Only watch Explorer 1 36MM or SUB?

[Deroya]

So basically I am 25 in the Air force and I own a few cheaper ETA movement watches but I would like to sell them all and just have one rolex and keep one beater for work (g-shock). So i won't be wearing my rolex everyday but I'm trying to decide over the explorer 1 ref 114270 or the SS 16610 sub date. Both fit my 6.5 inch wrists nicely I love the history behind the explorer but also love the sub. I hate how many subs there are out there though and I also love how understated/versatile the explorer is, but I hate the fact it doesn't have a date. price wise obviously the sub is a fair bit more but I'm really wanting to know if anyone has either of these and which one they wear more and why. And if the exp 1 would be that perfect all round watch to have as "the only rolex." People within my peer group wouldn't know what it is nor would they care really not trying to impress anybody I'm just infatuated with these things. If i had the cash id go for the 1016 explorer which is amazing but for now ill stick between the two choices mentioned above. I live a moderately active lifestyle but wouldn't necessarily beat on either of these but id def love to give them some character and own them for a long time. tell me what you think!

[AF_Rob]

Go to McKaskel and Co and try one on. They are only a few miles from you and are great people. Try on a 36mm DJ; that will get you a good gauge on the Ex 36mm. I have the same wrist size as you and both models look good on me, so I'm sure they will on you too.

Welcome to the forum! I used to live outside Destin and miss it a lot!

[tkerrmd]

Sub

[Colin10101]

Honestly, if a date is a big deal you can match the sporty-ness of the explorer by getting a smooth bezel black dial oyster bracelet DJ.

It sounds like you want a watch that flies under the radar. The Sub definitely does not do that. Everyone and their grandma will know that you are wearing a $6000+ watch or at least a replica. The explorer is more subtle and I think all around more versatile. And at 6 1/2 wrists, 36mm will fit like a glove.

[azguy]

Easy, a Sub, you'll never have to take it off your wrist no matter what you are doing. From wearing a tuxedo to surfing in the pacific........ or a GMT if you travel a lot...

[Deroya]

Thanks for the replies! I've tried on both and love them both. Didn't think of the smooth bezel DJ nor have I ever seen one?

[RayRay]

Sub

[Roll the Lex]

For me, I need a bit of color in my watch. If we're talking black and silver, give me the Explorer I all day, everyday.

I owned the 39mm one for 2yrs- fantastic watch and the 36mm is just as good. The Explorer I is a classic- when you're 50 it still will be a classic. A black sub just doesn't do it for me unless we're talking a yellow gold black sub. I'm in the minority when it comes to picking the Explorer over the Sub. And chances are the Explorer will be more exclusive as the sub is so popular. I liked the fact the Explorer was a bit of a left field choice. That and with less moving parts no bezel, no date, the less things that can go wrong. I like the simplicity of the Explorer I.

As for the no date thing- it will take a while to get used to that. I rationalized the purchase with the fact I have a phone and work in front of a computer all day long. For the most part it wasn't an issue, but sure there were times I was a bit annoyed when the date wasn't on my wrist. But not enough for me to hate the Explorer I.

If you want the 1016, and this is a long-shot- hodinkee is giving away a 1016 as the grand prize if you fill out a survey- a long shot, but what the hell, right? I'm hoping somebody here wins it!

[sickened1]

Explorer.

[Bfd70]

Sub. More fun to look at.

[Star Ferry]

The 36mm explorer is a good watch but if you have an active lifestyle and wear short sleeves often, its wrist presence may not be satisfying enough. I think you'd be happier with a sub in spite of its ubiquity. Have you considered the 39mm Explorer or the new 39mm Oyster Perpetual (essentially same watch but with gray / blue / plum dial options). You can get the 39mm OP new for around 5k, with the updated 5 year warranty.

[Deroya]

Originally Posted by Roll the Lex

For me, I need a bit of color in my watch. If we're talking black and silver, give me the Explorer I all day, everyday.

I owned the 39mm one for 2yrs- fantastic watch and the 36mm is just as good. The Explorer I is a classic- when you're 50 it still will be a classic. A black sub just doesn't do it for me unless we're talking a yellow gold black sub. I'm in the minority when it comes to picking the Explorer over the Sub. And chances are the Explorer will be more exclusive as the sub is so popular. I liked the fact the Explorer was a bit of a left field choice. That and with less moving parts no bezel, no date, the less things that can go wrong. I like the simplicity of the Explorer I.

As for the no date thing- it will take a while to get used to that. I rationalized the purchase with the fact I have a phone and work in front of a computer all day long. For the most part it wasn't an issue, but sure there were times I was a bit annoyed when the date wasn't on my wrist. But not enough for me to hate the Explorer I.

If you want the 1016, and this is a long-shot- hodinkee is giving away a 1016 as the grand prize if you fill out a survey- a long shot, but what the hell, right? I'm hoping somebody here wins it!

