After some advice on the Explorer

[twalt77]

Hello, I’m new to the forum so finding my bearings.

Previously owned a 2005 GMT and a 2015 Explorer 2 Polar. Sold them both to pay for a wedding but I’m back in the market.

I’m pretty near to pulling the trigger and ordering a 36mm Explorer (Oystersteel - Black Dial). But I actually think I would prefer if the face was white like my old Explorer 2 was.

My question is whether anyone has heard any rumours or if there is speculation whether a polar / white model would ever be released in the 36mm size?

Thanks,

Tim

[AF_Rob]

I haven't and I seriously doubt it would ever happen. Out of all the Explorer variants through its history, I know of 1 model that was white. I could be wrong. I wouldn't let this big maybe hold me back. If you want a white dial, go with an OP. It's pretty much the same watch.

[twalt77]

Thank you that’s fantastic advice ��

[CarlOver]

This is a great resource for the Explorer line.

https://youtu.be/lukpuN6CAWE

[BDII]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I haven't and I seriously doubt it would ever happen. Out of all the Explorer variants through its history, I know of 1 model that was white. I could be wrong. I wouldn't let this big maybe hold me back. If you want a white dial, go with an OP. It's pretty much the same watch.

This is right on.

I love my 124270, but if you are looking for a white dial the 36mm is a stone cold killer.

Not sure on Grey prices though…


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[Kevin of Larchmont]

After seventy years I don’t see any reason for them to try something new in 2022.

[telesquire]

36 OP with silver explorer dial maybe?


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[rootbeer7]

Your previous watches were 40mm, have you tried 36mm? I always find them a little underwhelming. As mentioned above, if white dial and 36mm is your wish then OP is virtually the same.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Your previous watches were 40mm, have you tried 36mm? I always find them a little underwhelming. As mentioned above, if white dial and 36mm is your wish then OP is virtually the same.

Exp II is a 42mm. Quite a beast next to a 36mm Explorer.


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[nwafboi]

Not exactly a professional model but you might want to consider model 114200 with white Arabic dial. Size is 34 so it might be too small for you. Also it is possible that Rolex releases a white explorer but I don’t think they are in a hurry.

[rcambrid]

White OP 114300…

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I haven't and I seriously doubt it would ever happen. Out of all the Explorer variants through its history, I know of 1 model that was white. I could be wrong. I wouldn't let this big maybe hold me back. If you want a white dial, go with an OP. It's pretty much the same watch.

I've yet to read the article, but the cover photo at least suggests that you are indeed correct:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ro...ference-points

As to the white dial OP, I'd say similar, but not quite. Current "12" series OP doesn't come in white, and the previous generation has a somewhat different shape to it.

The closest in terms of looks would be a 114200 (previous 34mm), which wears larger, and at one time came with the white 3-6-9 dial. This version could still be had as "Air King" as well, I think.

[WatchGuy1966]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

After seventy years I don’t see any reason for them to try something new in 2022.

But they did in 2021 with Rolesor.

I hope you are right about not trying anything new

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Exp II is a 42mm. Quite a beast next to a 36mm Explorer.


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I didn’t suggest the Explorer 2 for that reason.

[twalt77]

I’m overwhelmed, thank you al for this… so helpful and reassuring. I’m actually moving towards preferring the black after reading the hodinkee article.

I found my Explorer II a bit chunky and heavy tbh… loved it though. Got married in it then sold it to pay some of the bill haha!!

[twalt77]

My wrist is only 6.5cm so I think a 36mm will be better.

My dad has had a 36mm Datejust since the 80’s and he’s never looked back

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum Tim

[BlakeA]

There was a billboard not far from our house that showed “HELOC Your Wedding!”
(Home equity line of credit). I thought it was nuts to go into debt for a wedding. If my future wife suggested I sell a Rolex to pay for a wedding, I’d say “Excuse me?” however many times it took until she got the message. LOL

[twalt77]

LOL! Bar tab absolutely smashed me and someone drove into the marquee so I had to pay damages. Back in the game now though

[jets]

Originally Posted by twalt77

Hello, I’m new to the forum so finding my bearings.

Previously owned a 2005 GMT and a 2015 Explorer 2 Polar. Sold them both to pay for a wedding but I’m back in the market.

I’m pretty near to pulling the trigger and ordering a 36mm Explorer (Oystersteel - Black Dial). But I actually think I would prefer if the face was white like my old Explorer 2 was.

My question is whether anyone has heard any rumours or if there is speculation whether a polar / white model would ever be released in the 36mm size?

Thanks,

Tim

Highly doubtful.


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[twalt77]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome to the forum Tim

Thanks

[bmrk]

Originally Posted by rcambrid

white op 114300…

+1

[rmwill]

Consider the discontinued 16750 40MM Explorer II. It is 40mm but wears smaller because of the fixed bezel and slim case. A 36mm GMT movement will never happen because it would be a tiny niche. 16570s are quite cheap by Rolex standards right now.

I have a 16750 and the newest 226570 and they are both keepers, but very different watches.

Originally Posted by twalt77

My wrist is only 6.5cm so I think a 36mm will be better.

My dad has had a 36mm Datejust since the 80’s and he’s never looked back

[twalt77]

Originally Posted by rmwill

Consider the discontinued 16750 40MM Explorer II. It is 40mm but wears smaller because of the fixed bezel and slim case. A 36mm GMT movement will never happen because it would be a tiny niche. 16570s are quite cheap by Rolex standards right now.

I have a 16750 and the newest 226570 and they are both keepers, but very different watches.

That is a huge difference!! Thought they were the same size, thanks for sharing. I’m going to see my AD tomorrow. They told me 6 months to 2 years for an Explorer 1 36mm but I can try one on. They also said they have some other options. I do have my heart set on an Explorer 1 but if what you just showed me is anything to go by then maybe I should keep an open mind.

[twalt77]

Nice, hadn’t thought of that. Going to see my AD tomorrow… talking to the son of the guy my Dad bought his and my mum’s watches from. Interested to see what they come up with. Best guess… 6 to 12 month waitlist haha!

[wxflyer]

Originally Posted by twalt77

...My question is whether anyone has heard any rumours or if there is speculation whether a polar / white model would ever be released in the 36mm size?

Thanks,

Tim

I haven't heard that rumor, but I also was hoping Rolex would release an Explorer w/white dial. If you've seen the 'old' Air King with the 3/6/9 and white dial, you know what I'm talking about.

By the way, I quite like the 124273 on my 6.5" wrist.