Explorer 39 vs 40...anybody with a strong preference?

[MJ EXPLORER]

I am a long time Explorer (and Explorer II) wearer....Hence my screen name. I am taking delivery of a new Explorer 40 tomorrow. I'm super excited of course. In watching videos comparing the two, they look so similiar that I can barely tell the difference. Hence my question, does anyone have a strong preference for one over the other? Please share thoughts and photos. Thanks!

[dmhines]

I have the 40mm .. Wider Bracelet and Clasp. Gloss Dial. Anti-Reflective Crystal. 70 Hour Reserve... however .. its actually still 39 mm ... Some people are annoyed by the Explorer wording moving to the top portion of the dial .. However . that goes back to the original Explorers placement so for nostalgia its the correct place for it.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by dmhines

I have the 40mm .. Wider Bracelet and Clasp. Gloss Dial. Anti-Reflective Crystal. 70 Hour Reserve... however .. its actually still 39 mm ... Some people are annoyed by the Explorer wording moving to the top portion of the dial .. However . that goes back to the original Explorers placement so for nostalgia its the correct place for it.

Really interesting about the EXPLORER text moving to the top of the dial to be more in line with the older Explorers. I also thought it brings it more in line with the EXPLORER II which is also at the top of the dial.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Note that the model name is at 12 o’clock on both.


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[nyc2la]

I have the 39mm, Mk 2. I prefer the matte dial as well as the 20mm lug width. I also like the “Explorer” text on the lower half of the dial; it balances it out nicely. And of course, the workhorse, the tried-and-true 3132 movement inside.

[TimeAZ]

I think the 39mm Explorer 214270 is the best iteration of the explorer in its entire production line history. Just my biased opinion.

[Ketler]

36, 39, 40...I really think it comes down to personal preference as they are all lovely watches...

I happen to have the 39mm version and it fits my 8 inch wrist like a glove...

In my 40 plus years of wearing a Rolex of one kind or another, it is without a doubt the most comfortable Rolex I have ever had.

And I prefer the placement of the text on this version...

I'm not sure why Rolex discontinued the 39mm version as it wears much more like a 40mm piece anyway in my opinion...

And the 3100 caliber movements have all stood the test of time (No pun intended)...


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[omar-rye]

I had the 39mm MK2, but I traded it in for another watch last year. If I get another Explorer in the future, I’d go for the 39mm again. I loved the matte dial and the Explorer text at 6 o’clock. Of course, I’d love to own a 1016 as well.

[cdmorenot]

I’ve had the 39mm and the 40mm. Currently own the 40mm.

As of a couple of weeks ago I would have been 39 leaning. I just couldn’t get the 40mm to fit right. That is until I added a Submariner half link.

In terms of fit, the 39mm is right out of the box. The thing just works. 40mm required a little patience and work but now that I’ve achieved the right fit, I couldn’t go back to a 39mm. I’ve been really enjoying the larger proportions.

[russeree]

39mm; thinner rehaut looks better.

[watchwatcher]

I don't have a strong preference, but I do like the wider bracelet of the 40. It's basically the same bracelet as the 12-series sub, which I really like, maybe my favorite of the 6 digit era.

By the way, congrats! I think you'll find it's a great watch.

[brandrea]

Congratulations in advance looking forward to hearing your thoughts

I like the gloss dial of the 40, so that’d be my preference

[BigWonton]

My friend has the older 39 and I recently acquired a 40. What drew me to the 40 was the gloss dial and the wider bracelet. I do like the location of the “Explorer” text on the 39.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I had the 39mm MK2, but I traded it in for another watch last year. If I get another Explorer in the future, I’d go for the 39mm again. I loved the matte dial and the Explorer text at 6 o’clock. Of course, I’d love to own a 1016 as well.

