214270 Explorer.... and surfing?

[crown&badger]

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this has already been asked - I searched through the forum and couldn't find a specific answer.

So, I'm interested in a new Explorer but surf a fair bit. I didn't want to get a divers watch as I want to go a bit stealth.

I'm aware of the 100 metre pressure specification, but anyone who has spent time on a surfboard knows that there can be a lot of high speed impacts with water followed up by tumbling around in the whitewater with associated sudden changes in water pressure.

Has anyone been a regular surfer who wears their Explorer and can offer any advice?
Much appreciated!

[Dr. Robert]

Get a G shock frogman for surfing and the explorer for after surfing

[Wristwatchin]

I’m no surfer but I would not recommend it. Get you a sub for the surf and Explorer for the turf. Good luck!

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by crown&badger

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this has already been asked - I searched through the forum and couldn't find a specific answer.

So, I'm interested in a new Explorer but surf a fair bit. I didn't want to get a divers watch as I want to go a bit stealth.

I'm aware of the 100 metre pressure specification, but anyone who has spent time on a surfboard knows that there can be a lot of high speed impacts with water followed up by tumbling around in the whitewater with associated sudden changes in water pressure.

Has anyone been a regular surfer who wears their Explorer and can offer any advice?
Much appreciated!

Not a surfer but have worn my Rolex in every possible condition (mountain biking, hiking, climbing, running, you name it. I’m not one of these guys that wears a gshock every time I do something athletic. Rolex was and is the original gshock. Most in here treat Rolex as if it was jewelry and have no idea the punishment they can take and were meant to take. Get an exp, live life, and pass it along to your kids someday. Enjoy.

[drtii]

i would do it, no hesitation. As long as the strap is secure, the watch should be just fine. I might opt for the EXP2 over the original EXP, but that's just personal preference.

If I was surfing I'd probably wear my Deepsea just for fun and because it's built like a tank, but I'd no issue taking the EXP2 out.

Do it!

[crown&badger]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Quite a range of opinions there!

I did see the Exp II but it is a bit sportier looking than I was looking for as I want a watch that can still rock it with a suit. Besides my wrists are only 6.5 inches so the Exp II and DSSD would look a bit big on me.


Thanks again!

[Pilliam]

crown&badger -- In terms of living a rough-and-tumble life with the Exp (or any Rolex, for that matter), here's a link to the best Exp review on TRF:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=558999

[waterman1]

I have surfed for years with some kind of sea dweller on my wrist and never had an issue. I only wear it on a nato or Zulu strap and I also have installed shoulderless spring bars to be absolutely certain the watch is completely secure. Hundreds of sessions in many different locations around the world. I would certainly think you’re explorer at 100m would be fine. Go surf and have fun.

[waterman1]

By the way I see you’re from New Zealand- I’ve heard amazing things about the country and the surf. I’ve never been but hopefully one day.

[Soultime]

I used to surf frequently with both my Sub Kermit and Yachtmaster.
But I haven't surfed for many years.

Never had any problems, but wouldn't do it nowadays.
If the bracelet fails, it's a lot of money washed away.

[Fleetlord]

There are better tools for the job.

Just because you can doesn't mean that you should.

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

There are better tools for the job.

Just because you can doesn't mean that you should.

Agreed.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[watchstudent]

I went surfing just a few days ago and took my sub off before I did so... any Rolex I am sure would be fine from a WR perspective but I wouldn’t want to get wiped out (happens a lot to me!) and find it not on my wrist anymore.

I would and do wear my sub for pretty much any other activity, my poor surfing skills makes surfing like going in a washing machine so makes more sense to leave it on shore.

[jimcameron]

Cowabunga Dude, surfing and caring what time it is..........?

[crown&badger]

Originally Posted by waterman1

I have surfed for years with some kind of sea dweller on my wrist and never had an issue. I only wear it on a nato or Zulu strap and I also have installed shoulderless spring bars to be absolutely certain the watch is completely secure. Hundreds of sessions in many different locations around the world. I would certainly think you’re explorer at 100m would be fine. Go surf and have fun.

That's really good advice, I have never heard of shoulderless spring bars.
Cheers!

I haven't got the watch yet, still looking around.
BTW if you haven't been to NZ yet, you should come! The famous beaches are a bit manic, but if you put in some road time and are a bit adventurous you can find some fantastic breaks.

[crown&badger]

Originally Posted by pmk416

crown&badger -- In terms of living a rough-and-tumble life with the Exp (or any Rolex, for that matter), here's a link to the best Exp review on TRF:

Thanks very much for the interesting thread referral. Just reading it now

[NLYogi]

For reference: I just lost my G-Shock during wrestling trying to get on a floating waterbed... happened just yesterday. My Explorer would have never left my wrist this way I feel.

[soicanbefree]

There is surfing... then there is surfing.

My brother used to daily drive an Omega Speedmaster while surfing daily as well in Hawaii.

