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Old 1 August 2022, 12:36 AM   #1
samgobigs
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No date Submariner Or Explorer 1

The sales guy I work with offered me a choice between the current no-date submariner or the 36mm stainless steel explorer 1. I’m having a very difficult time deciding between the two options, but I am leaning towards the explorer. A little bit about myself:

My wrist size is on the smaller size (6.5 inches) so thinking the explorer may be a better fit? I don’t really have a need for the timing bezel and don’t do any diving. Even if I did do diving, I’d probably take a dive computer and not a sub.

What do you guys think? It’s a big purchase for me, and want to make sure I’m making the right decision. If you are an owner of these watches, what has your experience been like?
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Old 1 August 2022, 12:49 AM   #2
burnthesehills
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Do they have any exhibition models that you can try on?

The Sub may wear large on your wrist but certainly not undoable. I would recommend the Explorer unless you like a larger watch.

The Sub may hold its value better if that is a consideration.
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Old 1 August 2022, 12:54 AM   #3
CarlOver
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The current Subs wear small for me. But the 36 vs 41 are quite different in terms of visual size. Try both on. If not sure then don’t buy either.
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Old 1 August 2022, 12:54 AM   #4
CarlOver
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The current Subs wear small for me. But the 36 vs 41 are quite different in terms of visual size. Try both on. If not sure then don’t buy either.
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Old 1 August 2022, 12:55 AM   #5
Bmats
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I have a smaller wrist (little smaller than 6.5) and got a no date sub, because it’s what I really wanted. No regrets at all. I use the bezel for timing lots of things, from bbq to covid tests. But I don’t mind bigger watches.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:10 AM   #6
warrior
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For a 6.5 inch wrist—A no date sub should NOT be too big for you. At all. Whether or not you dive shouldn’t really be a factor in your consideration. It’s about whatever you like. I actually prefer the discontinued 39mm Explorer. The 36mm Exp looks and feels smaller that the 36 mm datejusts.

Get whichever one you like more on your wrist.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:10 AM   #7
warrior
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For a 6.5 inch wrist—A no date sub should NOT be too big for you. At all. Whether or not you dive shouldn’t really be a factor in your consideration. It’s about whatever you like. I actually prefer the discontinued 39mm Explorer. The 36mm Exp looks and feels smaller that the 36 mm datejusts.

Get whichever one you like more on your wrist.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:14 AM   #8
Nepats81
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this is the easiest decision you will ever make in your life.

RUN to the dealer and buy the no date sub immediately. the new 41mm is perfect. Anyone telling you its too big is a soy boy.

the new 36 mm explorer 1 wears small and could easily be unisex. in person it looks like a 34mm to my eyes.

Oh and almost no one dives with their watches. who cares. get the icon. ROLEX SUBMARINER
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:14 AM   #9
Nepats81
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this is the easiest decision you will ever make in your life.

RUN to the dealer and buy the no date sub immediately. the new 41mm is perfect. Anyone telling you its too big is a soy boy.

the new 36 mm explorer 1 wears small and could easily be unisex. in person it looks like a 34mm to my eyes.

Oh and almost no one dives with their watches. who cares. get the icon. ROLEX SUBMARINER
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:14 AM   #10
Daniel23456
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I had both, but a sub date instead of a no date.

Explorer stayed in my collection.

The Explorer’s dial feels shallower and closer to the crystal which is something that I haven’t seen mentioned that much…

Besides that the Sub needs more adjustments to be comfortable for the whole day where’s the Explorer is just superior in terms of comfort. I love subs, and in fact now I have a 16660 that I adore, but as a one and only, it would be an Explorer for me. Just too comfy.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:14 AM   #11
Daniel23456
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I had both, but a sub date instead of a no date.

Explorer stayed in my collection.

The Explorer’s dial feels shallower and closer to the crystal which is something that I haven’t seen mentioned that much…

Besides that the Sub needs more adjustments to be comfortable for the whole day where’s the Explorer is just superior in terms of comfort. I love subs, and in fact now I have a 16660 that I adore, but as a one and only, it would be an Explorer for me. Just too comfy.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:16 AM   #12
TimeAZ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nepats81 View Post
this is the easiest decision you will ever make in your life.

RUN to the dealer and buy the no date sub immediately. the new 41mm is perfect. Anyone telling you its too big is a soy boy.

the new 36 mm explorer 1 wears small and could easily be unisex. in person it looks like a 34mm to my eyes.

Oh and almost no one dives with their watches. who cares. get the icon. ROLEX SUBMARINER
Agree with all of the above
__________________
The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:18 AM   #13
Daniel23456
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nepats81 View Post
this is the easiest decision you will ever make in your life.

