Explorer 214270 strap suggestions?

[carloman]

Hi folks,

I've been trying to get my Explorer to fit properly for a while now and am ready to try something new, but here's a little background first:

My wrist changes size ever so slightly throughout any given day, many times back and forth.

Ever since I got the Explorer a few years ago, I've been periodically struggling to get the oyster bracelet to maintain a snug enough fit to avoid the watch sliding down and digging the crown into my hand while not becoming too tight when my wrist expands a little.

It's been a dead heat race between whether I find that too-tight or too-loose feeling more irritating, and I'm ready now to try a non-metal strap with a simple buckle.

I want to ensure that whatever I choose maintains the "go anywhere/do anything" nature of the oyster bracelet. In other words, I don't want to ever have to fuss over my watch, such as taking it off when I decide to take an impromptu swim, or go for a hike/bike ride, etc. The strap has got to be able to remain comfortable on my wrist no matter what I'm doing or how hot/cold it gets (I'm also an outdoor winter swimmer), and it has to be solid enough to take a beating.

I like the look of Nato straps, but not all the extra hardware and large loop of material protruding on the 12 o'clock side. I love the look of a good canvas strap, but not the fact that it can't get wet. I like the idea of a rubber strap of some sort, but I can't imagine how sweaty my wrist will get under there...

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Dr. Robert]

How about the Syncron made Tropic strap? They’ve brought it back, multiple colors. I had their Isofrane strap, excellent rubber & hardware.
Or sailcloth, I like Artem brand.
The Rolex oyster bracelet is the best, I wear my explorer on it, I wear loose. Hope you get a good fit.

[mgsooner]

Honestly if you've had trouble maintaining a good fit even with the oyster's 5mm easylink adjustment, I'm not aware of a rubber strap setup that is going to provide you with a better chance of maintaining a good fit than the oyster is. Taking into consideration all that you've said, I think my first suggestion would be an Erika's Originals nylon strap: https://erikasoriginals.com/

[matthew P]

The watchsteward is a viable candidate.
Looks like a nato but no material under the watch head ….. elastic component with adjustable length ensures the perfect fit tight or loos based on your preferences. Hardware is not thick.

[matthew P]

Have you tried waxed canvas?…… I have one on my diver watch that holds up to moisture no problem

[SaddleSC]

Erika's Original MN strap...I own 7 of them and have them fitted to most of my non-Rolex divers as well as my Explorer 214270. Highly recommended.

[StillTrying]

For a perfect fit, get Erika’s original as others have said before. Insanely comfortable.

As a side note, and I don’t think it would help with your problem, but I bought a half link from another TRF member to get my perfect fit with my oyster.

[bremersm]

With the easy link and the other micro-adjustment I am surprised you can not find a good fit. Do you own other Rolex watches and have the same issues?

I think the 214270 would look great on NATOs whether leather or cloth. You can even cut off the keeper to lower the profile of the strap.

[winst]

I couldn’t get mine to fit quite right either. Got my AD to get me a half link for a Sub C and it fits spot on now. If you want to go down the strap route though get a nice Black Vanguard Silicon strap for it.

[Heady Topper]

Originally Posted by winst

I couldn’t get mine to fit quite right either. Got my AD to get me a half link for a Sub C and it fits spot on now. If you want to go down the strap route though get a nice Black Vanguard Silicon strap for it.

Ditto with a Sub half link

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by carloman

Hi folks,

I've been trying to get my Explorer to fit properly for a while now and am ready to try something new, but here's a little background first:

My wrist changes size ever so slightly throughout any given day, many times back and forth.

Ever since I got the Explorer a few years ago, I've been periodically struggling to get the oyster bracelet to maintain a snug enough fit to avoid the watch sliding down and digging the crown into my hand while not becoming too tight when my wrist expands a little.

It's been a dead heat race between whether I find that too-tight or too-loose feeling more irritating, and I'm ready now to try a non-metal strap with a simple buckle.

I want to ensure that whatever I choose maintains the "go anywhere/do anything" nature of the oyster bracelet. In other words, I don't want to ever have to fuss over my watch, such as taking it off when I decide to take an impromptu swim, or go for a hike/bike ride, etc. The strap has got to be able to remain comfortable on my wrist no matter what I'm doing or how hot/cold it gets (I'm also an outdoor winter swimmer), and it has to be solid enough to take a beating.

