124270 vs. 14270

[Richie07]

I prefer the older. The classic slimmer oyster case. I like the more proportional font size in relation to the dial. As an added bonus. The 14270 (early versions) have drilled lugs which I think are as much a part of Rolex as the fluted bezel, cyclops etc etc (I regret that only GS and not Rolex still keeps that going on sports)

[Richie07]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Love the side-by-side. One looks like a watch with a bracelet attached, the other looks like a bracelet with a watch attached. New version definitely gives the impression of wearing larger, though I think it's due more to the tapering of the lugs than that of the bracelet.

That said. I didn’t like the extreme bracelet tapering of the newer version but it now kinda reminds me of a classic taper such as you’ve would’ve found on a 1500 or 1501 so I’ve warmed to it! Either way, no real wrong choice on a Exp1

[Andrejb]

Just posted this on another thread:




So I was able to get the 124270 from AD after humming and hawing over a 114270 for years.

I didn’t end up keeping it, and ended up buying a 114270 instead and here’s why.

The 19mm lugs on the 124270 kinda bugged me. I get what they were trying to do with proportions, but IMO an explorer begs to be put on a NATO on some occasions, it’s definitely in my eyes the most “tool” inspired watch in the lineup, and wears so well on other straps. That being said 19mm isn’t the most universal size when it comes to strap options. Also the 19mm lugs with a dramatic taper down the bracelet made the watch feel quite dainty.

Another reason is that for the last 10 years I’ve associated 36mm with 2 things, Vintage/neo vintage Rolex sport models and modern classic models like the Datejust or OP. I felt like a modern 36mm explorer was a modern watch trying to be something it wasn’t (if that makes sense, and please note these are just my opinions)

To me the 114270 has much more character, the 20mm lugs actually makes it feel more substantial on my 7” wrist. Don’t get me wrong the 124270 is an incredible watch! Just didn’t hit the button for me.


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[jakjuventus]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

Just posted this on another thread:




So I was able to get the 124270 from AD after humming and hawing over a 114270 for years.

I didn’t end up keeping it, and ended up buying a 114270 instead and here’s why.

The 19mm lugs on the 124270 kinda bugged me. I get what they were trying to do with proportions, but IMO an explorer begs to be put on a NATO on some occasions, it’s definitely in my eyes the most “tool” inspired watch in the lineup, and wears so well on other straps. That being said 19mm isn’t the most universal size when it comes to strap options. Also the 19mm lugs with a dramatic taper down the bracelet made the watch feel quite dainty.

Another reason is that for the last 10 years I’ve associated 36mm with 2 things, Vintage/neo vintage Rolex sport models and modern classic models like the Datejust or OP. I felt like a modern 36mm explorer was a modern watch trying to be something it wasn’t (if that makes sense, and please note these are just my opinions)

To me the 114270 has much more character, the 20mm lugs actually makes it feel more substantial on my 7” wrist. Don’t get me wrong the 124270 is an incredible watch! Just didn’t hit the button for me.


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Wow that’s fast…

I get ur point since I already own and will keep both.
Each has their own uniqueness it is like film camera vs digital camera for me.


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[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by jakjuventus

Wow that’s fast…

I get ur point since I already own and will keep both.
Each has their own uniqueness it is like film camera vs digital camera for me.


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Great analogy


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[Juggernaut]

Yes, thanks...I don’t think the curvature of the case sides are that different.

[matthew P]

great photos JAK.... thanks for the effort from those of us still waiting to try one on wrist.
love the way the new explorer looks. wish I could just try one in person and "know" if I want to replace my MKII or not.

[sparky]

Bought my P serial numbered 14270 in 2001, at list, for $2825.00. Adjusted for inflation this would be $4296.27. Today's Rolex U.S. list is $6450.00. The new one is 50% better than the old one, after adjusted for inflation.

[gnuyork]

To me, the new one looks better in every way (especially the taper) with the small exception of the dial 3/6/9 size... I prefer the old one, but not a deal breaker. The new one is a bit "in your face."

Now if they would do a printed 3/6/9 like the 1016, I wouldn't be able to contain myself.

[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by jakjuventus

Here you go

Comparison shots between Explorer 114270 (V Serial Year 2010) vs 124270 (Year 2021)










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Hey, @jakjuventus...I love the sound of the old 3130 movement, is the new 3230 movement just as loud when you put your ear to the caseback?

[jakjuventus]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

Hey, @jakjuventus...I love the sound of the old 3130 movement, is the new 3230 movement just as loud when you put your ear to the caseback?

As I remember I thinks it s very similar.
The new one might be a little quieter.


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[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by jakjuventus

As I remember I thinks it s very similar.
The new one might be a little quieter.


