Why buy a Sub (vs an Explorer)? Opinions wanted!

[Maiden]

I use the timing bezel all the time....

[Sub Capt.]

Originally Posted by Maiden

I use the timing bezel all the time....

I know a lot of people say this, but every time i do it proves impractical. If i am timing steaks on the grill or something in the oven i need an alarm to go off or i simply forget i am timing anything!

[Pw92676]

Buy what you like. Both are great watches and there’s absolutely no such thing as the ultimate sports watch.

[thesharpe]

Definitely buy what you like. However, for me the Rolex Sub is:

1. Iconic.
2. Can wear it with anything and everything.
3. Bezel for timer.
4. Glidelock.

For those reasons it’s the sub.

[nighthawk77]

I think these two watches can make a perfect two watch collection. The sub with added functionality of date and timing bezel is a great everyday piece. Explorer is a great casual alternative.

[AF_Rob]

I prefer the Sub only because I actually use the bezel on a daily basis. The Explorer is a great watch in it's own right.

[JRell]

I just like the ceramic black bezel more, depends what you like.

[Paulr1980]

Both is the answer...

I have to say that to justify the fact I have both...

[GradyPhilpott]

I have the 114270 and the 14060M and I love them both, but there's just something special about the 114270 that rings my bell more than any watch I own and I have a few.

[Lawlex]

OP, I can feel you. Explorer was my very first Rolex and sadly I didn't know the existence of 114060 prior to my purchase(never liked the date on Sub but no date however, is completely another story)! So when I got my explorer, I contemplated the idea many many times of what-if's. So eventually I went to a Jewellery shop and compared explorer with sub side by side.

To my taste, the elegance of explorer will suddenly appear and I have no regret ever since.



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[JRell]

Do you think they will ever update/remove the big 3, 6 and 9?

[ochozacho]

Originally Posted by JRell

Put them both on as well. I have both the 114060 and datejust 41. When I have the datejust on, I can’t wait to put the sub back on. Feels more substantial on the wrist, which I liked. The explorer I am sure wears more like the datejust. Always want both but would never choice the datejust over the sub.

I have all 3 - SubC date, Exp 1 (214270 Mk2)and a Datejust 41 on jubilee - and I far and away wear the Explorer more than the others. Love them all, it I will never part with my Explorer. Something magical and simplistic about it that the other two do not achieve to me. The sub bezel is incredibly useful though. I wear the sub mostly on the weekends and use the timing bezel for grilling. The jubilee is the most comfortable watch I’ve ever worn, but the flashiness of it is not great for everyday use to me. That Explorer though, that thing is a special watch. It was also my first Rolex and I have some sentimental attachment for that reason as well.

Cheers on the new watch welcome to the rabbit hole!


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[rcclarkie]

Originally Posted by Sub Capt.

I know a lot of people say this, but every time i do it proves impractical. If i am timing steaks on the grill or something in the oven i need an alarm to go off or i simply forget i am timing anything!

Lol 100% this. Every time!


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[jimcarver]

The Sub is just a nicer looking watch in my mind. The truth is, based on appearance, if the Explorer wasn't a Rolex would you want it? I wouldn't, the Sub on the other hand I would.

That said, GMT > Sub IMO

[chriscol]

Thanks for the comments, folks. I didn’t anticipate getting so many replies quite so quickly! I appreciate all your perspectives, all extremely helpful.

Some thought-provoking points of view there. The observations about the Explorer’s “stealthiness” in particular resonated with me. On the other hand, it was also interesting to see the comments about how helpful the rotating bezel is. And the replies saying basically “get both”... Lots of food for thought there!

I think your input has helped me to validate my feeling that the Explorer is the right watch for me personally, so that’s super. It’s also given me a greater appreciation for the Sub than I think I had before, and I’m grateful for that too :)

[robinmgb]

I've owned both, while I certainly don't think the sub is the ultimate sports watch it's certainly a classic sports watch, the ceramic bezel lifts it so it looks ok, the explorer lacks that bit of life and is so basic and totally boring looking on my opinion, I didn't keep it long and can't really understand why I ever bought it!

