Explorer 40 - future of the 36?

[logo]

According to Fratello the new Explorer 40 has 21mm lug spacing. That’s submariner bracelet sizing, so the clasp will likely big too. I prefer the 36mm.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Newt

The old 39mm is definitely 20. An article from Fratello this morning says the new one is 21mm. Article here

At first I was surprised as well. But seems the best way to keep proportions sane as the 36. I previously surmised that Rolex wanted to go for the popular integrated bracelet “look” with the Explorer, which meant more sharply tapered lugs and bracelet. This watch is ~4mm bigger across than 36 so 2mm wider at lugs makes sense.

[douglasf13]

The lug width is the weirdest thing to me. Now we have a 36mm w/ 19mm lug width that has similar proportions to the old 39, and we have a 40mm w/ 21mm lug width that has similar proportions to the old 36.

[logo]

Comparison. Image has been scaled to show the 19mm lug width vs the 21mm lug width.

[Newt]

Originally Posted by dannyp

At first I was surprised as well. But seems the best way to keep proportions sane as the 36. I previously surmised that Rolex wanted to go for the popular integrated bracelet “look” with the Explorer, which meant more sharply tapered lugs and bracelet. This watch is ~4mm bigger across than 36 so 2mm wider at lugs makes sense.

Dammit dude! Why you gotta be so REASONABLE when I want to get my mad on! :)

[bds79]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

I’m just extremely happy that I still own a 39mm - It is incredibly balanced and super comfortable to wear.

I’m glad people can still enjoy this wonderful watch with a bigger case size option but I still think the 39mm will be the “must have” for those looking for a slightly bigger size than the 36mm

Agreed! And I prefer the matte dial to the glossy. Also no need for anti-reflective coating in my opinion.

[wadekind]

Would the dial be the same size as the 36mm since they have the same 3230 movement?

[thewatchidiot]

Originally Posted by wadekind

Would the dial be the same size as the 36mm since they have the same 3230 movement?

No not at all the same. A picture of the two a few posts up show that well. Also movement and watch or dial size are not correlated. Just look at some larger watches where the date wheel placed to far away from the outside edge gives the clue to a small movement inside


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[Montremoi]

Originally Posted by Pekket

Rolex should make a 39mm Sub. if they now cater to all sizes. Really had hoped that the large watch trend would be over, but apparently not.

39mm Sub with 23mm lugs, to follow the recent Rolex trend 🤡

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by wadekind

Would the dial be the same size as the 36mm since they have the same 3230 movement?

The beauty of dateless watches! Doesn’t matter at all

It’s why, IMO, there’s no OP Date 34 and DJ41 bezel looks so thick.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Newt

Dammit dude! Why you gotta be so REASONABLE when I want to get my mad on! :)

My apologies. I didn’t mean to rob you of that catharsis. Won’t happen again.

[Montremoi]

Originally Posted by Pekket

Rolex should make a 39mm Sub. if they now cater to all sizes. Really had hoped that the large watch trend would be over, but apparently not.

Originally Posted by liberalclown

So they have 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44mm watches but no 38-39 which is the sweet spot for many, maybe they are preserving those to new Milgauss after hiatus.

My understanding is that up to now Rolex has left the 39mm segment to Tudor.

I'd be nice if this suspected policy did change, but I can't see Rolex output both a Sub 41 and a Sub 39. These sizes seem too close. (Though they'd sell everything they produce, as usual...).

A Sub 38, however, might be differentiated enough 🤔

[R3-D9]

I've owned the 39mm and own the current 36mm... the new 40mm combines the things I like about each and puts them into one. I think the 36mm hit it out of the park with the relative overall proportions... it just feels better laid out, but the case has always felt too small for my taste and I've ended up rarely wearing it. In a perfect world, the new watch would be a literal 37.5mm case (vs. the 35.5 of the current 36), but I'll take 40mm... the sizing of the dial furniture on the newer models really looks correct to my eyes and I definitely prefer a glossy dial over the matte of the older 39mm.

Ultimately, there now exists three modern Explorers that can be had for reasonable money and suit the tastes of a pretty wide spectrum of people. I'm a happy camper today, and can't wait to have the new 40mm on my wrist at some point.

