214270 vs 114300 - Incoming & Follow Up Thread (Long read!)

[nighthawk77]

Yesterday I got the call from my AD an Explorer 214270 was in stock and available for me. Headed over in the afternoon and picked it up.

A couple of months back, I’d made a post titled ‘Is my OP doomed?’ (https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=702052). In summary, I’d mentioned trying a 214270 and being struck with how much I liked it. I wondered if this meant the end for my Oyster Perpetual 39mm 114300 in white, which I perceived as being too similar. There were some great comments, ideas and suggestions and I thought that a follow up to that thread may be useful. Equally, with a little extra time on my hands this week, I thought a comparison might be useful for anyone who may find themselves in a similar position to me, ie. considering either of these pieces.



1) Case, Crystal, Movement, WR, Crown, Complications & Bracelet

I’ve grouped these categories together as both models are exactly the same in respect of these elements. Both models feature a 39mm Oyster case constructed from a single block of Oystersteel with a sapphire crystal. Both models make use of the 3132 movement with Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, 48 hour power reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification. Both have a screw down twin lock crown which helps the watch achieve 100m water resistance. Both watches are a time only, 3 handed model. Finally, both watches use an Oyster, flat three-piece link bracelet - this is the most comfortable bracelet I have come across on a watch and is my favourite.



2) Dial

The Explorer features a black dial, though this is a subdued black when compared to other models in the lineup such as the Submariner. Probably the most iconic feature of the Explorer is the applied arabic numerals for the 3, 6 & 9 markers. The 12 o’clock position features an applied arrow marker, and the remaining hour markers are applied baton indices. Finally, a Mercedes style handset is provided for the Explorer. All dial indices, along with the hour, minute and second hands are provided in white gold and filled with, or at least feature, Chromalight display with a long-lasting blue luminescence. Printed on the dial is the Rolex logo, and five lines of text.

The OP features a white dial - though simply describing it as ‘white’ is a little misleading and unfair. The finish on the dial allows the colour to change from a brilliant white, to silver or cream depending on the lighting conditions and this is a stand out feature of the watch for many. The baton indices are applied for the 1-11 o’clock markers and are filled with luminescent material. The 12 o’clock position is identified with a solid Rolex coronet. The handset is a simple yet elegant baton style with lume on the hour and minute hands. I understand that this is not the same Chromalight material used in the Explorer - the OP has a green glow, whereas Chromalight glows blue. Printed on the dial is 4 lines of text.

For me, the Explorer takes the win when it comes to the dial. The 3, 6, 9 design is iconic, as are the Mercedes style handset. The lume is also superior, and the busier dial gives the model a sportier aesthetic. The OP does have some magic when it comes to the white dial, but for me this is the best and worst feature of the watch. While I love the white, some of the cream tones are less favourable for me. The applied coronet logo at 12 o’clock is a very nice detail and the dial is undoubtedly much cleaner and more conservative, which may be to the preference of many looking for a more formal or classical looking timepiece.



3) Clasp

The Explorer features a Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link. The clasp is secure, well made and the Easylink provides on the go adjustment if the bracelet becomes a little tight due to wrist swelling. The clasp has a welded Rolex coronet logo affixed to the folding section.

The OP features an Oysterclasp with an engraved Rolex coronet logo. This is a well made clasp, which is easy to operate on its hinge and beak system and suits the simplicity of the watch perfectly.

On paper, the clasp is superior on the Explorer in every aspect, but thats not to say the clasp on the OP is not a good one. I thoroughly enjoy using and wearing the OP clasp - it is easier to use, just as comfortable and the engraved logo is just as nice a detail in comparison to the affixed logo on the Explorer. Unless you truly are using your watch during sporting activities then I do not have any doubts that the OP clasp is secure enough for day to day use.

Where Rolex missed a trick for me is the inclusion of an Easylink in the clasp for the OP. For many, this is not an issue, but I use the Easylink on a daily basis, and usually several times a day. I was able to source an Easylink to add to my OP through a kind TRF member, but for me this should be included by Rolex from the get go. To add insult to injury, Rolex will no longer permit AD’s to order and install this part as an upgrade for those who are struggling finding the perfect fit.

One quirk I have found with regards to the clasps is that the Explorer clasp is slightly longer than that on my OP by a few millimetres. By sheer coincidence, this allows me to have a more comfortable fit on my wrist with the Easylink closed.



4) Bezel

One of the biggest differences between the models is the bezel. Both constructed in solid Oystersteel, the Explorer features a flat bezel whereas the OP features a rounded bezel.

There is no one ‘better’ option between the two, and the bezels are well suited for their respective models. The flatter bezel on the Explorer is more prominent/noticeable which to me gives a sporty aesthetic. The bezel on the OP disappears into the watch allowing for a cleaner look.

