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

[StillTrying]

Originally Posted by 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 :)

Great choice! Another difference (that I don’t think anyone has mentioned) is the variation in indices. The stick indices of the explorer increase the legibility, and imo are aesthetically more pleasing. When the minute hand lines up with one, they meld into one creating a visually-pleasing effect. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you get yours.

Post pics when you receive your Exp!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[haganaga]

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!

Totally agree with this! The only thing the timing bezel does for me, cooking wise, is to let me know how long I overcooked something when I look down and go, “Oh $#&@!!!”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WatchThinker]

Originally Posted by chriscol

Hi all, first-time poster here!

I’ll soon be collecting a new Rolex Explorer 39mm from my AD - very excited (it’s my first Rolex sports model)!

Now, I was reading the “ultimate men’s sports watch” thread on here, and it got me thinking. See, in that thread, the Sub has a pretty convincing lead over the other models, with far and away the most votes. No surprise there, right?

The Explorer appeals to me for many reasons - not least because I don’t go diving, so I don’t feel I need or want a dive watch. But reading the posts, it just made me wonder, what might I be missing by choosing an Explorer over a Sub...

Hence this thread :-) I thought it might be fun/interesting to ask Sub aficionados to give me reasons I should go for a Sub instead of the Explorer.

I know, I know! It ultimately boils down to personal preference! You should choose the watch that speaks to you. And for me, that’s the Explorer. And that’s what I plan to get. But I guess I just want to “stress test” my preference, if that makes sense :-)

So - assuming I’m never going to use it for diving - why is the Sub the “ultimate men’s sports watch”? What else would I ever use the rotating bezel for, if I’m not using the watch as a diving aid? And what am I missing out on if I stick with my choice of the Explorer?

Keen to know your thoughts!

This just isn't something I'd worry about. I picked up a Sub from my AD a year ago. It is now my highest wrist-time watch - dethroning my still beloved Speedmaster. Having had such a positive Rolex experience, I'm actively looking for an Exp I from my AD, as well. Different watch, different feel. If you like the Explorer ( Ian' Fleming's actual watch ), then grab it and you can get the Sub later - or reverse it and you'll be just like me. This just isn't something to give you a second of fret.

[winst]

Originally Posted by Recondope

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.

Interesting that they stopped doing the blue 3 / 6 / 9 dial when they brought out the new OP36. Makes you wonder if they are going to try and differentiate the Explorer more from OP’s going forward?

[rtalk]

Originally Posted by winst

Interesting that they stopped doing the blue 3 / 6 / 9 dial when they brought out the new OP36. Makes you wonder if they are going to try and differentiate the Explorer more from OP’s going forward?

I think so. On that vein I wonder if explorer ii gets discontinued under the guise that it is too similar to gmt. And then all Rolex has is exp I.

[JRell]

For me it’s pretty simple. I like the black ceramic bezel against the black dial. I just think it looks better than the other watches.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Both for different occasions. But if i had to choose, then sub as i like the sporty look of it and the ceramic bezel

[milwatch126]

Buy the watch you like full stop. For me the best Rolex you can buy is a pure plane old, most basic Submariner (any of them). Not a date model to be clear a Submariner.

M

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by JRell

I see a lot of the stealth vs iconic posts. Interesting. OP - ask yourself, would it bother you if people know you have a Rolex on, or would you wear with pride? If it bothers you, go explorer, if you like the fact others might know it is a Rolex and proud of the accomplishment, go sub.

I have an Explorer and that reason never crosses my mind. Its simply the design I prefer. They are very different style watches and if we are talking about the no-cyclops Submariner I really don't think one is that much more "Rolexy" than the other...if that sort of thing matters to you. "Buy the sub if you are proud of your accomplishments"? You can't be serious.

Sent from my Motorola Bag Phone

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

It's pretty simple when you think about it.

You need both.

Yeah this is the right answer. Once you get one will just want the other one also. Best to accept this and prepare accordingly.