I like the look of Nato straps, but not all the extra hardware and large loop of material protruding on the 12 o'clock side. I love the look of a good canvas strap, but not the fact that it can't get wet. I like the idea of a rubber strap of some sort, but I can't imagine how sweaty my wrist will get under there...

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Easy: Everest or RubberB. The best. It’s amazing for my exii and I just ordered one for my 214270




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[carloman]

Originally Posted by bremersm

With the easy link and the other micro-adjustment I am surprised you can not find a good fit. Do you own other Rolex watches and have the same issues?

I think the 214270 would look great on NATOs whether leather or cloth. You can even cut off the keeper to lower the profile of the strap.

It's not so much that I can't get it to fit right, which I've definitely been able to do after much fiddling. The issue is that while I can get it to fit properly for how my wrist is right now, it will definitely become both too loose and too tight for me throughout the rest of the day. I understand that I'm probably being a little too Goldilocks about this, but I recall my vintage Seamaster on a leather strap never having had that issue. I would just occasionally buckle it one hole looser or tighter.

[carloman]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Easy: Everest or RubberB. The best. It’s amazing for my exii and I just ordered one for my 214270




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Very nice looking combination there. Do you find that the rubber wears warm on your wrist, particularly in hot weather?

[carloman]

Originally Posted by matthew P

Have you tried waxed canvas?…… I have one on my diver watch that holds up to moisture no problem

Nope. Sounds interesting, though. Do you recall where you bought yours?

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by carloman

Very nice looking combination there. Do you find that the rubber wears warm on your wrist, particularly in hot weather?

No, my experience has been fantastic with this Everest band. It’s expensive $240 but they’ve designed it with channels to “breathe.“ I find it works. See photo below. I tighten and loosen as needed. I’ve just purchased the rubberB band for my 214270. I think it’s gonna work the same. Same price. I find this band is so much more comfortable than the steel bracelet. Plus, I find with my usage, which is a lot of outdoor stuff, the bracelet just simply takes a crazy beating. With this band, my bracelet looks brand new, because I took it off when it was new. Good luck!





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[matthew P]

Originally Posted by carloman

Nope. Sounds interesting, though. Do you recall where you bought yours?

check our red rock straps

[carloman]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

Erika's Original MN strap...I own 7 of them and have them fitted to most of my non-Rolex divers as well as my Explorer 214270. Highly recommended.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm strongly leaning towards trying this one. So many different colours to choose from!

Any chance you have a photo of Erika's strap on your Explorer? I'd love to see it in action.

Also, I'm not sure how the strap buckles onto the wrist if it doesn't have any holes in it. Would you say it's solidly secure once you put it on?

[carloman]

Originally Posted by matthew P

check our red rock straps

Thanks! I just had a quick look, and I love them. I'll reach out to him and find out if it can really handle the water. If so, I'll have a hard time choosing between this and the nylon MV strap.

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by carloman

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm strongly leaning towards trying this one. So many different colours to choose from!

Any chance you have a photo of Erika's strap on your Explorer? I'd love to see it in action.

Also, I'm not sure how the strap buckles onto the wrist if it doesn't have any holes in it. Would you say it's solidly secure once you put it on?

I find the Black Ops + Dark Grey stripe looks the best with my 214270, The Explorer also looks great with Mirage + White stripe or with Sahara + White stripe. The fact that the strap doesn't have any holes is what makes it so comfortable. You adjust the fit with the sliding buckle so it is infinitely adjustable. It is a "single-pass" design with one layer of fabric under the case back like a NATO strap so it with withstand the failure of one spring bar and because it stretches, even if the clasp were to come unbuckled, the watch will not come off your hand. It requires a very affirmative stretch to go over your hand. I have never had the clasp come open unintentionally. The fact that these straps were used primarily by navy rescue divers, should speak to the security on the wrist. Check out some YouTube videos and you will immediately see how they work and can be adjusted to fit.

I will take some pictures and send them to you this evening or tomorrow. Also, if you are in the US, Holbren's is the local distributor and they have excellent customer service. Much quicker delivery time than buying direct and they stock a BUNCH of colors and configurations. Hope this helps!

