Anyone have a sub and explorer?

[mac_135]

So I’ve been considering adding a new piece, specifically the new OP39 in white. My current collection is basically a Submariner 114060 and a Tudor Black Bay Red. I like the idea of a 3 watch collection and want something slightly more dressy with more of a slim profile.

When I was deciding on my first Rolex it was 50/50 between the Sub and the new Exlorer. Now I thought I was set on the new OP but after trying it on as well as the Explorer again, I am finding myself wanting the Explorer again.

Do you think this would be too redundant of a collection? I always felt the Explorer would be a perfect one and only, but it just doesn’t seem to make sense in my collection. Other than the above mentioned, the only other watch I may want to add in the near future would be an Omega Speedmaster on black leather strap. Any advice would be appreciated, this hobby makes my head spin sometimes!

[Dpop24]

The watch that makes sense is the one that sings to you. Get the Explorer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ndls]

I have an Explorer 1 and a Speedmaster that lives on the OEM black Nato. I find these two mixes to be awesome, but am waiting to add a GMT master ii (BLRN, ideally). However, I've recently been given the opportunity to purchase a 114060 for a realllllllly good price from a friend, and am thinking that I'll be quite content having this in addition to the Speedy and Ex 1.

As for redundancy, I feel like they'd all be such different looking watches, despite the black dial. What I found myself feeling is that these choices are very safe, and can't really go wrong with either. Btw, I tried the OP 39 in white. Beautiful watch. I just couldn't say no to the Exp 1 for the superior bracelet and 3-6-9 dial. They're both dressy, but I liked the Exp 1 with my dressier outfits more (including suit).

Just my thoughts! Sorry if they're all over the place. Good luck in your decisions. Either, can't go wrong with these choices

[jsausley]

I have an Explorer 214270, but if I had a Submariner and Black Bay I would opt to switch to the white OP39. That thing is hot.

On the other hand I would probably ditch the Black Bay too, but I'm not really a Tudor guy. To replace it I'd probably look for a nice chrono (El Primero 1969) or if I went with the Explorer, a real dress watch (JLC MUT Moonphase).

[Spoonage]

I have a SubC, BBN, and the lumed 369 Explorer. They all work fine in a collection.

[JohnGT3RS]

I have a sub 116613LB and Explorer I, among other things. I really like the Explorer. It’s simple and elegant. Go for it.

[mac_135]

I have to add, I picked up the Tudor at a significant discount, so it wasn’t a planned part of the collection but I’ve really been enjoying it. I guess the real question is do I stick with my idea to purchase an OP39 or do I get the Explorer instead?

[JohnGT3RS]

The OP is cool. I just like the Explorer better.

[Brny11]

For me, Op39 white will be cool for a while I think. Prob not forever. Explorer is just special. Great addition to Sub.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[juliet]

I have an Explorer, plus recently picked up a Submariner. The Sub has become my daily wear while the Explorer is for weekends or if I’m wearing a shirt.

I find they work great together, both being black dials in some ways it feels like two different versions of a similar watch. If you had a white dial then it’s a bigger difference and so one might be far more suited to a certain situation. Guess I’m saying that the cross over between the two works as an advantage in my book.

[AF_Rob]

What turns me on about the Explorer is that it has a matte black dial. I think you already have that in the Black Bay. Also, you’re considering a Speedmaster in the near future. That will be three watches with matte black dials. I would go with the OP. That piece has a lot of heritage in its own right, and stands on its own in my opinion.

Then again, this opinion is coming from a totally non emotional place.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[grymg]

Explorer is a great, elegant watch and works for suits as well!
For me though I would prefer a white dial for dressy situations. That kind of leans me towards the OP or a DJ. Unfortunately 95% of the sports watches are black dial - makes sense, easier to read.

[tatery]

I have both the 114060 and the current explorer. I also wondered if they would be too similar, but I think they both have a place in my collection. You nailed it on the head - I find the explorer a great one and only; very slim and comfortable and works in almost any situation. If I could go back, I think I would have kept the explorer and gone with a blnr instead of the no date, but it really comes down to what you'd like to wear, as both are great watches.

I haven't tried on the new OPs, but they also look great (I'm a fan of white dials as well). Either way, it's a good "problem" to have!

[Betterthere]

I have both and tend to wear the Explorer in more casual settings.

[MickCollins1916]

My first was a 14060m, which I still have and enjoy. I also have a BBN and Explorer 214270 MkII amongst my lot.

The Explorer might be considered somewhat redundant by some in that it’s a no-date, 3-hand watch, but it’s slim and somewhat subtle, and really comfortable to boot. The dials differ on your current two when compared with the Explorer, since one’s gloss, one’s matte pink gold, and the Explorer is matte with white gold.

