Changing Explorer 214270 for Sub 114060

[savoytruffle]

So the no date Sub has been calling me for a while now.

I still look down at the Explorer on my wrist and admire it. I still love the timeless nature of it and part of me will miss it a lot. But part of me is craving something with a bit more heft and visual impact. I chose the Explorer over the Sub seven years ago but think that now's the time for a change.

Has anyone done similar?

Thoughts?

Will I regret this?!

For reference, wrist is 7 inches and suits both watches.

[MichaelT123]

I had the 214270 Explorer and added the 114060 Sub. These are my only 2 luxury watches, and I absolutely love both. Therefore, adding the Sub would be my recommendation even if you have to wait as I do think you would miss the Explorer. However, if that is not possible, I don't think you will be at all disappointed by the Sub. In fact, I think you will love it - but you will likely miss the Explorer and regret selling it.

[Maverick_1908]

Two different watches. Sub is more sporty and thicker. Explorer is more versatile.


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[Catatafish]

The sub will be just as timeless to look at over the years and has a useful fidget spinner/egg timer on it, and even a date if you go that route. If I ran across one it would be a no brainer for me.

[mg Barcelona]

I had both but I could never get used to the maxi case. Loved the dial, bezel and bracelet but the case just didn't have the design balance for me. I still have the 214270 Mk 2 and I swapped the SubC for a 5 digit.

[Brny11]

So I went from 114060 to a 214270. Something was missing with the 114060 that I thought Exp could fill. It did not. I eventually traded the 214270 for 116610ln and for 3 years I have never been more in love with a watch. Had a chance back then for any watch of my choosing, BLNR, GMT LN, Hulk, etc. I chose SubC date and would do so in today’s market as well.

I get that many like 114060 on this forum, but in reality, I personally find the date much more complete and interesting (and useful). If you are going to swap, I’d strongly recommend going this route.

In regards to flipping Exp for Sub (any variation), it is a no brainer to me. Both are Subtle, but Sub has more wrist presence for the owner (both fly under radar in public). The bezel makes all the difference in the world. Together, Exp and sub make a near perfect 1,2 punch, but if that’s not possible (as it wasn’t for me at the time), swap for the Sub and never look back!

Of course, this is just one WIS perspective!

Good luck!!


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[British-GT]

I have cycled through all sports models over a 30 year period and the one that sits on my wrist now is the 214270, I don’t like have multiple watches so as a one only watch it’s perfect, it goes to the gym, running, cycling, traveling, business and just about everythingelse, stays on my wrist at night just never comes off!! For me the perfect one only wristwatch.

[twowheels]

Both great watches, pick the one that makes you happy. I've got black dial 216570 and 114060 and love them both.

[Jmbarrack]

You may prefer the way a 14060 fits over a 114060. The overall dimensions of the 214170 are closer to the 5 digit sub than to the 6 digit. Make sure you try them both on.

[Art 1]

I did that same thing and did not have any regrets.

[Ravager135]

I've had both. I sold the 114060 a while back and ended up getting a 116610LV for more contrast. Obviously, get what you love most. A more technical answer would depend on what else you have in your collection. I think a white dial Explorer II makes perfect sense if you already own multiple no date black dial watches. If this will be your only Rolex reference, then I think the 114060 is a perfect choice as it is so emblematic of the brand.

[pikers]

I had the 214270 (swapped it for the 114270) and now have the 114060. While they are both sports watches, they are very different watches. The 214270 has a case similar to the datejusts which is more curved and fluid compared to the maxi case subs which are broad and slab sided. I found that the 214270 sits much better on my flat 6.5" wrist vs the sub. The sub does fit (just barely) but it sits higher than the Explorer due to the case back. If I had to pick one (gun to my head), it would be tough but I'd probably go with the Explorer. It's just more my style and I love the 3-6-9 dial. If you can swing both, I would do it. Great two watch setup.

[NoVaSubowner]

Question is, do you have ready access to one from an AD? Otherwise you are forced to pay grey market prices.

My guess is that you are looking at 2000-3000 cash out of pocket after selling the Expl. Not worth it in my mind, unless of course the itch won't go away.

[Ricky Rolex]

Have had both and wear the Explorer pretty much every day. I just find it less common here in London.

A lot of my friends have Subs and I like the Explorer more for its sleek yet un fussed design.

Both beautiful watches but I don't wear mine to be seen. I get the impression from your wording that you want to be noticed a little more. Apologies if I'm wrong.

