Help Choosing a Rolex Explorer

[SherryHenderson]

I just love the new Rolex Explorer that was released, which got me looking at pre-owned models. Especially since it will be nearly impossible to get one of the new models.

I am looking at all the watches on this site and wanted to get a few opinions. Do you think it would be better to pick an older vintage model or one of the newer ones? Is there any benefit to one versus the other?

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by SherryHenderson

I just love the new Rolex Explorer that was released, which got me looking at pre-owned models. Especially since it will be nearly impossible to get one of the new models.

I am looking at all the watches on this site and wanted to get a few opinions. Do you think it would be better to pick an older vintage model or one of the newer ones? Is there any benefit to one versus the other?

If you wrist is over 5.687 inches, get the 40mm ……………. the benefit being it’s 40mm.

[SS Oyster]

I think the 39mm MkII with lumed hands will be very much like the 40mm, so if you want one soon, they are available and not much over retail.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Get a brand new or lightly worn 36mm Explorer 1, the perfect size and scale for all but the most freakishly large wrists. The 39mm and 40mm are simply reflecting the recent fashion of larger watches. The 36mm is classic Explorer and classic Rolex. Coco Chanel said, “Fashion changes but style never changes.” The 36mm Explorer 1 is pure timeless style.

[Tahitianmoon23]

The 36mm Explorer is classic and the perfect size. I owned a 39mm 214270, loved it at first then realized too much space on the dial and couldn't unsee it.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Tahitianmoon23

The 36mm Explorer is classic and the perfect size. I owned a 39mm 214270, loved it at first then realized too much space on the dial and couldn't unsee it.

One might find the 36mm too be too cluttered and busy

[jimwheeler]

Another vote for the 36mm. Own a 124270 and it has taken all the wrist time away from my submariner.

[White Collar Boy]

If you like the new 40mm Explorer 1, getting the older 39mm would avoid any potential issues with the current 32XX movements.

Our resident forum RSC watchmaker Bas recently said he thinks every 32XX in its current state will eventually have a time-keeping problem because of low amplitude that needs fixing: https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...postcount=3638

Great choice with the Explorer. My favourites are the older 36mm ones as well as the five-digit Explorer 2s, but they all look so good.

[Mountain]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Get a brand new or lightly worn 36mm Explorer 1, the perfect size and scale for all but the most freakishly large wrists. The 39mm and 40mm are simply reflecting the recent fashion of larger watches. The 36mm is classic Explorer and classic Rolex. Coco Chanel said, “Fashion changes but style never changes.” The 36mm Explorer 1 is pure timeless style.

Couldn’t agree more!