Is rolex explorer 39 really understated?

[Scottyboy]

No such thing as an understated Rolex, people who want to know will spot the Oyster bracelet a mile off, polished CL or not.

The Exp is better than most for the reasons you've mentioned, no wart (sorry I mean cyclops) but does have a polished SS bezel so still plays with the light a bit.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by beachboy17

I actually own one ...the discontinued mark I dial..what appealed to me is that it doesn't scream Rolex. Its subtle and can be worn for dress and play. And the 39mm is the perfect case size for me.

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That's not the Mk I dial.

[espanol]

Without a doubt. As noted previously, 904l certainly has a shimmer to it that 316 doesn’t. But I’ve worn an Explorer for the better part of the last decade and can’t recall a single comment.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The Tudor Heritage Ranger, which was discontinued a few years ago, is also a good underrated option. DLC black rehaut, 50m deeper depth rating than the Explorer, 99% brushed steel, and looks more similar to the original Explorers with its straight endlinks. Got mine in 2014 and its still running like new. (Sold my Explorer).

I was referring to the new Ranger, but yes on both. When I try on the current explorer I see a silly piece of jewelry with the polished bezel and very reflective crystal, the idea of using it on a serious outdoor activity as the originals were seems laughable. I get the same feeling when I see a PM sub

[HHIslander]

For Rolex, the only watches that are more understated are a black or white OP. Ex is definitely understated and a good choice if that’s what you’re looking for in a Rolex.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by East of Eden

I was referring to the new Ranger, but yes on both. When I try on the current explorer I see a silly piece of jewelry with the polished bezel and very reflective crystal, the idea of using it on a serious outdoor activity as the originals were seems laughable. I get the same feeling when I see a PM sub

It’s a watch with legibility, waterproofness, and a darn tough case. It’s capable, yet I cannot see one instance of “serious outdoor activities” that would be required for a single complication watch like the Explorer. What would you have in mind?

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by espanol

It’s a watch with legibility, waterproofness, and a darn tough case. It’s capable, yet I cannot see one instance of “serious outdoor activities” that would be required for a single complication watch like the Explorer. What would you have in mind?

I wouldn’t call a scratch magnet polished bezel a darn tough case. I’m referring to the original expeditions these watches marketing efforts use, I don’t think those guys would choose today’s Explorer for those trips. Not that I’m going on one, but I have gone on week long fishing trips to the NW Territories of Canada, and hunting trips where shiny jewelry would be a hindrance, a Ranger would not be. I guess with today’s urban population where an outdoor adventure is a Sunday stroll in a park the Explorer is fine. That being said, I would agree the Explorer is more understated than most models.

[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by HHIslander

For Rolex, the only watches that are more understated are a black or white OP. Ex is definitely understated and a good choice if that’s what you’re looking for in a Rolex.

I have the silver 36" OP and 99.99%+ of people would never know it's a Rolex. You have to stare at the dial, roughly a foot away, to be able to see the crown and Rolex text,

[travisb]

As far as Rolex goes, it's pretty low key but if you're looking for more under the radar I'd be looking at other brands.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Miker86

A 214270 is less conspicuous than your average Rolex imo, no shiny ceramic bezel etc.

Also for me the best iteration of the Explorer, the positioning of the dial text and matte dial are superb.

+1.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Ninja Master

I have the silver 36" OP and 99.99%+ of people would never know it's a Rolex. You have to stare at the dial, roughly a foot away, to be able to see the crown and Rolex text,

Agree, I completely forgot about silver.

[cdmorenot]

Depends... I live in the outskirts of a city that has gangs dedicated to the theft of Rolex watches. Up until recently I wore my EXP I exclusively when going into the city without a care. Because of new Gov and less punishment, these gangs have gotten more brazen, now I feel like ANY Rolex is a target. I stopped wearing it into the city altogether.... I considered a MARK XX as no thief will give a crap about that but ultimately opted for a SPB143 from Seiko. Any country in Europe, US or Canada - I'd wear the EXP I everywhere without hesitation.

[joli160]

It’s the most modest Rolex

[wcall]

I was in the same mindset after consolidating l down to a 126610LV. Wanted to add something a little more undercover that I would still love to look down at (and specifically was not a Rolex).

I ended up picking up a IWC Mark XVIII - have always loved iwc as a brand, and this iteration with the black dial, incredible bracelet and 40mm case checked all my boxes (though wouldn’t mind a little more than the 60m water resistance). Absolutely love it and find that both the iwc and LV get lots of wrist time. Good 1-2 punch for my needs.

