Explorer 1 vs Explorer 2

[kopykopy]

If you can only have one and price is not a factor and both are the latest serial numbers before they were discontinued, which one would you choose and why?

Explorer 1 (36mm) Ref. 114270 vs Explorer 2 (39mm Black Dial) Ref. 116570

[cdm765]

I love my 16570 in the context of it being part of a growing collection. But, if I were to only buy 1 Rolex for life, I'd probably go 114270 given its timelessness and versatility.

[Old Expat Beast]

I have both, but I would probably hold onto the ExpII for the extra functions if I had to let one go.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I have both, but I would probably hold onto the ExpII for the extra functions if I had to let one go.

What he said.

[red.earth]

Ooooh, that's a tough choice. The 36mm Explorer, which I don't have, is perfection so I'd be loathed to let it go, but as Adam as pointed out the ExpII does have other useful functionality and since it is still pretty stealthy I suppose I'd have to keep the latter too.

[JJG]

I bought a 2 followed by a 1 roughly twenty years ago. I still have that 1. I flipped the 2 after about a year because the honeymoon faded. I have subsequently bought a 40mm 2 and a 42mm 2 just to fill out the collection, and wear occasionally. Still haven't gotten bored with the 36mm 1 after twenty years.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by JJG

I bought a 2 followed by a 1 roughly twenty years ago. I still have that 1. I flipped the 2 after about a year because the honeymoon faded. I have subsequently bought a 40mm 2 and a 42mm 2 just to fill out the collection, and wear occasionally. Still haven't gotten bored with the 36mm 1 after twenty years.

I'm sure I'd feel the same way about the 36mm. I'm still hopeful that a NOS with engraved rehaut will somehow find it's way to me

[captain_NEMO]

Originally Posted by kopykopy

If you can only have one and price is not a factor and both are the latest serial numbers before they were discontinued, which one would you choose and why?

Explorer 1 (36mm) Ref. 114270 vs Explorer 2 (39mm Black Dial) Ref. 116570

ExpII - just because the 114270 doesn't fit my wrist well.

Now, it will be a different story if the choices were between the 214270 (39mm ExpI) or 216570 (42mm ExpII).

[sea-dweller]

Tough call, but I would probably keep the 16570 for the extra features.

[DCheeta]

16570 all the way. I prefer the size and the functions.

[jbenjamin1]

16570. Like the size, feel, etc.

[itsmekevin]

I was in the same boat and purchased a 16570 polar. Couldn't be happier. Make sure you try both of them on in person.

[Colin10101]

I would keep the 114270!

[Daytona88]

16570 because of a preference for the larger case size.

[Explorertwo]

Biased, but expl 2, because of size and date and GMT function. Great watch it is

[Sam Crow]

Love them both, but if there can be only one...

[polarinda]

explorer 1 36mm

[HogwldFLTR]

16570 and an OP work for me. Like the dial variants on the OP better than the Mercedes hand of the Exp.

[Kippers]

The Explorer 1 as the II case size doesn't fit my wrist

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[sensui]

16570 for complication and imo a more versatile piece. The smaller 40mm explorer iis can pull off the formal elegant look too imo. The explorer I in my eye will never be truly sporty.

[Lew Archer]

For me it would depend on what other watches I owned. For example, if I already had a GMT, or a Sub...I'd go for the Explorer.

However, if I already had an OP, or a DJ, then I'd go for the Explorer 2.

In other words, if both watches are equally appealing, the choice would turn on which watch added the most versatility to my collection.

If I didn't own any other watches, I'd probably go for the Explorer 2. The date and GMT features are very useful to me. It's a tough call, for I love the simplicity of the Explorer.

As it happens, I own the 39mm Explorer and the 40mm white dial Explorer 2. Love them both.

[Le Chef]

It's the classic. The one with real history. It's the minimalist's watch - you can wear it anywhere with anything. It's discreet - a rare Rolex that flies under the radar.

If you need more functions then look at an early GMT - Coke or Pepsi bezel - for another watch with great pedigree and history.

[sickened1]

Explorer 114270 and let me borrow one of Rob's pics (since mine sucks ).

[jrs146]

Exp II for me because of the GMT function. Both great watches though!


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[polaris72]

Explorer I. 39 mm - sits nicely on the wrist. However, Polar is very nice too, get both. Explorer I. often gets unnoticed, but it is all around watch for any kind of occasion. Polar is more sporty, white dial, and since most of the watches have black dials, white nicely diversifies any collection.

[Daytona88]

16570 because I prefer the case size. Would be a tougher call for me if you compared to the ex I 39mm

[doc.kool]

Ref. 114270

Such a cool looking watch

[fskywalker]

Explorer 1 114270 of course!

[iliketime]

16570 for me

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

16570 and an OP work for me. Like the dial variants on the OP better than the Mercedes hand of the Exp.

That's a sweet pic.

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