer 1

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by rickc007

Had both, the Explorer is one of the most comfortable watches to wear

Completely balanced, not head heavy (Migaus is head heavy)
Thin, slides under every cuff

Comfort is not an issue with the Explorer 1

You’re spot on about the top heavy Milgauss. Same with the 116900 AirKing. Perhaps the result of the Farady cage Rolex still uses to encase the movement from magnetic interference on those models. Poorly balanced IMO.

[RollinMoses]

I have and love both. As AJ said, Explorer is very comfortable and flies under the radar. I like the Glidelock and find sub very comfortable too, but think the explorer is one of the most comfortable watches I own on the wrist.

I have a number of oyster bracelets and seems like any watch on one feels good on the wrist

[drblowfin]

Explorer much more comfortable. It will melt into your wrist.
It’s so light I can’t really tell if I’m even wearing a watch.

[PLNYC]

explorer wears a lot more comfy for me

[RKTINC1]

I almost changed my mind and bought the explorer 39 when I picked up my AirKing. It is so much thicker than the Explorer. I just did not think I would like the locking clasp. Now that I have a Daytona, I like the locking clasp, The Air King looks fantastic in person and wears like a big sporty simple casual watch. If I needed an everyday watch to wear for work I would choose a 39 Exp 1. I still would add one to my collection someday. A Sub and a Exp1 will be a great combo. Time to add a white or silver dial.

[penguin_2000]

Originally Posted by RKTINC1

A Sub and a Exp1 will be a great combo. Time to add a white or silver dial.

My snowflake may get jealous...

Thanks for all the replies. Hopefully the wait isn't too long for the Explorer to come in.

[Doc Savage]

I've had both, and I still have the Explorer. As others have said, it's no contest. The Explorer I is extremely comfortable - much more than the Submariner.

[MatchkeY]

Echoing what most have said. I have both and the exp1 is slimmer profile and better against the wrist & at 39mm is the perfect size.