Had my Explorer 40 for a couple of months now. Such an amazing watch. I find myself looking at it even when I don't need the time. I understand how you struggle to express why it's so good. It ticks every box.
Another great episode Cheyne and thanks for the shoutout Sir! Our video will be going live Saturday morning on 6/29, looking forward to sharing your collection story, cheers!
I would call this a “Gentleman Tool Watch.” I understand your place and time with toolwatches; I felt the same way when I was more active in outdoor activities. Now, I find the Explorer or the Aqua Terra elegant in the fashion of Mr. Flemming writing a James Bond novel. You proved this watch can still go on a true adventure and handle it with grit and style!
High horology is probably precious metals and hand finishing etc. and movements with complications like perpetual calendars and stuff like that. I have the 36mm version of this watch and it’s perfect. “Tool watch” is different for each person. A g shock is probably more of a tool than any Rolex. An Apple Watch is most likely a more useful tool on a day to day basis for most people. For me this is a piece of jewellery that just gets out of the way of whenever I’m wearing it, but whenever I check the time I have that feeling of “wow that’s beautiful”.
Fellow owner of the Rolex Explorer (39mm) and Rolex Explorer II (black dial). Watches are a funny game. I wear my Explorer II for a week or so and then switch over to the Rolex Explorer and it takes a few days to feel like the Explorer is not too small. Then, when the brain shifts, I love the Explorer and it feels perfect and I don't want to take it off. And, yes, it is the most comfortable watch on a steel bracelet I own. And, yes, I wear this everywhere, including out to dinner as a dress watch. Nothing like the simplicity of a three-hander.
Well said, I'm still trying to get use to switching between the Rolex Explorer 40 and Explorer II. Like you said the Explorer II is either look big on my wrist or the Explorer 40 is looking small, but only for that first hour or or so. Cheers
When you ran out of words I think you were trying to say it’s a versatile piece. It’s a solid tool watch with a level of sophistication when you combine it with a suit
Position of the watch at night, will affect how fast or slow is per day. So actually if you do experiments and figure out which position gives you + or -, and how much per day, you can actually keep it damn accurate!
@@cheynewalls this watch is amazing. Since I got it in February hasn’t left my wrist. Accurate, pretty, versatile, anti shock, anti magnetic, 70 hrs power reserve, etc… hat more can ask? 👍🏻💪🏻
I was going to mention that as well - my Tudor movements, both 3 hander and GMT, would gain when resting face up and lose time when positioned crown up (on its side). This is kind of a hack to always have your watch accurate. Btw, I learned this from the Rolex manual and it does reflect onto Tudor manufactured movements as well
Cheyne, the movement in this watch is literally the base movement in your other watches, they are all the same movement but with added complications. The fluctuations may not happen with another Explorer, every watch is unique.
Yes, It was just interesting to me to the that. I have no problem with it being a bit fast one day or a bit slow, my other watches just have never functioned that way. It is such an amazing and simple well designed movement. I'm nothing but impressed with this movement. Cheers
@@phildo864 It never left my wrist over those 7 days. Since I was camping I just left it on. I'll test it in different sitting positions overnight, see if that changes it. Cheers
I own this watch and I love it. It’s simple not too flashy just a do all do anything watch. The proportion are perfect I really like how slim it is. Keep up the great videos!
Agree with you about the shiny bezel. Anyone where actually wears the watch daily will have scratches on the bezel, and it doesn't really ever look like patina, it always just looks like scratched shiny metal. A tool watch should look good no matter how much it gets banged around.
I think if you get the metal with a lot scratches will start looking pretty good, but I agree a few scratches (like I have now) doesn't look the best. Cheers
If it was good enough for Ian Fleming and his 007 alter-ego....it's good enough for any man. 😂 People associate the Sub with Bond because of the Connery and eary Moore films, but when Fleming created the character in his books, he gave him his own watch. The Explorer. In one of his best novels, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Bond uses it as a knuckle duster and shatters it against a bad-guy's chin. He is reflecting on what he will replaces it with, and decides "probably another Rolex," partly because he appreciated the bright luminous 3, 6, and 9 for legibility. It really is a do-all watch.