I have heard people stating the bezel on the Explorer is a scratch magnet - I cannot verify this due to my limited ownership, but I might add that the bezel on my OP has picked up a minor scratch so it is not exempt from this. I do think however the curvature of the bezel on the OP may assist in any scratches being more difficult to spot.

As a side note and to hopefully expand on the above, I find that the white DJ with a smooth bezel gives a glimpse of how the OP might look if it were to have an Explorer style flat/smooth bezel.



5) Versatility

Both timepieces are equally qualified to be used from beach to boardroom, with the Explorer tops for ’sportiness’ and the OP tops for ‘formalness’.

On one hand the added Easylink allows for adjustment if you are travelling to or live in a warmer climate where your wrist size may be changeable. On the other hand the Explorer only comes in a 39mm black dial, whereas the OP is available in several different colours and sizes to suit style and wrist size. I obviously chose the white dial, but a closer comparison may be the OP black dial which has a beautiful sunburst finish.

Similar to above, for me there is no ‘better’ option when it comes to versatility and each watch has their purpose depending on the requirements of the wearer.

6) Allure

Ive often seen folk credit the Explorer as the watch which was worn to scale Everest in 1953, and whilst the Explorer was definitely born from the Everest expeditions it was not specifically an Explorer model worn by Sir Edmind Hillary or Tenzing Norgay during their summit. In fact, it was an Oyster Perpetual model which was worn. Rolex used the research gained from the expedition to create the Explorer line and this was launched shortly after in the years following. Nevertheless, the watch is still heavily associated with those Everest expeditions and is rightly so seen as a robust and capable classic timepiece.

The Oyster watch is credited, or at least acclaimed by Rolex, to be the first waterproof watch in the world. The Oyster evolved into the Oyster Perpetual when a self winding ‘Perpetual’ rotor was introduced. The watch prominently featured on the wrists of Mercedes Gleitze when she swam the English Channel in 1927, and Sir Malcom Campbell during the 1920’s and 30’s where he broke the land speed record nine times. The OP is without a doubt a classic in the Rolex lineup with roots reaching back almost 100 years in the history of the brand. Its origins can be traced back to almost the beginning of the Rolex story, and the words ‘Oyster Perpetual’ are proudly featured on almost all of the current Rolex catalogue.

I think it is fair to say that in years gone by the OP with it’s classical styling and looks would’ve been the most popular choice. In today’s climate, the current trend is towards Sports models and therefore the Explorer is likely the more popular of the two. This isn’t to say things will forever remain this way, and it’s not entirely unfeasible that with the current shortage of sports models, a shift back to the classical and more available pieces might happen.

7) Availability and Price

In the UK, the Explorer is currently £5,000 versus the OP in 39mm which is currently £4,350, both from an AD. The uplift in cost covers the upgraded clasp, Easylink and additions including numerals and lume to the dial. In my opinion, the cost difference at this level shouldn’t really be a factor to anyone considering these models as they are so close.

In terms of availability, I was able to pick up the OP out of the display back in August 2019. During recent visits to ADs I have come to learn that this model, along with the black and rhodium dial options, are now subject to wait lists similar to the sports models with some dealers now closing the wait lists due to these being over populated. During my acquisition of the Explorer, the AD noted my OP was the last white 39mm model they had in stock and some customers have been waiting several months for this to become available.

The Explorer I originally enquired about at a similar time to my post referenced above at the beginning of October, so the wait for me was around 2 months. That being said, the AD noted yesterday that I was third in line, and the two in front of me for this particular watch were unable to collect the watch on this occasion. Had either of the customers been available, my wait time would’ve been a little longer.

As a side note, because of it’s cost the OP is sometimes unfairly tagged as an ‘entry level’ Rolex and whilst factually true, I have often sensed a negative stigma towards the OP in this sense. The Explorer could equally be considered the ‘entry level’ Professional Sports model, but I don’t see how any new Rolex can be classed as an entry level timepiece considering the amount these watches cost, and the quality of alternative options out there at this price point.

8) Conclusions

Both are fantastic timepieces and whilst they share many things in common, they also have their differences. Both wear and perform fantastically and I don’t believe one model is ‘better’ than the other - they carry out their intended task with class and style. Both watches are equally comfortable, accurate and well made.

Unfortunately for me, they are not different enough to warrant both in a collection I am trying to keep streamlined. My preference is to lean towards the Explorer for its sportier looks which suits my style and personal preferences better.

In answer to my original question a couple of months back - is my OP doomed, I think the answer is yes.

Thanks for reading, would love to hear what you all think of these two!