OP 39 Overrated?

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Also, doesn’t the explorer exist to celebrate the OP?

Because of the Everest climb?

This is a common misunderstanding. The watch that went up with Norgay was an Explorer prototype but did not say “Explorer” on the dial. It did say “Oyster Perpetual,” but it was not an actual Oyster Perpetual reference.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by A-Wax

I think it's underrated actually - the only functionality it loses out to the Explorer on is Easylink, which for many people isn't worth the price difference. Personally, I prefer the style of the OP and would still have chosen it even if the Explorer had been available for less!

Arabic numerals
Mercedes hands
No applied big crown at 12
Better lume
Easylink

That’s either going to move you or it’s not. It does me. That’s not to say I think the OP is “overrated” or don’t like it - I very much do. The Exp and the white OP are two of my favorite modern Rolex references.

[Pauln]

Great watch. Really comes down to which dial and hands you like better. I like the slightly sportier look of the Explorer.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by Pauln

Great watch. Really comes down to which dial and hands you like better. I like the slightly sportier look of the Explorer.

That’s what it came down to for me as well. To me the Exp seems slightly more versatile because of the hands and the 3-6-9.

[reddog4063]

The purple or slate gray really jazz it up. Otherwise it is a little too boring.

[Dc1030]

I have the Rhodium OP 39 and absolutely love it, the size and comfort on my wrist as well as the look just have me looking at it non-stop when I wear it!

[teamkitty]

It's a teeny, tiny difference, but in addition to the other differences listed in the above posts, I much prefer the Explorer's flat bezel over the OP's rounded one.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by teamkitty

It's a teeny, tiny difference, but in addition to the other differences listed in the above posts, I much prefer the Explorer's flat bezel over the OP's rounded one.

Good point, and another factor that gives the Exp more of a sports watch vibe.

[Malak]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

Let’s just say the Explorer is the better watch, that doesn’t mean the OP 39 is overrated. Both watches are fantastic.

Explorer is overrated and has no history. The real classic is the OP.

[Keepchasing]

I love the super clean look. The white dial is superb. Just wish it came with easylink.

[Malak]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

This is a common misunderstanding. The watch that went up with Norgay was an Explorer prototype but did not say “Explorer” on the dial. It did say “Oyster Perpetual,” but it was not an actual Oyster Perpetual reference.

No, it was an OP on Everest. Hillary was still wearing a smiths.

[cjohns]

I purchased a DJ 41 white with a smooth bezel just because I wanted a clean everything watch with a white dial . Love the 39 Explorer just wasn’t a white dial . Took the clasp off when I got it home and tossed a 78790 Oysterlock (tuna can) and in a week it was at the AD having the lugs and the bracelet brushed turned out great ! Now fast forward and low and behold Rolex makes the exact watch I was looking for all along . I still love my 41 but I think the OP would be a better fit on me and not to mention I could have saved some cash too.

[mjclark32]

Really enjoyed my OP39 blue while I had it (especially for what I paid for it) sold it because I wanted a dj41. May just add a white dial in the near future...
I've had ez link on a few pieces and never use/d it anyway.

[offrdmania]

I just picked up an OP39 white. I didnt need an easylink, I just added a half link and my sizing issues were solved. Super easy.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by Malak

Explorer is overrated and has no history. The real classic is the OP.

Originally Posted by Malak

No, it was an OP on Everest. Hillary was still wearing a smiths.

Born of a time where a watch needed little more than three hands, today's Explorer can trace its roots back to 1953 with a ground-breaking expedition to the world's highest peak. These earliest Explorer models were provided by Rolex for testing on the expedition that saw Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquer Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953. The "Explorer" branding was registered in Geneva earlier that same year and the watches were prototyped specifically for this Summit bid.

The specific and special watch in question was an early 50's reference 6098. Worn by Norgay, as Hillary was famously said to have worn a Smith's watch to the summit (both Rolex and Smiths were sponsors of the climb), this insanely important watch can be seen today at the Beyer Museum in Zurich, Switzerland (and in our Talking Watches with Mr. Réne Beyer himself).

While the Explorer has been in production since 1953, it took a few years for Rolex to land on the core design that we know today. The earliest models were based on Rolex Bubblebacks and there were several early Oyster models that said "Explorer" on the dial (though, you'll notice, the 6098 taken to the peak of Everest did not). While the genesis of the model is undoubtedly that original 6098, it would be a few more years and a few more references (including the 6150, the 6350, and a few oddballs like the Air-King Explorer 5500) before Rolex released the 6610 and established the format of the Explorer that we recognize today.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ro...-214270-review

[Raku]

Originally Posted by escobar144

Is the OP 39 overrated? I know alot of articles are saying that the OP39 is the best value prop in the rolex line up. But everytime this watch is brought up on this forum people say the explorer I is the better option. Is this watch actually overrated?

How can it be overrated if it's cheaper than the Explorer and you basically get the same watch minus the Easylink?
I'm sure you can buy that from your AD if you ask nicely.

[Greg 59]

I like mine. But you do need the sun to make that dial stand out. Otherwise the watch could be from any brand.

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[subprimero]

No, I think it's underrated, at least here.

[The Kermit]

I don’t think it is overrated wear mine for work everyday perfect for the office

[Proof Morgan]

I'm lovin it!

[Malak]

@mgsooner

Fairy tales. There was no Explorer at that time. That's why it was an OP.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

This is a common misunderstanding. The watch that went up with Norgay was an Explorer prototype but did not say “Explorer” on the dial. It did say “Oyster Perpetual,” but it was not an actual Oyster Perpetual reference.

I stand corrected. Just read the article about it on Hodinkee!

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I stand corrected. Just read the article about it on Hodinkee!

I honestly was not quite sure myself what the full story was until I read that Hodinkee article. I admittedly still find it a bit confusing, but at the very least it seems that statements like "the Explorer has no history" are, well, fairy tales.

[javier]

Originally Posted by Malak

Explorer is overrated and has no history. The real classic is the OP.

Explorer has no history ??????????????

[bokertone]

I’m considering a OP 39 white dial as my one Rolex I buy new.

[Fedpete]

Originally Posted by SDDS

I just love the white silver color of the dial on the OP39MM, here is a wrist shot




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This actually drove me nuts.


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[CoveWatch]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It’s as overrated as any Rolex

Yup! Anybody’s phone can do what most of these watches tell and some so in that respect, all watches are overrated but that’s not why we love them.. all perspective

[Gary.]

Underrated, in my opinion, when compared to many other watches in the line-up.

Spend enough time on these boards and you realise that a massive proportion of Rolex "enthusiasts" are mainly interested in how "hot" a model is. If the white OP 39 had a seven year waiting list, there would be thread after thread about how great it is and how unfair it is that Rolex don't produce enough.

As it is, you can find it at an AD so it can't be that desirable. Welcome to Rolex fandom.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by Coopdog

Personally I think it is overrated. The comparison people are making is the explorer which is valid but what I was struck by trying it on is the white dial OP is similar to the white dial Datejust with applied white indices. The datejust is so much more interesting in my opinion. The OP is too sterile for my taste.





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I look at this pic and pick the OP

[SDDS]

Originally Posted by Fedpete

This actually drove me nuts.


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The watch has a beautiful color dial


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