The 36mm was always my dream watch. I got on a waiting list towards the end of 2020 because I was scared the 39mm was going to 41mm. When it was announced, I called my AD immediately, who told me that the person ahead of me declined the 36mm because they deemed it too small. I am soooo glad he did that because I now have the perfect watch for me.
I just picked mine up a month ago. I’ve always been a Sub guy. It took about a week to get used to the size. Now I absolutely love it. I put my Sub on a week ago and took it off after 4 hours. It feels like a tank. The Explorer is so comfortable and beautiful. Under the radar. To me perfection!
Exactly! On my 18 cm wrist, it looked… girly. The extremely tapering bracelet even emphasised that feeling. My silver dial Tudor BB 36 however looks pretty masculin on that same wrist. Dimensions don’t tell the whole story.
That Explorer 36mm looks perfect on you Teddy. I have a 7.5in wrist, and own a Speedmaster but I'm selling it. I've just realised that despite my wrist, I definitely prefer small watches. My Casio F91W is perfect and I think it's around 34mm! It's all personal preference and I have no idea why people get so thorny about this issue.... calling it a girls watch or whatever. Wear what you like! It really doesn't matter...I can't wait to get this watch one day. It is almost perfect (apart from lack of micro adjust and not as versatile with straps due to the 19mm lugs, but more importantly due to the design of the case with grooves where the bracelet meets the case)
Owned both sizes, sold the 39mm… now I am passionate about the 36mm. Such an extremely beautiful watch with all boxes ticked! One problem, I cannot wear my 40mm GMT, 41mm Sub and 43mm SD anymore. Just getting so much used to this size 😟 ( 7” wrist and it fits perfectly…)
I literally have the 41mm 126613LB Sub, the 214270 39mm Explorer, and a 40mm Day-Date and I hardly wear them these days 😢 but it’s because I also got used to my 36mm Explorer and black bay 36. Now my watches feel too large. I’ve really only been using my 36mm, 38mm and my Daytona…
I was fortunate enough to purchase the 39mm and for me and my sleek wrists, dimensionally it strikes the perfect balance between appearance and function. Just the right size to appreciate the beautiful dial and luminescence!
The 2021 explorer is probably my first and last explorer. I love this watch and I feel no need to get any other Rolex. Especially not at the prices they’re trading
Interesting. I also had the 39mm Explorer and sold it shortly after I got the call from my AD and bought the new reference. Now I am the proud owner of the new 36mm Explorer. What a great watch. The Explorer is not only a GADA watch but is also supremely comfortable so you can wear it all day, every day.
Personally, I am with Ernest Hemingway. Smaller watches are for real adventurers. You can‘t drag a dinner plate on your wrist around, when you conquer the last fronteer.
I had a Submariner Date 126610 and swapped it (w/some money received) for an Explorer 124270. The Explorer is infinitely more comfortable, just my personal experience though.
now folks with smaller and larger wrists have options! both are great, really surprised how values on these aren't greater given some OPs are pushing 15K... the bezel on the explorer's always been more sleek than the domed bubbly shape on an OP or DJ. the double lock clasp is also "better' than the OP and DJ. the most versatile piece in the rolex collection hands down...
@@pasquale78 I have both the 36 and 39 now. The 36 mm fits me better and is a home run, but the 39mm is also a home run. ⚾️ Best watch of all time IMO (if only they’d toy with a cream colored linen dial of some sort, that might be cool).
The explorer 1 in 36mm is a perfect watch. I know, I have the hottest of takes that no one has ever thought before. On a serious note, an outstanding video as always Teddy.
@@TeddyBaldassarre any chance you could make a video on watches made to be worn on the inside of the wrist with rotated/angled/slanted face and crowns on top of the watch (e.g. driving/racing watches)... like VC American 1921 etc.
After a lifetime of wearing watches, once You'll get beyond 60 years young & still going strong, most people realise they just need a simple classic time only wristwatch! “Simplicity & Subtlety are the ultimate sophistication”
Was lucky enough to pick up the 124270 Explorer a month or so ago from the local AD here in Aberdeen, Scotland. I have a 6.75" wrist and absolutely love it; very understated and can be worn on any occasion. I work in subsea engineering and frequently work on board saturation diving vessels here in the UK North Sea. The people that work on these vessels tend to be huge watch enthusiasts, due to their profession, and it's not unusual to see various submariners, sea-dwellers, seamasters etc. whilst on board (many of which do get used by the divers at the bottom of the North sea!) and so it was nice to share a non-dive watch with my peers for a change. Next time I'll maybe take my Tudor BB58 (black) to blend in better. Absolutely love both!
Sir Edmund Hillary was 6ft 3in tall. If a 36mm watch can go up Everest, it’s good for me. Put your insecurities aside, 36mm is a great size for many many people.