[S.Explorer]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

So what’s everyone’s guess - will the 36mm Explorer 1 be discontinued after the release of the 40? Will it be harder to get?
Would be just my luck now that I was getting ready to get on the list for a new 36mm Explorer.

Originally Posted by mini sub

Of course not on all counts. This is just the powers that be at HQ making a big tool watch for the guys with small tools.

There seems to be a lot of demand for both sizes, don't see Rolex discontinuing either size in the future.

[amphr1]

I find it interesting how when you search the web, when the 36mm came out, everyone say that's what the true explorer size should be. Now that the 40mm is out, you hear everyone say, I prefer the 40mm haha. It's like those stock market "analyst" who tell you the market is bad after it crash, and tells you to buy after the bull run.

To me, it seems like Rolex maybe making a play to get more female into the professional line and the 36mm is where they is experimenting with it and leaving the 40 for male buyers who prefer the larger size. I think that only because they didn't offer the TT in 40mm.

[ndirish2001]

Originally Posted by liberalclown

So they have 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44mm watches but no 38-39 which is the sweet spot for many, maybe they are preserving those to new Milgauss after hiatus.

The new 908 is advertised as 39mm.


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[fskywalker]

36 MM size for me

[GGGMT]

Did 36mm get discontinued?? Or will it be offered as well 40??


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[Dr.Brian]

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that if I was wearing an Explorer while actually exploring I’d be wearing a 36. 40 is fine for the armchair explorers or internet explorers, or maybe Dora the Explorer. No, wait that’s the OP bubble master.
Seriously though, I’d take the 36 every time. Classic elegant proportions, unobtrusive size.

[jimwheeler]

I love my 36mm 124270 but am glad to see the 40mm released for the bigger wrist folks. I absolutely love everything about mine and am excited to see to see as many explorers big and small out there on wrists as possible!


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[Bobcat Sig]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Did 36mm get discontinued?? Or will it be offered as well 40??


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The 36mm remains

[winst]

Originally Posted by jimwheeler

I love my 36mm 124270 but am glad to see the 40mm released for the bigger wrist folks. I absolutely love everything about mine and am excited to see to see as many explorers big and small out there on wrists as possible!


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This is the way!

[faz]

Originally Posted by logo

Comparison. Image has been scaled to show the 19mm lug width vs the 21mm lug width.

Great side by side picture.

Observation:

Now that they have moved the Explorer to the top for the 40mm too, the quick identifier (after seeing this side by side pic) can be the OYSTER PERPETUAL line.

In 36 mm version, it extends further out than the lines above and below it.
In 40 mm version, it is almost the same width (only slightly longer on each side.)

[rensupreme]

Originally Posted by amphora001

I find it interesting how when you search the web, when the 36mm came out, everyone say that's what the true explorer size should be. Now that the 40mm is out, you hear everyone say, I prefer the 40mm haha. It's like those stock market "analyst" who tell you the market is bad after it crash, and tells you to buy after the bull run.

To me, it seems like Rolex maybe making a play to get more female into the professional line and the 36mm is where they is experimenting with it and leaving the 40 for male buyers who prefer the larger size. I think that only because they didn't offer the TT in 40mm.

haha right on the money!

[eonflux]

Both the 36 and 40 look good

Wear what you like
There is no "right" size

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Mountain

36mm steel explorer is still the perfect watch.

Preach.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by faz

Great side by side picture.

Observation:

Now that they have moved the Explorer to the top for the 40mm too, the quick identifier (after seeing this side by side pic) can be the OYSTER PERPETUAL line.

In 36 mm version, it extends further out than the lines above and below it.
In 40 mm version, it is almost the same width (only slightly longer on each side.)

5 min markers around the chapter ring are also more prominent on the 40. First thing I noticed.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by JSolution

I’ve been eyeing the 39mm recently this could grab my attention

Ditto, my brother.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

I've been wearing my new 36mm for a couple of weeks now and my eyes got adjusted to the smaller size considering that I also have a 39mm. For me 36mm is the perfect size of an Explorer I. On my 7" wrist it looks just right and 39mm now looks totally oversized when I put it on.

This all day. I never like the look of the 39mm dial.

The 124270 is utter perfection. Vintage size with all the modern updates......