Although for me I went Sub and Air-King. I like to think of the AK as an a Explorer designed by Salvador Dali. Although I may get an explorer also someday


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JRell]

.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by zengineer

I have an Explorer and that reason never crosses my mind. Its simply the design I prefer. They are very different style watches and if we are talking about the no-cyclops Submariner I really don't think one is that much more "Rolexy" than the other...if that sort of thing matters to you. "Buy the sub if you are proud of your accomplishments"? You can't be serious.

Sent from my Motorola Bag Phone

Do people buy things in their life at milestones and for certain accomplishments? Well duh yes. “You can’t be serious.” You can’t be serious.

[Todd Turbo S]

I like the sliding adjustable buckle on the subs

[RazorD]

I have, and love, many subs New and old. Having said that, I’ve wanted the explorer as well for some time and just never got around to getting one. Something I aim to correct soon. It’s an amazing piece and they Both have a place in Many people’s collections imo.

[VegasMilgauss]

Explorer is a belter of a watch.

[winst]

Originally Posted by VegasMilgauss

Explorer is a belter of a watch.

I think so too, but with such a bold statement as that needs you to quantify that with a bit more detail.

[Cousteau390]

On an Explorer, Ya can’t d*ck around with the bezel and get that satisfying click when you’re bored?

Also, no timing bezel for grilling! :O

[CaliRollieFan]

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!

This is exactly why I have the timer on my phone go off to remind me to check the Sub.

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by JRell

Do people buy things in their life at milestones and for certain accomplishments? Well duh yes. “You can’t be serious.” You can’t be serious.

The post suggested that you buy the Sub if you want others to know you have a Rolex and an Explorer if you don't...different thing altogether.

Sent from my Motorola Bag Phone

[icjewelry2]

I'd go sub all day everyday !

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[jamesbondOO7]

As much as I think the Explorer II 40mm is the right choice, I cannot fathom why the Explorer could be.

[phamou]

Love my explorer 1.

Prefer to be the underdog and not be in a room with 2 other people wearing submariners

[jerryguo]

because the sub is better looking? at least in my opinion...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[winst]

Originally Posted by Cousteau390

On an Explorer, Ya can’t d*ck around with the bezel and get that satisfying click when you’re bored?

Also, no timing bezel for grilling! :O

I’m sure it won’t do the watch any good if you persist in trying to grill the bezel!

[Brny11]

Get the explorer and you will likely find your self needing a Sub.

Get a Sub and you’ll want an explorer (but not need it).

I want both but since I have the Sub, I am in no rush.

[M.a.x.]

Sometimes I’ll use the rotating bezel as a reminder I have to do something at a particular time. Like I need to do something at 1:30 I’ll put the triangle marker at the 7 minute mark, half way between the one and two hour markers, representing 1:30. This level of accuracy only gets you fifteen minute increments but it’s nice to have the reminder.

[Mendota]

Originally Posted by winst

Interesting that they stopped doing the blue 3 / 6 / 9 dial when they brought out the new OP36. Makes you wonder if they are going to try and differentiate the Explorer more from OP’s going forward?

I bought mine this fall right before they discontinued it. In my opinion, this is the best of both worlds (OP and Explorer) because the blue sunburst dial is just amazing to look at in sunlight, plus you get the 36mm size AND the 3-6-9 are actually lumed!

I'm working on picking up a 124060 sub next.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

[robbyrolex]

I wore a Sub date for 10 years and traded it
for my 214270 Exp. and don’t regret it like I thought I would.
The Sub was my grail, I’m glad I owned/wore and enjoyed it.
The bracelet stretch on my Sub was extensive, it needed service
and the 214270 caught my attention and didn’t let go until I made the trade.
Enjoy the Explorer, it’s a classy watch with a bit less sporty look to it than the Sub.

[Cousteau390]

Originally Posted by winst

I’m sure it won’t do the watch any good if you persist in trying to grill the bezel!

Totally agree... maybe just pan sear the bezel and bake the hands.

[PaulChronometer]

Many view the Sub as the most iconic Rolex model. That may be so, but if anything, it makes the Explorer a more conscious choice, on purpose, and a bit against the stream. It felt exactly right for me (and I have nothing against the Sub).