@@cheynewalls Yes sir! And BTW, there are plenty of pictures of Fleming wearing an Explorer whilst swimming, spear-fishing, and WRITING the Bond novels at Goldeneye, his Jamaican retreat. 😎👍
Nice pick up…when it comes to design the explorer is truly balanced with alittle bit of Rolex panache 3-6-9 indices and Mercedes handset. Tolerances are amazing, execution and proportions are great….along with the submariner no date these two pieces are PURE no thrills works of art
I got a submariner date yesterday at long last. I also have the Explorer 40 and of the two watches the Explorer is my favourite. It is sleek, stealthy and just looks and feels so damn good. The sub is great but is more muscle and less elegance.
I have the explorer 40 (first Rolex). It’s a beautiful watch. I do find it a bit small as well. Very versatile piece. Hoping to get the call for a Sub! I waited 3 months for the explorer. Not bad!
Great video Cheyne! Love hearing you get philosophical about the rolex explorer, it is part of being a watch collector. P.S very much enjoyed the Simpson references in the middle and at the end of this video. Made me laugh, cheers
I have the 36mm version and I love it. I have two issues with it. First, it always runs slow by about 1.5 secs per day. I have to keep reminding myself that it doesn’t matter and that only nerds like us stare at their watches to check their accuracy. Second, the size is great but it makes my 38mm Aqua Terra look huge for a day or so before I get used to it.
Yeah, that is the many reason why I went with the 40mm. Even with the 40mm it still makes my Rolex Explorer II look massive on my wrist. 1.5 seconds off per day is still very good tho.
I got mine June last year..... And love it, although I wish I could be more like you and not care about the scratches.... They freak me out. I got this because of its simple elegant design. But also because my Dad is a huge Bond fan..... And although the Bond of today is Omega..... Ian Fleming wore a 36mm 1016 Explorer and it's believed when he had Bond wearing a Rolex in Dr No it was the Explorer he had in mind. So it's the OG Bond in my view.
Hey Cheyne, great video as always. I really enjoy your watch content...and your nature photography is cool too. We have very similiar taste in watches. You have the Submariner in black and I have the DEEPSEA in black. You have the Explorer II polar and I have the Explorer II in black. Now you have your new 40mm Explorer and that's the watch that's on my short list for next watch! I'd be curious after a few months in how your rotation settles in. I feel like you jive the most with the Explorer II, but watches are funny in that you never know which one you'll gravitate to over time.
@@mikemush9741 Thank you, indeed you have a great taste in watches 😄. My most worn watch is still by far my Rolex Explorer II, probably about 50% of the time and my Explorer 40 and Submariner split the other 50%. I foresee the Explorer 40 becoming more my daily wear with how comfortable it is. Cheers
think about the Tudor Ranger. Completely brushed (no shine), perfect size (39mm), T-Fit Clasp with more options for fine adjustment, perfect readability, same water resistance.matte dial | need to say, i own both. the 214270 for office use, going out and the ranger for the rough things. For me personally the best of borth worlds if you own both the explorer and the tudor brother.
Thanks. Wells it is only bit smaller, but in all measurements. A bit smaller in diameter, thickness, lug to lug and weigh. Making it feel significantly smaller. Cheers
@@maitrehg the Explorer 40 is slightly bigger diameter than the outgoing 39mm. Also it’s a “ heftier more substantial watch, bigger lugs, thicker, heavier and dial has be changed.
@@cheynewalls I invite you to watch the video by Hafiz J Mehmood concerning the differences between the 40 and the 39. We learn among other things that the 2 have a diameter of approximately 38.5mm but that the 39 has 1 mm more in lug to lug. He says the 39 wears bigger on wrist.
Ultimate tool watch is a shoot out between EX40 and Sub. Recently got an EX40 and it blew me away. I nearly passed but now wear it as often as possible. Have always avoided Sub's in favour of Sea-Dwellers, but always felt a Sub was the ultimate one and done. Hopefully a Sub call (the new improved proportions) is going to happen soon, as until then I am on the fence. I feel the disappointment that the EX40 is not actually 40mm will be a big factor in the Submariner being the King of Kings 😈
I'd be curious about your thoughts if you experience Panerai some day. I've had many Rolex's and a few Panerai's. I like all the Rolex's I've owned, but I've loved the Panerai's. They are such a beautiful unique design, super comfortable for their size, and extremely well made/finished timepieces.
