Rolex Explorer 1 vs Tudor Black Bay GMT

[rtr77]

I am looking to buy a new watch, but am a bit stuck between the Rolex Explorer 1 and the Tudor Black Bay GMT. I love the history, versatility, and simplicity of the Explorer, but love the GMT functionality and attractive price point of the Tudor. My current collection includes a Black Bay Black and a two tone Datejust.

[MSchu]

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

[Dan Pierce]

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

[Art 1]

I would say the Tudor. I had an ex 1 and liked it. But that Tudor is so much more as Dan said.

[bremersm]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Come on man. The Explorer 1 was first and foremost a beater watch.

If this was my choice and I was adding a watch to the collection BB GMT. If I was a one watch guy Exp 1.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Yes they are ... I’ll take that as a compliment

[kits73]

I would get the Explorer.

[gh0stleader]

As a Tudor GMT owner, get the Rolex.

There's a dreaded date wheel issue that hasn't been resolved yet.

Check out this forum and WUS for people discussing it. Some have sent it in multiple times to be repaired and the problem still persists.

[ltmgeller]

Have you tried them both on? They are very different. The GMT is great but significantly bigger than the explorer. Good luck and happy hunting.

[Juan Luis]

Explorer 1 is much more comfortable.

[Claven2]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

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.

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

Here's your answer and I own both.

[Vamp]

No comparison on quality. The Explorer is a much better watch imo. Those Tudors are bricks on your wrist

[s46]

BB GMT hands down

[Phooi]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

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.

Those are the best arguments for choosing either watch.

I have a BB GMT myself. I have not encountered the date issue yet but only got mine in Feb. I don’t think much of the value retention issue since I don’t sell my watches. I do believe that the BB GMT is an exceptional value for the price.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by MSchu

Ex1... come on man.
Tudors are for banging around

Ignore this dedicated troll. I 100% prefer my Bb58 to my SubC.

Personally I’d go explorer if forced between your options as the GMT was too thick for me. Since you own a BB black, this will likely not be an issue for you and the GMT offers much more. In your case I’d recommend it over Exp1.

[zoenatenich]

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.

Good analogy, Claven2. My vote is on the Explorer 1 too.

[Dan Pierce]

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.

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

[carl5]

Explorer 1 is sure better.

[GONZO2LR]

get the one that makes you smile...they both are great watches....me Explor

[Jster]

I'm not much of a Tudor guy but I'll admit the GMT is attractive. However, get the Explorer. It's so much nicer in my opinion.

[kieselguhr]

I would pick the Tudor BB GMT any day over the explorer 1.

The thickness is a non issue and at 41mm the watch is just the right size for my wrist. It has added functionality of a rotating bezel that allows it to be used as a simple countdown or count up timer in addition to the third time one.

The explorer is poorly named as it’s only function is timekeeping and very basic at that as it lacks any form of numeric intervals on the minute track. The BB GMT would make a much better exploration watch

[Rori]

This. also looks way more attractive.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Rolex EX1: tells time.

Tudor BB GMT: tells time, offers 2nd time zone, date, and rotating bezel used as a simple timer.

BB GMT, all day, everyday.
dP

[watchmework]

Exp1 for me

[thejl]

I tried on the gmt and found it to be too thick and
the bezel difficult to grip. I haven't tried on the
Exp 1 but from most accounts, it's supposed to be
thinner and more comfortable. Depending on how
it wears on my wrist, it may become my next purchase.

[Bluside]

It's hard to really compare these 2 watches. They are just so different and each has their own qualities.

There....you need both.

[B2 Stealth]

Love my Tudor GMT! Get more compliments on it than any other watch I own! My Rolex DSDB dwarfs my Tudor GMT. My wife wears a Tudor Ranger and she weighs 120lbs. You can pull it off. Love the GMT function, the color, the versatility, the old school charm.

[GGGMT]

X1 dude!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pradeepraavi]

I don't even know why it's called explorer to begin with. Get the BB.

[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.