Explorer 36 vs Oyster Perpetual 36

[JayHantz]

I am in the Explorer camp. I find that this watch just is more interesting on the wrist. Here is to hoping you get the call sooner than expected, and let us know when you do get it!

[Zaslice]

That’s the older op 36 fyi. I like the dial way more on current model. But I’d say the explorer is the one to have

[Mcmak]

The Explorer won't go bad.

[Vesper Lynd]

So the Oyster Perpetual 36 does not have Easylink and the Explorer 36 does?

[Novartis]

Originally Posted by Vesper Lynd

So the Oyster Perpetual 36 does not have Easylink and the Explorer 36 does?

My Oyster Perpetual 28 has the Easylink; I believe they all the current OPs do now.

[JohnnyBer]

I believe the current OP now has the EasyLink.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Zaslice

That’s the older op 36 fyi. I like the dial way more on current model. But I’d say the explorer is the one to have

Also the older Explorer; current one has narrower bracelet.

Originally Posted by Vesper Lynd

So the Oyster Perpetual 36 does not have Easylink and the Explorer 36 does?

Originally Posted by JohnnyBer

I believe the current OP now has the EasyLink.

Current one does, the one referenced was the previous generation (3-6-9 dial that he mentioned is from the "11" series).

[SS Oyster]

If you are going black dial, I’d highly recommend the Explorer I. If it’s a colored dial, go OP36. Both are winners and represent excellent value for money.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gnardex]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

If you are going black dial, I’d highly recommend the Explorer I. If it’s a colored dial, go OP36. Both are winners and represent excellent value for money.

Totally agree.
In addition, a further info that could be helpful to you:
few months ago my AD told me that it is by far easier to get an Explorer than an OP.
She told me that after one year you can change dial in an OP,
so many people tried to get one in a standard color, and after one year
they change to some more fancy color. This is the reason why OP is more difficult to find even in "standard colors".

I was surprised at first, and since I was not interested I did not scrutinize further. But if you are interested in colored dials, maybe you should inquire if this possibility is true.

[boring_sandwich]

Originally Posted by gnardex

Totally agree.
In addition, a further info that could be helpful to you:
few months ago my AD told me that it is by far easier to get an Explorer than an OP.
She told me that after one year you can change dial in an OP,
so many people tried to get one in a standard color, and after one year
they change to some more fancy color. This is the reason why OP is more difficult to find even in "standard colors".

I was surprised at first, and since I was not interested I did not scrutinize further. But if you are interested in colored dials, maybe you should inquire if this possibility is true.

In the UK RSC St James told me it will be 3 years before they would change my OP36 to another dial colour. The watch will also require a full service in order for them to do the dial change.

I cannot understand why anyone is paying over the odds for the various hyped colours when in 3 years time you could potentially have any dial colour you wished.

[Vesper Lynd]

Very interesting to be able to change the dial to another colour.

[Calatrava r]

I waited over a year for an Explorer 1. There are not many around from what I hear from ADs. OP 36mm are just as scarce. Good luck in landing either one soon.

[Vesper Lynd]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I waited over a year for an Explorer 1. There are not many around from what I hear from ADs. OP 36mm are just as scarce. Good luck in landing either one soon.

How long ago did you buy it? Is it the 36mm 124270 or the 39mm 214270?

[Novartis]

Originally Posted by boring_sandwich

In the UK RSC St James told me it will be 3 years before they would change my OP36 to another dial colour. The watch will also require a full service in order for them to do the dial change.

I cannot understand why anyone is paying over the odds for the various hyped colours when in 3 years time you could potentially have any dial colour you wished.

How interesting - when I asked St James RSC 3 weeks ago about a dial change (sunburst blue to sunburst pink, so not "hot" colours) on my OP28 I got the following response, cut and pasted as written:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for the email.

The dials on this particular model are only available on a like for like basis, they are not interchangeable I am afraid.

With kind regards,

Greg

Maybe it depends who you ask, but worth double checking before purchase if you are relying on this...

