Explorer 36 - Size

[Tallbark]

I really love the idea of an Explorer 36. I had the latest generation for a couple of weeks, but it felt too small. I think a lot had to to with the bracelet. The DJ 36 latest generation that I also had for a short while felt rather good on my wrist.

Comparing the new 36 with the previous generation - how do they compare? Would the 20 mm bracelet make the previous generation feel more substansial?

[KatGirl]

You answered your own question in your first paragraph. I have a 36 mm DJ, and have tried on and requested a 36 mm Explorer. They do fit a bit differently, because the lug widths and bracelets are different. For me, both are great, and I like that they are different. For a man, I can see that he might find the Explorer feels a bit feminine, with the narrower and more tapered bracelet. Perhaps consider the 40 mm Explorer, which should have a more substantial bracelet, though I haven’t experienced the fit and feel of the larger model. You haven’t mentioned how your wrist size factors into the equation. Other guys have had the exact same complaint, so you are not alone in your observation.

Kat


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[S.Explorer]

I had the previous gen 36 (114270) and wear the current gen 36 (124270) as a daily.

I like the squarer case, extra weight of the new bracelet (solid centre links) and the milled clasp blades. The 124270 feels better built, and it's also very comfortable due to the bracelet taper.

In reality, neither generation of Explorer will feel substantial compared to a Submariner or GMT, etc. if you are looking for heft.

[Bozzie1982]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

You answered your own question in your first paragraph. I have a 36 mm DJ, and have tried on and requested a 36 mm Explorer. They do fit a bit differently, because the lug widths and bracelets are different. For me, both are great, and I like that they are different. For a man, I can see that he might find the Explorer feels a bit feminine, with the narrower and more tapered bracelet. Perhaps consider the 40 mm Explorer, which should have a more substantial bracelet, though I haven’t experienced the fit and feel of the larger model. You haven’t mentioned how your wrist size factors into the equation. Other guys have had the exact same complaint, so you are not alone in your observation.

Kat


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Not really when he's asking for a comparison. He obviously hasn't had the new one in his hand and is asking for comparisons from those who have.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by Bozzie1982

Not really when he's asking for a comparison. He obviously hasn't had the new one in his hand and is asking for comparisons from those who have.

I think it’s the opposite. He had the current generation for “a couple weeks” but felt too small possibly due to the 19mm bracelet, and is asking if the previous generation 36mm wore larger due to a 20mm bracelet.

And imo, yes the previous 36 does wear larger and better to me because of the wider bracelet.


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[Bozzie1982]

Originally Posted by jb335

I think it’s the opposite. He had the current generation for “a couple weeks” but felt too small possibly due to the 19mm bracelet, and is asking if the previous generation 36mm wore larger due to a 20mm bracelet.

And imo, yes the previous 36 does wear larger and better to me because sure of the wider bracelet.


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Sorry, yes got that the wrong way around but still, asking for direct experience which you have 👍👍

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Bozzie1982

Not really when he's asking for a comparison. He obviously hasn't had the new one in his hand and is asking for comparisons from those who have.

I think you misread his post.

Kat


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[1259]

They feel the same size to me. I like the taper on the 12 better.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

114270 is my choice. Much more masculine in its stance. I couldn’t do the 19mm lug width.

[SAP7]

OP. Not sure what you are on about.

Can’t help. If you want a bigger watch, get one.

[SoylentGreenChi]

I have both and they wear quite differently on account of the dramatic bracelet taper of the newer model. The old reference is my preference, (I do not love the agressive bracelet taper of the new model) but the upgraded movement in the new model is nice. OP: yes, the older 36mm model feels more substantial.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Here’s the thing, a point I’ve tried to make on different threads regarding this general subject with apparently not much success. I own a number of watches from 36mm to 44mm, they all fit me well and comfortably in spite of their differences. Admittedly most of my watches are in to 40-44mm range but that is precisely what makes the latest iteration of the Explorer important to me. I don’t enjoy because it’s like my other watches, I enjoy it specifically because it’s different, narrow bracelet and all. When I hike in the hot weather or wear multiple layers in the cold weather or lift or throw the medicine ball at the gym I want something unobtrusive on my wrist. This is where the latest Explorer shines and why it’s an important watch, narrow bracelet and all, in my array.

[Calatrava r]

I think the new 36 Explorer is 19mm to 14mm. A lot of people think it does not have the wrist presence of the older model as a result.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I think the new 36 Explorer is 19mm to 14mm. A lot of people think it does not have the wrist presence of the older model as a result.

For me, the narrower bracelet and more extreme taper has the opposite effect, giving the watch head more wrist presence, not less.

Kat


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[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

For me, the narrower bracelet and more extreme taper has the opposite effect, giving the watch head more wrist presence, not less.

Kat


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This is precisely why I prefer the 116660 Deepsea.

