Explorer 39mm or submariner ND

[kier333]

Originally Posted by RollieVerde

Are you a diver? Get the sub. If not, get the explorer.

I'm neither a diver, or an explorer so where does that leave me.

I'm an electrical engineer and work in the construction industry building railways!

[bgbg13]

flying under the radar...that is never a sub. You can spot those from a mile away, and even people who don't know watches see a sub and know it's a Rolex. There is no mistaking that bezel with that bracelet. You will see them everywhere, i can take a good guess that you've never seen another exp in the wild and not many people even know you have on a Rolex when you're wearing it or have made a comment to you about it. I've had both, everyone noticed and commented on my 16610(all good comments, but still comments none the less) not one word from anyone on my explorer unless I'm close to someone hanging out and they get a good look at it they have noticed. I've got the..." That's a Rolex??" comment on my exp..but it has always been followed by.."that's a clean looking watch, I didn't know they made them that look like that". Keep the exp if your trying to stay off the radar. The sub gets looks, and rightfully so, isn't that why you are going after it? You're giving up a updated/better bracelet & clasp, more robust movement, better lume and cash for.....looks is my guess... You are not alone as you can see, most on here prefer the sub, it's a very very popular watch, and it's mostly because people love the look of it, the greatness of the sub is just added bonus to it's beauty. It's the most copied watch design for a reason, people love that look and anyone can notice it.
Other thing the 39mm exp 214270 has that 1460 doesn't is paraflex shock absorber and blue hairspring... not sure, but with you working on railways the antimagnetic and shock absorbers in exp may benefit you

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[kier333]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

flying under the radar...that is never a sub. You can spot those from a mile away, and even people who don't know watches see a sub and know it's a Rolex. There is no mistaking that bezel with that bracelet. You will see them everywhere, i can take a good guess that you've never seen another exp in the wild and not many people even know you have on a Rolex when you're wearing it or have made a comment to you about it. I've had both, everyone noticed and commented on my 16610(all good comments, but still comments none the less) not one word from anyone on my explorer unless I'm close to someone hanging out and they get a good look at it they have noticed. I've got the..." That's a Rolex??" comment on my exp..but it has always been followed by.."that's a clean looking watch, I didn't know they made them that look like that". Keep the exp if your trying to stay off the radar. The sub gets looks, and rightfully so, isn't that why you are going after it? You're giving up a updated/better bracelet & clasp, more robust movement, better lume and cash for.....looks is my guess... You are not alone as you can see, most on here prefer the sub, it's a very very popular watch, and it's mostly because people love the look of it, the greatness of the sub is just added bonus to it's beauty. It's the most copied watch design for a reason, people love that look and anyone can notice it.
Other thing the 39mm exp 214270 has that 1460 doesn't is paraflex shock absorber and blue hairspring... not sure, but with you working on railways the antimagnetic and shock absorbers in exp may benefit you

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I understand the random serial number sub NB comes with the paraflex shock and blue hairspring, is this correct?

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by kier333

What the value of a 2011 full set 14060 - I value it around £4000, I value my explorer around £3500 2011 full set.

Would you agree?

Hi Kier,
I love the Sub and own one. However, 4000£ is a bit steep for a mint set.
I bought mine 4 months ago in mint condition (2012 G-Serial) and payed 3100£.
Similar can be found here in the For Sale section

Good luck with the hunt.
Definitely one of the most comfortable watches in my line-up

[RollieVerde]

Originally Posted by kier333

I'm neither a diver, or an explorer so where does that leave me.

I'm an electrical engineer and work in the construction industry building railways!

Milgauss. That's your watch. Seriously, I think the Explorer would make more sense, or even an Air-King. Light, tough and beautiful time pieces. Also less money than a sub. And thanks for your work, I love trains.

[bgbg13]

Originally Posted by kier333

I understand the random serial number sub NB comes with the paraflex shock and blue hairspring, is this correct?

I am not completely sure, but I didn't think the blue parachrom hairspring was introduced on the subs until the ceramic came out, I could be wrong though. As far as the paraflex shock absorber, I don't think the subs have it. It is not mentioned on their website but there seems to be a big deal about it being mentioned on their site for the 214270 explorer 1.

