Rolex Decision - Submariner or Explorer

[Kevingrr]

So my non-WIS Dad, knowing of my love for watches, for Xmas and my 40th birthday told me he would like to buy me a Rolex Explorer or Rolex of my choice, but at retail. My Dad knows the Explorer because he was gifted one 15ish years ago - and he has worn it every day since. This is the first time I've ever received a watch as a gift.

Needless to say, this surprised and elated me, except I knew the chances of finding one at present would be very difficult.

That said, aside from supply issues, I'm trying to decide between the Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Submariner (no-date). After visiting an AD (twice already) I really have my heart set on finding a Submariner. The DNA it shares with my current favorite, Tudor Pelagos, is apparent, but it still feels distinct.

I want to want the Explorer instead of the Submariner, but I think the Explorer maybe a watch I would need to live with to fall in love with...and I'm already smitten with the idea of a Submariner. Has anyone else resolved a similar dilemma?

My current collection is a Tudor Pelagos (2-Line Black), Omega Aqua Terra 39mm Blue, Sinn 6000, and Nomos Orion 35mm.

Lastly, he really wants this to be a Rolex. He isn't familiar with other watch brands (Patek, Glashutte, IWC, none of these names mean anything to him).

Appreciate any insights.

Happy New Year.

Kevin

[shirtguy]

An sub is something you can wear with everything and stands the test of time

[GGGMT]

Explorer 1 or 2 polar.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[indianmachine]

get the sub if thats what you really want. the Explorer will not satisfy you given that's the case.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by indianmachine

get the sub if thats what you really want. the Explorer will not satisfy you given that's the case.

Well said and my advice. If the Sub sings to you, it doesn’t matter what features or how popular any other watch is, go with it.


PS Congratulations!

[karleone]

Get the one you want. I would take the Sub over the Explorer all day.

[rmagoo57]

Sub. Your Dad is a great guy!!

[Tim Plains]

Very easy choice for me. Sub.

[winst]

Sub

[Shadow Play]

Submariner would definitely be my first choice.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Well said and my advice. If the Sub sings to you, it doesn’t matter what features or how popular any other watch is, go with it.


PS Congratulations!

Definitely, go for what is calling you.

[dannyp]

1. Get what you want.
2. Unless you think it would bring your dad extra joy to see the same watch on you as he wears everyday.
3. Or you are able to more easily find an Explorer at MSRP .

Seriously, though, when it comes to gifts, some thought should be given to the giver, and what will bring them joy in giving it.

[Daniel23456]

I had them all... 114270, 16610, 14060, and even a 16570.

Never understood why people say things like “sub all day, every day”. I have had the date version + no date version and I found myself in the OP’s situation in reverse... I was trying to love the sub and tried to justify by saying that I have the sub that everyone is talking about. Needless to say that only the 114270 stayed for years until I finally managed to get the new 124270 and sold my 14270.
The sub was very boring and uncomfortable for me... Tried to love it but gave up after a few months.

So I would say, Explorer by a mile for me.

[173rdabn]

Would your dad be interested in adopting another son?

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Kevingrr

After visiting an AD (twice already) I really have my heart set on finding a Submariner. The DNA it shares with my current favorite, Tudor Pelagos, is apparent, but it still feels distinct.

I want to want the Explorer instead of the Submariner, but I think the Explorer maybe a watch I would need to live with to fall in love with...and I'm already smitten with the idea of a Submariner.

Appreciate any insights.

Your insight is the only one that matters, and you you appear to have already answered your own question. Your way forward seems clear.

Congratulations and good luck with it.

[MJZRolex]

Sounds like you really want the Sub, so why buy a watch you need to live with to fall in love with? Decision made.

[hutch300]

Sub - follow your heart

[AEV]

I bought the Sub as my first one. Between the two - the Sub.
It seems you have already made your choice.

[hondacb1002]

I would say get the new explorer 124270. When I first got into Rolex watches I wasn't sure if I wanted a Submariner or Explorer. After doing research I really didn't care for the ceramic bezels which were new at the time. I ended up not carring for the 39mm explorer that much and I went with a submariner. I have a 6 inch wrist and imo 40mm is large but not impossible to wear. After trying on the new explorer exhibition models and also getting to borrow a friends 124270 I would suggest going with the explorer because it is a watch you will be more likely to wear everyday. The submariner has more of a presence and is iconic which is why I went with it initially. That "iconic presence" of the submarine draws you in but it doesn't add to the everyday wear-ability of the watch for my wrist. I think the explorer is easier to wear everyday. There is something simple about the explorer that I like, and with the mercedes hands it is easier to quickly tell the time compared to stick dials. The way the 3 6 and 9 numberals help divide up the dial allow my eyes to easier tell time. If you get an explorer I think it will please your Dad because you will have matching watches. You can always purchase yourself a submariner later

[t60]

My next watch will be the 36mm Explorer. But, I already own the Sub, so there's that. Buy the Sub first.

[SaintMickey]

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Daniel23456

I had them all... 114270, 16610, 14060, and even a 16570.

Never understood why people say things like “sub all day, every day”. I have had the date version + no date version and I found myself in the OP’s situation in reverse... I was trying to love the sub and tried to justify by saying that I have the sub that everyone is talking about. Needless to say that only the 114270 stayed for years until I finally managed to get the new 124270 and sold my 14270.
The sub was very boring and uncomfortable for me... Tried to love it but gave up after a few months.

So I would say, Explorer by a mile for me.

+1. Also, who doesn’t have a sub? Don’t see explorer twice a day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SaintMickey]

Buy him one instead. smh

[BDII]

Originally Posted by SaintMickey

Tell your dad you'll buy your own Sub. He will be proud of you.

Not being humble enough to accept a gift doesn’t seem too admirable to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ltmgeller]

My vote would be for a sub

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by BDII

Not being humble enough to accept a gift doesn’t seem too admirable to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

UH giving is always better than getting.

Sorry at 40 I would want to buy my non WIS father a watch. It's just part of the discussion in my mind. Personally I could never take a "Rolex" from my father as a grown man with a family etc. Raised different I guess. No right or wrong answer.

Get a Sub.

[Kevingrr]

Thanks for all the replies.

I think in terms of comfort the sub will suit me fine. I wear the pelagos regularly on bracelet and it’s dimensions are bigger. The pelagos is a bit lighter but I think I’ll manage.

We have thought about all getting explorers - he is getting one for my brother too. This isn’t a typical year or gift - far far from it, but we are both surprised, elated, and grateful. We will certainly be looking to get him something special some time soon.

[JMGoodnight369]

I was gung ho on team explorer for a few years. I’ve had 2 versions. The 114270 and then a 214270 mkii. Then came the sub and out went the explorers. Explorer is a great watch but for me once the sun hit my wrist I knew nothing else can or will take its place. It is the watch that really started it all. You can always add an explorer later on but getting a submariner from your dad will be a wonderful experience and memory attached to it.

[ogbeans]

Subbbb

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by Kevingrr

Thanks for all the replies.

I think in terms of comfort the sub will suit me fine. I wear the pelagos regularly on bracelet and it’s dimensions are bigger. The pelagos is a bit lighter but I think I’ll manage.

We have thought about all getting explorers - he is getting one for my brother too. This isn’t a typical year or gift - far far from it, but we are both surprised, elated, and grateful. We will certainly be looking to get him something special some time soon.

Sounds like your dad wants to get you guys all Exp’s. Would be cool and a nice family watch.