I actually owned a TT black and gold sub for a month or two, loved it and hated to sell It but it seemed almost too mature for me and I didn't want a gold watch all together, I mostly bought it to sell anyways. But man was It nice. I know exactly what u mean Having the date on your wrist is just so convenient at times! And about the 1016 giveaway I totally already filled out the survey haha :)

[Colin10101]

Originally Posted by Deroya

Thanks for the replies! I've tried on both and love them both. Didn't think of the smooth bezel DJ nor have I ever seen one?

Yah man! Check out the 116200. Even just google "Rolex 116200 black dial oyster bracelet". It will give you a good idea of what it looks like.

Not as robust as the explorer, but pretty darn close. You have to like the Polished case/ links though.

[evlkoala]

Sub

[Deroya]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

The 36mm explorer is a good watch but if you have an active lifestyle and wear short sleeves often, its wrist presence may not be satisfying enough. I think you'd be happier with a sub in spite of its ubiquity. Have you considered the 39mm Explorer or the new 39mm Oyster Perpetual (essentially same watch but with gray / blue / plum dial options). You can get the 39mm OP new for around 5k, with the updated 5 year warranty.

I have considered the 39mm, tried it on and all. Don't get me wrong, its a beautiful piece however i just prefer the 36mm version i think the 39 is playing into the new bigger watch game and the 36 just pays more tribute to the actual history of this watch. I wish they made a new version of the 36mm, oh well.

[Ancestral Star]

Can't ever go wrong with a Submariner, but the Explorer for me—a connoisseur's Rolex in my opinion.

[Rowlf]

Get a Rolex Sub and a Tudor Ranger.

Cheers,

Ben

[alubin]

why not a 39mm exp1? I still like a sub better but that evens the playing field a bit.

[G-Web]

Two superb choices, you can't go wrong with either.
Personally I prefer the Explorer for its comfort and simplicity.
But again, both are wonderful.

All the best,
-GW

[jeffgo888]

SUb all the way, plus twice on Sundays

[ShashikeJaywalking]

Honestly, you cant go wrong with either. But the submariner brings 2 important functions to the table. First the date, and second the diver's bezel for timing stuff. If you feel that you need those 2 complications you should definitely go with the submariner. Also, the sub is larger, and has better resale value.

[Sam Crow]

14060, best of both worlds.
As uncompromising as the Explorer, and not as ubiquitous as a Sub date.

[watchwatcher]

Based on the date being of some importance yo you, I would go sub.

[MCO1]

Originally Posted by Sam Crow

14060, best of both worlds.
As uncompromising as the Explorer, and not as ubiquitous as a Sub date.

What he said!

[CRM114]

And if the exp 1 would be that perfect all round watch to have as "the only rolex."...
If i had the cash id go for the 1016 explorer which is amazing...

The 114270 is a fantastic all-arounder as is, maybe the best, but especially so when you consider and start getting into bracelet-for-strap changes. The case design is so sleek and versatile strap changes don't merely "look good", they can alter the watch's entire personality to suit whatever look you're going for; a bit more flash, a bit more understated, dressier, more casual, more nostalgic, whatever. The 114270 design just goes with the flow so effortlessly it never looks like it's trying too hard to be something it's not.

In the style versatility department, I think that's what sets it apart from the Submariner (or GMT, Daytona, Explorer II, or any model that has pronounced features serving as their signature). Yes, those types of models can look OK on certain straps, but there's no real personality change going on, sort of like painting racing stripes on a turtle's shell; paint them and even add cool flames, but there's still no mistaking it for anything but a turtle let alone it actually moving any faster. Likewise, there's no changing the Dive Watch personality of a Submariner even if your taste or mood does, it's practically the archetype. If wearing a dive watch in all situations when you aren't wearing your G-Shock is your thing, by all means go for it. But if it's not, it's something to consider.

You indicated if you had the cash you'd go for the 1016 because it's "amazing". The 114270 is of that style, and I mentioned it's ability to change it's personality because you'll save more easily for the day you get the 1016 you really want if you're able to scratch the itch for change for the low cost of a few bands and straps.

[Boothroyd]

Explorer for me. I have yet to see another out in the "wild", which I rather like. Sub is a fine choice, of course.

If you expand the conversation to the 39mm 214270 Explorer, one thing I really like is that the dial is larger than any Sub. I personally enjoy that aspect. To each their own.

[chillwill120]

I have the Explorer 36mm. It's a great watch and I love wearing it with dressy clothes, but as someone else mentioned, with short sleeves and casual clothes it leaves something to be desired. So now I'm looking for something with more wrist presence for more casualy wear, (probably a speedy). That being said, my wrist is bigger than yours, (about 7 inches) and I'm not a small guy. If I had a 6.5 inch wrist I might feel differently.

[Joemck]

Both are superb choices & quintessential Rolex watches. So, I think the explorer will be recognized almost as easily as the sub. I'm a sub guy but the explorer's history is pretty cool in its own right. Good luck!

[ragingcao]

In your case I would suggest a sub

[subtona]

Both great.

I find the timing bezel infinitely usable

The 36mm is a bit small on me so my answer is Sub

If the timing bezel doesn't appeal to you so much or the 36mm size is the right fit then your choice is easy.