Rolex Explorer 1 vs Tudor Black Bay GMT

[rtr77]

I am looking to buy a new watch, but am a bit stuck between the Rolex Explorer 1 and the Tudor Black Bay GMT. I love the history, versatility, and simplicity of the Explorer, but love the GMT functionality and attractive price point of the Tudor. My current collection includes a Black Bay Black and a two tone Datejust.

[MSchu]

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

[bremersm]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Come on man. The Explorer 1 was first and foremost a beater watch.

If this was my choice and I was adding a watch to the collection BB GMT. If I was a one watch guy Exp 1.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Yes they are ... I’ll take that as a compliment

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Ignore this dedicated troll. I 100% prefer my Bb58 to my SubC.

Personally I’d go explorer if forced between your options as the GMT was too thick for me. Since you own a BB black, this will likely not be an issue for you and the GMT offers much more. In your case I’d recommend it over Exp1.

[nachopc]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Absolutely, lots of posts about Tudor, Rolex is doing a good job, with Rolex scarcity Tudor is improving in figures, I also bought one
Cheers!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Dan Pierce]

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

An alternate view:

Rolex EX1: will retain, if not increase in value. Well proportioned, not overly thick, works reliably.

Tudor BB BMT: will drop in value the moment you walk out of the AD - something like 20% hit first day. Date function likely to stop working correctly within 12 months. HUGE thick watch - too thick. Has a GMT function. Do you need a GMT function?

EXP1, all day, every day.

[Phooi]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

Originally Posted by Claven2

An alternate view:

Rolex EX1: will retain, if not increase in value. Well proportioned, not overly thick, works reliably.

Tudor BB BMT: will drop in value the moment you walk out of the AD - something like 20% hit first day. Date function likely to stop working correctly within 12 months. HUGE thick watch - too thick. Has a GMT function. Do you need a GMT function?

EXP1, all day, every day.

Those are the best arguments for choosing either watch.

I have a BB GMT myself. I have not encountered the date issue yet but only got mine in Feb. I don’t think much of the value retention issue since I don’t sell my watches. I do believe that the BB GMT is an exceptional value for the price.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[zoenatenich]

Originally Posted by Claven2

An alternate view:

Rolex EX1: will retain, if not increase in value. Well proportioned, not overly thick, works reliably.

Tudor BB BMT: will drop in value the moment you walk out of the AD - something like 20% hit first day. Date function likely to stop working correctly within 12 months. HUGE thick watch - too thick. Has a GMT function. Do you need a GMT function?

EXP1, all day, every day.

Good analogy, Claven2. My vote is on the Explorer 1 too.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Claven2

An alternate view:

Rolex EX1: will retain, if not increase in value. Well proportioned, not overly thick, works reliably.

Tudor BB BMT: will drop in value the moment you walk out of the AD - something like 20% hit first day. Date function likely to stop working correctly within 12 months. HUGE thick watch - too thick. Has a GMT function. Do you need a GMT function?

EXP1, all day, every day.

Nothing wrong with either preference.

I find value in watches that provide the features I need and use often. The BB GMT fits that bill.

As an adult male, the size is perfect for me. My BB GMT has performed flawlessly w/ freakish accuracy since purchased new, well past your 12 month prediction.
dP

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Nothing wrong with either preference.

I find value in watches that provide the features I need and use often. The BB GMT fits that bill.

As an adult male, the size is perfect for me. My BB GMT has performed flawlessly w/ freakish accuracy since purchased new, well past your 12 month prediction.
dP

I actually like both watches, i was just showing how the same argument structure can be used to "sell" either option.

Between the 2, I would pick Exp I by a narrow margin based on my personal taste and enough date wheel horror stories to make me second guess the GMT version of the BB for the time being.

In fact, I cam very very close to buying the GMT in December. I had it on in the store and nearly bought it. Walked out with a Sub-Date in stead, but it was close.

I don't have an EXPI right now because I have a very similar DJ. that may change in future.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Claven2

I actually like both watches, i was just showing how the same argument structure can be used to "sell" either option.

Between the 2, I would pick Exp I by a narrow margin based on my personal taste and enough date wheel horror stories to make me second guess the GMT version of the BB for the time being.

In fact, I cam very very close to buying the GMT in December. I had it on in the store and nearly bought it. Walked out with a Sub-Date in stead, but it was close.

I don't have an EXPI right now because I have a very similar DJ. that may change in future.

I like both watches as well. The OP asked for opinions and I gave mine. I never expect my preferences to be the same as everyone else. Each is welcome to opine on theirs. With every opinion there's always an alternative angle. I'm not bothered by those who's opinions are different than mine. In fact, I encourage it.
dP

[Doc Savage]

Originally Posted by Claven2

An alternate view:

Rolex EX1: will retain, if not increase in value. Well proportioned, not overly thick, works reliably.

Tudor BB BMT: will drop in value the moment you walk out of the AD - something like 20% hit first day. Date function likely to stop working correctly within 12 months. HUGE thick watch - too thick. Has a GMT function. Do you need a GMT function?

EXP1, all day, every day.

Great arguments. I prefer the Ex 1 for exactly these reasons.

And for those who don't know why it's called an Explorer, I can only give you my experience. I wore a Submariner (which is a bit thinner than the BB GMT) in several military and paramilitary operations, and I found the chunkiness of the Sub to be a bit cumbersome. Something lower profile like the Explorer is far preferable when out Exploring, kicking in doors, or climbing up mountains.

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

Here's your answer and I own both.

[Rori]

This. also looks way more attractive.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

[Art 1]

I would say the Tudor. I had an ex 1 and liked it. But that Tudor is so much more as Dan said.

[kits73]

I would get the Explorer.

[gh0stleader]

As a Tudor GMT owner, get the Rolex.

There's a dreaded date wheel issue that hasn't been resolved yet.

Check out this forum and WUS for people discussing it. Some have sent it in multiple times to be repaired and the problem still persists.

[ltmgeller]

Have you tried them both on? They are very different. The GMT is great but significantly bigger than the explorer. Good luck and happy hunting.

[Juan Luis]

Explorer 1 is much more comfortable.

[carl5]

Explorer 1 is sure better.

[Vamp]

No comparison on quality. The Explorer is a much better watch imo. Those Tudors are bricks on your wrist

[s46]

BB GMT hands down

[GONZO2LR]

get the one that makes you smile...they both are great watches....me Explor

[Jster]

I'm not much of a Tudor guy but I'll admit the GMT is attractive. However, get the Explorer. It's so much nicer in my opinion.

[kieselguhr]

I would pick the Tudor BB GMT any day over the explorer 1.

The thickness is a non issue and at 41mm the watch is just the right size for my wrist. It has added functionality of a rotating bezel that allows it to be used as a simple countdown or count up timer in addition to the third time one.

The explorer is poorly named as it’s only function is timekeeping and very basic at that as it lacks any form of numeric intervals on the minute track. The BB GMT would make a much better exploration watch

[watchmework]

Exp1 for me

[thejl]

I tried on the gmt and found it to be too thick and
the bezel difficult to grip. I haven't tried on the
Exp 1 but from most accounts, it's supposed to be
thinner and more comfortable. Depending on how
it wears on my wrist, it may become my next purchase.

[Bluside]

It's hard to really compare these 2 watches. They are just so different and each has their own qualities.

There....you need both.