Which Explorer?

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by ~Ocho1~

dude, to be honest, I really like my 36mm 124270

I am a 6'4' guy with an almost 8" wrist. I was worried that it would be too small, but it really wears great. So much so that it made me turn down a DJ41 I had been after because now I prefer the 36mm

Attachment 1481634

I'm sorry to say but the watch looks small on your wrist, I understand the charm of 36 but I do not think that it fits all wrists equally good the same goes for 40

[gmtyacht]

Get a Tudor Ranger. Its 39mm and has a T-fit clasp.

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by iberjan

I've been meaning to add an Explorer (I) to my collection for a while now and am about ready to pull the trigger on a new one from my AD.

However, I am having doubts as to whether to get the current 40mm version or the previous 39mm (Mk 2).

For a 5'10" guy with a 7" wrist, which one would you all recommend? The 214270 Mk2 or the 224270?

Lug to lug distance on the 40mm is actually smaller than the 39, the watch is also thinner, while the dial is bigger. So it might wear smaller than the 39, in all cases you have to try and take few pics to see for your self what looks best on your wrist.

[~Ocho1~]

Originally Posted by iberjan

Wow, I was not expecting this kind of response in such a long time! Thank you all for your feedback.

I have tried on the 36mm in the past, solicited feedback and been told that it looks "dainty" on me. Maybe it's that although I'm of average size, I'm kinda serious and the smaller watch doesn't match my personality. Or maybe it's that I tend to wear watches that are around the 38 - 42mm mark, typically. Not sure. This is why I discounted the 36mm as an option.

Haha, trust me, no one is more serious than me. My closet is all black shirts, with some grey & maybe one or two dark blues to liven things up, lol.

I really went through a hell of a time trying to decide, because, like you I usually wear that 40-42mm, with he exception of my BB58 which is 38mm. I have a similar thread to this one from last year when I was trying to make my decision.

The 1st time I tried on a 36mm Explorer at an AD it felt like I was wearing a kids watch! After much debate I came to the same decision you have, I'm going to bite the bullet & buy a 36mm & wear it for a while, if I don't like it I can always sell it & buy a 39 or 40. Well, that little watch has quickly become one of my favorites & probably gets the most wrist time next to my GMT Master.

[thughes]

Originally Posted by mini sub

The '36' would be my choice, I was in my local the other week and they had a 40 available and to be honest it just looked too big, not on the wrist but in general proportions. Its not what the Explorer was intended to be but just Rolex trying to please those who are fat in the wrist and small in the groin ��

I believe that comment was the inspiration for the line "It's better to remain silent and be thought a boor, than to open your mouth and prove it"

[goldboy]

Originally Posted by iberjan

The matte dial is one of the bigger things drawing me to the 39. It's just more low key and fitting for a watch of that caliber. Sorry, had to...

Same here, I see the matte dial as a big positive. A nice change away from all the other glossy black dials in the Rolex sport lineup. It's definitely more "exclusive"

[Davidt]

I haven’t tried the 40 but the proportions of the 39mm 214270 are just wrong. I loved the watch in pictures and initially I loved it on my wrist. I had it for several years and I tried and tried to love it but it always felt too big. There is too much dial with too much blank space and it looks huge. The lug/bracelet proportions are also off which makes the bracelet look too thin and the head look even bigger.

I’m 6’1” with a 7.75” wrist.

I like the 36mm 114270. With no bezel and a relatively large dial it wears pretty much perfect for me.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by iberjan

The matte dial is one of the bigger things drawing me to the 39. It's just more low key and fitting for a watch of that caliber. Sorry, had to...

Yeah I agree. The current range of Explorer 1s would benefit from having matte dials. I find matte dials to be more aesthetically appealing than gloss.

[Brny11]

36 is small. Some can pull it off. I can’t. I’d go 40. Wears nicely.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by gmtyacht

Get a Tudor Ranger. Its 39mm and has a T-fit clasp.

Or the Heritage Ranger, which is 41mm and looks more like the OG 1950s Explorers with the all-brushed case and bracelet, straight endlinks and lug holes.

[iberjan]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Or the Heritage Ranger, which is 41mm and looks more like the OG 1950s Explorers with the all-brushed case and bracelet, straight endlinks and lug holes.

I've considered the Ranger, but Tudors have been hit or miss for me. Mostly miss, unfortunately. I've owned the BB Pro, BB GMT, BB Chrono and BB54. Only the 54 is still in my collection, the others were too thick/lopsided, even if they wore decently on my wrist.

[iberjan]

Originally Posted by Davidt

I haven’t tried the 40 but the proportions of the 39mm 214270 are just wrong. I loved the watch in pictures and initially I loved it on my wrist. I had it for several years and I tried and tried to love it but it always felt too big. There is too much dial with too much blank space and it looks huge. The lug/bracelet proportions are also off which makes the bracelet look too thin and the head look even bigger.

I’m 6’1” with a 7.75” wrist.

I like the 36mm 114270. With no bezel and a relatively large dial it wears pretty much perfect for me.

Interesting. Thank you.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by iberjan

I've considered the Ranger, but Tudors have been hit or miss for me. Mostly miss, unfortunately. I've owned the BB Pro, BB GMT, BB Chrono and BB54. Only the 54 is still in my collection, the others were too thick/lopsided, even if they wore decently on my wrist.

Heritage Ranger is quite slim (ETA movt) at just under 12mm including domed crystal, so might be worth a try. Discontinued in 2020 but you can still find NOS. Had mine since 2014 and it's still running great.