I had an itch. I already owned the MK2 but always had an itch on owning the 36mm and was “fortunate” when the AD called to let me know the new 36mm was mine I couldn’t pass on it. So I boxed away my 39mm and started wearing the 36mm for 4 months or so. As I write this message I caught up with the 39mm and there is one big issue with the 36mm that I can’t ignore and it is the aggressive narrowing of the bracelet.. the 36mm face is perfect but the lugs and bracelet let it down :(
The explorer is the best rolex. The size and proportions are perfect. I often wonder how the modern version would look with the traditional chestnut colour to the nrs and battons....for sentimental reasons I think that would be a winner
Today I bought a 36mm Explorer and love this size on my 6,7 Inch wrist. Recently bought a 35mm Nivada Grenchen Antarctic, same story, love that watch as well.
I own both the 124270 and 214270 Mk2 and adore them both. They are my only Rolex watches and although I always planned on moving one on once I identified my favourite, it ain’t happening! Just to add, the new 124270 has AR coating on the underside - something the 214270 and other Rolex don’t have.
Thanks for the video, Teddy, another great one. It seemed like the reviews had died down implying that people had chosen their “corner” and made up their minds. I was fortunate enough to get a 124270 immediately after it’s release and have seldom taken it off. It was an adjustment from my 41.5mm but the weight, balance, and comfort make this a watch that I don’t forget I’m wearing and yet it instantly felt like a part of me. I agree with most that they’d be happy with either, but I’m glad Rolex brought back a classic.
Great comparison. Love the 36mm!!! I just got one from my AD and it is STUNNING! I believe the hour markers are slightly larger than the previous 36mm models, as well.
I feel the Explorer 39mm was the perfect size and the only reason i decided to purchase this watch. I have a feeling this discontinued version will only continue to go up in price and more specifically the MK II version.
I have relatively slim wrists, but still think my 39mm Explorer looks perfectly balanced. It's still a sporty watch, so it should have some wrist presence. Currently on 'the list' for a Datejust and there I went for the 36mm version because it's more dressy and I feel like it looks less refined in the larger sizes.
I haven’t seen one IRL yet, but I’m surprised that I prefer the 39mm because normally I like smaller watches. I like the older 36mm models but not this one.
I prefer the 39mm, although I appreciate the 36mm. The 36mm is SMALL. I think people think 36mm Datejust or DAY-DATE but the new Explorer is more of a 35mm and does clearly wear smaller than all the other 36mm offerings from Rolex. The smaller bracelet adds on top of that. If you want a very conservative old school aesthetic, then the 36mm will cover that but its the anti-thesis of modern from a size standpoint. The 39mm isn't big by any means, which needs to be factored in as well. It's not like we are talking about a small vs large watch, more of a really small vs moderately sized watch. Another thing to point out, the modern 36mm is not going to look exactly like the 5 digit references. The markers and handset have all been beefed up, so it's going to have even less empty space.
I'm a big guy and always loved the explorer, but the 36mm just didnt look right on me hence all my Christmases arrived when the 39mm was launched- hallelujah. . To me it's a perfectly proportioned watch. Either way they are both beautiful watches and the explorer is THE Rolex tool watch.
I got the call from my AD last month my 36mm Rolex Explorer was in store and ready for collection. I'm delighted with the watch which wears very well on my 7 inch wrist. Well worth the 4 month wait. One downside is that I've fallen out of love with my 41mm Omega Sea Master... it's just too big out of the water for my wrist size.
Although Rolex supplied watches to many of the Everest summit expeditions, including the one Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay went on, both Hillary and Norgay were carrying Smiths when they summited. Something Rolex would rather you not know.
@@Jay-xr3sb That's another myth, neither men had a Rolex on them when they summited Everest. Hillary said he carried a Smiths to the summit, which was just the vernacular at the time.
I adore the Rolex Explorer, but 36mm is just too small for my wrist - I am 6'3" and can only JUST get away with a 39mm watch! 40 or 41 mm is pretty much the perfect size for me, but I would snap a 39mm Explorer up in a flash - if they weren't commending such high prices at the moment.
About a week ago, a local AD had both the steel and two-tone Explorer in his window, so I ventured inside, ready for disappointment. And while I was indeed disappointed when we came to the matter of waiting periods ("definitely not in '21 and I couldn't even tell you when/if you'd get it in 22"), the watch itself was outstanding. Never had a 36mm Rolex on my wrist, or come to think of it, any 36mm sports-watch, so I, sort of, tried out both sizes (using a Daydate 40 as a stand-in for the larger size). On my 17cm/6.75in wrist, the 36mm simply looked perfect, size-wise. Judging by the 40, I'd say the old 39 Explorer wouldn't be too large for me, but now that I've tried it, I think I'd always go with the 36 for this type of watch. There's just something so old school and, yes, understated about the Explorer in the smaller size.