Well... he swamped it. Now that watch has a movement that doesn't wind and rust particulates on the dial.

A chrono is far more vulnerable due to the pushers but you have to understand the amount of force head high to shoulder high waves generate when you wipe out. It's certainly different than a static descent to 100M.

If you are just longboarding some gentle waves.. ok. Actual surfing no thanks... plus I wouldn't really want the weight on my wrist anyway.

[desk jockey]

Mine feels bullet proof and gives complete peace of mind. However, the clasp can definitely pop open in some scenarios despite the flip lock over the clasp. When EZ link is folded in, you can actually open it by puling on the clasp on the EZ link side and the whole clasp comes open. Yes, you need some force to do it, but I can easily see some more violent splashes doing that no problem. I wouldn't wear my Rolex, at least not on the oyster. Wouldn't want to lose it to Poseidon.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by crown&badger

Hi everyone,

Apologies if this has already been asked - I searched through the forum and couldn't find a specific answer.

So, I'm interested in a new Explorer but surf a fair bit. I didn't want to get a divers watch as I want to go a bit stealth.

I'm aware of the 100 metre pressure specification, but anyone who has spent time on a surfboard knows that there can be a lot of high speed impacts with water followed up by tumbling around in the whitewater with associated sudden changes in water pressure.

Has anyone been a regular surfer who wears their Explorer and can offer any advice?
Much appreciated!

The watch will be more than up to the task - no worries there. The question is, are you up to the possibility of wiping out and scraping your multi thousand dollar watch along the sea bed or some other damaging surface?

Originally Posted by soicanbefree

There is surfing... then there is surfing.

My brother used to daily drive an Omega Speedmaster while surfing daily as well in Hawaii.

Well... he swamped it. Now that watch has a movement that doesn't wind and rust particulates on the dial.

A chrono is far more vulnerable due to the pushers but you have to understand the amount of force head high to shoulder high waves generate when you wipe out. It's certainly different than a static descent to 100M.

If you are just longboarding some gentle waves.. ok. Actual surfing no thanks... plus I wouldn't really want the weight on my wrist anyway.

The whole "dynamic pressure" of (in this case) force being generated by larger waves (arm movement is often quoted) is a bit of an urban myth.

Relevant pressure as regards water resistance is the hydrostatic pressure - basically the pressure exerted by the weight of water above you.

If the additional pressure created by the waves was sufficient at the depths in question to compromise the integrity of the case sealing, you would most likely be dead anyway.

[sinkholeninja]

Unless already stated in the thread, it’s worth noting that both Explorer and Explorer II are fitted with Paraflex shock absorbers, making them more robust than Rolex divers when it comes to hard impact. Your Explorer will do just fine in a surf, so enjoy it!

[TswaneNguni]

You can surf with any Rolex

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by crown&badger

Thanks everyone for the replies. Quite a range of opinions there!

I did see the Exp II but it is a bit sportier looking than I was looking for as I want a watch that can still rock it with a suit. Besides my wrists are only 6.5 inches so the Exp II and DSSD would look a bit big on me.


Thanks again!

Mostly 6.5 inch wrist and 216570 works just fine! It isnt so large as some claim.. I think it has a perfect fit on my 6.5 incher

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

There are better tools for the job.

Just because you can doesn't mean that you should.

Exactly where I land

[jvb.nc]

i have regularly surfed in my ex2 216570 and my batman and my sub.

fear is the mind killer.


that said, as someone else stated, you’re gonna get it scratched. guaranteed.

[JR16]

You can absolutely surf w an explorer - water resistance not an issue. Same shock absorption as a SubC. Bracelet no issues. It can take a beating. The only thing that would give me caution is that the explorer bezel will likely get pretty scuffed and dinged - if you are cool with that , then go for it . Personally, I usually wear my SubC when I’m in the ocean and don’t care about the scuffs and dings on the case and bracelet .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Greg5512]

Throw it on a nato strap and have at it!

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Unless already stated in the thread, it’s worth noting that both Explorer and Explorer II are fitted with Paraflex shock absorbers, making them more robust than Rolex divers when it comes to hard impact. Your Explorer will do just fine in a surf, so enjoy it!

This is also an internet myth and just Rolex marketing as confirmed by Bas (SearChart) on here who is an RSC watchmaker

[sinkholeninja]

Originally Posted by JR16

Same shock absorption as a SubC.

Unlike Explorer and Explorer II, Submariner is not fitted with a Parafex shock absorber, which makes it less robust in hard impact situations.

More on this here:

“Unlike the calibre 3132 found in the Rolex Explorer (also without a date feature), the calibre 3130 lacks Paraflex shock absorbers, making it a closer relative of the caliber 3135 than the 3132.”

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...ner-watch.html

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Unless already stated in the thread, it’s worth noting that both Explorer and Explorer II are fitted with Paraflex shock absorbers, making them more robust than Rolex divers when it comes to hard impact. Your Explorer will do just fine in a surf, so enjoy it!

I need to stop reading the forums...