Still undecided...Exp 39mm or Milgauss

[glimmer]

Hi everyone,

I posted a couple of weeks ago on my indecision as to whether to get an Exp 39mm or the Milgauss GV (or plain black).

A few days ago I was really wavering towards the Exp 39mm when I stumbled across this thread with comparison pics of both watches:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=182055

Needless to say my world was rocked again...the Millie looks to be a bit larger (which I like) and looks to have more presence on the wrist (which I also like).

What I really like about the Exp is the simplicity, and the non-PCL bracelet. I have nothing against PCL's, but my current watch is the YM which already has a PCL...so if I go with the Millie I'll have two PCL watches...unless I decide to have the center links brushed.

Still confused at this moment, but at least I'm giving it a lot of thought before I take the plunge.

Any thoughts out there that may help? Any would be much appreciated...thanks!

[Dr. Robert]

If you dig the milgauss & you're going to keep it & hand it down to your heirs......get it & have a professional brush out the PCls.....it would look very tool-sharp!

[Caraptor]

I tried the Milgauss a few months ago. It really is a stunner, and the lightning bolt seconds hand is such a fun and unexpected departure from the norm. Trust me, I know all about wavering and thinking things out!

[Speed]

If I were going to get an Explorer it would be the 36mm version.

So I say go Millie.

[Oyster1982]

I would go with the Milgauss its a better looking watch with the green sapphire crystal, PCL's, and the red thunderbolt center seconds hand. The dial is also very pretty. Between the two I would recomend the Milgauss.

[swish77]

Go with the Milgauss, and brush the center links. Very cool looking watch. The proportions of the new 39mm Explorer look odd, IMHO. Reminds me of a wall clock. The 36mm version was perfect.

[SaddleSC]

I prefer the Explorer because I think that five years down the road, it is the watch I am most likely to still be happy with. I like the look of the Milgauss, but I find the second hand to be more of a novelty that I may tire of.

[Sixxgrand1]

Originally Posted by Speed

If I were going to get an Explorer it would be the 36mm version.

So I say go Millie.

X2

[Rollie2011]

To be honest, I don't think the Exp I is anything too special.

It is very run-of-the-mill. Unassuming and classy, but maybe not worth the $.

I would go with the Milgauss. Its individual. Its unique and its an amazing timepiece.

[speedo]

easy choice for me: milgauss.

[TSW]

Milgauss without a doubt!

[phampau]

Milgauss for sure!

[DolphinV8]

When you compare both watches side by side, you will probably find the Milgauss more appealing. But ask yourself if you will ever be tired of its bling down the road? If not, then I guess the choice is easy. The Ex I is so simple & clean. If you like it subtle, this will be the watch to get. It's very plain, but also hard to get tired of it.

[The Archer]

I like the Milgauss for the same reasons, and that it is so drastically different from anything else. I have tried both on, and the Explorer seems incredibly lighter than the Milgauss, I think due to the Faraday Cage. Both are well built, quality pieces, but If I had a Milgauss, it wouldn't be an everyday watch for me due to the weight. The Explorer feels like you aren't wearing anything, in my opinion. I also like diversity with watches, so having 2 PCL models would influence my choice. In the end, choose what speaks to you the most and if you are still in doubt, flip a coin.

[guy369]

Milgauss for sure!

[Explorertwo]

I personally would go for the GV. Tried on the EX 39mm and it just wasn't what i expected from what i,d seen in the pictures..
I agree with John 'Rollie2011'

Good luck and enjoy the torture of doubt ;-)

[glimmer]

Wow...so many helpful replies, and I...all agree with them. That's why I am having a hard time deciding....

Honestly I am very much overwhelmed by all the help from you guys, thank you very, very much. But realistically speaking a part of me agrees with all the opinions here...so I guess it's a matter of

A) I will eventually have to make a choice

and

B) I can't go wrong with either

or

C) Get both down the road...

Thanks guys!

[cedargrove]

Tough one. I was in your shoes last year with the exact watches. Explorer is classy, Milgauss is cool. For me the black face Milgauss was the perfect combination of classy and cool.

[AJMarcus]

I'd go with the Explorer. Great pedigree and history- a true understated classic with a nice modern touch. Edmond Hilary and Mt Everest and, of course, the one and only Ian Fleming come to mind as vintage Explorer owners.

[ManUtd]

Seems like you really like both. Get the Milgauss now and get the Explorer later. Problem solved.

[DolphinV8]

Originally Posted by glimmer

C) Get both down the road...

C would be my choice as well, lol. When I couldn't decide b/t the EX I & II, I bought both.