I once had a Panerai Submersible and would like to try again with the brand in the future. I didn't have the best experience with the reliability of the watch, but from what I have heard, I think I got a one off and I just had bad luck. I really like the unique design of the new Submersible Luna Rossa. Hopefully one day. Cheers
I find the smooth polished bezel useful because I sometimes use a sharpie to place a dot on the bezel to mark time, then later I can easily wipe it off due to the smooth polish (with a moist thumb or small alcohol swab).
Glad you're liking the Explorer - brilliant aren't they? They just grow and grow on you, then next thing, you find yourself with no need for other watches..! Personally, I do prefer the classic 36mm, which just tones down the shine and slips under the radar as well as cuffs and gloves. It never snags or catches. Mine's 3 years old and almost unscratched despite forestry, farming and the outdoors. As for robustness, well they're really just the same as each other, beyond water resistance. I suppose at the extreme, E2s, Subs, Sea-Dwellers and the Deep-Sea have a thicker case, but for that to be significant in an impact you'd be more worried about your arm! They can be fully re-polished (re-butchered...) more though... Ultimately, the Sub's bezel can jam (sand, mud, wood chip) and break off (as with most divers) and the ceramic can crack or chip and the E2's 24hr hand adds complexity. That said, both those watches are slightly more legible, but as my E36mm's dial is the same size as my 40mm Sub and Sea-Dwellers, its not such a big deal.
The Rolex Explorer 40 definitely has a lot going for it. It is going to be interesting to see when I put it against my Rolex Explorer II ans Submariner. All have their plus and minus, but you are right, with my current watch collection I probably won't ever need to get another watch.
Rolex... Where is the white dial?.. and for the 40mm version, please move the Explorer text back to the southern part of the dial right above the superlative chrono writing. Yes, just like the previous 39. Thanks for the vid, man.
In my opinion both watches are comfortable, however the Rolex Explorer 40 is an easier everyday watch and the smaller proportions make it a bit more enjoyable on most peoples wrist. You will love it, Cheers
The steel used is unusually scratch prone. Please don't polish it away though! You beat it up in a week so it will disappear entirely if you keep polishing it away ; ) Guess you have not noticed its not actually 40mm, even though you realise its smaller than the other ones you mentioned?
I love my scratches, will not polish. Yeah I had the 40mm next to the out going 39mm and by my measurements the 40mm is still just a bit bigger at 39.03mm. As for out going 39mm is 38.88mm.
@@cheynewalls My 40 is 38.5mm so smaller than your 39! Have never measured a 39 but can now understand why people that have both in their hand have commented the 39 looks bigger!
My .2 cent thought, It's depend how's the rest position when you not wearing it, usually Rolex little fast come from the factory, Try different rest position it will correct it self.
@@cheynewalls After My Buddy at the RSC adjust my watch, It keeps perfect time, Not gain or loose time in over 2 month. main thing's the rest position.
You will love it! If you don't mind can you keep me updated on how long you wait? There seems to be a big different, depending on the AD and the area. Hopefully you get the call soon. Cheers
Wish I had a dollar for every time you said tool watch. I completely agree steel Rolex's are tool watches though. High horology is high horology, its not up for interpretation lol. Rolex is also more accurate than high horology anyway.
Well that is the thing, I think it is a bit up for interpretation. It means “high-end watchmaking,” what is more high-end than a mechanical watch keeping near perfect time?
@@cheynewalls Agree on mechanical time keeping being great, but that would include Rolex, Omega, and Grand Seiko. Rolex are realistically the most accurate currently, and Omega and Grand Grand Seiko dip their toes into high horology more, but high horology is way above them and I think the defining factor is probably complications and pushing boundaries. Calling Rolex high horology is just going to attract hate. View them as the ultimate tool watch and the world is a good place...... like your nature photography ; )
His cell phone? I don't have contact with my AD Rep through a personal cell phone. I talk with them through the Boutique's phone and via email. They will text me, but again through the Boutique's business phone.
@cheynewalls upon review, it may be my specific AD sales persons' buisness cell phone? But it is specific to the one sales associate at the AD whom I have built a relationship, albeit a new relationship. I just was not sure if this was common, given many note that they stop by the AD...but I can just text
Rolex standard is +/-2 sec Per Day! So you can imagine after 8 days you could have a wort case scenario of +16 or -16 sec. So +3 over 8 days is bloody good! Calculate how many second overall in 8 days and then see what percentage of the total is 3 seconds!
