EDC Watch: Explorer 1 vs SubC

[89Sem]

Just out of curiosity what would you go with? I am loving both and currently rotating every few days. But as a true everyday watch vs weekend/after work. What would you pick? And why? ( to make it fair, assuming your don’t rely on the date function )

Lower price and availability of the Explorer would make it more attractive every day watch if it needed to be replaced but a submariner might take the wear and tear better.

[antbkny]

Sub because I use the bezel to time things and the glidelock is a God send.

[kieselguhr]

Submariner.

[DLRIDES]

Explorer = unmatched versatility

:thumbsup

[Pentameter]

Exp is great if you only need time, but a timing bezel + date complication are two of the most useful functions a watch can have - especially in an EDC context, so I think that easily gives the win to the sub.

[schoolboy]

Assuming you don’t rely on the date function, like you said, I vote Explorer

Super versatile, and not everybody will know it’s a Rolex

Also, the Explorer should take the beating just as good as the Sub will, assuming you aren’t diving to past 100m pressure or whatever

The Explorer is also less flashy than the Sub

That can be a good thing

[Pilliam]

I have both and, while I prefer the Sub for the Glidelock, the versatility and understated nature of the Explorer is, to me, more appealing. Like others have said, not everybody knows it's a Rolex, unlike the Sub, which is so ubiquitous.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Explorer = unmatched versatility

:thumbsup

This, dresses up or down

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Pentameter

Exp is great if you only need time, but a timing bezel + date complication are two of the most useful functions a watch can have - especially in an EDC context, so I think that easily gives the win to the sub.

All good points.

[tkc324]

Sub

[franktehtank]

The Explorer is a fantastic watch, so many positives and no negatives I can think of. Unfortunately, you paired it up against the sub, so I voted SUB

[VegasMilgauss]

The perfect fusion of dress and sports.. Explorer.

[89Sem]

Thanks to all for the input. Seems like I will remain with the rotation of every few days. They’re both too great to chose one over the other. But I am leaning towards the sub for the rotating bezel and timing. That was a great point

[Onikage]

Explorer. Ultimate lifetime wstch. Plus the nasty scumbags don't know what it is.

[BigBoy17]

Id get the exp2 over both, for a hardcore everyday watch that you can dress up and beat down. Ceramics for desk diving

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Explorer. Ultimate lifetime wstch. Plus the nasty scumbags don't know what it is.

which nasty scumbags?

[StingEKnee]

Explorer

[hawkeye43]

Sub

[Montremoi]

Voted Sub Date but I'd rather wear a Sub instead.

[pbubsy]

Flip a coin or if you favor one over the other just go with that. They're both excellent watches and very versatile. I prefer a timing bezel. I find I use mine a lot and they're handy. I downsized to one chronograph since a timing bezel provides most of what I need for timing things and I like the legibility and more simple movement.

That being said, one of my favorite watches is pretty minimalist: PAM372. No date, timing bezel or even second hand....so yeah, you'd be plenty good with the Exp 1 too!

[juve]

Explorer. But i love glidelock on my Sub.

[GarbanzoNegro]

This:

[TswaneNguni]

Sub/Date ,of course.

[mjrchabot]

Exp 1 for me as well... though, I’m biased to no-date watches. While the date and timing bezel are useful functions, ask yourself “how often to I need to time an event?” I also assume you are carrying your cell phone as part of your EDC, this tells you the date and has an excellent timer, among many other functions.

In the day of being glued to our phones for personal or business purposes, for me a watch is merely to serve as my trusted time keeper and gives me a smile when I see that sweeping seconds hand as everyone migrated to smart watches. It’s an art worth preserving!


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[Meyrin]

Submariner.

[Meyrin]

Originally Posted by antbkny

Sub because I use the bezel to time things and the glidelock is a God send.

I also use the bezel several times a day for timing all sorts of things. I would sorely miss it on the Explorer. I just wish I could have the glidelock and a functioning lume on my old Sub...

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by antbkny

Sub because I use the bezel to time things and the glidelock is a God send.

Agree!

[mountainjogger]

Except for changing it to a sub no date. I don't need the date. And it looks better and gets better gas millage.

[Kevain]

Explorer. I always kid myself into believing I will time things with the bezel on my divers, but either I set the bezel and forget I did, or I forget to set the bezel. Plenty of timers with alarms around.

Don’t get me wrong, I love dive watches, but for every day I prefer a smooth bezel.

[TheWatchmen]

Both will serve you well as an everyday timepiece, but the Exp nudges over the Sub as a true GADA watch IMO. I personally had a Sub, and sold it as I really never used the timing bezel - it's just flat out easier to use my phone for that. I did like having a date function, but again my phone is always handy and I just don't really "need" it. IMO, I would go with the piece that is:

1) More comfortable on your wrist (biggest factor above everything else for me).
2) Which LOOKS better, aesthetically speaking. Which one, when you look at it first thing in the morning makes you go "Yes. I love putting this thing on." the most?

Frankly, Rolex (along with any mechanical watch in 2020 - that right, Happy New Year!), are more functional jewelry rather tools, thus whichever is more comfy and pretty will be your answer.