Rolex Explorer question from a newbie

[Capstone]

I am trying to decide between the 36 mm and 39 mm Explorer. The 36 mm looks best on my small wrist, but will I be missing out on anything significant by not getting the updated version.

Thanks in advance for your advice and expertise.

[Kanger]

36mm Explorer = favorite all time Rolex, and I have owned every single SS Rolex there is. You will be missing out on solid middle links, a good clasp, parachrom spring, and paraflex shock system. But the 36mm has everything you need, and the things I just listed are just nice things to have, and they are not requirements for owning a great watch. Go for the 36mm, the black dial is stunning.

[buz-lh]

Not really. If the 36mm looks best on your wrist I would say go with it. The clasp on the 39mm might be better but how can you argue with 30 plus years of experience.

[kyle L]

36mm is perfect.

[Capstone]

Wow, I am impressed with the quick responses. Thanks for the info and the pics are great. This will be my first Rolex and I wanted to make sure I had good info going into the purchase. Actually, my wife bought me a SS DJ, but it is too formal for me. Hopefully my AD will allow the swap since it has only been a couple days.

Thanks.

[sea-dweller]

Get the 36mm, the classic...

[GradyPhilpott]

I own both the 116200 SS DJ and the 114270 (36mm) Explorer. It's amazing to me how much the 116200 has dominated my wrist since acquiring it just about four months ago.

It's a good combo to be sure, but though they may look very different, they have very much in common. Both are suitable for dressy attire and both are equally rugged.

I have no qualms about wearing either for any occasion or with any attire.

I'm sure that the Explorer will eventually start getting more wrist time as the "new" wears off the DJ. I did wear the Explorer almost exclusively for two years before I bought the DJ.

[zeuloa]

I would say buy the 39mm. If you don't it sounds to me like you will feel you are "missing" something and you will want it when you see it in the wild. I don't think the size will be an issue and you will get used to it, after all it's not an abnormally large size.

By the way - I agree with Grady as I own the Datejust and never take it off my wrist. It'll take whatever you throw at it!

[PHDX2]

As for me, I'd go for the 39mm. I like large watches. But with Rolex, you really can't make a wrong decision. Best of luck!

[Tools]

I was down looking at the new Explorer 39 the other day........ I will say that in person this is a killer watch..

Lined up next to the Subs and GMT's, is certainly held it's own, and with it's larger dial, comes across as a very-much-larger timepiece than it's 39mm size..

But to what you are missing......

The Explorer 39 has the latest generation movement, the 3132. It is the latest from Rolex...

Equipped with:
Parachrome hairspring
Paraflex shock system
Larger base plates..

This movement will be the flagship movement in coming years from Rolex, and with a date-wheel installed will soon power the future Subs, DJ's and YM's...

[JimSnyder]

You cannot go wrong with the Explorer. Awsome watch!

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Tools

I was down looking at the new Explorer 39 the other day........ I will say that in person this is a killer watch..

Lined up next to the Subs and GMT's, is certainly held it's own, and with it's larger dial, comes across as a very-much-larger timepiece than it's 39mm size..

But to what you are missing......

The Explorer 39 has the latest generation movement, the 3132. It is the latest from Rolex...

Equipped with:
Parachrome hairspring
Paraflex shock system
Larger base plates..

This movement will be the flagship movement in coming years from Rolex, and with a date-wheel installed will soon power the future Subs, DJ's and YM's...

You summed it it up well!

The new Explorer is absolutely top notch in my opinion.

[Boadicea]

Originally Posted by Tools

I was down looking at the new Explorer 39 the other day........ I will say that in person this is a killer watch..

Lined up next to the Subs and GMT's, is certainly held it's own, and with it's larger dial, comes across as a very-much-larger timepiece than it's 39mm size..

But to what you are missing......

The Explorer 39 has the latest generation movement, the 3132. It is the latest from Rolex...

Equipped with:
Parachrome hairspring
Paraflex shock system
Larger base plates..

This movement will be the flagship movement in coming years from Rolex, and with a date-wheel installed will soon power the future Subs, DJ's and YM's...

I have to agree with this, while I prefer the dial on the old 36mm Explorer, I must admit that the new 39mm Explorer is a better watch in almost every aspect. Having handled the new one at an AD over the weekend, and directly comparing it to my 36mm one, I got the feeling that something has been lost in the transition. It's probably just me...

I really do wish they would fix those "short" hands though,...

[garGARgar]

I like them both. Was thinking about getting one but a milgauss came up.

