Explorer vs. OP 39 pricing policy

[Raku]

I didn't want to start a new thread just for the sake of it (we have plenty of these around here) and I did search the forum before posting and found nothing about my topic.
I am a bit intrigued about the prices of these 2 models because they are quite similar, especially because they use:
- same case (including size)
- same crown system (twinlock)
- same movement (3132)
- same bracelet (but not the same clasp)

They also have the same water resistance (100m) so nothing different there techologically.

As far as I can notice here are the obvious differences:
- the hands
- the bracelet clasp (the Explorer has the 5 mm micro adjustment one)

This brings us to my main point of concern, the price. Here in the UK the Explorer retails for £5000 and the OP 39 for £4350.
Do you think this difference of £650 (around $850) for different hands and clasp is justifiable?
I would love to get a few opinions of this.

[Kenny Powers]

I personally think it is. And don't forget the extra lume needed for the 3,6 and 9. That must cost at least £100 lol.

[037]

Bezels are different as well. The Explorer is chamfered where the OP is radiused.

The price difference is minimal and therefore justifiable to me.

[Raku]

Originally Posted by 037

Bezels are different as well. The Explorer is chamfered where the OP is radiused.

The price difference is minimal and therefore justifiable to me.

I didn't know about the bezels, thank you for pointing it out.
The difference is not really minimal, since it's 13% from the Explorer price.

[distance79]

Don’t forget the paraflex shock absorbers in the Explorer.


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[CF999]

But Explorer has the big triangle and that makes it nicer, also more white gold surrounding the numerals.

[TG3N]

Because Rolex can. It’s that simple.

Whilst there may indeed be some legitimate enhancements/differentiators e.g. the clasp, it’s largely arbitrary, as Rolex create a partly-artificial pricing strategy across their range.

For example, a better example might be the pricing difference (UK, GBP Sterling) between a Submariner (£5,750) & Submariner Date (£6,550) - does anyone really think adding a Date complication on a mass-produced watch costs the extra £800? For a date wheel, cyclops & a few extra gears & springs? I don’t think so - I can buy an entire, brand-new Swiss Made watch for less than £800, so there’s no chance the Date alone costs that much to implement.

And whilst faintly ridiculous, it’s quite fine by me, because anyone earnestly demanding value-for-money & logic in luxury goods is in for a bit of a tough time. It’s the nature of the beast and Rolex aren’t alone. You pays your money & takes your choice.

[ap1]

I’d go OP here, not on price but aesthetically

Dial is way different. All sticks and sunburst vs. the matte and numerals.

[shaunylw]

Personally i think the clasp on the OP is horrible. I’m sure it’s very functional but i prefer flip lock. The OP would be a real winner with the explorer bracelet. It’s such a beautiful watch, i just couldn’t get over the clasp. I think the cost is easily justified.


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[accountank2000]

Forget that we are talking about two specific Rolex models and that you are on a enthusiast's forum where everyone is a nerd about model numbers and history etc.

Here's your question:

A company sells two 39mm watches.

One is the most basic and cheapest 39mm model they make.

The other has a better clasp on its bracelet, has a different dial and hands design (Mercedes and some Arabic numbers, more lume, less basic-looking) and a different bezelwhich you might or might not prefer.

The company chooses to charge two different prices for the two different watches it offers, though they are broadly similar (one is 15% higher than the other, not an order of magnitude different). An individual dealer might offer a discount on one, the other, both, or neither, based on supply and demand factors from time to time.

Now the big question:
[drum roll]

Are they "justified" in having an RRP of two different (but similar) prices for two different (but similar) products?

?

Yes, of course they are.

The most obvious point is that they are luxury goods - and luxury goods are often priced at prices that can seem irrational but are broadly to do with whatever the market will bear in either the short term or long term depending on the brand's strategy.

There are probably more subtle (perhaps less relevant) points too.

If you think you would rather pay x for one than y for the other, you'll likely vote with your wallet. There are plenty of other companies who have one product at price x and another similar-but-different product at price y. Do you want this one at 20k or that one at 23k, do you want this one at 50k or the other at 58k, this house at 200k or that similar one on a different plot at 230k. Anything can be justified, but especially in luxury goods.

[redfoxer]

They are two different models with different designs. Those who feel it's worth it will pay for it.

If we were to take human desire and subjective worth out of the equation and rationalise about wether a luxury watch is worth it, we'd probably all be using our phones.

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[liu_watch]

In my opinion most of the price difference is not due to material or design differences, but simply product positioning of the two models.

