A watch that speaks to you in a whisper rather than shouting at you. It has a simple, timeless elegance, while at the same time being tough as nails. As much as I love my Sea Dweller, Submariner, etc., I find I wear my Explorer (39mm) 90% of the time.
Got mine a few weeks ago. Straight from the AD. It is possible. My first Rolex. Always wanted a vintage explorer (114270) but never pulled the trigger. I. Love. It. It’s a Rolex but not flashy at all. It’s an “if you know, you know” kinda watch. I am considering a leather strap to make it even more subtle. Thanks for the review!
Spot on about the natural proportions- if you do the math (case size to lug width, ratio of bracelet at lugs vs at clasp), the ratios actually come out to close to the golden ratio, phi (about 1.6)!
And if you can't get your hands on that one, consider the 36mm Oyster Perpetual (also nearly impossible to buy). It is, other than aesthetics, nearly identical in tehcnical capability. I went with the blue one.
A grade 5 titanium version still in 36 would be crazy awesome. Sort of traditional with the size but throwing in the titanium to make it truly robust and ready for some adventure.
Thanks for such a comprehensive review. I had to check your web page after you mentioned the end link issue, and I'd have to say what a mess this is. Those machined horizontal grooves in the watch case are a total deal breaker. Rolex doesn't think aesthetics matter anymore. Case form seems to have been totally sacrificed over function. Is this now the norm on all current Rolex models? I sure hope not.
I am so pleased Rolex re-released this watch in 36mm. I am actually glad glidelock is not included and in fact I'd of preferred an even simpler clasp from the O.P. 114200 with just the 3 ancor points - less to go wrong down the track and adequete enough. I also feel the 19mm lugs are elegant, afterall the classic was 18mm for years. I'm also glad they kept it thick with a 'somewhat' protruding crystal - I adore small thick watches, reminescent of the Rolex Bubbleback and Rolexes of the massive era 1926 through to 1988 when they introduced sapphire and slimmed it down.
Great review. And agreed, Rolex has hit it out the park on the two big numbers you mention. Going down to 36 dial will set a fashion, using 19 lug/lug will see the number become better accepted (enough "20 or 22 only!" enthusiasts)
I’ve got a Longines x HODINKEE and a reverso duoface that both have 19mm straps so I have dozens already, really tempted by this but availability and price are putting me off so far. The market clearly disagrees but for me, Rolex are a bit overpriced at rrp these days. 1000 less and this would be perfect but these are just that bit too much to be a no brainer for me.
The slots you see when you remove the bracelet are also very sharp and will/do rub against any strap you decide to use. Less of an issue on a rubber strap or on a nylon nato. But the exposed edges do mark, scuff and graze leather straps quite badly, as the spring bar holes put the edge of any given strap right up against the case. This is not a deal breaker for me, because I think this watch and pretty much all modern Rolex look best on the bracelets that they are sold with
It's the reason why i'm keeping my 39 and give it a past for this. Loving the 39's versatility and also generations prior. The latest design focus too much on being elegant so much so that they forgotten the purpose of this watch existed at the first place decades ago, making the current one losses it's charm as a professional tool watch.
Hi Andrew, I'd recommend giving this article by the watchmaker Ashton Tracy a read regarding potential long term serviceability quillandpad.com/2019/11/19/which-rolex-movement-takes-the-top-spot-a-watchmakers-comparison-of-rolex-calibers-3135-and-3235-and-which-is-better/ To be clear, I don't expect the 32xx movements to have more issues than the 31xx movements, but how they can be serviced by non-Rolex watchmakers in the long term is something potential buyers should be aware of. Hope this helps!
@@dietman no bling....no big crown (the triangle instead)...I know what the guy means. That is part of the reason why I love the watch. Someone who knows something about watches will recognise it on your wrist...if they don't, they won't
@@rogerdracks1880 which one do you find more pleasing in the eye ? I had the older 36 I’ve trade it for the new 124270 and so far I try to accept the 19mm lugs ! Although the head looks larger than the 114270 the lugs with the aggressive taper make it looks smaller after all ! What’s your opinion ? Should I go for the 39 ? 6.5” wrist