[Daveh3196]

At the end of the day, only you can know which one is the right choice for you. Go with your heart and forget about articles on forums and the opinions of others. I had a 5 digit sub that I purchased new in the early 90’s and only wore occasionally. It never really spoke to me and it spent its time with me in a watch case. I eventually sold it and didn’t replace it with another Rolex for almost 10 years. That replacement is a new Explorer MKII. I’ve had the Explorer for 2 years now and wear it everyday. It speaks to me every time I pick it up even after so much time.

[zjd168]

which one will you buy if the prices of these two are the same, then you will have your clear answer. This "stress test" can be applied to all two-watch comparison

[JR16]

I Own both (exp and SubC date ) and wear
The sub much much more - timing bezel, ceramic (scratch-proof) bezel, date, glidelock, looks much better on rubber (I like to change between oyster and Everest)... these are the reasons for more wrist time in my case. For me, advantages of Explorer are it’s smaller size (therefore a tad more comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist), can dress it up more easily, and cool dial layout .


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[Pauln]

I have them both too. I wear the sub more. But I definitely wear the Exp (36mm) too.
Per your question, sub has better lune bracelet and size (vs 36mm) in addition it has the date and bezel, which I find useful. All in all The sub is a better daily for me.



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[Verdi]

Originally Posted by Pauln

I have them both too. I wear the sub more. But I definitely wear the Exp (36mm) too.
Per your question, sub has better lune bracelet and size (vs 36mm) in addition it has the date and bezel, which I find useful. All in all The sub is a better daily for me.



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OP was referring to the new 39mm E1, which is obviously a different animal compared to the old 36mm E1.

Your pair is nice though and those 2 complement each other well in terms of complications and size.

[Wingslogo]

Beats me; buy the submariner every time.


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[AEV]

Sub every time. I prefer the ceramic bezel and the looks of the Sub.
I don't mind the history and how ''iconic'' a watch is.
I go purely with my heart and if it clicks with me.

Had a chance to purchase the Explorer during a casual visit to the AD but it did not sync with me.

[HogwldFLTR]

I've owned an 114060 and it was too bulky for me; the Exp is a much better fit although I went with a Milgauss which is similar to the the Exp. I consider comfort and wearability very big factors in my watch choices.

[t60]

Had both, still have the Sub because mine's got a date on it

[abozz]

Rolex = Submariner. No competition.

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[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by Tim Houser

Both the Sub and Explorer I are iconic, and both were first introduced around 1953.

The Explorer I is less expensive, more obtainable and much less common to see in the wild.

The Subs are more expensive, harder to buy new from an AD, and much more common to see on the wrists of others.

Considering function, the Explorer's screw down double seal crown and 100m water resistance is sufficient for most any use in and around water excepting actual scuba activity, but the Sub is obviously superior for the water with it's triple seal crown and added pressure rating.

The plain bezel on the Explorer 1 is more susceptible to showing scratches and wear, and the time lapse bezel on the Sub can be very useful for timing things other than bottom time. There is also a date option with a Sub if that is desired.

I have owned both and still own a 5 digit Sub Date, but always have another Explorer 1 on my list to buy before most other Rolex's (including 6 digit maxi case subs) just because I like them better for their comfort, less flash, and they better suit my outdoor recreational interests. If I was under 40, I'd probably want a Sub for the prestige and possibly more underwater use than I enjoy these days, especially if it was my first Rolex, but more likely for my youthful ego than any practical reason over the Explorer 1.

This is a great, insightful post.

[Recondope]

Originally Posted by JRell

Do you think they will ever update/remove the big 3, 6 and 9?

Being that the 3/6/9 is part of the Explorer's DNA removing them would turn it into an Oyster Perpetual. No, never going to happen.

[brandrea]

Probably comes down to which one fits your wrist and sense of style.

For me, I can wear either so comfort was not a concern. I prefer the Submariner for it’s useful timing bezel, the larger trip lock crown (easier to grip And looks better to my eye), and glidelock clasp.

[ndrs63]

Sub is the quintessential Rolex. If you are to have just one Rolex, that’s the one you want.


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