[S.Explorer]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

For me, the narrower bracelet and more extreme taper has the opposite effect, giving the watch head more wrist presence, not less.

Kat


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I found this to be the same for me too. It's why I generally prefer modern Rolexes.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

This is precisely why I prefer the 116660 Deepsea.

Same can be said for the 114060

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Same can be said for the 114060

While the concept is the same I find the execution of the lug to bracelet transition on the 114060 to be more brutalist than the smaller lug shoulders on the latest Explorer and the 116660. The same is true between the 216570 and the 226570 Exp II, the wider bracelet on the 226570 results in narrower lugs at their transition to the bracelet. In fact I sold my Polar 216570 after I got my black 226570 because the 226 bracelet was more comfortable and I couldn’t unsee the 216 lugs. I acknowledge that it’s weird that I like the narrow bracelet to the big watch head on the Deepsea and disliked the narrow bracelet to the big watch head on the Polar but to my eye it comes down to comfort and the lugs.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

While the concept is the same I find the execution of the lug to bracelet transition on the 114060 to be more brutalist than the smaller lug shoulders on the latest Explorer and the 116660. The same is true between the 216570 and the 226570 Exp II, the wider bracelet on the 226570 results in narrower lugs at their transition to the bracelet. In fact I sold my Polar 216570 after I got my black 226570 because the 226 bracelet was more comfortable and I couldn’t unsee the 216 lugs. I acknowledge that it’s weird that I like the narrow bracelet to the big watch head on the Deepsea and disliked the narrow bracelet to the big watch head on the Polar but to my eye it comes down to comfort and the lugs.

I understand that Kevin.

I own both the 114060 and the 124060. IMHO the lug profile is overstated, but I understand why some may disagree.

The clasp on the other hand is noticeably better on the 114060 (at least to me)


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[OrangeDragon]

I have the following watches. I have 6.25" wrist so 36mm is an ideal watch size for me. I do not favor one over the other and they are all used based on what I am doing and outfit.

114270 Explorer
124270 Explorer
124273 Explorer
116200 DateJust 36
126200 DateJust 36

I like them all equally so the following are only pros to me, not cons.

114270 Explorer wears light and thin to me based on the bracelet and clasp. The watch feels slightly wider on my wrist than the 124270. The dial has a more classic look to it and more space between the indices and numbers. Because it is thinner and lighter i use this watch when motorcycling.

124270/124273 Explorers feel more substantial because of the bracelet and clasp. For me, the dial looks more masculine and filled out compared to the 114270. The space between the indices and numbers is less. The lumed 3, 6, and 9 also balances out the dial. I am fan of two tone watches and I think Rolex executes two tone exceptionally well compared to other brands.

116200 DateJust (arabic white dial) has the wider lugs and I guess this may be called a super case of sorts. IMO, this model has great wrist presence for me and is just as comfortable as my other watches. The 126200 has slimmer lugs and feels slightly smaller than the 116200, so the 116200 feels more substantial than the 126200.

126200 DateJust (stick blue dial) this watch feels more elegant and classic compared to the 116200.

So for me, I feel the 12470 and 12473 feels more substantial compared to the 114270 and the 116200 feels more substantial than the 126200.

[PepsiBezel]

IMG_5562.jpeg

OP — in my experience the 124270 wears “bolder” given the maxi-dial numerals and markers, the AR crystal, full lume, etc, and the more “lollipop” dimensions of the case/lugs/bracelet taper.

The 114270 wears more subtlety and more largely, as it is slightly less thick case, it is slightly wider, and has a wider bracelet (no lollipop), etc.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Here’s the thing, a point I’ve tried to make on different threads regarding this general subject with apparently not much success. I own a number of watches from 36mm to 44mm, they all fit me well and comfortably in spite of their differences. Admittedly most of my watches are in to 40-44mm range but that is precisely what makes the latest iteration of the Explorer important to me. I don’t enjoy because it’s like my other watches, I enjoy it specifically because it’s different, narrow bracelet and all. When I hike in the hot weather or wear multiple layers in the cold weather or lift or throw the medicine ball at the gym I want something unobtrusive on my wrist. This is where the latest Explorer shines and why it’s an important watch, narrow bracelet and all, in my array.

To piggy back off what you wrote - the best equipment and gear just disappears. You don’t even know you are wearing or using it. It becomes a part of you and requires no extra effort. Its effortless.

This is how the 124270 wears. Its effortless. Average to small sized wrist and it’s perfect. Shrek sized look at the 40mm model. The dial on the 36mm is the same size as all the other sport models (29.5mm) it’s just a smaller bezel and case. It harkens back to the pre 14270 models and I LOVE the vintage vibes.

In contrast my 154g SubC feels like a brick on wrist!




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[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I own both the 114060 and the 124060.


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Well played, Sir.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Well played, Sir.

Well I mean, one came from the TRF giveaway


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