Old or New Explorer

[F1polesitter]

Hi folks,

I've been going through every thread i can find on the Explorer 214270, trying to decide between the old version or the 2016 version. Yet, I'm unable to find a pic of the two side by side in the metal. I'm sure there'll be someone in the same boat as me, so I'll contribute what I can to the forum.

Walked in to my local AD, and as luck would have it, they had them both.

Decisions, decisions.

Despite all the fuss about the short hands on the older version, I think they're actually fine in person, and don't detract from the look at all. Same can be said about the perceived "beefier" hands of the MkII. They look fine when not staring at a macro shot on a screen.

Slightly leaning towards the T-REx, as I think it looks more refined and less sporty. Both gorgeous pieces imho.

[SC11]

Different look rather then an improvement!

As with you I found the short hands a mute point in real life but it does look more balanced with the longer hands.

Dial wise both have their own merits I for one prefer the new version but can easily see why some still prefer the old.

Guess it falls back on your watch your decision.

[mpcdude]

I very much prefer the new one. The longer hands make it look more proportional to the dial and case. The lumed numerals also make it a lot more legible and "crisp" looking. I don't like the old version where the white gold markers can look "blacked out" in different lighting conditions. Makes it look like the watch is missing something.

[HunterThompson]

Go with your instincts. The T Rex is the more refined choice. Photos don't do it justice. You knew it when you saw them side by side.

Trust your gut.

[Xeer]

I almost felt like I had to give the T Rex a hand!

[Rocket_Man]

Thanks for posting these pics. To me these pics show exactly why I did not buy the 2015 version, the way the 3-6-9 disappear turned me off. The slightly beefier hands on the new model is a bonus, but not a deal maker. It's the dial that does it for me and why I'm waiting for the 2016 version to hit the States.

But luckily for now both versions exist new at ADs so get the old one now while you can if that is the one you prefer. There are a lot of these on the secondary market so they won't be scarce, but they are not producing the 2015 version any longer so as they are sold out, new stock will be the 2016 version. There must be a lot of 2015 versions in the States still.

[Old Expat Beast]

I don't want the Explorer to be "more refined and less sporty". I leave all that to the Datejusts, Day-Dates, etc. The "new" Explorer is my favourite current model, while the the "short hand" version is one of my least favourite. Just my humble opinion, of course.

[SC11]

Got to love the lume filled applied 3,6,9

[Ritch99]

I Am definitely a fan of the new model. I sold my 2015 Exp I 214270 already, to pick up a new one.

[bvolkmer]

I previously owned the "old" 39 mm model but have had the new one for 6 days. It is perfect for me and to boot it has gained 1 second during 24/7 on the wrist. They can cut this one from my wrist when I am dead.

[Draxler]

New 100%

[Mick P]

Chaps

I have a 1981 Explorer11 Frecionne which did not sell well because of its fussy "disco dial" and basically it had no purpose in life.

As a result, it is now relatively rare, so it is well loved by collectors and worth about 4 times the price of a normal Explorer11.

I will hold on to my "stubby" which as only had a run of 6 years in the reasonable hope that it will soon become collectible.

In the strange world of Rolex, todays unloved watch becomes very sexy tomorrow.

Regards

Mick

PS I confess to preferring the new model over the old one

[TimeOnHand]

It's your money.... Get the one that you love! I bought the new one last month.... Saw it in person and made the decision there and then! Sometimes you just know!

[mailman]

New. Longer minute hand. Both hands are maxi and lume on 3 6 9 seal the deal for me

[Digitran]

It depends on your current collection. Mine consists mostly of sport watches and just one dress watch. I consider the Old Explorer 214270 a more refined sport watch and I have no desire to "upgrade" to the current one. I have also seen them both live, like you have, so pick the one that sings to you!

[RRGHOST1]

Yes, new one for me too. Longer hand and more lume would sway it for me.

[Oscarpapa]

Originally Posted by mpcdude

I very much prefer the new one. The longer hands make it look more proportional to the dial and case. The lumed numerals also make it a lot more legible and "crisp" looking. I don't like the old version where the white gold markers can look "blacked out" in different lighting conditions. Makes it look like the watch is missing something.

x1

[Oscarpapa]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I don't want the Explorer to be "more refined and less sporty". I leave all that to the Datejusts, Day-Dates, etc. The "new" Explorer is my favourite current model, while the the "short hand" version is one of my least favourite. Just my humble opinion, of course.

x1

[Oscarpapa]

Thanks for the helpful comparison pictures, really confirms my decision to hold off and wait for the new updated version.

[OmegaJJH]

The new one for me....

[1William]

The new one would be the one for me.

[toolr]

The new one by far.

[cop414]

I like them both, get whichever sings out to you. If choosing today I'd go with the newer version if for nothing else than the fact that the lume filled 369 are easier for my aging eyes to see, the thicker/longer hands are a bonus.
Thanks for the comparison shots, many folks in your situation will be referring to your pics.

[Hodog16]

Great comparison photos. Agree prefer the new one's look.

[travisb]

New without question for me. The minor changes make it perfect.

[RHJ]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

I have a 1981 Explorer11 Frecionne which did not sell well because of its fussy "disco dial" and basically it had no purpose in life.

As a result, it is now relatively rare, so it is well loved by collectors and worth about 4 times the price of a normal Explorer11.

I will hold on to my "stubby" which as only had a run of 6 years in the reasonable hope that it will soon become collectible.

In the strange world of Rolex, todays unloved watch becomes very sexy tomorrow.

Regards

Mick

PS I confess to preferring the new model over the old one

Valid consideration!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SC11

Different look rather then an improvement!

As with you I found the short hands a mute point in real life but it does look more balanced with the longer hands.

Dial wise both have their own merits I for one prefer the new version but can easily see why some still prefer the old.

Guess it falls back on your watch your decision.

Have to agree and if it was not for the internet and the WIS type doubt if Joe public would nave even noticed the minute cosmetic changes to me the hands are now a fraction too long for the dial.

[Cru Jones]

thanks for the side by side.

man, i'd love to add the new one.

[multimedia]

Here's another vote for the new one. Saw it live for the first time last weekend. My friend had just picked one up. Really impressed with this timepiece.

Cheers,
Joe

[mtgjr]

New one, hands down. (Get it?)