Explorer 39 vs 40...anybody with a strong preference?

[CaptT]

Originally Posted by brandrea

That’s exactly right … the minute details are what make this hobby so interesting


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So true, and so interesting what some people key in on. I’m “guilty” of this myself.

And given the various perspectives and preferences on the forum for 39 vs 40, Explorer name placement, crowns size and dial color differences, I can only imagine the ensuing discussions and debate should Rolex ever add crown guards to the Explorer models (as they did with the most recent Air-King).

[boa2]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

I think the 39mm Explorer 214270 is the best iteration of the explorer in its entire production line history. Just my biased opinion.

Agreed. Perfect watch, in my view.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Ketler

36, 39, 40...I really think it comes down to personal preference as they are all lovely watches...

I happen to have the 39mm version and it fits my 8 inch wrist like a glove...

In my 40 plus years of wearing a Rolex of one kind or another, it is without a doubt the most comfortable Rolex I have ever had.

And I prefer the placement of the text on this version...

I'm not sure why Rolex discontinued the 39mm version as it wears much more like a 40mm piece anyway in my opinion...

And the 3100 caliber movements have all stood the test of time (No pun intended)...


Attachment 1467667

40 years!! That's an amazing testimony of the Explorer. I think the "40" is a realization that they shouldn't have discontinued the 39. It's basically the same watch, but for two things. The wider bracelet and glossy dial (with AR coating) are immediatly obvious on the 40. I think it comes down to preference between matte and glossy.

When the mk2 39 came out I though it was the best watch ever made. I ever so slightly prefer the 40, but they are really close.

Great shot of your Explorer by the way!

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by CaptT

So true, and so interesting what some people key in on. I’m “guilty” of this myself.

And given the various perspectives and preferences on the forum for 39 vs 40, Explorer name placement, crowns size and dial color differences, I can only imagine the ensuing discussions and debate should Rolex ever add crown guards to the Explorer models (as they did with the most recent Air-King).

Crown guards on the Explorer would break the Rolex Forum! 116900 vs 126900 Air-Kings is much more of a discussion as they are wildly different in case shape/thickness. I've always considered the modern Air-King's to somewhat of a testing ground for the Explorer....much like the Yacht-Master was for the Submariner. Not that I think they'll ever implement them, but more of a model they can play around with without offending the purists.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by WatchBum

Go smaller even better, Go 36mm

I tried the modern 36 (steel and two tone) and loved them for a good long while. Then woke up one day and thought "these are too small for me." I did the same thing with the DEEPSEA recently. Wore it as a daily for 6 months and absolutely loved it. Then woke up one day and thought "it's too big for me."

I think my sweet spot is 40 to 42....but like all things with watches, my taste will evolve/change.

[noshame]

Congrats, MJ! Super happy for you. I too love the 40's gloss dial with AR coating, really makes the dial look inky black. Enjoy!

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

There it is! The mk1 looking good.

best one

[so nice]

40mm or 36mm over the 39mm every time

[Cru Jones]

114270 for me.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I've had it for about 12 hours now....First thing that I noticed was the wider bracelet. I realize that's a negative for some, but I absolutely prefer it! Same with the matte (39) vs glossy (40) dial. Part of the reason I wanted to go with the 40 is my favorite pics are when the dial looks dark black. Combined with the AR coating, this deep black dial is amazing! Couldn't be happier!

Awesome.

[WristWatchWonders]

I prefer "Explorer" text at 6:00pm. It looks a bit crowded at 12:00pm to me.

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[dmesserly]

Digressing a bit on the prior pic with the Milgauss, the crown at the top where the triangle is on the Explorer, separated out from the text, is a great balance with 3 lines at 12 and 2 lines at 6 whereas the Explorer is a bit crowded with the crown and 3 lines together.

When looking at the 39 vs 40, I like the 39 text better with the crown sort of acting as the third line up top with 3 lines at the bottom.

Both watches look great though and I would probably go for the 40 for the gloss black dial, slightly thinner hour hand, bigger crown and the wider bracelet.

[Afratello03]

39mm is more of a better option, it wears perfectly IMO.