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[kier333]

Originally Posted by bgbg13

I am not completely sure, but I didn't think the blue parachrom hairspring was introduced on the subs until the ceramic came out, I could be wrong though. As far as the paraflex shock absorber, I don't think the subs have it. It is not mentioned on their website but there seems to be a big deal about it being mentioned on their site for the 214270 explorer 1.

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Can anyone confirm?

[kier333]

I have just been offered another option. My 2010 explorer 39mm and a bnib sub ND ceramic model plus £1200, or continue with the 2011 sub ND 14060m.

What's the best deal?

[jshepard]

I chose the Explorer over the Sub. I was gonna go with the Sub as a next purchase, but I went with a GMT... I always look to the Sub as a next purchase but I always find something I think is more interesting. I don't think I could ever give up my Explorer for a Sub... It seems way more interesting to me. Maybe someday I'll save up for a Sub, an older model with patina just to spice up the look.

To the OP, if you find the sub a more interesting watch then go for it, the explorer 2nd hand is cheaper anyway, it should be easier to go back if you wanted to.

[amvd]

sub for me

[BlackBay1]

Have you actually seen the watches side by side and tried them on to see how they feel? If you haven't and are unsure I would hang fire until you do so, they'll always be another deal.

[kier333]

Well I am please to say I am now the owner of one of the last random serial number 14060m.

I went to the store undecided, I compared my explorer 39mm, the ceramic sub ND and the 14060m, basically there really was no competion, the classic sub ND was miles ahead in everything for me. The ceramic sub just looked way to large and square, I used to love my explorer 39mm but beside the 14060m it looked huge also.

I can now totally understand why there is so much love for the tradition older style Rolex watches, they are amazing and so unique, I really find it amazing that the design for my new watch basically dates back 50 odd years.

I am no watch enthusiast at all, but my observation is this, Rolex have taken a big step back in the more recent modern design, I'm 39 years old and to be honest if even if the ceramic sub has been offered to me at half the price of the 14060m I would still would not have wanted it.

I am totally over joyed with my new watch, I cannot stop looking at the thing!

[Mike_Templar]

People think the sub is a dress watch because it looks so darn good and James Bond did it.
You are not James Bond. The Sub is not a dress watch. It is not a "one watch."
That said, it gets pressed into service as a "one watch" solution very often - I have done this.
I now wear an explorer 39mm every day and it is truly a work and casual watch.

My opinion is this: If you want a casual watch that is under radar, get the explorer.

Here's my twist: If you get a sub, get the date. Oh yes, get the date model.

Otherwise, the Explorer wins hand down. Now, if a Dweller is an option - all bets off.

[mfer]

You also have what is called Rolexitus.

Constant quick trading and flipping is usually a deterrent to the ultimate cure, more Rolex in the nightstand.

It is hard to ever be completely happy once you get one, you'll always want another, and possible another, etc.

Take your time and be sure what you want to do. It will likely save you money in the long run.

[herbalt]

Bracelet on the 39mm Expy is much better than the 14060. Maybe not a dealbreaker, but I have a hard time going back to the old style bracelets now.

[BlackBay1]

Originally Posted by kier333

Well I am please to say I am now the owner of one of the last random serial number 14060m.

I went to the store undecided, I compared my explorer 39mm, the ceramic sub ND and the 14060m, basically there really was no competion, the classic sub ND was miles ahead in everything for me. The ceramic sub just looked way to large and square, I used to love my explorer 39mm but beside the 14060m it looked huge also.

I can now totally understand why there is so much love for the tradition older style Rolex watches, they are amazing and so unique, I really find it amazing that the design for my new watch basically dates back 50 odd years.

I am no watch enthusiast at all, but my observation is this, Rolex have taken a big step back in the more recent modern design, I'm 39 years old and to be honest if even if the ceramic sub has been offered to me at half the price of the 14060m I would still would not have wanted it.

I am totally over joyed with my new watch, I cannot stop looking at the thing!

Good to know you saw them all together in order to make your decision, I think you made the right one.

Wear it in good health.

[kier333]

Originally Posted by herbalt

Bracelet on the 39mm Expy is much better than the 14060. Maybe not a dealbreaker, but I have a hard time going back to the old style bracelets now.

I have to agree the new bracelet is lovely, but I am kinda liking the old style one at the moment, I really like how light it feels compared to my exp 39mm bracelet. I have to say though the old one looks like something you would get out of a Christmas cracker!