You should take a look at both of them in person then make your decision. Thanks!!

[GradyPhilpott]

I'd have to say that if I were to have a DJ already, that you should really seriously consider the 214270. It's a far better looking watch than any of us have credited it with and it would be easily distinguished from your DJ.

It's a tough choice, but that's my sincere assessment.

[Aspirin]

Something like you say, I was tried these two explorer on my wrist (< 6" inches"), and I think 36" much better, 39" is extreme good, the case's size also fit my wrist, just the clasp span long too much, it's almost cover 3/4 of my under wrist.

[SCD]

I recently chose between a new 36 and a new 39 at an AD. One of them had all the latest improvements, the other looked like a Rolex. They're both great, but I got the 36.

[SS Oyster]

If you are smallish, go for the 36, but if you are a bigger person, I'd go for the 39

[koryburton1]

I'm biased 'cause I have the 39mm. Even in a 39mm it still has the same Rolex look and feel, and it's not a watch everybody has yet so it's a conversation starter.

[2jabs]

Originally Posted by Capstone

I am trying to decide between the 36 mm and 39 mm Explorer. The 36 mm looks best on my small wrist, but will I be missing out on anything significant by not getting the updated version.

Thanks in advance for your advice and expertise.

Hi capstone, and welcome.

It wasn't long ago that I was making the same decision. In the end I went for the 39mm as it has many great new features over the 36mm.

It is my first rolex and I wanted my first rolex to be bang upto date with all the new Rolex fetaures.

I love the heaviness of the bracelet, the solid clasp, the matt dial, the new lume, the solid new movment and the oversize face (compared to the older version)

For me, (a 29year old) the new 39mm will be remembered as a watch from my generation and this was the main reason I went for it.

When I'm older I can look back and it will always remind me of the age that i am now.

The 36mm is an all time classic but has a dated feel about it when compared to the newer model IMHO.

My advise would be to choose the one you feel you love the most. A true classic (albeit an older model) or the newer and fresher generation.

Good luck choosing and be sure to post pics when purchased!

2J

[Route 66]

I have a 7" wrist and my 36mm Explorer looks right to me but it's a decision that you'll have to live with.

Good luck!

[Dr. Robert]

I have smaller wrists, have tried on both, but prefer the look/proportion of the 36mm model.

[WatchTimes]

I myself like the 36 mm DJ
but I would rather the Exp 39 mm for everyday
wear if you are not a suit and tie guy or have large wrists.

I just wish they had maxi hands on the 39 mm Exp, that is what
stops me from getting one!

[jamesbondOO7]

I think the 36mm looks better. Beautiful and cute watch.
If you are not a WIS, you won't care about the movement. It's a Rolex, that's enough....

[artwigwa]

Go with the 36, the hands look a tad short on the 39 Good luck

[The GMT Master]

The fit and finish on the new 39mm is incredible - for a big watch, it sits very low on the wrist, which is always a plus. I'm a fan of the matte dial, and the new bracelet is a very nice improvement indeed. It'll be interesting to see how the cal. 3132 holds up, it's replacing one of the all time great workhorse movements

[Maxtor]

The 36mm is a great daily wear watch. Very comfortable. Goes with everything.

Good luck with your choice.

[slcbbrown]

I'm a big fan of 36mm Rolex but own other sizes, as well. For me, the only differences in the past few years that matter were done to the bracelet. I wouldn't worry about some of the very minor improvements that have been done to the watches. In a few years there will be more changes anyway.

As far as 36 vs 39 or 40, the difference that you think you see when the watch is on your wrist, is not the difference that anyone else sees, IMO. I really believe that 34mm to 40mm watches fit on almost all wrists. They provide various looks, but it isn't the wrist size that matters. Anything from a 6" wrist to an 8" wrist is fine. If you think it does matter, you might try looking at your wrist in a mirror instead of just looking down at your wrist.

[PeterTB]

I have the 36mm version and it is fantastic - the "original" I'd get that. The 39 mm one does not look right and the hands are way too short.

[tfarchio]

It depends on the size of your wrist, but I have the 36mm and find that it's the perfect size for everyday wear. In general, I think the understated design of the Explorer makes it better suited as a 36mm watch. Plus the hands look a little short on the 39mm, consistent with what some other members have said. Finally, the 39mm would set you back an extra couple of grand, which I'm not sure is worth it, even with the upgrades. You could put the extra money towards purchasing a second, larger watch, like a submariner.