[Ketler]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

40 years!! That's an amazing testimony of the Explorer. I think the "40" is a realization that they shouldn't have discontinued the 39. It's basically the same watch, but for two things. The wider bracelet and glossy dial (with AR coating) are immediatly obvious on the 40. I think it comes down to preference between matte and glossy.

When the mk2 39 came out I though it was the best watch ever made. I ever so slightly prefer the 40, but they are really close.

Great shot of your Explorer by the way!

Thank you.

[dove]

I recommend the Explorer 40mm for its modern upgrades, improved movement, and slightly enhanced legibility, making it the better choice for those seeking the latest features.

[Miker86]

Explorer 39mm the winner

[MichelleP]

Congratulations on the Explorer. I have the 36mm and it's a great watch. the 40 was too much dial for my 6.3" wrist.

[OG1982]

36 is the correct answer.


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[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

I like the explorer text on the six o’clock position and I also like the matte dial, but I like all the things that 40 mm given to me, so my choice was the 40mm Explorer..

[Aman08]

Both are wonderful watches. It is whichever one you like the best. I have a DJ 41 and should be picking up a 40mm Explorer in the next few weeks. Wear it and enjoy!!!


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[kenco]

Should be pointed out that, from what Ive read and pics Ive seen, the 40mm has a notch inbetween the lugs that the bracelet uses to slot in and has a tighter spring bar to case gap. Thus something to be aware about if youre a nato strap fan or like switching straps in general

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

I’ve had the 39mm and the 40mm. Currently own the 40mm.

As of a couple of weeks ago I would have been 39 leaning. I just couldn’t get the 40mm to fit right. That is until I added a Submariner half link.

In terms of fit, the 39mm is right out of the box. The thing just works. 40mm required a little patience and work but now that I’ve achieved the right fit, I couldn’t go back to a 39mm. I’ve been really enjoying the larger proportions.

Great feedback about getting a half link. I've had my new Explorer 40 for a couple of weeks now and I don't think I have it sized correctly. To be fair, it was sized by someone other than my long-time guy.

My early impression is the 39mm was more comfortable, but I'll reserve judgement until I fine tune the sizing on my 40.

I definitely prefer the glossy black dial and the AR coating. It always looks dark black and visibility is always perfect.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Aman08

Both are wonderful watches. It is whichever one you like the best. I have a DJ 41 and should be picking up a 40mm Explorer in the next few weeks. Wear it and enjoy!!!


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Have you picked up your new Explorer yet? If so, let us know your thoughts and include some pictures!

[Langer88]

I’ve been contemplating the 36 / 39 / 40 for a little while. I’ve tried the 36 and 40 but still to try the 39 on… does it have the same case and dial size as the OP39?

[IFlyPlanes]

Really whatever fits you best. The smaller one looked like a toy on me so I went larger and it looks great.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Great feedback about getting a half link. I've had my new Explorer 40 for a couple of weeks now and I don't think I have it sized correctly. To be fair, it was sized by someone other than my long-time guy.

My early impression is the 39mm was more comfortable, but I'll reserve judgement until I fine tune the sizing on my 40.

I definitely prefer the glossy black dial and the AR coating. It always looks dark black and visibility is always perfect.

Definitely second the recommendation on adding the sub half link if you can't get the right fit otherwise.

I found adding it as close to the clasp as possible on the 12 o'clock side not only helped conceal it, but helped center the clasp as well. Good luck and enjoy that watch!

[worldofoyster]

The 39mm is well balanced

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Definitely second the recommendation on adding the sub half link if you can't get the right fit otherwise.

I found adding it as close to the clasp as possible on the 12 o'clock side not only helped conceal it, but helped center the clasp as well. Good luck and enjoy that watch!

Exactly where I put my half links as well

[brandrea]

Congratulations OP, I saw the 40 a couple of weeks ago and thought it looked great

Enjoy it

[MickCollins1916]

Depends in part on whether you’re talking 39mm MkI or MkII - had the first, disliked it for several reasons, grabbed the second in 2016 and still love it.

I’ve tried the 40mm on and liked it very much,
but not enough to jettison my 214270. It’s a great watch for me - perfect fit, size, lume, and I dig the dial a lot.