Explorer 1 as a Dress Watch

[XplusYplusZ]

I’m consolidating my collection a little, as I don’t use my JLC dress watch nearly as much as I was hoping I would (Too dressy for work, and invites to the Met Gala have dried up). A Speedy FOIS also got less wrist time than I’d imagined.

So I’m looking for something which can be worn casually, whilst travelling, to the office where there are a few watch enthusiasts, and can be dressed up with a smart strap for weddings and black ties. I also do a bit of hiking, camping and fishing but not sure I’d use it in that scenario. I hope it would become my daily wear - which is currently shared between Tudor GMT and an IWC mkXVIII heritage.

Do you think the explorer 1 214270 can pass as a dress watch? I’d likely buy a nice black alligator strap.

Does anyone have photos of one dressed up?

What alternatives do you think I should consider - particularly playing the dual roles of casual and dressy.

Cheers.

[JR16]

I don’t think any SS Rolex can be called a “dress watch”, but certainly most SS Rolex can be “dressed up” and worn to the office or a wedding - i certainly have. It’s 2020 so the concept of offending people by wearing a sports watch w a suit doesn’t hold any longer . The explorer is a great GADA watch that i have thoroughly enjoyed!


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[subprimero]

I think it would work, but a Datejust or Oyster Perpetual would probably be better for you.

[BillA]

You own it, right? You can call it sporty or dressy, whatever you want to call it.

[Mamame]

114270 is a good choice

[JDR888]

100% it can.

The 214270 covers all bases for everyday, anywhere, anytime wearability.

I'm business shirt every day with work and the 214270 slides under the cuff with ease.........

[Stud Screw]

Generally speaking, the classic definition of a dress watch is slim, often solid gold with a white dial and black hands. No seconds hand (although a small seconds is fine). Leather strap. Think Calatrava. Rolex are not dress watches, unless we are talking about the Cellini line.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Stud Screw

Generally speaking, the classic definition of a dress watch is slim, often solid gold with a white dial and black hands. No seconds hand (although a small seconds is fine). Leather strap. Think Calatrava. Rolex are not dress watches, unless we are talking about the Cellini line.

That’s the traditional WIS position, I agree

These days, with the dress down, wear anything you want, anywhere, the watch on your wrist is about the last part of the wardrobe people are concerned with

[1William]

There is a Rolex add that shows SS watches being worn with formal attire. I think it works and there are no rules today. Do as you please. Most others do.

[StillTrying]

Sounds like you should go with an Oyster Perpetual or Explorer 1. I wanted something that could be a little more dressed up than my sub c, so I went for an explorer 1 (214270). An Oyster P are dressier and you have choice of size and dial color, but if you are going to take hiking/camping I suggest the Explorer 1.


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[GST15]

I think YM 40 Rhodium can work as sport and dress watch

[polaris72]

No a dress watch, though versatile enough to cover lot of occasions. explorer could be for everything except a dress watch as you have JLC (assume Reverso), you would be all set.

If you want one watch only, DJ36 or DJ41 would fit the bill better. But then again, you have other watches too...

[HKBC]

Certainly not.

[DG123]

It's a no.

[007_Omega]

It can be worn with anything. It's not a dress watch in the truest sense but it's one of the most versatile watches ever made.

[Aircraftman]

I wear business suits at work a lot, or did before the pandemic ��

And my Explorer 1 is my watch of choice. While clearly it is not a “dress watch”, it works very well for me. It fits under my shirt sleeve perfectly and is clearly not a “dive watch” which I prefer not to use while wearing a suit.

However at the end of the day it’s what makes you feel comfortable. My boss wears a 44 mm Breitling with his business suits and seems to have no problems pulling it off

[TimeOnHand]

Works with everything...

[iTreelex]

You're going to need curved spring bars to fit any kind of strap on the 214270 unless the strap ends are really thin. Best leave it on the bracelet and worry less about lofty dress ideals.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by XplusYplusZ

I’m consolidating my collection a little, as I don’t use my JLC dress watch nearly as much as I was hoping I would (Too dressy for work, and invites to the Met Gala have dried up). A Speedy FOIS also got less wrist time than I’d imagined.

So I’m looking for something which can be worn casually, whilst travelling, to the office where there are a few watch enthusiasts, and can be dressed up with a smart strap for weddings and black ties. I also do a bit of hiking, camping and fishing but not sure I’d use it in that scenario. I hope it would become my daily wear - which is currently shared between Tudor GMT and an IWC mkXVIII heritage.

Do you think the explorer 1 214270 can pass as a dress watch? I’d likely buy a nice black alligator strap.

Does anyone have photos of one dressed up?

What alternatives do you think I should consider - particularly playing the dual roles of casual and dressy.

Cheers.

Trying to unpack OP's post. Right off the bat he says he already owns a JLC but it is "too dressy" for his office. So my first question would be - do you even really need a dress watch? I understand you also mention weddings and black ties, but - how often do you actually find yourself in those situations? A couple of times a year?

From what you've said it sounds like the Explorer would cover you in virtually 99% of the scenarios you encounter. For that remaining 1%, I honestly would just consider getting a nice Seiko Presage. That's exactly the direction I've been moving recently - I love classic dress watches but I find it really hard to justify spending multiple thousands on something I'm hardly ever going to wear. One exception might be the Reverso, which I think straddles the line between casual and dress exceptionally well.

[timemaestro]

It's a yes. While on that why not try an Oyster.

[Sjmoore11]

While I know it isn’t technically a dress watch, I think my 1016 can do in a pinch on a nice leather strap.


I think you’ll be fine in almost all “dressyish” occasions. It will certainly be a lot better than a chunky dive watch.

[mnf67]

I'm the General Counsel of a real estate company based in LA, and before that was a litigator at a large regional law firm. My Explorer 1 (14270) is absolutely dressy enough for any business occasion when I wear a suit and tie, whether it be court, an important client meeting, or a board meeting. While I might wear a more traditional "dress watch" on the very rare occasions that I wear a tux, I think the Explorer I is absolutely suitable for anything but black tie, and even then no one would notice if you wore it.

[campfire]

Sure why not. If your JLC is too dressy for office, then it would seem you don't need/prefer a classically defined dress watch. Personally, I would wear any Rolex in the office (if I did go into an office).

That said, you might want to also consider an OP or DJ (dome/oyster) as those might work (even better perhaps).

And just me personally, I wouldn't put any of those in a strap. Just not my thing. But obviously a lot of folks do, so go for it if you like the look.

Hope this helps.

[mgsooner]

I don't think comparing any prior Explorer reference to the 214270 is valid in this regard. A 1016 or a 14270 on a leather strap with a suit is perfect. I've worn my 214270 with a suit and it works ok, but it definitely is not the classic "dress watch" look. And I agree that I wouldn't wear my 214270 on a leather strap.

[Mifune]

get a Jubilee bracelet and it will become fancy... and beautiful

[vint0]

It will definitely be okay as a dress watch.

[Yuri.Popov]

Explorer is nice, dress up or down in my opinion.

[2nastie]

The modern Explorer is the best balance. It can be dressed up or dressed down. Probably the most functional and aesthetically neutral Rolex sports watch. I rotate mine with my GMT.

None of this nonsense. It's 2020, almost any watch is suitable for any occasion.

[214270Explorer]

Of course it can be a perfect dress watch. Why the he!! not !!!

[iliketime]

explorer 1 is a very versatile watch, hence its enduring popularity. perfect for suit and tie or jeans and t.