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Thanks...that’s kind of what I expected and was a bit afraid of...but it also depends on when each was last serviced. Correct me if I’m wrong, but a movement that were just serviced (ie. those in a new watch) run quieter than a movement that is coming up on needing service since the lack of lubrication makes them a bit louder.

[jakjuventus]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

Thanks...that’s kind of what I expected and was a bit afraid of...but it also depends on when each was last serviced. Correct me if I’m wrong, but a movement that were just serviced (ie. those in a new watch) run quieter than a movement that is coming up on needing service since the lack of lubrication makes them a bit louder.

My 114270 just came out from RSC for overhaul service last two week.
Newly serviced run -2 seconds/day... Before that it run +4 seconds/day.

But now both are in the safe, I'm still honeymooning with the BB 925

[subtona]

Thanks for the side by side. Not sure if it is due to your superior photography skills and lighting but the coated crystal vs original don’t seem to show any difference?

Originally Posted by jakjuventus

Here you go

Comparison shots between Explorer 114270 (V Serial Year 2010) vs 124270 (Year 2021)




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Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Even if “no one asked”

You are allowed to state your opinion
Not a fan of the explorers in general but I do agree and like the spacing and dimensions of 214270 as a sport watch better

Op,
The newer model will have solid end links, solid links throughout the bracelet, a superior clasp, and modern indices

Agree with you about opinions as well as members choice to ask in an active thread rather than google something.

I have heard many reference the modern clasp as superior. I question that claim after using the older style clasps for so long without issue. The modern clasp uses moving parts and springs and welds that can break. I know there is not a high incidence of these breaking but from a perspective of durability, the older may not be as pretty but they work well.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by watchmavan

Better than both. 214270
214270 is an entirely different watch. after a while I found the proportions unappealing and sold mine.

Originally Posted by Robine

Found it - 20mm (tapering to 15.5mm) for 14270
19mm tapering down to 14mm on new one

I wonder whether these "wears like a Cartier Tank" comments also apply to period five-digit Datejusts (same case dimensions); I have never read them in that context, so maybe its a bit of HodinkeeMonochromewatches blub being reiterated.

It would be challenging to find anything that wears like a postage stamp Cartier tank. There is zero curve to the Cartier, there is no latitude for a too a big tank on one’s wrist, the lugs would float off your wrist.

As far as lug width, having the width at 20 just makes it easier to swap straps. 19 can be a pia

Originally Posted by Brich436

Pictures do not do it justice.... the more I wear it the more I like it. They resigned it from the ground up - it’s not a re-release of a 14270.

Mine is running at +0.5s a day.


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The only thing that comes to mind that is as similar to the original 114270 vs 124270 would be the AP JUMBO. The explorer is extremely similar to the original. This is a good thing as the original was a proportionally perfect watch like many of the Rolex 4&5 digit references.

The larger 214270 39mm size is by comparison very different proportions and is what I would consider “redesigned from the ground up”

One of things I appreciate most about the 5 digit references are the smaller more modest fonts and indices, the modern versions have crowded dials by comparison. The only thing that would be an improvement for me are larger hands but that commonly seems to be too little or too much to be an improvement.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jakjuventus

Since I own both 114270 and 124270, guess I could share some feeling on both.

I find them to wear somewhat differently to the eye and how I feel on the wrist. Comfort and lightness you have to give it to 114270.

For 124270 I feels it is more secure and balance to the wrist. Especially for smaller wrist size (6inch below), now I can have the clasp on the center of my wrist.

After I wore 124270 for 2 weeks and getting back to 114270, first thing I find is that it really does look a bit dated. The new Explorer look more refine, the bracelet and the case connect together flawlessly. Rolex really did a great job it redesign this Explorer in 36mm again.

But I would say 114270 design does age beautifully either, it give me a softer and warmer tone every time I look at.

For the dial, it is like 4K on 124270 and 720p on 114270 but only when you put it side by side. The under glass AR coating really make it look clearer.

I won't sell either of them. Both are very similar but they cant replace each other.






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Excellent post Thank you

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Richie07

I prefer the older. The classic slimmer oyster case. I like the more proportional font size in relation to the dial. As an added bonus. The 14270 (early versions) have drilled lugs which I think are as much a part of Rolex as the fluted bezel, cyclops etc etc (I regret that only GS and not Rolex still keeps that going on sports)

There is nothing better than drilled lug holes

For the record the nautilus has lug holes

Would make swapping straps so much easier

[Vesper Lynd]

Honestly, I wouldn't know which one to choose.

[tarmatimes]

124270 easy!

[Nkun]

At this point its hard to choose