Which Explorer I?

[Drewja]

Thinking of picking up an Explorer I and wanted to get people's opinions on three versions:
- 14270 Tritium
- 14270 SWISS Only
- 114270

I like the idea of patina on tritium, but I also like the uniqueness/scarcity(?) of the transitional SWISS only dial.

Or should I pay a premium and get the 114270 with SELs and upgraded movement?

Thoughts?

[Ihatecheese]

Ive owned the newest version. The bracelet is better than those you mention and can see it in the dspark with working lume! Many should know those other models. I'm sure hodinkee has posted some articles on them.

[Recaro18]

Updated 114270

[4vCoupe]

I only have experience with the 114270, it’s a great versatile watch. Probably can’t go wrong with any of those.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Drewja]

Originally Posted by Ihatecheese

Ive owned the newest version. The bracelet is better than those you mention and can see it in the dspark with working lume! Many should know those other models. I'm sure hodinkee has posted some articles on them.

Good points on the 39mm version, but the 36mm is a better fit for my wrist size

[jakjuventus]

For me, 114270 with engraved rehaut.

[franktehtank]

For a 36mm, get 114270 with the SEL's an upgraded movement.

I would still recommend the 39mm 214270, but if it doesn't fit you then not much you can do!

[MasonDixon]

The movement alone would steer me towards the 114270. The SELs are the icing on the cake.

[Drewja]

Originally Posted by jakjuventus

For me, 114270 with engraved rehaut.

Love the engraved rehaut but they're harder to come by unfortunately

[jakjuventus]

Originally Posted by Drewja

Love the engraved rehaut but they're harder to come by unfortunately

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AJMarcus]

The 114270. It’s has nice upgrades and can actually be had at a better price than the other two earlier models.

[iliketime]

have both tritium 14270, and 114270. if you care about patina, get the older 14270, if you dont, get the newest.

[lostis4d]

I have the 114270 it’s the favourite in my 5 rolex collection which includes a ceramic white dial Daytona. So I hope that helps answer your question

[jakjuventus]

Originally Posted by lostis4d

I have the 114270 it’s the favourite in my 5 rolex collection which includes a ceramic white dial Daytona. So I hope that helps answer your question

This!

[Bob_Loblaw]

After reading as much as I could find and after watching as many videos as I could about these two references, I decided I wanted a 114270 with engraved rehaut and solid end links. The newer movement came with that choice.

One doesn't notice the solid endlinks, but they are there. One has to pay close attention to see the engraved rehaut. The Rs, the Os, the Crown at 12, the serial number, the engraved crown on the underside of the crystal. None easily noticed, but I know they are there. That is part of my enjoyment of this 114270. This was a good choice.

[Drewja]

Originally Posted by Bob_Loblaw

After reading as much as I could find and after watching as many videos as I could about these two references, I decided I wanted a 114270 with engraved rehaut and solid end links. The newer movement came with that choice.

One doesn't notice the solid endlinks, but they are there. One has to pay close attention to see the engraved rehaut. The Rs, the Os, the Crown at 12, the serial number, the engraved crown on the underside of the crystal. None easily noticed, but I know they are there. That is part of my enjoyment of this 114270. This was a good choice.

Very well put. Some of that subtlety is definitely what appeals to me

[Drewja]

Originally Posted by Bob_Loblaw

After reading as much as I could find and after watching as many videos as I could about these two references, I decided I wanted a 114270 with engraved rehaut and solid end links. The newer movement came with that choice.

One doesn't notice the solid endlinks, but they are there. One has to pay close attention to see the engraved rehaut. The Rs, the Os, the Crown at 12, the serial number, the engraved crown on the underside of the crystal. None easily noticed, but I know they are there. That is part of my enjoyment of this 114270. This was a good choice.

The subtlety is what appeals to me about the 36mm Explorer too. I may have to hold out for an engraved rehaut

[ronmexico]

I'm in the early stages of similar consideration. For me the scarcity of certain models (swiss only, engraved rehault) are less important than finding a well taken care of example that I can own for many years and then pass down to my son.

From early research, it seems like the current pricing of the 14270 and 114270 are very similar despite the upgraded movement of the newer ref. Is there any reason not to go for the updated movement if it can be had at a similar price to the older one given that every other element of the watch is identical?

[Drewja]

Originally Posted by ronmexico

I'm in the early stages of similar consideration. For me the scarcity of certain models (swiss only, engraved rehault) are less important than finding a well taken care of example that I can own for many years and then pass down to my son.

From early research, it seems like the current pricing of the 14270 and 114270 are very similar despite the upgraded movement of the newer ref. Is there any reason not to go for the updated movement if it can be had at a similar price to the older one given that every other element of the watch is identical?

The tritium dial 14270 would patina if you're into that otherwise (and it seems to be the consensus here) you're probably better off getting the 114270. You get an upgraded movement solid end links.

[ronmexico]

That's what I was thinking. Seeing prices around $5K for solid examples these days, which doesn't seem outrageous to me. Does that sound about right?

The question I'm still dealing with, however, is whether to go that route or pick up a new BB36 instead.

It will be my first luxury watch and hopefully in the family forever so wondering if I should go new and also save the $2,500.

[Recaro18]

Originally Posted by ronmexico

That's what I was thinking. Seeing prices around $5K for solid examples these days, which doesn't seem outrageous to me. Does that sound about right?

The question I'm still dealing with, however, is whether to go that route or pick up a new BB36 instead.

It will be my first luxury watch and hopefully in the family forever so wondering if I should go new and also save the $2,500.

I’d go with Explorer1- 114270... but whichever puts a smile on your face when you wear it!

[4vCoupe]

Originally Posted by Drewja

The subtlety is what appeals to me about the 36mm Explorer too. I may have to hold out for an engraved rehaut

No need to hold out for an engraved rehaut.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[flametop]

From which year did they introduce the engraved rehaut?

[fskywalker]

I had the 114270 twice (last one sold to
fund my 18239 DD), think if would buy another one would be either a swiss only 14270 or a 114270 with engraved rehaut


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Drewja]

Originally Posted by flametop

From which year did they introduce the engraved rehaut?

2007. The newer Z series Explorers have it, but older Z series don’t.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hdms]

Can you change the bracelet to leather straps on 114270 or 14270? I know you can but don’t they require curved pins or something like that?

[gordonite]

Find any 114270, it will satisfy you more, my only luxury watch for about two years already, worn in day-in- day-out. Never missed a beat

Originally Posted by hdms

Can you change the bracelet to leather straps on 114270 or 14270? I know you can but don’t they require curved pins or something like that?

Changing bracelet is bit hard on 114270 as the solid endlink fits perectly, need a tweezer spring bar remover which push both sides simultaneously. My straps all got scrapping on the end part, this is the downside of 14270 and 114270 I guess.

[hdms]

Originally Posted by gordonite

Find any 114270, it will satisfy you more, my only luxury watch for about two years already, worn in day-in- day-out. Never missed a beat




Changing bracelet is bit hard on 114270 as the solid endlink fits perectly, need a tweezer spring bar remover which push both sides simultaneously. My straps all got scrapping on the end part, this is the downside of 14270 and 114270 I guess.

Thanks for the reply.