Rolex Explorer 1 vs Tudor Black Bay GMT

[nick800]

Explorer by a mile. I have both.

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by MickCollins1916

I’ve owned two BB GMTs (the first, I foolishly sold, the second, acquired after missing the first). Both have functioned perfectly. Love the functionality and the aluminum bezel insert. Great value for the price.

I own the Explorer 214270 as well. As others have pointed out, two very different watches, so I wouldn’t recommend comparing them to each other directly, but for my purposes, I compare them to my own requirements for what enjoy when wearing a watch.

If I had to keep one, it would be the Explorer, due to it being supremely comfortable and (in my opinion) light on the wrist, low-key appearance and thin case profile, great lume, beautiful simplicity, etc. I very much enjoy that watch.

I really like both watches, however, and hope not to have to choose between them at any point.

I also own both and concur with above points.

The Tudor is a great looking timepiece, offers great value and the added complications make it highly useful. It is a tad chunky and whilst this isn’t much of an issue for me, if you have a smaller wrist (<7”) or wearing suit and shirt everyday it may be a little annoying. The date wheel issue hasn’t occurred on mine (purchased Oct 19) but this might be a consideration for you if going used.

The Explorer 214270 is equally pleasing on the eye, super comfortable (thanks to EasyLink) and very versatile. The quality is a level above the Tudor. Some might say a tad plain, but this is also one of the main selling points - it flies under the radar, performs flawlessly and can be relied on without any worries no matter the circumstances.

I would note that with the size and complications on offer from the BB GMT id say the Explorer 2 - 216570 is a better comparison for you...

Good luck in your search here’s a couple of photos of mine which might give you a good comparison...

[Robf52]

Exp 1. A very classy, timeless timepiece; very comfortable on the wrist and beautiful to look at. Love it.

[samson66]

Definitely black bay. Explorer is a boring watch IMO.

[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

[MichaelT123]

Explorer

[AJMarcus]

Seriously?. Explorer. It’s a Rolex and iconic. Tudor GMT is a novelty in comparison

[rtr77]

Thanks for the input all, I think at this point I am leaning towards the Explorer! Hope that all are in good health.

[DDDan]

Another tip of the hat for the BB GMT here. I’ve got a later run, haven’t had an issue with the date so far. I also have an Explorer II 216570 Polar, and think it’s a better comparison. I find the ExpI nice as a similar homage to what Hillary wore climbing Everest, but it’s a tad featureless.

[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.

[B2 Stealth]

Sacrilegious to say but I prefer my Tudor BB GMT over my new Rolex Batman--the colors, the size, the bracelet..............

[FQ01]

Explorer I by a mile... Comfort wise, value wise, quality wise Exp I easily beats BB GMT.

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[VegasMilgauss]

Get the Rolex.

[pedersenkl]

Originally Posted by B2 Stealth

Sacrilegious to say but I prefer my Tudor BB GMT over my new Rolex Batman--the colors, the size, the bracelet..............

Interesting. I am looking at both. My only fear with the Tudor is the thickness. I haven’t been able to try it on yet, so anecdotal conversation and photos from others is helpful.

[Yess]

Originally Posted by vegasmilgauss

get the rolex.

+1

[FQ01]

Originally Posted by VegasMilgauss

Get the Rolex.

Haha, "when in doubt - get the Rolex!". "Get the Rolex" part should be said in a "show me the money" manner!


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[Tan]

Explorer 1

[Mjack1]

Both watches are worth having but for me the EX1 comes first.

[timlaw]

I have the bbgmt and love it but explorer 1 all day long on that choice

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[Heimdall]

Explorer! A classic.

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by B2 Stealth

Sacrilegious to say but I prefer my Tudor BB GMT over my new Rolex Batman--the colors, the size, the bracelet..............

I can't say I like it better, but I wear my Tudor GMT way more than my new BLRO.

[AJMarcus]

Discount didn’t last long at all. Very odd indeed

[Gui Gui]

I don't understand posters who proclaim one is so much better than the other, or you HAVE to get x over y when they're both clearly great watches and possibly the best buys within their segments.

I'm not a fan of the two tone Datejust, so I would be inclined to sell that and have the Explorer 1 as my daily wearer, however if you intend to keep th DJ as your dressyish daily, then I would add the GMT and sell the BB. This would make a great two watch collection in my opinion.

[franktehtank]

I vote explorer 1.

What else do you have in your collection, though? Oh, who am I kidding. It doesn't matter. My vote stays Explorer 1.

[P7M8]

Originally Posted by Bluside

I can't say I like it better, but I wear my Tudor GMT way more than my new BLRO.

I was looking for another watch to add in rotation with my Batman and was thinking of a black bay in red or blue or the Tudor GMT on the fabric strap. I love the flat Pepsi colors, the fabric strap and date. I was thinking it was redundant but seems like such a different watch. Decisions!

[danwang0520]

if you really want GMT functionality, you really ought to get the Rolex GMT-Master......I would stay off from Tudor BB GMT because of the date wheel issue

I also think that datejust and explorer I are similar watches, so I still recommend gmt-master to go along with your present collection

[Onikage]

No disrespect to the Tudor the Explorer is hard to beat. Explorer = probably the ultimate SS wristwatch.

[Ihatecheese]

V diff watches. I don't own the BB but seems a handsome watch if not a bit chunky
They are both very different styles with different features. Bb is near half the price. So definitely worth investigating if you may enjoy equally!!

[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!


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