There are dozens of OP in various sizes and dial colors, and they will change over time. But there is only one Explorer I and it will only slowly evolve over time.
To Rolex, there should be a premium on a classic that has a contrived story to back it up :-)

The real question is: which one do you like better?

I heard OP is a hair thinner...
If OP bracelet fits well without the extension I would go with OP. The rounded bezel is also more elegant.


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[Sebastian5]

Originally Posted by distance79

Don’t forget the paraflex shock absorbers in the Explorer.


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OP got those as well.

[hhtwaijri]

Also, the explorer models have some sort of shock absorbers on the balance wheel.

I guess other than the hard differences you mentioned, it comes to the model itself. Sports watches are more expensive most of the time.
While classic watches are on the lower range.


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[Raku]

Originally Posted by hhtwaijri

Also, the explorer models have some sort of shock absorbers on the balance wheel.

I guess other than the hard differences you mentioned, it comes to the model itself. Sports watches are more expensive most of the time.
While classic watches are on the lower range.


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They have identical movements.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

Personally i think the clasp on the OP is horrible. I’m sure it’s very functional but i prefer flip lock. The OP would be a real winner with the explorer bracelet. It’s such a beautiful watch, i just couldn’t get over the clasp. I think the cost is easily justified.


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Hmm, I really like the basic clasp of the OP with the engraved crown.

[dubins930]

Yes... the clasp lock and extra lume cost them at least 15 bucks.. which somehow equals 850...

[jon_jon]

To some people, £650 is a large enough difference to lean towards the OP39. For others, it is a small difference and will go with the more iconic Explorer.

Both are wonderful watches though!

[CamSLC]

Get whichever you like better. I think the flip lock is convenient. Some might say the explorer will potentially hold more value, but who knows.

[Likestheshiny]

The Air King costs $2000 less than a Milgauss, and they're the same watch with different dials and case polishing. And precious metal models cost far more than the material differences can account for.

Rolex prices are based on demand, not features.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

To some people, £650 is a large enough difference to lean towards the OP39. For others, it is a small difference and will go with the more iconic Explorer.

Both are wonderful watches though!

I don't think that difference in price matters that much actually. They are very similar watches on paper yet quite different when you see them irl. A matter of taste really.

[kwingy]

I know you can't really call any Rolex as entry level but that is what the OP is seemingly marketed as. Even though both watches do appear remarkably similar from the off - I think people might pay the extra £650 to get a Rolex with more features and avoid that tag even though the Explorer itself could be called quite plain.

[Ian Macdermott]

Don't forget you have to be a "professional" to get the Explorer.

[hhtwaijri]

Originally Posted by Raku

They have identical movements.

Really ?... All this time i thought the explorer line were exclusively fitted with the shock absorbers !


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[mgsooner]

I weighed each of these models and to me the superior clasp, lume and dial (arabic + mercedes) are well worth the extra 850 bucks. Not to mention the Exp is a more distinctive Rolex and that should be reflected in its value down the line.

[Dalton121]

A lot of it comes down to the Explorer name. It's an iconic Rolex model and there is value attached to that DNA.

[rolexpatek363]

The OP is in fact the watch that led to the mythical "Explorer". That is: the Oyster Perpetual went to the top of Everest in 1953, well before the Explorer was even thought of.

They have identical movements.

The OP looks much nicer than the Explorer, which has to be the least remarkable watch in the "professional" line.

I have a bunch of Subs. I chose the OP.

[Pauln]

If the market will pay more for the Explorer then it’s justified, from a business standpoint. I think there are enough differences and iconic stature to justify it. IMO, the EXP is a much better looking watch. And this harping on the fact that the OP is the actual watch that reached the top of Everest makes no sense to me. Rolex sent watches on numerous mountaineering expeditions over many years. The result from that testing is the Explorer. It’s like saying the OP was worn on the English Channel swim so the submariner shouldn’t get any glory.

[Car32]

I think the question of whether the slight difference in designs and input costs (extra material for flip lock, lume,etc) is worth the price difference is irrelevant and each individual needs to decide whether the price difference is worth it to them on what they like better.

Companies have been differentiating products using pricing that has nothing to do with the underlying costs forever, and not just on luxury goods. Two quick examples come to mind:

1. Movie theatres charging different prices for a child, adult and seniors ticket. Here there is zero differentiation in product and product's input cost.

2. Apple iPads. Is the cost of the cellular chip worth the $150 premium over the wifi version? Is going from 256GB storage to 512GB worth the $200 premium based on the price difference of the SSD space? No it isnt, yet Apple does it as long as people are willing to pay it.

[sgarrity]

I love my Explorer. The OP is nice but too plain for me. The fliplock clasp and Easylink are worth the price difference.