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Old 24 February 2011, 10:04 AM   #1
Capstone
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My thoughts on the 39 mm Explorer

I am a newbie so take my comments accordingly.

For the last month I have been debating the 36 mm vs 39 mm Explorer. Both watches are stunning. The 36 mm was probably more comfortable on my wrist; however, after trying it on several times at my AD it just did not have the same weighted feel as my late model DJ. The AD told me about the internal changes on the newer model; however, that is not what swayed me to the 39 mm. For me it really came down to the way the watch felt on my arm. The newer style bracelet just felt right to me. I must admit that the 39 mm dial is a little large for the minute hand, but it just does not bother me .

One other note, I was surprised how different it felt to wind the Explorer compared to my DJ. I am not sure how to describe it, but the Explorer has a more substantial feel as you wind. Anyway, here are some pics...








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Old 24 February 2011, 10:08 AM   #2
Dan2010
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I like it. Picking up it's older brother.
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:02 AM   #3
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I have handled the 39mm and really like it. It's a Rolex in it's purist form.
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:10 AM   #4
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The new Explorer is something special. The clasp is leaps and bounds better over the previous clasps, huge congrats on a great purchase.
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:15 AM   #5
Atomant
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I totally like the 39mm Exp too. Mght be my next Rolex beside the GMT IIC.
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:51 AM   #6
Route 66
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I have the 36mm model. I checked out the 39mm version and really liked it...to be honest, more than I wanted to. The only thing I didn't like about the 39mm model is that the black face doesn't seem to be as black as it is on my 36mm Explorer, but that wouldn't prevent me from owning the new one.

As for some TRF members thinking that the hands are too small, I thought so too until I held one in my hand and compared it to my smaller Explorer I. I think the hands look fine just the way they are.
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Old 24 February 2011, 12:21 PM   #7
GradyPhilpott
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Excellent shots, Capstone!

I have the 114270 and I like enough that I can't justify having the 214270, but when one looks at the watch as a whole and not at a macro shot of the dial, the watch is winner.

Ever since I first laid eyes on it at the AD, my prediction has been that this new Explorer will be more popular than any Explorer has ever been with the general public.

WISes may look down on it for now, but I think that the new size fills a niche in the Rolex line-up and that new buyers who would have never looked twice at the 114270 will give the 214270 its fair share of attention and sales.
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Old 24 February 2011, 02:59 PM   #8
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Great choice! The 39mm model is getting more popular by the day! I got one a few days ago and love it!

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Old 24 February 2011, 03:43 PM   #9
Capstone
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Thanks for the reply's everyone.

Grady, you make some very good points.

MikeJaye, nice watch and good pic.
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Old 24 February 2011, 03:45 PM   #10
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I want one!
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Old 24 February 2011, 03:49 PM   #11
Bmonroy17
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You know what kills me or at least my own personal struggle. I am looking to purchase my 4th rolie and the TRF power sellers sell the Exp. I 214270 and Milgauss for nearly the same price. Most of the time the Milgauss is cheaper. I am drawn to the 214270 but I know i am getting more watch buying the Milgauss.

Right now the plan is to get a 114270 and the Milgauss
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Old 24 February 2011, 04:07 PM   #12
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Congrats! I agree this watch is comfortable as they get.
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Old 24 February 2011, 04:09 PM   #13
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Great pics can make a big difference to the way it looks and the impression it creates.
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Old 24 February 2011, 05:59 PM   #14
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Congrats! I love my 214270! Enjoy!
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Old 24 February 2011, 06:39 PM   #15
acce1999
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Capstone View Post
Congrats to a fine watch! You've captured the reflections of light very well in the above picture. This is what I like about the 214270, 114270 and 14270 compared to the older 1016 with painted numerals.

Being an Explorer wearer for many years I can understand your reasoning; 36 vs 39. I own the older 14270, that I have enjoyed since the mid 90s, and I still find the 214270 to be too big for me. Given the large dial it looks bigger than the ExII (that is also 39mm). But the shape of case of the 214270, and the bracelet is just fantastic, so it offers great comfort, a very nice massive feeling compared to the 14270 that I wear.

Since I am fortunate to own the Explorer IIs too, I am currently waiting to see what happens in Basel, if there will be a new ExII too. After that I'd decide if I will get the 214270 and/or a new ExII.

If anything, I am en Explorer fan.

Once again: Congrats!

Best,

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Old 24 February 2011, 07:10 PM   #16
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Nice photos - congrats!
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Old 24 February 2011, 08:41 PM   #17
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Very nice! Congratulations! As much as I don't like the hands, I have to admit that the new model is a big improvement on the old one.
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Old 24 February 2011, 09:59 PM   #18
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Congratulations! To me, the new Explorer is the perfect blend of the new and the classic.
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Old 24 February 2011, 10:57 PM   #19
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I love the feel and look of the 39mm.. and especially the dial and the better clasp.
Actually don't mind the hands.

But I still prefer the small 36mm diameter as it's a better fit for me.
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:15 PM   #20
TheDude
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Your pics are some of the best I have seen so far. I have tried on the 39mm a few times and i like it.
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:18 PM   #21
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Shorter hands or not, that watch is real beauty!
Congratulations on improved classic!
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Old 24 February 2011, 11:18 PM   #22
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Quote:
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Your pics are some of the best I have seen so far.
x2
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Old 25 February 2011, 02:01 AM   #23
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I tried one on recently, and I love the balance of the new 39mm. With the new bracelet and clasp, it feels like a tool watch that can/should be taken up to the the 7 peaks.

Unfortunately, after I have to agree with the "short handers", I really do think they should have re-sized the hands properly for the new dial.
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Old 25 February 2011, 06:43 AM   #24
smurfolino
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The balance is perfect. I have mine for 5 months now, I tried several expensive watches since and putting my Explorer I back on the wrist was such a perfect feeling, just like the first time:-)
Tried leather and NATO, but...nooo, SS is just what this piece needs to be complete.

And the clasp is something else comparing to old clasps, they are so tiny and light. Guy at the Rolex store was very surprised about the clasp when he took my watch in his hands. They still did not get any Explorers 39mm yet
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Old 25 February 2011, 06:46 AM   #25
Explorer 2011
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Great watch! Excellent choice
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Old 25 February 2011, 07:05 AM   #26
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I keep coming back to check the pic's

I'm going to check one out at my AD, I think I likey, likey a lot
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Old 25 February 2011, 07:08 AM   #27
Explorer 2011
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Quote:
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x2
x3 they are the best exp pics i've seen and capture what the watch is really like close up. Considering your a 'newby' they are awesome pics.
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Old 25 February 2011, 07:51 AM   #28
RRGHOST1
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Its the plainess of the new Explorer that makes it very appealing. The fact the hands are odd would not be a deal breaker for me,as i think it's a cracking watch.
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Old 25 February 2011, 09:10 AM   #29
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I keep coming back to check the pic's

I'm going to check one out at my AD, I think I likey, likey a lot
Yes me too!
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Old 25 February 2011, 09:22 AM   #30
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Great choice! The 39mm model is getting more popular by the day! I got one a few days ago and love it!

That's it, rub it in
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