Having had an Explorer 1016, I welcome the reduction to 36mm. Rolex is affirming the classic dimensions. Let the others play size games; Rolex is affirming the standard. Good vid. Keep at it!
@@markbyrum4743 - don't know if it's slipshod to have sports offering that would be more appealing to a huge consumer base (I am making an assumption though that the smaller watch would be more appealing in these countries).
The only mistake they made on the new 36mm is the word “Explorer” moving to 12 instead of 6 o’clock. Symmetrically the 39mm looked better but the actual case size of the 36mm is way better than the old oversize case.
I purchased the Two-Tone 124273, I guessed right that the higher price turned the waiting list rush away. I waited 3 months! It is a stunning watch, the best all around watch one could imagine. Teddy, as a matter of fact, this watch would be ideal for you. You would not take it off!
Nice one, I am considering the two tone Explorer too. Do you thinks it’s appropriate for daily wear (office and casual wear)? Also does the yellow gold element scratch and get dings much easier than the steel elements given its a softer metal? Cheers
@@rezar6894 Gold can be buffed out easily. Yes, it can be worn every day, and I do so on a more that regular basis. Around the home, wear a baseball cloth wrist band over the watch to protect it while I do chores.
I think one need to differentiate between "true to heritage", or "true to demand = sales". If there is no demand in 36, would you think Rolex would go 36?
IWC launched the smaller Big Pilot recently, and Breitling has been launching some vintage inspired watches that are much smaller than what they were making the last 20 years. With the Explorer, Rolex went back to the original size, but I can't really think of another model (from any brand) that would need to go back to the original size. Even the Cartier Tank is still offered in its small size.
36mm way too dainty for me, personally, on 7.2 inch wrist. It wears very small. Love my 39mm 214270. Will stick with that! :-) 39mm wears great in person, and is less ‘bloated’ than photos suggest. Also, the new 36mm is too text-heavy in top half of dial imho: Word ‘Explorer’ better at bottom. Both great watches though, no doubt!
@@Milofchg I’m looking down at my 39mm and it looks pretty refined to me :-) The Speedy wears much larger in my experience, granted mainly due to its thickness.
Options are welcome. To each their own. I'm a small guy with small wrists and the 36mm sits perfectly and it's not too heavy. I've always loved the explorer design and even the simple OP. Sometimes simple is beautiful.
I traded in an OP 36mm from 2009 for an Explorer 1 114270 from 2004 with my trusted watchmaker. He had the 114270 and the 214270 mk1 dial, I actually tried both. The 39mm compared to the previous 36mm definetly has better finishing and the clasp is amazing, but the size of the 36 just works, and the dial at 39mm feels too big. And that's with my 18.5mm / 7.25inch wrist. I think the new 36mm is amazing, but i prefer the slim lugs the previous 114270 has.
This 36 mm and tapered bracelet is one of big step for innovation, I think. It appears more sophisticated looks than before. And, absoultely its users' band has been increased. Women's market, too.
@@izzythomas848 for me personally when I see people with small wrist wear a 39 mm watch it looks a bit weird sure it fits but it doesn't look as good as it would with the 36 mm even with me and the 39 I'm sure it would look nice but I just wouldn't like the symmetry of how it looks on my wrist.
@@derosa1989 I've seen guys with wrist the same as mine or slightly bigger wear 33-36 mm watches and they still look good. Just depends on how you wear it really.
8in wrist gang over here. I wish I could pull off a 39mm watch. I've actually tried this on at a grey market spot and passed on it. Funny how the grey market shops at your local malls and outlets are flooded with Rolex watches while the official AD's have empty display cases. What a shame.
I have a 1016 and wouldn't swap it for anything in the current catalogue. They have missed a trick, undoubtedly the mechanism is better than mine, if they had installed a domed sapphire I think they would have got nearer to capturing the essence of what the 36mm watch was originally. The polished acrylic looks so much better than flat sapphire. I dont have really small wrists but 36mm looks good to me.
I own a Explorer 1 ref 114270 Z series I love today just as much as I did when I bought it in 2007. Just walked in my AD and said wrap it up. I know those days are gone sadly. I love the 36mm because that's the original size the Explorer was conceived in but didn't have a issue with it in 39mm
There are so many other watches that are like that lol Orient Bambino in 36 Vs 41, Oris 65 in 40 instead of 42, Tudor BB58 in 39 instead of the regular BB, etc. Could be here all day
@@tiagodvt thank you lol this was my thought exactly, when it comes to modern watches, when is the last time any brand made something deemed "too small"
36 Explorer will always and forever be my dream watch. It’s a watch that is attempted to be emulated in many sport models. And although there are significantly better value options at a lower price point, something about the explorer always calls to me. It just strikes me as the closest thing to a perfect time piece.
i really wish they kept the bracelet width to 20mm. this watch definitely feels/looks smaller than the OP36 and DJ36. I feel like 38mm would've been a perfect compromise
Went to my AD for a Wimbledon but the retail waiting list is big. Said I liked the explorer and 2 months later he called me due to lack of demand for it. Was a bit skeptical about the size at first but after 2 weeks of use couldn’t be happier with it. It just Looks amazing. Still on the list for the Wimbledon which shouldn’t arrive before the end of the year.
