Opinion on the 39mm Exp.

[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....?

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by 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....?

You could wear the 36mm around your ankle if it fits?

[Steelfish]

Originally Posted by 2jabs

You could wear the 36mm around your ankle if it fits?

Ha ha ha! I don't think it will get past my foot! Nice one...

[carlhaluss]

Originally Posted by 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.

Hey! Sounds exactly like my take on the new Explorer! I also have the 36mm model, which is the only watch I wear right now. I really like the new model also, but it just doesn't have the same appeal to me. However, if I didn't have the 36mm model. I would certainly consider the new one. I didn't see anything wrong with the hands at all. I think you are spot on about the dial, I really prefer the polished look of the old model. Just seems to give the watch more of a sparkle, without being too blingy.
My 36mm Explorer is extremely comfortable. I don't have any problem with the hollow centre links on the bracelet, either.
I also tried on the Sub-C, and while I really like it, I think my next watch will be the Sub No Date. I tried one on, and I had it on my wrist at the AD for quite a while.
Having the Explorer 36mm and the Sub No Date, would be the ultimate, as there you have two of the greatest classics of all time. If I can't manage to get the Sub, then I am more than happy to have only the Explorer I.
Cheers,
Carl

[burger'n'fries]

Originally Posted by 2jabs

interesting - here is the new lume...

Does this means the hands on the 39mm are NEW? ... and not old stock circa 36mm?

They're definitely new. When I compared them side-by-side the other day, the hands did look different. The minute hand was thicker/wider. It was subtle but noticeable, in person. They're definitely not the same hands.

[burger'n'fries]

Originally Posted by 2jabs

interesting - here is the new lume...

Does this means the hands on the 39mm are NEW? ... and not old stock circa 36mm?

Here's mine.

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by burger'n'fries

Here's mine.

and is that the latest 14270 model? If so, it's 100% proof that rolex have used new hands. So many people on here have been saying otherwise for months! It's driving me crazy.

[burger'n'fries]

Originally Posted by 2jabs

and is that the latest 14270 model? If so, it's 100% proof that rolex have used new hands. So many people on here have been saying otherwise for months! It's driving me crazy.

It's an 114270. The last model before the big change. I believe the 14270 had a different movement and bracelet and was replaced by the 114270. I could be wrong though. I'm sure there are more knowledgable TRF members out there that know.

Nice watch by the way.

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by burger'n'fries

It's an 114270. The last model before the big change. I believe the 14270 had a different movement and bracelet and was replaced by the 114270. I could be wrong though. I'm sure there are more knowledgable TRF members out there that know.

Nice watch by the way.

your right i left a '1' off. cheers u2

[Dr. Robert]

Both the 36 & 39 mm explorers look good to me......it's too bad Rolex is dropping the 36mm version, good to have a couple of sizes of the same model( for those w/ bigger wrists or those who prefer bigger watches)...i.e. the datejusts & DD's.
I have smaller wrists & have the 36mm explorer, works for me.
I had the MKII Vantage( their homage to the 1016 explorer, but done bigger-39mm diameter, 48mm case length, too big for me, sold it.)

[Steelfish]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Both the 36 & 39 mm explorers look good to me......it's too bad Rolex is dropping the 36mm version, good to have a couple of sizes of the same model( for those w/ bigger wrists or those who prefer bigger watches)...i.e. the datejusts & DD's.
I have smaller wrists & have the 36mm explorer, works for me.
I had the MKII Vantage( their homage to the 1016 explorer, but done bigger-39mm diameter, 48mm case length, too big for me, sold it.)

I agree with the good doctor....

[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.

[Nalk7]

I triedit on this weekend, and I had a chance to compare it to my 36mm. My first impression was wow it feels a lot bigger than the 36mm those extra 3mm do make a difference. The smaller hands don't seem to be that big of a deal. The one thing I didn't like were the solid gold numerals. Ill be sticking with my 114270, asmit suits my small wrists better.

[Singslinger]

Both watches look good to me and to be honest, I wouldn't have thought the hands were an issue if I hadn't read about it here.

[DT14]

Until you see it in person it is hard to describe how a 39mm watch can actually look bigger than the larger models, but it jumps out at you immediately. Personally, would never think twice about the hands. However, the matte dial seemed dull to me.

[K8bpl]

I love the 39mm Explorer, has loads of presence, really gorgeous watch!