Awesome pic! A 1016 would be amazing. I stopped looking because they were so far outside of my budget, but they are amazing.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I don't have a strong preference, but I do like the wider bracelet of the 40. It's basically the same bracelet as the 12-series sub, which I really like, maybe my favorite of the 6 digit era.

By the way, congrats! I think you'll find it's a great watch.

I've had it for about 12 hours now....First thing that I noticed was the wider bracelet. I realize that's a negative for some, but I absolutely prefer it! Same with the matte (39) vs glossy (40) dial. Part of the reason I wanted to go with the 40 is my favorite pics are when the dial looks dark black. Combined with the AR coating, this deep black dial is amazing! Couldn't be happier!

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations in advance looking forward to hearing your thoughts

I like the gloss dial of the 40, so that’d be my preference

Thanks so much Brian! I have to take a day or two to let it sink it, but I definitely have thoughts. It also occured to me that in a hobby of millimeters (lug-to-lug, thickness, diameter, etc), there is no better topic of conversation than comparing two nearly identical (to the average person) watches, that to us are completely different!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Thanks so much Brian! I have to take a day or two to let it sink it, but I definitely have thoughts. It also occured to me that in a hobby of millimeters (lug-to-lug, thickness, diameter, etc), there is no better topic of conversation than comparing two nearly identical (to the average person) watches, that to us are completely different!

That’s exactly right … the minute details are what make this hobby so interesting


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[MJ EXPLORER]

A couple of quick unsized pics to get a look at the bracelet and dial.


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[WatchBum]

Go smaller even better, Go 36mm

[matthew P]

I own the MK II and the newest 36mm explorer.

On both new models I prefer the gloss black dial, the AR coating and longer Power reserve.
While I initially preferred the lower placement of the explorer text when I was wearing it the dial felt too bottom heavy visually. I now prefer the Explorer up top text.

When comparing the 39mm and 40 mm I prefer the longer skinnier hour hand on the 40mm with the longer tip as well.

Both wonderful watches but I prefer the changes on the new versions.

Enjoy yours.


..Explorer, Spring Diver & APRO..

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Awesome pic! A 1016 would be amazing. I stopped looking because they were so far outside of my budget, but they are amazing.

Thanks. I forgot to mention one thing I like more on the 40mm compared to the 39mm: the larger crown. I believe they used the crown from the 36mm pieces on the Explorer 39.

[omar-rye]

Check out the crown size difference



From left to right: 39,36, and 40

[t65tampa]

Have had 39 and 40 mm variants of the Explorer. Wonderful watch, comfortable, easily legible. Didn’t notice much of a difference between the two on the wrist.


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[Michael N Q8]

I have the 39 Mark II, and would still chose it over the 40...I prefer the matt dial and previous generation movement.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Michael N Q8

I have the 39 Mark II, and would still chose it over the 40...I prefer the matt dial and previous generation movement.

There's no wrong answer! All Explorers are amazing. I remember when the mk2 came out. I thought "this is the best watch ever made." Having said that, I still love the mk1. Speaking of, you rarely see mk1's anymore.

Nice that if you prefer matte or glossy they have you covered.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Check out the crown size difference



From left to right: 39,36, and 40

I absolutely love the larger crown on the 40 mm version. Though it looks tiny next to the crown on my Milgauss!




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[toomuchtalk]

Is this one

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Is this one

There it is! The mk1 looking good.

[subtona]

Had the 39 as well as 36.
The 39 dial departed from the balance. I believe the 40 recaptured a better balance to the dial.

[majidessa]

All Explorer I models 36, 39, and 40 are good looking watches, each model has its own strength and cons but they all share the same DNA and they are more alike than different.

As for Explorer I 40mm, I like the glossy dial better, it has more luxury look (39 mm matte is more toolish) and the big crown is a nice upgrade. Also, watch dimensions thickness, case, and bracelet are better proportioned. As for the Explorer wording, I think since the dail is bigger than the 39mm, placing it up will make the dial look busier rather than looking too plain and this is subjective.