If I was considering a Rolex to fill this role in my small collection, the Exp 1 Mk2 would’ve been top of my list.




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[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by wcall

I was in the same mindset after consolidating l down to a 126610LV. Wanted to add something a little more undercover that I would still love to look down at (and specifically was not a Rolex).

I ended up picking up a IWC Mark XVIII - have always loved iwc as a brand, and this iteration with the black dial, incredible bracelet and 40mm case checked all my boxes (though wouldn’t mind a little more than the 60m water resistance). Absolutely love it and find that both the iwc and LV get lots of wrist time. Good 1-2 punch for my needs.

If I was considering a Rolex to fill this role in my small collection, the Exp 1 Mk2 would’ve been top of my list.




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That looks great!

[rmwill]

My 40 slips under a shirt cuff away from prying eyes.

[Jonny8]

39 MK2 is fantastic. Underwhelming at first but the love definitely grows. It is super comfortable, legible and fantastic looking. The sub is my favourite but if I had to go down to just one…..

[Chris_80]

I also wanted an under the radar watch. I have a 224270. Even my Aunt, who is very observant and has noticed all my other watches, didn’t notice it. My blue Seiko diver gets more attention than my Rolex, and that’s how I prefer it!


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[Mr. K]

The 39mm Explorer is great. The Explorer has always been under the radar.

I love my short hands Explorer. No nonsense simple watch

[sheldonsmith]

I went with an understated 39mm 214270 Mark II (with a solid 3130 movement) as well.

I had Rolex RSC install a new crystal with anti reflective coating on the underside and it looks great; it’s the same crystal that comes with the 39mm Oyster Perpetuals.

~ Sheldon

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

I went with an understated 39mm 214270 Mark II (with a solid 3130 movement) as well.

I had Rolex RSC install a new crystal with anti reflective coating on the underside and it looks great; it’s the same crystal that comes with the 39mm Oyster Perpetuals.

~ Sheldon

Great idea, I’m having an AR crystal put on my 14060 one of these days. Do you have a photo? AR makes any watch more understated

[5thLegion]

I had a brief love affair with the 214270, but went back to the 124270. The 214270 is a great watch, but I thought it was a little big and in the end I preferred the feel and look of the 124270. Both are relatively understated compared with the rest of the Rolex line. If I only have one Rolex it would be a 124270. The 124270 gets some flak for glossy dial, etc, but honestly it was hard for me to tell it from the "matte" dial of the 214270.

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by wcall

I was in the same mindset after consolidating l down to a 126610LV. Wanted to add something a little more undercover that I would still love to look down at (and specifically was not a Rolex).

I ended up picking up a IWC Mark XVIII - have always loved iwc as a brand, and this iteration with the black dial, incredible bracelet and 40mm case checked all my boxes (though wouldn’t mind a little more than the 60m water resistance). Absolutely love it and find that both the iwc and LV get lots of wrist time. Good 1-2 punch for my needs.

If I was considering a Rolex to fill this role in my small collection, the Exp 1 Mk2 would’ve been top of my list.




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That looks awesome!

[Jack T]

I have the 39mm Mark I, short hands and it’s a great watch - reliable, durable, low profile. Whether people notice is impossible to determine.

Most people here think that if no one says anything, then no one notices, simply not true.

[rockysw]

ok so in the end I went a very different direction. I have bought a Furlan Marri black sector dial. yet to be delivered.

After a lot of thinking, I thought I will give this a go as a daily peice and experient with bit of a dressy piece. Lets see if this turns out to be a sucessful experiment :D

[worldofoyster]

IMHO, the perfect size for the explorer

[sherrill]

I tried on the 36mm 124270 at the AD and the 39mm 214270 elsewhere. I bought 36mm and liked it, but after a month I couldn’t get past how small it wore especially the bracelet. I sold it and got the 39mm, and haven’t looked back.

[Saransh]

I love it on other peoples wrists but not on mine. I do complement people all the time when i see one

[Metro]

The 39 is a quintessential Rolex. So understated, such an unquestionably beautiful design.

[FHFinster]

Originally Posted by rockysw

ok so in the end I went a very different direction. I have bought a Furlan Marri black sector dial. yet to be delivered.

After a lot of thinking, I thought I will give this a go as a daily peice and experient with bit of a dressy piece. Lets see if this turns out to be a sucessful experiment :D

Nice choice.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ha...ri-three-hands


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