[Goose 104]

I have both there are pros and cons for each I think. the OP 36 wears a touch bigger and has a 20mm lug width vs 19mm on the Explorer and a less dramatic taper on the bracelet. I personally prefer the simpler OP clasp too (just easier to operate and less prone to scratching the link above). I prefer the bezel of the Explorer over the rounded bezel on the OP though. The dial on the Explorer is more interesting I think but that's subjective.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Vesper Lynd

How long ago did you buy it? Is it the 36mm 124270 or the 39mm 214270?

It's the 36mm and I got it a few weeks ago.

[Mendota]

Originally Posted by Vesper Lynd

So the Oyster Perpetual 36 does not have Easylink and the Explorer 36 does?

The new 12 series OP36 does and so does the new Explorer 36.

The previous generations 114270 and 14270 Explorers did not. Neither did the 116000 OP36.

This is my 116000 I was referring to. I really love the blue, so it was such a perfect blending of the two models for me. Like a two for one! Getting the EZLink for it made it perfect.

[matthew P]

The rounded bezel and 20mm lug width on the OP gives it a different look and feel on wrist to the
Flat bezel and 19mm lug width of the 124 explorer.

I’d highly recommend trying them on wrist to see which one you prefer.

I prefer the flat gloss dial on the explorer compared to the sunburst on the OP….. I’d be chasing more color if I was going to choose the OP.

Fwiw the 36mm OP always felt too small to me due to the proportion of the 36mm case against the 20mm bracelet lug width.
Somehow the thinner 19mm lug width evokes the more “Lollypop feel “ of the larger mk II explorer so to me it’s a little sportier .
It makes no sence but I always felt like the smaller older explorers and 36mm OP were too small but the new explorer works for me and passed the wrist test




….Save the drama - I’m just here for the photos….

[RogerOP]

Originally Posted by boring_sandwich

In the UK RSC St James told me it will be 3 years before they would change my OP36 to another dial colour. The watch will also require a full service in order for them to do the dial change.

I cannot understand why anyone is paying over the odds for the various hyped colours when in 3 years time you could potentially have any dial colour you wished.

RSC told me the same except for the 3 year wait.

I was looking to go to this blue from the silver, but don’t think it’s a good idea. I would really love to keep the indices and hands but swap to a black dial, but I know they couldn’t do that.

As for the OP, I’m biased so I’ll say go for the OP. I’m really not a fan of the 3,6,9 numbers on the explorer, but prefer the safety lock on the Ex. But prefer the rounded bezel on the OP and price. Otherwise you got the same watch besides a few other design differences but at drastically different prices.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by matthew P

The rounded bezel and 20mm lug width on the OP gives it a different look and feel on wrist to the
Flat bezel and 19mm lug width of the 124 explorer.

I’d highly recommend trying them on wrist to see which one you prefer.

I prefer the flat gloss dial on the explorer compared to the sunburst on the OP….. I’d be chasing more color if I was going to choose the OP.

Fwiw the 36mm OP always felt too small to me due to the proportion of the 36mm case against the 20mm bracelet lug width.
Somehow the thinner 19mm lug width evokes the more “Lollypop feel “ of the larger mk II explorer so to me it’s a little sportier .
It makes no sence but I always felt like the smaller older explorers and 36mm OP were too small but the new explorer works for me and passed the wrist test

….Save the drama - I’m just here for the photos….

Nice watch! That’s so interesting. I just got a 114270 yesterday for exactly the opposite reason you describe. I’ve always loved the traditional proportions of the slightly oversized 20mm bracelet compared to the 36mm case, so I didn’t love that the new one looks like the 39mm proportions shrunken down.

Either way, I think I prefer them both to the OP.

[efk95]

Definitely vouching for the Explorer between these two.
Good luck!

[28mm]

I know you posted doubts or for confirmation of how the 16570 fix on your wrist. I have about the same size wrist and as I posted the 16570 fits great on your wrist as well as mine.

Yes of course 36mm is fine if you think it's fine. I had a 36mm datejust and it just never fit right and perhaps influenced by all my other 40mm watches.

Still that being said, the 39mm Explorer is easily most worn watch and if you haven't I'd urge you to consider it as well.

I keep trying 36mm watches in the hopes I will change my mind but just never happens.

Lastly, I am not of the camp of wearing too large watches in the first place.

Good luck finding whatever it is you decide!

