Recent Comments
Having had the BB36 ( three times over..... 🙄) and since a year back owning the 124270 I would go for the latter hands down.
I think the question that you should ask yourself is if you would be happy with a substitute for the Explorer? If you feel that financially it doesn't make sense now, wait and save. Usually gettings a substitute only gets more expensive in the end. And by saving a little more usually it also adds to the sweetness once you do pull the trigger. 😉
I have been using it almost exclusively in the last year and feel that it is working with anything from around the house to the office to travels.
As a Rolex it is the most discrete and still extremely capable. But only you can decide.
Two great watches. But prefer the Explorer since it is more unique and the smaller crown makes it a tad more discrete. Also like the fold over clasp lock which the OP doesn't have.
Congratulations and amazing to have this to watch as a way to add another memory to it. Love the tradition of gifting a watch.
As others have commented it is a matter of taste. Personally I prefer the Explorer for a few reasons:
The Explorer is sportier and most people doesn't recognize it where the OP is quite common as an entry level Explorer. And as much as I like the OP (truly) it is also what the Seamaster was for midlevel managers getting their first bonus. 😉
The Explorer also has a smaller crown logo which makes it a little more discrete.
Both have the micro link but the Explorer has the fold over lock at the clasp.
Either way both watches are nice and the OP comes in a lot more variations. But if it was me I would pay the extra money to get a Datejust.
In the end it comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what fits your lifestyle and how you will wear it.
Sorry about your experience. In my case I had a medium as I thought the small was too small. After owning it for a few months I sold it as the small really was the better choice and had the better watch to wrist dimentions.
I own the Explorer and a Speedmaster. Think they make a great pair. Always loved the Santos and thought about pulling the trigger on one. But after owning the 124270 for almost a year I think that it would make the Cartier redundant. From my perspective the 100m water resistance was an imporant factor when I was chosing between the Explorer and Santos. In the end the Explorer felt like the better long term choice and complement with a dressier Cartier instead.
Both are great watches so you won't go wrong with either. 🙂