I went to my AD who had only an exhibition 36mm Exp 1 so I tried it on for size. It looked like a freckle on my wrist! Of course I was wearing my Panerai that day so that didn’t help! Lol I need to go back with a clean canvas to see if I feel any different. If not it’s 39mm for me!
With 7.75" wrists, the size actually becomes more of a conversation starter than a larger watch. I have a vintage military watch that is 36mm, which looks like a bottle cap on my wrist. Despite its dimensions, I wear it at least once a week and to the office. The two other collectors in the office have talked about it regularly with me. The reason I mention this is to say the dimensions of the new Explorer aren't a show stopper for me. What is a show stopper is the lack of a glide-lock bracelet. That's just a sin on the part of Rolex. I wear the bracelet on my Hulk at least once a month (mostly on a RubberB or nato) and it's one of the best bracelets out there. It's too bad a cost cutting measure rears its head on a sports watch that is meant to have versatility to conditions that lend your wrist to swelling/shrinking to the environment. Thanks for the great review.
It has the micro extension which should be fine to cover shrinking and swelling. The glidelock was designed for more radical adjustments in combination with diving suits.
Thanks for another fantastic video, Teddy. What interests me most about this watch is the question whether the width of the bezel has been shrunken in the same proportion as the overall width of the watch. To me it seem that the bezel on the new 36mm variant has proportionally become thinner than the one on the 39mm variant which would be great. Quite a few Rolexes, especially from the DateJust, have bezels that are just too wide and let the watch seem boxy, at least IMO.
The new 36mm explorer was the first modern Rolex that I am actually interested. I have been talking with my AD for several months trying to get one, we’ll see if I ever can get one at retail
@@derosa1989 the case is slightly different, but the big thing is I just significantly prefer the dial and hands used on the explorer over the OP36. The OP just seems a little too boring to me, whereas the explorer strikes a nice balance of under the radar while still interesting
@@ajgross67 look for an OP 116000 in blue. It's basically a 36mm blue explorer with a domed bezel. I just picked up one for about half of what a new explorer would cost on the grey market.
@@ajgross67 its interesting how, given all the watch choices from all the different brands in the world, all those choices about sizes, dials, complications, straps, designs, and case materials, customers are still splitting hairs between between two nearly identical but two different black dial stainless bracelet 36mm Rolex's, OP vs Explorer. In psychology it's called "narcissism of small differences", the idea we become hypersensitive to even tiny details of differentiation. it's weird this stuff matters at all, but yes, it seems to.
@@derosa1989 The OP has a domed bezel, whereas the Explorer has a conical one. Therefore the OP is a bit more bubbly, while the Explorer is a bit more sharp.
Really? Real divers are way bigger than 40mm. And so they should be~ it's a tool watch and main requirement has to be legibility in murky water. 40mm is a fail
@@rage8kage As a pure tool watch I agree with you. They do need to be legible underwater. As a matter of aesthetics, 39mm sort of just works for nearly everyone like they said in the video. There's a reason the Black Bay 58 has been one of the best selling watches of thr last few years.
@@JupiterTarts 39mm isn't the perfect diver size it is too small for them they dont care about aesthetic Black bay doing well in sales isnt becuz its has the perfect size diver It is selling well becuz it is the perfect sized tool watch
@@MonicaHolly143 the BB58 is neither a tool watch or a diver. It's a very nice homage to old school divers and a fashion piece. A modern dive watch that doesn't have an on-the-fly micro-adjustment system, crownguards, or an aggressively gnarled bezel? Tudor makes a proper diver and tool watch, it's called the Pelagos (auto adjustment system, titanium, over-engineered WR/HEV, easier to grip bezel, crownguards, and increased legibility).
Hi Teddy. First want to say you are a badass and I love your channel. I really like the look of the Explorer, but 36mm is just way too diminutive for my large wrist. I’d probably look into getting one if it was 42+ mm, but I’m not even sure if such an Explorer is made.
The the 36mm looks more agile. It reminds me of classic cars. Occasionally,I see a 1970s bmw 2002 and a 911 from the same era in my street. They look smaller,precise and less bulky than their modern equivalents.
