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Old 12 April 2023, 06:01 AM   #1
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Explorer 36 vs 40 PHOTO comparison

I prefer the 36. Photo from Worn and Wound.

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Old 12 April 2023, 06:08 AM   #2
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It’s a better package in the 36.
The 40 might just appeal to bigger wrists. The dial space means it looks a bit less balanced.
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:19 AM   #3
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Damn that thing is huuuuuuuge! No thank you.
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:24 AM   #4
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The Air King is better than Explorer in 40mm with a busier dial and crown guards.
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:29 AM   #5
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Here’s the 36 next to the 39




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Old 12 April 2023, 06:33 AM   #6
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The 39mm <3
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:34 AM   #7
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The 40 is perfect for exploring vast expanses of nothingness
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:38 AM   #8
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Actually now I may have changed my opinion, which had been in favour of the 36 despite it's very narrow bracelet and slightly dainty case. The 40mm looks about right here, excited for an in person viewing.
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:47 AM   #9
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40 mm all the way .....for me 36mm always will be a woman size IMO
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Old 12 April 2023, 06:52 AM   #10
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36's wear too small on me. I can't tell with certainty from the pictures... are the 3,6,9 on the 40 larger than on the 36?
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Old 12 April 2023, 07:01 AM   #11
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Still prefer the 36mm. Suits my slim wrists, not a fan of the dinner plate look.
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Old 12 April 2023, 07:30 AM   #12
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I've had the 36 and 39. I prefer the 36.
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Old 12 April 2023, 07:35 AM   #13
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As a rugged field watch I prefer the smaller size, so it does not catch or snag on things like branches, rocks, vines and backpacks, etc. For its intended use the compact size is an advantage. For a pilot's watch I want big and then some to be able to read it at a glance with my hands on the controls. Design size has a purpose.
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Old 12 April 2023, 07:42 AM   #14
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If anyone else can’t see the photo in the first post above, you can find it here: https://wornandwound.com/the-rolex-e...new-40mm-case/


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Old 12 April 2023, 07:47 AM   #15
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Thanks for sharing these photos. 40mm looks brilliant and 36mm looks like a ladies' watch. No offense to the ladies, you are just as much admired ;)
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Old 12 April 2023, 07:49 AM   #16
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I prefer the 39. The 36 is a bit too small for my 7.25" wrist. I prefer the Explorer text on the bottom of the dial to match the other sports models as well. It looks too crowded on the top of the dial.
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:04 AM   #17
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I own the 39.
But at my height and weight, I want the 36.

Kinda nostalgic as well.

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Old 12 April 2023, 08:09 AM   #18
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40 mm.

If it were an older Explorer 36 with a wider bracelet, maybe I'd consider the smaller size.
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:14 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by time_and_cars View Post
40 mm all the way .....for me 36mm always will be a woman size IMO
Or significantly small wrists or those Explorer purists.
I generally agree 36 is too small for most men.
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:30 AM   #20
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The 40mm looks much better than the 36mm, but Rolex should have went to 42mm.

The ‘36 crowd would swear a 36.01246mm is a dinner plate, and will never accept anything else. A 42mm Explorer would have been in line with most other field watches.
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:34 AM   #21
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Man, the Explorer crowd is a tough crowd to please
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:37 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto View Post
40 mm.

If it were an older Explorer 36 with a wider bracelet, maybe I'd consider the smaller size.

x2
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:40 AM   #23
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The number of men here insecure in their watch size is hilarious. Preference for 40 or more is fine if that’s your thing, but the absolute conviction some have on what constitutes a men’s watch is curious. Fortunately, these comments can’t rewrite history. Many great men have worn a 36 over the past 75+ years.
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:45 AM   #24
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36mm crowd reminds me of those guys wearing a smedium suits and skin tight leggings/jeans 10 years ago. And they still want to make things smaller.

Anything to avoid picking up a barbell I guess
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:47 AM   #25
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36 for sure !


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Old 12 April 2023, 08:49 AM   #26
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liking the 40!
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Old 12 April 2023, 08:51 AM   #27
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Explorer 36 vs 40 PHOTO comparison

Quote:
Originally Posted by omar-rye View Post
Man, the Explorer crowd is a tough crowd to please

Lol I agree. Lots of very strong opinions. I have the 36mm 124270 and it’s pretty much taken all the wrist time from my submariner. Never had a watch I enjoyed more. But the 40mm prob looks better on other some peoples wrists. Just want to see lots of explorers out there of any size.


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Old 12 April 2023, 09:12 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DLRIDES View Post
The 40mm looks much better than the 36mm, but Rolex should have went to 42mm.


The 36mm looks outstanding. Whenever I see these side by side shots it reminds me why I sold the 39mm and bought the 36mm. The 36mm is just perfect.
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Old 12 April 2023, 09:16 AM   #29
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Hmm, I see a 40mm watch and a 35mm watch. Where is the Explorer 36?
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Old 12 April 2023, 09:47 AM   #30
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Quote:
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Hmm, I see a 40mm watch and a 35mm watch. Where is the Explorer 36?
Are you sure the Explorer 40 is 40mm or not 38.5mm-39mm?
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