RUN to the dealer and buy the no date sub immediately. the new 41mm is perfect. Anyone telling you its too big is a soy boy.

the new 36 mm explorer 1 wears small and could easily be unisex. in person it looks like a 34mm to my eyes.

Oh and almost no one dives with their watches. who cares. get the icon. ROLEX SUBMARINER
Silliest advice I have seen…

OP- please choose whichever one you like more and not whichever people like more. It is an individual decision.

Plus, as a person who has had a few 36mm watches, the new Explorer definitely wears like a 36mm and not smaller… dial size is as big as the sub and visually at first glance doesn’t not look much smaller at all.

Putting my Explorer on my fiancée’s ’s wrist it looks far too big for her. My fiancée is pretty petite and I have an almost 7 inch wrist
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:28 AM   #14
Krash
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No date Submariner Or Explorer 1

I’d get the no date Submariner because it’s my favorite watch.

Let me say one thing about wrist size. Almost 2 years ago, I had open heart surgery to repair a defective valve. I walked into the hospital with a wrist size between 7.25” and 7.5” inches. Actually closer to 7.5” inches. I walked out of the hospital 20 lbs lighter with 6.75” wrists. Not kidding. My Submariner still fit me fine.

Today my wrists are back to normal but within a period of just 2 years, I’ve experienced what it’s like to have 6.75” wrists and 7.5” wrists.


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Old 1 August 2022, 01:34 AM   #15
TheRtHonA
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I think you need to try them both on but in this scenario I would go for the Submariner. I don’t think it’s even that close here!
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:34 AM   #16
TheRtHonA
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I think you need to try them both on but in this scenario I would go for the Submariner. I don’t think it’s even that close here!
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:55 AM   #17
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For your wrist size, Explorer.
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Old 1 August 2022, 01:55 AM   #18
Kenny G
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I’d try both on if possible and then decide.

From your post, it sounds as though your heart is already set on the Explorer but you should definitely try the sub on and see if it’s comfortable and aesthetically to your liking.

Both great options…
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Old 1 August 2022, 02:05 AM   #19
Calatrava r
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It really boils down to if you like the look of the black bezel or the cleaner look of the Explorer. How much do you want going on with your watch? Both are classics, so you cannot go wrong with either one.
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Old 1 August 2022, 02:16 AM   #20
Pinchy
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Explorer. It is a near perfect one and done, and also a watch that is nearly impossible to be redundant in a collection. It's watch that you will never ever regret.
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Old 1 August 2022, 02:21 AM   #21
You
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Submariner ND
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Old 1 August 2022, 02:27 AM   #22
Ksbi
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I would go with the Submariner.
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Old 1 August 2022, 03:04 AM   #23
Turbo Racer
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I would also get the sub. It’s more iconic even though the exp has an awesome history and provenance. I would guess that the vast majority of sun owners don’t ever dive and those that do, rely on modern technology.

Try both on and see which one speaks to you. Good luck!
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Old 1 August 2022, 03:04 AM   #24
Turbo Racer
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I would also get the sub. It’s more iconic even though the exp has an awesome history and provenance. I would guess that the vast majority of sun owners don’t ever dive and those that do, rely on modern technology.

Try both on and see which one speaks to you. Good luck!
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Old 1 August 2022, 03:10 AM   #25
chro.nic
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I would choose the Submariner.

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Old 1 August 2022, 03:10 AM   #26
chro.nic
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I would choose the Submariner.

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Old 1 August 2022, 03:11 AM   #27
Mis3
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100% Submariner for me.
My wrist is 6.5-inch as well and the 40mm Submariner looks great on my wrist,
On the other hand, I tried a 42mm Explorer-2 recently and it wastoo big.
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Old 1 August 2022, 03:12 AM   #28
Mis3
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100% Submariner for me.
My wrist is 6.5-inch as well and the 40mm Submariner looks great on my wrist,
On the other hand, I tried a 42mm Explorer-2 recently and it wastoo big.
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Old 1 August 2022, 03:13 AM   #29
Gab27
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The Sub works well on smaller wrists. It will look distinguished, but not excessive, IMHO.

Try both on and see which you like. I'd personally get the Sub, but I am biased as I have a Sub and I have wanted one since I was young. Both should work well with your wrist.
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Old 1 August 2022, 03:13 AM   #30
Gab27
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The Sub works well on smaller wrists. It will look distinguished, but not excessive, IMHO.

Try both on and see which you like. I'd personally get the Sub, but I am biased as I have a Sub and I have wanted one since I was young. Both should work well with your wrist.
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