Exp 36 or 40 - Opinion Needed

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by Pius XIII

Between the 36 and 40, I think the 40 looks great on your wrist but if you find the dial a bit boring or underwhelming I would probably consider a different model. Maybe a Datejust 41?

I think I'm chasing and most likely need to pause and let the watch come to me. Otherwise I'll likely make a poor decision.

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

OP, because you have a fit, thin, and athletic build the 36mm is going to accentuate that. So the 36mm looks great on you.

A 40mm works on a hefty, less defined, wrist and forearm as it covers up some of that.

Good insights!

[WatchTimes]

Just got the 36 14270 today.
It's a 2000 and pretty sure its never been worn.
I have 6.8 in wrists and most of my watches are around 40 mm but I wanted the classic look the Exp is known for. It's not sized yet but Ive had it on about an hour and am glad I went 36. Here is a lousy pic I just snapped

[Pekket]

36 all day every day. If you need a bigger no date watch, I’d go with the Sub.

[hartsy]

Try and do whatever sings to you more. You will notice a lot of enthusiasts gravitate to the "classic" 36mm size. Do not let that sway your opinion. Which do you like more? I am not bashing the 36, its a beautiful watch. However, so is the 40. It seems to catch some hate on here for the size. Its an excellent watch. You could rock either.

[Ny325]

36mm.

[Tallbark]

I bought the 36 with all the arguments regarding history, 36 being a mens size some decades ago etc. The thing is - you can build your universe around these history-inputs and be happy. My not so watch interested family and friends - different story. Too small, why are you wearing that instead of your other watches. I can live with that, but these illustrates two different perspectives.

If I choose a watch for my own personal style - not the 36. As a watch-entusiast-thing - sure.

[GoingPlaces]

36, it's the classic size and looks right.

[orangespicy]

Honestly both look like they could work on your wrist.. But you have the wrist size to support a larger watch so I would so 40mm is the slight winner. Coming from the GMT, 36m may be quite underwhelming, but it'll provide a much different feel/aesthetic (which is the point, lol).

[John Doyle]

36 for sure - can't beat the classic!

[racerx]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

Just got the 36 14270 today.
It's a 2000 and pretty sure its never been worn.
I have 6.8 in wrists and most of my watches are around 40 mm but I wanted the classic look the Exp is known for. It's not sized yet but Ive had it on about an hour and am glad I went 36. Here is a lousy pic I just snapped

Perfect!,

[Pw92676]

I’d choose 40. If you initially found the 36 to be small, you may always feel that way.

[kip595]

I'd be in the 40mm camp, but I have a strong preference for 38-40mm cases on round timepieces as a whole, even for formal wear.

[donv]

I own and wear a 36. I think it's the perfect size, but then I'm probably a bit unusual in this forum in that I don't really like big, heavy, clunky watches.

[exp90]

I know a few have mentioned the 39mm 214270 - but honestly, have you had a good look at it as an option? I know its not fresh from the AD, but its slightly smaller than the 40mm, with a different dial that makes use of the negative space. Worth a look.

[Ny325]

Originally Posted by donv

I own and wear a 36. I think it's the perfect size, but then I'm probably a bit unusual in this forum in that I don't really like big, heavy, clunky watches.

Agree!

My 7 1/2 inch wrist prefer 36mm-40mm watches.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Nads786

I think I'm chasing and most likely need to pause and let the watch come to me. Otherwise I'll likely make a poor decision.

If you choose the 40 over the 36, you WILL make a poor decision. The 36 is the classic size for the Explorer, and has a much more balanced appearance. It just looks better, on everyone.

Kat


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[hartsy]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

If you choose the 40 over the 36, you WILL make a poor decision. The 36 is the classic size for the Explorer, and has a much more balanced appearance. It just looks better, on everyone.

I respectfully disagree - thats a strong way to put it. 95% of the people out there cant spot the difference between the 36 v 40 on a larger wrist that supports the 40 case size. I never got the "proportions" argument.

[JSCP]

I wear all sizes. But this model in 40mm better imho

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by hartsy

I respectfully disagree - thats a strong way to put it. 95% of the people out there cant spot the difference between the 36 v 40 on a larger wrist that supports the 40 case size. I never got the "proportions" argument.

If a big guy has a very large wrist, maybe 8 1/2 inches, he should probably get the 40. For me, it’s a no brainer. Having seen both and tried them both on, I did note an aesthetic difference. The 36’s dial has a more appealing look. It is better balanced, because it has less empty real estate. This is only my own opinion, and yes I do have strong ones. Sorry, if that offends you. Cheers!

