Explorer 14270 vs Explorer 114270

[DG123]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I don't understand it either, I think this is perfection. They ruined the Explorer 1 when they went 39mm IMO.

About ten years ago it seemed there was a trend throughout the watch industry for bigger and bigger watches. A that time I think Rolex company management may have feared that if Rolex did not go with the trend it would hurt the company, so 41mm DJ's and 39 mm Explorers came to be, and here we are.
These days I think the fashion trend towards larger watches has diminished
and consumers are returning to traditional size 34mm to 36mm men's watches.

[cgaites]

I voted 14270 (both in the poll and with my wallet). I’m a fan of tritium dials and hands on semi-modern watches. Gives a vintage vibe without the cost or hassle of a real vintage watch.

[iliketime]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

I find it strange how many mint/NOS five digit Subs and GMT’s I’ve seen over the years, but it’s actually really hard to come by a mint/NOS 14270 or 114270.

I think many were simply well used as intended...or they’re all in safes in Japan.

thats where my 114270 came from, even the caseback sticker was still on it. it was very popular due to some actor who wore it in a show or something. one site i monitor currently has over 4 f/s but they are significantly more expensive now

[gnuyork]

I go back and fourth which I would prefer... on the one hand, the 14270 makes it easy to wear straps due to the spring bar placement (and especially if you can find one with lug holes), or I should say the 114270 make it difficult.

But on the other, the 114270 has the solid end links and newer updated movement.

The one thing I was initially drawn to the 14270 for was the tritium dial, which I love seeing the older brown lume on Subs and GMts but I have to say the other day I saw a photo of lume patina on an Explorer and I though it looked terrible because the 3/6/9 were white and did not match the patina.

So I'm now all for a 11420. I'll just keep it on the bracelet (if I decide to get one).

[Medeo80013]

Only 114270 from 2007/8 to 2010 with RRR and plastic warranty card. Rolex made this model only 3 years and now full set very rare. By my research now for sale full set all around the world only 10-12 sets.

[DCheeta]

I’m firmly in the 114270 camp. The 3132 is a much better movement than the 3000, and I prefer the solid end links on the 114270.

[cfracing]

The only advantages of the 14270 to me are the patina of the tritium lume and the drilled lug holes on some versions. However, because the 3-6-9 do not have tritium, and therefore no patina, I think the dial would look weird. So it is the 114270 for me because of all its advantages probably enumerated already.

[Robine]

Interesting to see how the 14270 asking prices have gone up.

[NathansExplorer]

Originally Posted by iliketime

barring the patina potential of the tritium dial, the only really collectible 14270 is the blackout dial, regular 14270s/114270s will not be collector items unless you have a unique serial number which appeals to a small niche group

Curved sprinted bars fix that problem on the 114270.

[HogwldFLTR]

No surprise here; most flock to the latest and greatest no matter what!!!

[willywatch]

Prices have risen for these watches and i am not surprised.One of the
most elegant watches ever made.You have to see them IRL to understand.
Anyone who says these watches are not a good investment is talking
out of their hat.And they need to google watches a bit more.Just look
at the price increase for the last two years.Very easy to sell in Europe
at least, where they are very sought after.
PS. My wifes 114270 has increased in value by 40% in the last two
years.

[TunaTuna]

I would take either lol, but the newer the better I'm sure! Fingers crossed for me!!!

[mikebike]

39mm Mk 2 all day long!!

[cfracing]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

No surprise here; most flock to the latest and greatest no matter what!!!

Not entirely true. I think there are a lot out there like me who would take the older 1016 over either of these two.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by cfracing

Not entirely true. I think there are a lot out there like me who would take the older 1016 over either of these two.

1016 over any modern explorer for sure. Unfortunately the current 1016 pricing is out of my league.


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