[EDT3]

Milgauss

[Yeahnah]

Originally Posted by swish77

Go with the Milgauss, and brush the center links. Very cool looking watch. The proportions of the new 39mm Explorer look odd, IMHO. Reminds me of a wall clock. The 36mm version was perfect.

Black faced Milgauss
The orange seconds hand balances well with the design and obviously provides the historical link with the original. It grows on you big time!
It's the most accurate Rolex I have ever had, (-5 seconds over three months at present) and I can only speculate that the faraday cage may contribute in some way to that.
For me its a joy to wear after almost 30 years of wearing Rolex

[erikscollectables]

I have worn both and althoug I liked the Milgauss on the wrist very much I went for the classic look of the Explorer 1 and bought it. I like the understated look of the Milgauss with a small "twist" much but I am quite happy with the Explorer 1 and the Milgauss is not on the wish list anymore (plenty others thoug :))

Good luck with making your choice - you will be happy with either one I am sure!

All the best, Erik

[glimmer]

Excellent photo! Did you ever compare the "plain" black with the GV?

Originally Posted by Yeahnah

Black faced Milgauss
The orange seconds hand balances well with the design and obviously provides the historical link with the original. It grows on you big time!
It's the most accurate Rolex I have ever had, (-5 seconds over three months at present) and I can only speculate that the faraday cage may contribute in some way to that.
For me its a joy to wear after almost 30 years of wearing Rolex

[Cru Jones]

well, seems like the two things drawing you to the explorer are its simplicity and BCLs. IMO, the black milgauss is pretty simple, too, if not more simple, with a balanced dial not broken up with numerals.

between GV and black, i'd say the black is more "simple" and classy (i like the GV's greeness, but, i don't like the busy numbers on the outside of the dial and i don't like how the green crystal tends to "smudge" the dial....black is more crystal clear).

re: BCLs/PCLs, you could always get the PCLs brushed, as you said.....but, if you like the "presence" of the milgauss, i think the PCLs add to that. for me, the milgauss is the only rolex on which i like PCLs, since they balance nicely with the overall "coolness" of the watch.

then there's the size. and the orange bolt.

[Yeahnah]

Originally Posted by glimmer

Excellent photo! Did you ever compare the "plain" black with the GV?

Yes I did, and although the GV was desirable I knew I would tire of it. The relative simplicity of the black face was easier to read and also reminiscent of the 1980's model that I had seen so long ago (and lusted after).

As many others have said the watch just has "to sing to you" and after a year I haven't got tired of looking at it. Don't know if this will help, just have to test wear them both I guess.
Thanks for the comment and btw Keith rules

[Caraptor]

Another thought, Glimmer: I like to try to pick watches that have something to carry me beyond the honeymoon phase. For example, if I'm after a historically important watch, then I also want it to be very beautiful so that after I stop caring about the historical significance, I can still admire the beauty.
Which one provides you with a greater number of reasons for liking it? I'd pick that one.

[glimmer]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

well, seems like the two things drawing you to the explorer are its simplicity and BCLs. IMO, the black milgauss is pretty simple, too, if not more simple, with a balanced dial not broken up with numerals.

between GV and black, i'd say the black is more "simple" and classy (i like the GV's greeness, but, i don't like the busy numbers on the outside of the dial and i don't like how the green crystal tends to "smudge" the dial....black is more crystal clear).

re: BCLs/PCLs, you could always get the PCLs brushed, as you said.....but, if you like the "presence" of the milgauss, i think the PCLs add to that. for me, the milgauss is the only rolex on which i like PCLs, since they balance nicely with the overall "coolness" of the watch.

then there's the size. and the orange bolt.

The black non-GV is indeed beginning to grow on me more...

Originally Posted by Yeahnah

Yes I did, and although the GV was desirable I knew I would tire of it. The relative simplicity of the black face was easier to read and also reminiscent of the 1980's model that I had seen so long ago (and lusted after).

As many others have said the watch just has "to sing to you" and after a year I haven't got tired of looking at it. Don't know if this will help, just have to test wear them both I guess.
Thanks for the comment and btw Keith rules

Thanks..I have been procrastinating too long but I know I'll have to drop by a local AD to try them on and compare...yes Keith rules, I love his book LIFE, really well written and so different from what we normally read from typical rockers.

Originally Posted by Caraptor

Another thought, Glimmer: I like to try to pick watches that have something to carry me beyond the honeymoon phase. For example, if I'm after a historically important watch, then I also want it to be very beautiful so that after I stop caring about the historical significance, I can still admire the beauty.
Which one provides you with a greater number of reasons for liking it? I'd pick that one.

I've experienced the post-honeymoon crash as well...not a good feeling. The Milgauss really has more reasons to be liked...it was my original choice but somehow I let the Exp get in the way.

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies guys! Hopefully this thread can be finally updated later on with a purchase....