Explorer 114270 vs 214270 vs new 2021

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

No more so than 41mm OP in black.....very similar watches visually

I never said the 41 mm OP was a nice watch..

[Dr. Robert]

I have a small wrist, somewhere between 6.5-6.7, I have both the 114270 & 213270, both fit well, no issues, I dig both.

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[Lantenac06]

I also was recently struggling over whether to wait to see if a new model would be forthcoming or just go for the 214270. I'll admit I would rather it were a touch smaller than 39mm, but a secondhand 114270 didn't appeal to me so much - I wear my Explorer as a sports watch, and though my ideal would probably be 37.5 or 38mm, I think the 39 wears pretty well. I also prefer the fit and finish (notably the bracelet and the lume) on the 214270. When it comes to waiting on as yet unknown new model, my fear was that the trend at the moment is for the watches to increase in size, and I know I would not want a 41mm Explorer should Rolex go down that route. I would love to see them to bring out a new 36mm, but like others here think that is probably quite unlikely.

I decided that with Rolex you're better off not waiting if you have an opportunity to pick up a model you like - so I went for the 214270 knowing if I like a future model better, there is always the option to sell mine and go for the new. Whereas I suspect it will not get easier to acquire the 114270 or 214270 as more time passes.

I could not be happier with my 214270 and now doubt a new model could come along to entice me to sell it. If I were you, if the 39mm definitely isn't right, I would keep my eyes out for a suitable 114270 and buy it if you find one. You can always sell it down the line if a newer model turns your eye. Just my two cents.

[Sinanamus]

Originally Posted by watchmakers4

Maybe I’m in the minority on these forums but I tried on both the 14270 and 214270 before buying and I immediately gravitated toward the 214270 for several reasons - the legibility, the full lume, modern bracelet, and I prefer the sizing on my wrist (I don’t even have big wrists). I never understood the people who say the dial proportions appear “off”. To me, it looks just right. However, as with everything, this is entirely subjective. But I’m thrilled with my 39mm 214270.

I have the same feelings of affection for the 39mm. I think many WIS have refined, classical tastes that are outside the mainstream, thus there's more online hype for the 36mm. Most bloggers, forums, and youtubers seem to prefer the 36 to the 39 simply because they see it as more original - it is sort of the enthusiasts' preference with the oft quoted "more balanced dial".

After tons of research, I was set on a 36mm given the online preference for it, until I had them both in hand. The bigger size was an easy choice for me.

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[jimmytamp]

Got my 214270 brand new from AD at retail last year. Sold it. Regret it. Bought again from different AD at retail two weeks ago.

Will not selling it!






Cheers...


https://www.instagram.com/fliegerb777/

[Heady Topper]

To me, the larger 214270 serves its purpose better in terms of functionality. Picked mine up Friday but had to wait 5 months.

The time is extremely legible. I don't see how functionally, reverting back to 36 would be seen as an improvement from Rolex's point of view.

The larger case also makes it extremely stylish by modern standards. I have an OP 36 black dial and it's lovely, but for a sports model I prefer larger. I too, however, will admit that 38mm would be the perfect size, but my gut tells me it either stays at 39 filling a nice slot in the sports models lineup OR moves up to 41.

Here's mine

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[javier]

Try them both before you do the purchase

[6161HH]

Since I have both a 114270 and 214270 I thought perhaps I might be able to give a decent comparison. Of course my 36mm Explorer is on the left and 39mm on the right.


The 114270 on the left has the pressed metal clasp whereas the 214270 is made from solid bar steel.




The above pictures show my 39mm Explorer on my 6.5” flat wrist. The lugs are well contained within the confines of my wrist bones. The clasp is centered on the underside of my wrist.




The last three pictures illustrate my 36mm Explorer on my wrist. The assembly is light weight and very comfortable. Since the 36mm Explorer has five links on the 6:00 side of the bracelet, the clasp does not center on the underside of my wrist as well as that of my 39mm Explorer that has only four links on the 6:00 side.

IMO there’s very little doubt that the 214270 bracelet is superior to that of the hollow links and pressed metal clasp of the 114270 BUT the latter bracelet is very well made and extremely comfortable to wear although I really like the Easylink extension that is on my 39mm Explorer that comes in handy when out in the hot Texas sun when my wrist sweats and expands.

One solution for correction of the unbalanced clasp on my scrawny wrist would be to remove the permanent link on the 6:00 side closest to the clasp although I’ll likely leave as is.

As a side note I’ve tried on the 124270 36mm Explorer but having done so I’m not a fan of the 19mm lug width and corresponding reduced clasp width. I’ve not had an opportunity to try on the latest 40mm 224270 Explorer although on my wrist I suspect there’d be little reason to replace my 39mm Explorer with the latest 40mm. At this point in time my 214270 Explorer is my all time favorite and the last one I would be willing to let go of!

[youneswatches]

Originally Posted by LSUmd

Imagine new 36 mm w/ modern 1016 ish dial .... would possibly be best Rolex ever IMO, if well done.


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I agree with this opinion.

[Devildog]

:This thread didn't age well