A trio of Explorers - which one is the best?
I never showed my three Explorer look alike together, they look similar at first glance but they are of different size, they don't represent the same model and they wear differently on the wrist. I thought it could be fun to put them together and create a poll: Which is the one that you prefer?
Mathey-Tissot MT369: At 34.5mm it's the smallest Explorer look alike and it's also the more unusual because this Asia Mechanical Watches Group (AMWG) and Mathey-Tissot collaboration is an Explorer 5500, aka the Air-King Explorer, re-creation.
Smiths Everest: The 36mm PRS-25 Everest is probably the closest clone of a 1016 there is, and with its gilt dial it's also the prettiest.
San Martin SN021-G: The 37mm San Martin is the largest and heavier of the three. It's also the only one that doesn't try to be a 1:1 copy of a specific model, which is why I called it "The absolutely not Explorer".
I like them all because they are good three handers with very legible dials, and they all have this no nonsense vibe. Being based on the Explorer they are also very comfortable to wear. I do have my own personal preference, but knowing yours is more interesting.
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Claude
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Hod Hasharon
Member since
Last active: 3 hrs ago
6.50” / 16.50 cm
I picked the San Martin for the size, which I think is what this exercise ultimately boils down to. My actual choice would be none, but the none choice looks like “I hate homages” and I need a none that’s more like “I don’t like any of them”.
I have no experience with the build quality of those three brands, but I voted for the Smiths because it has nicest dial in the picture.
I like the Smiths best because I like the copied reference the best. Also my ( different) Smiths is well made and I didn't have a problem with it. Bonus points for all the controversy this brand brings with it. It's almost like Rolex in that respect 😉
I like the Smiths best because I like the copied reference the best. Also my ( different) Smiths is well made and I didn't have a problem with it. Bonus points for all the controversy this brand brings with it. It's almost like Rolex in that respect 😉
it's a legit choice.
I picked the San Martin for the size, which I think is what this exercise ultimately boils down to. My actual choice would be none, but the none choice looks like “I hate homages” and I need a none that’s more like “I don’t like any of them”.
Why vote then?
I have no experience with the build quality of those three brands, but I voted for the Smiths because it has nicest dial in the picture.
All three are pretty much the same regarding quality. It's really just a matter of personal preferences of how they wear and look on the wrist.
Will you be posting which one's your favourite tomorrow?
Had to go with the larger size but I must say that dial on Mathey-Tissot is killer!!
Will you be posting which one's your favourite tomorrow?
I think that you can check who voted on what. Anyway it's no secret that I prefer the MT369.
I chose the Mathey-Tissot MT369 because of the size combined with the dial makes it the most appealing to me.
I do have one 369 in my collection, the new Islander/Urban Gentry Rangemaster, but it is more of a Ranger homage than an Explorer homage. I really like it. I am still thinking of getting a Manhasset, which is another good Islander 369 option.
I chose the Mathey-Tissot MT369 because of the size combined with the dial makes it the most appealing to me.
I do have one 369 in my collection, the new Islander/Urban Gentry Rangemaster, but it is more of a Ranger homage than an Explorer homage. I really like it. I am still thinking of getting a Manhasset, which is another good Islander 369 option.
What isn't apparent from the photos is that the MT369 is also the most comfortable to wear with the most flexible bracelet, despite being the only one with male end-links.
What isn't apparent from the photos is that the MT369 is also the most comfortable to wear with the most flexible bracelet, despite being the only one with male end-links.
I imagine male end-links aren't as important for the fit and comfort on a smaller watch like the MT369. They only really make a big difference for the fit on larger watches, at least in my experience.
I picked the Smith's gilt because... I'm wearing mine right now, #biased lol
I picked the Smith's gilt because... I'm wearing mine right now, #biased lol
It's not my own preference, but it's a good choice nevertheless.