@@dazlarg I'm just use to my 42mm Rolex Explorer II and 41mm Submariner. Also those watches are thicker and more substantial. The Rolex Explorer 40 sizing is growing on me. I think it would fit your wrist well.
Well I disagree, I can't use my phone or a quartz watch to tell time or time my camera exposure when camping or spending a lot of time in sub-zero temps. Anything with small uninsulated batteries just die, the battery goes flat. Therefor I need a well build mechanical watch as a tool. That can also be said for my long 2 to 3 week explorations out into the woods. Can't recharge your digital watch or phone, and found the best is again a well build mechanical tool watch.
The explorer 1 is not meant to be worn as a 39mm. It's proportions are off completely and it just doesn't seem right. The 36mm is the historically accurate explorer and how it is meant to be worn and appear. It is suppose to be unseen and hidden under the cuff. It's there when you need it and that's that - not the opposite of where you feel it's presence and trying to be luxurious. It's purpose is subtlety without the craziness of a true luxury Rolex watch such as daytona or a blingy OP etc. You may want to try the 36mm for a month and see what people mean why 36mm is the way it is suppose to be worn. If your wrist is big it may detract from your experience slightly but small watches is the norm back then and it shouldn't be any different now. That is the explorer and what it is, that is why it is special, and that is why it is the quinticencial watch.
I understand what you are saying and I get the original proportions of 36mm is classic, its just my personal preference to wear the 40mm. I did try my friend's 36mm on for a week and it was just a bit to small. I still feel the 40mm has all the attributes of the classic 36mm. It, like you said "It is suppose to be unseen and hidden under the cuff." It doesn't matter the proportions, its a quite luxury timepiece that is also a roughed tool watch.
Relax dude, you can still buy the 36, not to mention a ton of the older 36 models to go around. Such size queens. OP36 is the best current 36mm Rolex in my view
I hear this childish and pathetic "argument" across various forums about how the 36mm is the "true" original. The actual watch that ascended mt Everest was a British-made Smiths De Lux that had a 33mm case and an 18mm lug width. Thus, not only is the 36mm Explorer 1 not a "historically accurate" reproduction (35.5mm with 20mm lug width) , nor is the 40mm (38.9mm with 21mm lug width). The original also had a leather strap and not a metal bracelet, so your definition of "historically accurate" is deeply confused. Since the EX1 is simply based on the SDL 'Everest' watch - of which it looks nothing like the original if you can be bothered to even research your puerile claims - and since 99% of Rolex wearers aren't mountaineers, you want your reproduction to suit your actual lifestyle. That's where the 40mm comes in. The 36mm is dainty and for women. That's how Rolex is positioning the two sizes and is also why they bought back the larger 40mm (which is nearer 38mm) - because no one was buying the 36. But ultimately, buy what you personally like. As for the "proportions are off completely", you have just convinced yourself of that where you've convinced yourself the 36mm is "historically accurate", which it absolutely is not. If the 36mm never existed, you would not be describing the Explorer 1 40mm as having "proportions (that) are off completely". What exactly is "off" about the proportions - and how do equivalent watches from the likes of Omega, GS, etc compare - are their proportions "better"? Just deeply misinformed, cringeworthy groupthink.
I have an Ex1 39mm. I'm considering purchasing the EX2 you have. Is the EX2 much larger and heavier when worn? Feel to very much? My wrist is 18cm (7.1inch). EX2 is 42mm, but on the other hand it is thin - 12.5mm. Theoretically, it should be ok. I know that EX1 is an ultra-comfortable watch, but if it were a bit larger (diameter) I wouldn't have a problem with it.
The Rolex Explorer II is a bigger watch, but still I think it is very comfortable. The new propositions of the Rolex Explorer 40 make it a very easy watch to wear on almost any wrist, the Explorer II, with your 7 inch wrist should fit well, I also have a 7inch wrist.
@@cheynewallsthere’s no way you have a 7inch wrist, man 😂 this watch looks tiny on your wrist. I actually wanted to ask what size are you, I’m at 7.7inch and I’m in between the 39mm and 40mm 😂