[carloman]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I find the Black Ops + Dark Grey stripe looks the best with my 214270, The Explorer also looks great with Mirage + White stripe or with Sahara + White stripe. The fact that the strap doesn't have any holes is what makes it so comfortable. You adjust the fit with the sliding buckle so it is infinitely adjustable. It is a "single-pass" design with one layer of fabric under the case back like a NATO strap so it with withstand the failure of one spring bar and because it stretches, even if the clasp were to come unbuckled, the watch will not come off your hand. It requires a very affirmative stretch to go over your hand. I have never had the clasp come open unintentionally. The fact that these straps were used primarily by navy rescue divers, should speak to the security on the wrist. Check out some YouTube videos and you will immediately see how they work and can be adjusted to fit.

I will take some pictures and send them to you this evening or tomorrow. Also, if you are in the US, Holbren's is the local distributor and they have excellent customer service. Much quicker delivery time than buying direct and they stock a BUNCH of colors and configurations. Hope this helps!

Thanks so much for all the help. I'm in Toronto, but I can certainly look up Holbren's to see if they ship up here. Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by carloman

Hi folks,

I've been trying to get my Explorer to fit properly for a while now and am ready to try something new, but here's a little background first:

My wrist changes size ever so slightly throughout any given day, many times back and forth.

Ever since I got the Explorer a few years ago, I've been periodically struggling to get the oyster bracelet to maintain a snug enough fit to avoid the watch sliding down and digging the crown into my hand while not becoming too tight when my wrist expands a little.

It's been a dead heat race between whether I find that too-tight or too-loose feeling more irritating, and I'm ready now to try a non-metal strap with a simple buckle.

I want to ensure that whatever I choose maintains the "go anywhere/do anything" nature of the oyster bracelet. In other words, I don't want to ever have to fuss over my watch, such as taking it off when I decide to take an impromptu swim, or go for a hike/bike ride, etc. The strap has got to be able to remain comfortable on my wrist no matter what I'm doing or how hot/cold it gets (I'm also an outdoor winter swimmer), and it has to be solid enough to take a beating.

I like the look of Nato straps, but not all the extra hardware and large loop of material protruding on the 12 o'clock side. I love the look of a good canvas strap, but not the fact that it can't get wet. I like the idea of a rubber strap of some sort, but I can't imagine how sweaty my wrist will get under there...

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

If you’re not wanting to worry about the impromptu swim, abuse, sweat, outdoors, etc, I think I’d avoid canvas, nato, etc, as it’s gonna get fugly!!


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[Rocket_Man]

I have the same watch. I tried a rubber strap from Everest and it just didn't fit right. It wouldn't wrap around my wrist and let the watch head sit tall on my wrist. It never fit, took it off, can't return it. It is stuck in a drawer somewhere. You may have to move a link from the 6 o'clock side to the 12 o'clock side. (or vice versa). Between that and the micro adjustments you should be able to find a combo that fits when your wrist is not swollen. My wrist also swells in the summer heat and the EZ link is a great solution. I like the Explorer on the Oyster, once adjusted it works well and looks great.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

I have the same watch. I tried a rubber strap from Everest and it just didn't fit right. It wouldn't wrap around my wrist and let the watch head sit tall on my wrist. It never fit, took it off, can't return it. It is stuck in a drawer somewhere. You may have to move a link from the 6 o'clock side to the 12 o'clock side. (or vice versa). Between that and the micro adjustments you should be able to find a combo that fits when your wrist is not swollen. My wrist also swells in the summer heat and the EZ link is a great solution. I like the Explorer on the Oyster, once adjusted it works well and looks great.

Was your Everest strap on your 214270? What color?


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[matthew P]

Here’s some pics







If you are looking for an elastic type nato strap I like the watch steward because there is no strap under the watch raising it up on your arm.
You can position the hardware right next to the watch head or under the wrist and it’s easy to perfectly size….. plus no tail to deal with.




Bent spring bars are a must for anything but the thinnest straps to avoid the case chewing up the strap due to the spring bars sitting so close to the case.


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[DJMANOSV]

Any suggestions for the 42” white polar explorer ? Cannot find any straps


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