Kat


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[WatchTimes]

OK its been a few days now since I got the 36
As I said 40 is usually my sweet spot, I have a older 36 mm DJ which I NEVER wear as it feels too light and looks small so that's why I had such a hard time deciding what size to get the Exp in well I have to tell you I love the 36 mm Exp (14270) it just is comfortable, easy to read and is about the perfect watch for anything. If you have wrists bigger the 7.5 in I understand going 40 but if you have smaller wrists give the 36 a shot!
If I could only have one and it had to be a SS watch Id have a hard time deciding between a ND sub or the 36 mm Exp

[Lu..]

as a new owner of the 40mm.....the only advice I can give to the OP is go to the AD and wear both......yes, the 36mm is the classic size, but for me, the 40mm is perfect (7.25" wrist)....keep in mind that the size descriptions are deceptive....dimensionally they are smaller, so keep that in mind.....good luck with your choice....

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Nads786

I’m really considering the 36 explorer 1 and went and tried it on today. It felt a little bit smaller than I realized in person but I feel like the pictures make it look good.

When I tried it against the Air King which was available as a proxy for the 40 Exp1 the decision became even harder.

My daily right now is a BLNR so my thought is the 36 would be a good compliment to it.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

40. All day every day.

The first picture is more representative of how it actually wears on you, and in that picture (seeing as you asked), its too small IMO.

From memory the current 36mm Exp is more like 35mm

The Air King looks great on you.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

If you choose the 40 over the 36, you WILL make a poor decision. The 36 is the classic size for the Explorer, and has a much more balanced appearance. It just looks better, on everyone.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

36 yes, but the current smaller explorer is nearer 35mm. As for balance, they're pretty much the same Kat, one is just larger overall.

Originally Posted by hartsy

I respectfully disagree - thats a strong way to put it. 95% of the people out there cant spot the difference between the 36 v 40 on a larger wrist that supports the 40 case size. I never got the "proportions" argument.

Agreed

If you downsize the 40mm to the same size as the 36 in image editing software, the proportions are pretty much identical. Dial proportionality is almost the same too, as the 40 has larger text, hour markers and hands.

The whole "theres too much unused space on the 40's dial" doesn't really stack up because proportionally its almost identical to the 36.

Its just larger overall.

In isolation, on a plain background it would be extremely difficult to tell them apart

[RRGHOST1]

40

[t65tampa]

My wrists are just under 7". I like the look of the 40 mm Explorer over the 36 mm on my wrist. Interestingly, I like the way a 36 mm Day-Date looks on my wrist over the 40 mm Day-Date.

Try both on and don't over think things. Get what you think looks best and you'll be more likely to be happier with your purchase.

[rohada]

This may have already been mentioned, but for me, overall body build is also important, including height. I'm 6'3", 200 lbs in good shape. I owned a TT Explorer 36 and loved it. However, my wife (and I) felt the watch looked too small on me after owning it for several months, though my wrists are 7.25". Currently, my smallest watch is 40mm. These considerations are not important to everyone, but they were for me and my wife who has to watch me wear them. Again, not everyone will consider this point important and that's fine, too. Just wanted share an additional viewpoint from first hand experience.

The only important decision here is the one you make. You did mention that initially you thought the 36 was too small IIRC. Another poster felt you would always think that and I tend to agree with that sentiment. But, it could always grow on you.

The Explorer series is iconic. I wish you well.

[CanadaDan]

I purchased the 40mm, the 36 just feels way under sized. Wrist for refrence is 6.5" maybe a tidbit larger. I think it looks and feels great! My 41mm Op definitely wears a smidgen larger, for those wondering. The Explorer does wear nicer! Image with the long sleeven is the 36mm. I know these type of photos can be deceiving but when in the flesh it's a no Brainer.

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[majidessa]

Both 36mm & 40mm are great it just comes down to personal preference, some purists will always say 36mm because this is how they preceive this watch should be based on history.
The sub which is the most iconic watch was orginally a 39mm then 40mm and now 41mm, but majority seems happy with current iteration for being better proportioned than previous gen despite being larger.

I opted for 40mm Explorer because the 36mm looks too small on my 7 inch wrist especially the bracelet which I was not comfortable with, the 40mm on the other hand, wears smaller than the previous 39mm generation and the dial is only 2.5mm bigger than the current 36mm. On top of that, the case thickness and the bracelet are better proportioned than the 36mm. Also the new texting, by placing the explorer wording on the top looks better and less crowded on the larger dial.

In the end my advice would be to buy what you like and you are comfortable with and not what others think, it is your money, your watch.

[exp90]

I've 6.5" wrists with reasonable definition on my arms - having now had the chance to try 36 and 40 back to back, the 36mm is my preference. Thats to say, just this watch, not across the board - IMO 36mm, suits this watch best.