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Old 28 February 2024, 11:19 PM   #1
harvey
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…your thoughts on the Explorer 36?

I am looking forward to pick up a 124270 in the next few days. What are thoughts on this reference? Whether positive / negative / indifferent…I would be interested to read. Thank you.
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Old 28 February 2024, 11:30 PM   #2
jswing
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I love mine. Initially it felt small, as I expected since I'd been wearing a 41mm Submariner. I adjusted pretty quickly, to the point I actually prefer the smaller size and got on a list for an OP36 as well. It's easy to wear in any situation, for me it could be a one watch. The only negative for me is I was spoiled by the Sub's glidelock clasp, the easy link doesn't always give me a perfect fit.



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Old 28 February 2024, 11:57 PM   #3
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I went neo-vintage with my 14270. This picture angle makes it look huge on my wrist but in real life, it is quite reasonable. Great watch, any iteration, and strongly recommended.

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Old 28 February 2024, 11:59 PM   #4
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I had an Explorer 36. I did sell it. It is a very comfortable watch and I did enjoy wearing it. I found that I wore my sub or VTNR in rotation. I also felt like keeping a watch it should be worn. So that is why I sold it. But a beautiful watch.


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Old 29 February 2024, 12:14 AM   #5
Calatrava r
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I like it. The only thing I would change is widen the bracelet at the lugs to 20mm and reduce the taper to the clasp to 18.
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Old 29 February 2024, 12:20 AM   #6
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I love this piece. I’ve tried it on several times (both the 36 and 40) at my AD and last week I finally decided to acquire the 36.

I have a rather large collection and I’m honestly considering trading in my Sub 41 just to keep the number of watches I currently own somewhat reasonable.
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Old 29 February 2024, 01:10 AM   #7
5thLegion
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It's my favorite watch and currently my only Rolex. 7 inch wrist. I rotate it with a BB58, hard to beat that combo IMO. Small only by the trend of the last 10 years or so towards too big. I tried both the 39mm (owned one) and the 40mm (tried on at AD), and did not care for them. 36mm is the true spirit of the Exp I. It's low profile and cool.
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Old 29 February 2024, 01:18 AM   #8
Kevin of Larchmont
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Love it, it’s my activity watch, will be wearing it to the gym today and a lot during the summer while hiking. It’s a refreshing change from my larger watches. Generally I prefer larger watches but the 36mm Exp 1 is a valuable contrast and an indispensable component in my watch array.
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Old 29 February 2024, 01:22 AM   #9
japenney
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It honestly might be the best Rolex offering today.
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Old 29 February 2024, 02:59 AM   #10
James69
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i bought the 124270 last year, it is a classic watch with modern craftsmanship.
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Old 29 February 2024, 03:10 AM   #11
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Well, first tried the two tone 36mm but it was too small for me then went for the 40.. now I am happy .. if it’s the right size for you never think a minute..



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Old 29 February 2024, 03:14 AM   #12
Njkdog
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Incredibly versatile . Surprisingly formal. I love it. It made me switch to now prefer smaller sizes.
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Old 29 February 2024, 04:06 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calatrava r View Post
I like it. The only thing I would change is widen the bracelet at the lugs to 20mm and reduce the taper to the clasp to 18.

This 100%

I love a 36mm Exp but if I was in the market for one, I’d go for one of the older versions. Neo-vintage. Would save me some money over the current version too.

The current version bracelet is a deal breaker for me.


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Old 29 February 2024, 04:18 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jb335 View Post
This 100%

I love a 36mm Exp but if I was in the market for one, I’d go for one of the older versions. Neo-vintage. Would save me some money over the current version too.

The current version bracelet is a deal breaker for me.


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Yup. I went 14270. If 1993-ish and earlier, you get lug holes, tritium, 20mm lug width, a single fold clasp and that sweet jangly vintage feeling. I considered a 1016, but this gave me vintage plus better wearability.