[1mlee0916]

Try it on first if you can from a grey. Had both, sold the Sub. As much as the glidelock is praised, it was just too long to be comfortable on my wrist. The heft of the sub was also considerably more. Love my Explorer. Will never let it go.


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[JSL420]

why not go for 16600 or 116600 sea dweller?
The case is slimmer than the sub and you get a lot of a watch for the money

[savoytruffle]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. One of the reasons I'm looking to change is that I've been wearing the Explorer with a T Shirt a lot recently and it doesn't look that substantial on my wrist. It's not as much of an issue with a cuff.

It isn't necessarily that I want to be noticed more, I just want something that fills the wrist space a bit more and has more presence. We talk about the versatility of the Explorer a lot and it's one of the main reasons I picked it up in the first place. So I suppose the question has to be when does the Sub not fit? What job is the Explorer doing that the Sub couldn't?

I'm fishing around for AD availability as I know a few people have managed to pick Subs up with only a couple of months wait. If I do get the Sub, the Explorer has to go. I'm not fortunate enough to have two at the moment. Maybe in the future!

[Maverick_1908]

Originally Posted by savoytruffle

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. One of the reasons I'm looking to change is that I've been wearing the Explorer with a T Shirt a lot recently and it doesn't look that substantial on my wrist. It's not as much of an issue with a cuff.

It isn't necessarily that I want to be noticed more, I just want something that fills the wrist space a bit more and has more presence. We talk about the versatility of the Explorer a lot and it's one of the main reasons I picked it up in the first place. So I suppose the question has to be when does the Sub not fit? What job is the Explorer doing that the Sub couldn't?

I'm fishing around for AD availability as I know a few people have managed to pick Subs up with only a couple of months wait. I do get the Sub, the Explorer has to go. Not fortunate enough to have two at the moment. Maybe in the future!

Submariner can do everything, dress up or down. No question. The Explorer is just more comfortable objectively. Doesn’t mean the Sub is not comfortable, it absolutely is.

Do you have a wrist shot with your Explorer?

Is the 3k difference worth it to you for the switch to a Sub?




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[Chewbacca]

Nothing wrong with changing it up.

But also consider keeping the EXP39 and getting a used Pelagos blue on rubber. Or even a BB red or blue. I find the Pelagos line in particular to be a great short sleeve sporty fun watch.

Don't forget you'll need to add about $2-$3k to make a deal anyway so two R/T's in the stable are always better than one.

[savoytruffle]

Originally Posted by JSL420

why not go for 16600 or 116600 sea dweller?
The case is slimmer than the sub and you get a lot of a watch for the money

Nice watches but out of my price range on the secondary market!

[JDR888]

Originally Posted by savoytruffle

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. One of the reasons I'm looking to change is that I've been wearing the Explorer with a T Shirt a lot recently and it doesn't look that substantial on my wrist. It's not as much of an issue with a cuff.

It isn't necessarily that I want to be noticed more, I just want something that fills the wrist space a bit more and has more presence. We talk about the versatility of the Explorer a lot and it's one of the main reasons I picked it up in the first place. So I suppose the question has to be when does the Sub not fit? What job is the Explorer doing that the Sub couldn't?

I'm fishing around for AD availability as I know a few people have managed to pick Subs up with only a couple of months wait. If I do get the Sub, the Explorer has to go. I'm not fortunate enough to have two at the moment. Maybe in the future!

I have both but if I had to go down to one watch, I’d keep the Explorer. IMO it’s a better balanced all-rounder for most situations along with the benefit of better wearability.

If you bin the Explorer you’ll regret it so don’t scratch an (impatient and unnecessary) itch that’s not really there, save for your Sub and run with the perfect combo.

[radicalchic]

Originally Posted by jdr888

if you bin the explorer you’ll regret it so don’t scratch an (impatient and unnecessary) itch that’s not really there, save for your sub and run with the perfect combo.

+1

[savoytruffle]

Some wrist shots for those who have asked.

Do you think this wrist needs a Sub?

[AlTampa]

I have a 114060 barely used, card dated 9/18/2019. I also have a 216570 Polar dial. So I am considering selling/trading the 114060 for a 214270 mk2. Let me know if your interested.

[robbyrolex]

I traded my 16610 in for a 214270 2 years ago.
I prefer the Exp.

[Finslayer83]

I've had the 14060M and the 214270 at the same time.

Now have the 214270 and a 16610, both with slight mods.

If you like the comfort of the 214270 I'd strongly suggest the 5 digit Sub models as they wear more or less the same.

Nothing like the 6 digit subs.