[espanol]

Originally Posted by boring_sandwich

In the UK RSC St James told me it will be 3 years before they would change my OP36 to another dial colour. The watch will also require a full service in order for them to do the dial change.

I cannot understand why anyone is paying over the odds for the various hyped colours when in 3 years time you could potentially have any dial colour you wished.

Has anyone else heard the same thing?

[matthew P]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Nice watch! That’s so interesting. I just got a 114270 yesterday for exactly the opposite reason you describe. I’ve always loved the traditional proportions of the slightly oversized 20mm bracelet compared to the 36mm case, so I didn’t love that the new one looks like the 39mm proportions shrunken down.

Either way, I think I prefer them both to the OP.

The 114270 was the explorer that I first obsessed and chased. It photographs magnificently and I’m still massively impressed with it. I chased one for about a year in 2016….. ended up tracking down two late models, with solid end links and one with the engraved rehalt….. I was so stoked when I got to go into the stores thinking I was going to buy them but every time I put it on wrist and something didn’t feel right….. I’m not sure if it was the clasp or the vintage look but in the end I preferred the MKII 214270 which I purchased.

I suspect for me I had a bunch of 40/42mm watches with 20mm bands so I was used to seeing that bracelet size and larger watch heads….. the 36mm OP’s and 36mm explorers just didn’t look right on my wrist.
Maybe it’s the cool aid or maybe it’s the lack or AR with the gloss dial and puffed up numbers but somehow the 19mm lugs allowed me to see the smaller watch head on wrist and feel like it worked.

I still love looking at the 114270 pictures so keep ‘em coming, it’s a classic , congrats




I too much prefer the explorer to the double battened OP….. but the green model is magnificent

….Save the drama - I’m just here for the photos….

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by matthew P

The 114270 was the explorer that I first obsessed and chased. It photographs magnificently and I’m still massively impressed with it. I chased one for about a year in 2016….. ended up tracking down two late models, with solid end links and one with the engraved rehalt….. I was so stoked when I got to go into the stores thinking I was going to buy them but every time I put it on wrist and something didn’t feel right….. I’m not sure if it was the clasp or the vintage look but in the end I preferred the MKII 214270 which I purchased.

I suspect for me I had a bunch of 40/42mm watches with 20mm bands so I was used to seeing that bracelet size and larger watch heads….. the 36mm OP’s and 36mm explorers just didn’t look right on my wrist.
Maybe it’s the cool aid or maybe it’s the lack or AR with the gloss dial and puffed up numbers but somehow the 19mm lugs allowed me to see the smaller watch head on wrist and feel like it worked.

I still love looking at the 114270 pictures so keep ‘em coming, it’s a classic , congrats


I too much prefer the explorer to the double battened OP….. but the green model is magnificent

….Save the drama - I’m just here for the photos….

Yeah, I like the 114270, because it’s the last of the classic Rolex series (along with the 14060m.) I just prefer the vintage Rolex proportions.

[goldboy]

Originally Posted by Giovannibravo

The Exp1 is a classic. The best thing about it is nobody knows its a Rolex. Also, it is such a timeless design. I hope you get lucky and get the watch.

The same can be said for the OP 36, it's also a classic

[cornsyrup_bezel]

classic just like the drink

[Hemdog]

The OP doesn’t look finished next to the explorer.

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by Mendota

This is my 116000 I was referring to.

Awesome watch! Best of both worlds.

[marmite2005]

I own both, a Yellow dial OP and a TT Explorer 1. On paper they look like very similar watches, but in reality wear very very different.

OP is wears bigger with a chunkier bracelet and clasp.
Explorer 1 is smaller (marginally) and with the tapered bracelet is finer on the wrist. The clasp is also shorter which makes a different to fit.

Both are outstanding watches, you cant go wrong with either. Look at dial choice and aesthetics and make your choice from that.
NB, the Gold / Steel explorer is really special.

Availability like all things Rolex is partly luck, relationship and being honest with an AD.
The TT explorer is probably the easiest to source in the UK, as unpopular and expensive. OPs are extremely popular with both Males and Females, its probably Rolex's most sold model.

Go to an AD, try on both exhibition models and choose your favourite. Then just wait it out.