It would also be a great one and only, but if you think you’d enjoy it in the collection, it’s worth a shot. I had no intention of buying one until I tried it on a whim.

[ajas]

I have Sub Date + Speedmaster and considering adding Explorer to the stable. It is a one of timelines design ( like Sub and Speede) and really never out of place.

[JSL420]

I have both Speedy and Exp, they both compliment each other. Between Exp and OP I’ll choose Exp because of easylink, however the OP white dial is very beautiful to look at.

[MichaelT123]

I have the 114060 Submariner and the 214270 Mk2 Explorer. The are similar but definitely not redundant. I love both of them as they are extremely versatile, classy, & iconic watches.

[smym18]

I have a black Sub and was/am afraid of getting another black dial watch, but I want the Explorer also, but as a dress watch. I know it's a sport model, but I think it can work as a dress and I don't like polished links so Explorer makes most sense.

[Colin G]

I had both until last week. Sold my 114060. I really liked it but I am more of a GMT guy and never really wore the Sub and wear my EXP or EXPII.

A BLNR or GMTII will fill the void left by the Submariner.

[macrowatch]

Full disclosure: I’m a chrono style kind of person.

Had both the 5 digit sub and old 36mm explorer. Eventually dropped the explorer and kept the sub. But even now almost never wear the sub compared with the GMT-C or Daytona. So my point being: just make sure you’re not going to crave something else above the explorer. If you are, then get the other watch. If you won’t, then get and enjoy the explorer.

Personally, I would take the speedy long term over the explorer, and that’s what I’ve done.

[easterbunny]

I was in a similar dilemma and ended up going with the white OP after I tried them both on. The "white" dial is really really cool. I also really like how the applied crown pops on the dial. I love the explorer too, of course, but its applied numbers are seemingly more fun than the elegant crown application.

Can't go wrong either way .

[jsausley]

Originally Posted by smym18

I have a black Sub and was/am afraid of getting another black dial watch, but I want the Explorer also, but as a dress watch. I know it's a sport model, but I think it can work as a dress and I don't like polished links so Explorer makes most sense.

I really wish I could see the Explorer as a dress watch because it would save me a spot in my watchbox, but with the big lumed numerals it just screams casual/sport to me.

I love my Explorer, I think it's the best daily watch that Rolex makes, but that's how I feel about it.

And it's why I really want an OP39.

[dreyep]

I've got an Explorer and tried on a 14060m Sub the other day. Seemed way too big (I like modest watches), and despite the lovely dial I thought what's the point duplicating what I already have, minus the bezel and the hour markers (and I can't get on with that clunky crown guard). My style would be more a blue Milgauss, except it's too big and that second-hand ahem, so probably the 14000m Air King with the silver dial. OK it's 34mm, but I can manage that, and it would pair well with the 114270, night and day.

In a perfect world they'd do the white 39mm Basel OP in 36mm, but they don't ...

[smym18]

Originally Posted by jsausley

I really wish I could see the Explorer as a dress watch because it would save me a spot in my watchbox, but with the big lumed numerals it just screams casual/sport to me.

I love my Explorer, I think it's the best daily watch that Rolex makes, but that's how I feel about it.

And it's why I really want an OP39.

I think there's a thread here with Explorer as a dress watch. I'll try to find it when I can. I can see why the big numbers make it sporty, but there's only three and stick markers only bore me so I'd live with it.

[scarlet knight]

Wild card. Get a DJ41. Blue, indexes, fluted, jubilee. Black, white and slate look good, too.

[Nishanmath]

I have an Explorer, but now I want a Sub. Then I will be in Watch nirvana.

[Finslayer83]

Have both.

Since getting the Explorer and having the bezel brushed I've worn the sub zero times. I love it but candidly now have a preference for matte dials moving forward. Hard to explain but I now have a disdain for satin/glossy dials.

weird huh?

After reviewing the watch box, the sub is the only one I have with a gloss dial.... I'm going to sell it this year but I'm lazy and haven't gotten around to it.

The Explorer now checks all boxes I have for Rolex ownership. Would I buy differently knowing what I do today then - nope. I think it is one of those things you have to own and wear to fully determine what you like.

That said I have many divers which are better divers at the end of the day compared to the sub (to be truly used and banged up). Don't get me wrong I love it - but if I move it will let me explore (no pun) other options / brands out there.

[HORNBLOWER]

The later Explorer is an awesome watch.

[Nadster]

I own both. Assuming you are referring to the Explorer and not the Explorer II, the Explorer would be a great watch to pair with a Sub. Also own a TT Fluted Bezel 36 mm DJ Black Dial with gold Indices on a super Jubilee to round out the collection for more formal occasions. I typically rotate wearing one of the three. May trade the DJ for a yellow gold 40 mm DD with the same dial and bezel. Both are stunning watches.