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Old 29 February 2024, 04:18 AM   #15
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I think they're cool, and very recognisable by Rolex fans.
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Old 29 February 2024, 04:33 AM   #16
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Do it
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Old 29 February 2024, 04:35 AM   #17
jb335
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Quote:
Originally Posted by logo View Post
Yup. I went 14270. If 1993-ish and earlier, you get lug holes, tritium, 20mm lug width, a single fold clasp and that sweet jangly vintage feeling. I considered a 1016, but this gave me vintage plus better wearability.


Gorgeous. I’d also go with the a tritium example
like yours. A 1016 would be amazing of course but that comes with a huge price bump.
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Old 29 February 2024, 04:47 AM   #18
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I do not know why, but I had it and felt it smaller than a 36mm watch. For that reason I sold it
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Old 29 February 2024, 04:53 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by javier View Post
I do not know why, but I had it and felt it smaller than a 36mm watch. For that reason I sold it

It’s the smaller/narrow bracelet.

Current production Exp 36 wears noticeably smaller than a 36 DJ


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Old 29 February 2024, 05:03 AM   #20
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I have one and really like it. I wasn't sure about adding an Explorer to my collection because it felt a bit blah but I'm really enjoying it
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Old 29 February 2024, 05:12 AM   #21
harvey
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Amazing, thank you for all your posts! Can’t wait to share my pics!
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Old 29 February 2024, 05:13 AM   #22
marmite2005
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Fantastic watch, super comfy and legible.
It wears smaller than my 36mm OP or the 36mm DJ (I have slim wrists tho).

I really like the tapered bracelet. The gold batons, numbers and hands really pop against the gloss black dial.
I feel the watch is very well proportioned.


Unfortunately my 2022 TT explorer 1 is loosing +4 seconds a day so I will be sending it to a service centre under warranty to get regulated.

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Old 29 February 2024, 05:52 AM   #23
srmatth82
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Had it. Wanted to love it. Sold because it was just too small. I have smaller wrist with larger forearms and the explorer looked to dainty. As I’m sure you’ve heard is really a 35mm watch. 37-40 is my sweet spot.
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Old 29 February 2024, 05:56 AM   #24
travisb
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Great all around watch! Congrats in advance!
I bought a 36mm for my father. If I ever got an Explorer it would be the 40mm as it suits me better.
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Old 29 February 2024, 06:11 AM   #25
Saxonite
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Amazing watch, just a bit small on my wrist. I have the 39 mk2 which I prefer over the 40mm. No wrong choice on size just personal preference
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Old 29 February 2024, 06:45 AM   #26
matthew P
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…your thoughts on the Explorer 36?

It’s a small watch on on my 7 inch wrist it’s fantastic. I love its classic sizing and mine is being worn 24/7 this year and it’s -7 seconds per month.

Comfort, range, classic good look






Never regretted the purchase, even though it made my MKII / 214270 an unworn safe queen.


..Explorer & Spring Diver - I’m just here for the photos..
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Old 29 February 2024, 07:03 AM   #27
AnthonyMX
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I've had mine for almost one year, and I can't seem to wear anything else these days. Love it
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Old 29 February 2024, 07:15 AM   #28
espanol
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The best Rolex offered today, IMO. It’s all I wear anymore.

You get so much watch without all the baggage that comes with Rolex. No $€£¥ talk, few polished surfaces, no shiny ceramic, and it’s utterly unrecognizable. You can wear it anywhere, anytime, and not worry.

As for the bracelet taper, it’s all a matter of preference. Vintage Daytonas used to come on the same dimension bracelets.
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Old 29 February 2024, 07:21 AM   #29
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Tried it but felt too small for me personally. Now have a 39 mk2 and after initially thinking it was too bland absolutely love it.

Can’t go wrong with an explorer but I will say they can be a slow burner depending what else you may have in your collection. My advice is to persevere and when it clicks you will struggle to wear anything else!
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Old 29 February 2024, 07:29 AM   #30
GrailTime
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A grower, not a shower.
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