[Jack T]

Glad you went with the Sub; it saves the Explorer from the shame, humiliation and degradation of having it's polished SS case brushed by some aftermarketeer. I'm afraid it would be shunned when in the company of other Explorer I's.
Enjoy your 14060, to me it is the best iteration of the Submariners.

[tomchicago]

either way you win ! both excellent pieces

[SALTY]

Both are great timepieces indeed. In fact the newer 39mm Explorer I and the 14060 are two of my daily driver favorites; sadly however, I traded the 14060M I had and still pine for an Explorer I 39mm.

[soundserious]

Oh, Sub of course.

Why are the hands on the 39mm exp so...ineffectual??

[Classon]

Sub. Just bought an explorer and sold it and got a sub date. glad I did

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Mike_Templar

My opinion is this: If you want a casual watch that is under radar, get the explorer.

I really don't believe there is a Rolex that will fly under the radar. I bought my OP no date and people keep commenting on it. It should fly under the radar but it doesn't. The Explorer is a great watch as are all the subs in all their various forms. I'm less wild about the Exp II; it just doesn't do it for me although it should.

Really subs are what Rolex is known for but the Exp 1 will still carry the Coronet on it and will be ID'd as a Rolex by anyone looking at your watch.

They are both great watches. I yesterday picked up a sub no date.

[matbaj]

Get the 114060 ceramic sub, the new upgraded bracelet with glidelock is perfect and equivalent to the price tag plus sub has more presence on the wrist and will hold value better.

[Boothroyd]

Glad it worked out for the OP. Enjoy that new watch!

[kier333]

Originally Posted by matbaj

Get the 114060 ceramic sub, the new upgraded bracelet with glidelock is perfect and equivalent to the price tag plus sub has more presence on the wrist and will hold value better.

Sorry but I have to disagree. The ceramic sub ND was awful, the case was square, it looked over sized and chunky but not in a nice way. I agree the bracelet is a 100% improvement, however the old style bracket is nice and light and does what it's functioned to do, keep the watch strapped to your wrist.

As I stated earlier I tried on both and went with the 14060m so based on what I felt was the right watch for me, other may prefer the ceramic sub ND but not me. I would not have taken the ceramic sub ND even if it had been half the price, I did did not feel it had any improvement over the older model, in fact apart from the bracelet I felt it was a step backwards for Rolex.

[kier333]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I really don't believe there is a Rolex that will fly under the radar. I bought my OP no date and people keep commenting on it. It should fly under the radar but it doesn't. The Explorer is a great watch as are all the subs in all their various forms. I'm less wild about the Exp II; it just doesn't do it for me although it should.

Really subs are what Rolex is known for but the Exp 1 will still carry the Coronet on it and will be ID'd as a Rolex by anyone looking at your watch.

They are both great watches. I yesterday picked up a sub no date.

I have so far had the following.

Tag heuer
Omega
IWC
Panerai
Date just
Explorer 2 40mm
GMT master
Explorer 1 39mm

I now have the 14060m sub ND and I have to say it's by far the best of all the watches I have owned, both in style and comfort. I agree the bracelet looks cheap and nasty, but I also feel it works and has done for a number of years. I guess if I had the option to keep the watch as it is and change for the new bracelet and clasp I would, but I am not sure it would feel quite right.

I really do think the 114060 is a great watch.

[Pete26]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

There is no definitive answer to this because we all have different values and taste.

I value discretion above all else and I wanted a brilliant watch that I could wear all the time and I did not want anyone else to notice it.

I therefore bought a 39mm Explorer1. It is a wonderfully discrete watch and it is for me at least, a watch that I will wear on the day that I die.

A Sub on the other hand screams ROLEX and that alone will mean that I will never wear one. Having said that, a Sub is the watch that some of you chaps would sell your wife for, so it is in all honesty, horses for courses.

Only the OP can decide on this one.

Regards

Mick

I hope you meant till the day you die

[CWIN]

If I could only have one, that I'd choose the Sub. If it's possible to wait, I'd save and have both.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by kier333

Can anyone confirm?

Not all G serials have the parachrom blue hairspring, but it appears all Random serials do, even though both were sold concurrently around 2010-2011. Hope that makes sense.