An affordable modern Rolex Explorer Alternative with a great bracelet
Okay, hear me out. There are lists and lists of Rolex Explorer 1 options out there but one thing that I feel doesn't get the attention it deserves is the quality and fit of the bracelet. Now, I am more interested in something comparable to the new 40mm as the 36mm is too small for my tastes. Also, the slimness of the modern explorer. I had a 41mm Longines Conquest and it was pretty okay but the bracelet has no taper so fits chunky. Any suggestions?
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Chris
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
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Last active: 7 hrs ago
8.00” / 20.32 cm
Lorier falcon, smiths everest, nivada grenchen super antarctic, also on a bracelet hamilton murph may also count
Lorier falcon, smiths everest, nivada grenchen super antarctic, also on a bracelet hamilton murph may also count
Okay, any renowned for their exceptional bracelets? Do you have personal experience with any of them?
The best bracelets are probably on the Chinese brands. San Martin are exceptional for the money. I went with Cronos but the bracelet isn't as good as the San Martin IMO.
Check out Tisell mate. The bracelets are pretty decent n the dial's amazing too.
Tudor Ranger has a awesome bracelet. Nit the slimmest at 12mm, but wears very well.
I think it could be more helpful if you narrow down your choice of Explorer alternatives first or set out additional examples of what you like. It would be easier to solicit views on those bracelets. Also, affordable is kind of a vague term. For example, the delta between the Hamilton Expedition and Tudor Ranger is -2k. I would also consider the possibility of buying a 3rd party bracelet such as Forstner or Miltat. Good luck.
I’d go for the CW Dune
IWC mk 20. Has the amazing on the go micro adjustment clasp that’s on the GO SeaQ and Lange Odysseus. And shorter lugs means it fits more wrists.
I need to try on myself, but this is now no1 on my next big purchase list.
The Tudor Ranger might be what you want. It's a bit tall, thickness being 12mm but it's arguably the closest you'll get to a Rolex without it actually being a Rolex.
There is no alternative to the Rolex because the Swiss quality is close to the same but your buying the brand and the flex is not there with anything else.
What’s your budget for “more affordable”? If bracelet tech is your jam, you might be best served with a microbrand: Monta Triumph, Noble, or Atlas (GMT) - all 38.5mm cases. Formex Essence 39. Christopher Ward C63 Sealander (39mm). Toolless microadjustment on all the bracelets above, great link articulation, and one of the features that seems to perform well above the same price range from legacy brands like Tissot, Longines, Oris, Seiko.
You really should desribe affordable because a Tudor Ranger comes with a really top notch bracelet and some would say that's an affordable alternative, and some would say it's outrageously expensive. It's not as nice as a Rolex bracelet, sure, but it's an extremely well made bracelet either way. On the other end of the spectrum the Traska Sumiteer comes with a nice bracelet for it's pricepoint. I don't know of many cheaper watches with bracelets that will be on the same level as even the Ranger.
Hey I did ask a very similar question not long ago so I'll leave the post here in case you wanna check: https://www.watchcrunch.com/mathius17/posts/rolex-explorer-1-alternatives-2-277837
But this is something I've been thinking myself, it baffles me that some fantastic options don't have on-the-fly micro adjustments (looking at you Omega Aquaterra and Longines Spirit 👀).
Lately I've been inclined to go for the Monta Triumph myself. Especially because of all the effort they put on the bracelet.
Best bracelet I’ve ever worn I think…
Checkout the Clemence Monroe. The bracelet on that is solid with on the fly micro adjustment.
And from left field, the Seiko Alpinist. Any model, really, but the so-called baby Alpinist without the compass bezel. All the same qualities, but with a personality all its own ;-)
You really should desribe affordable because a Tudor Ranger comes with a really top notch bracelet and some would say that's an affordable alternative, and some would say it's outrageously expensive. It's not as nice as a Rolex bracelet, sure, but it's an extremely well made bracelet either way. On the other end of the spectrum the Traska Sumiteer comes with a nice bracelet for it's pricepoint. I don't know of many cheaper watches with bracelets that will be on the same level as even the Ranger.
I have a Ranger and the 40mm Explorer 1. For me the Tudor bracelet is the better of the two. With female end links that help the watch conform to the wrist and the T-Fit clasp with multiple options for on the fly or tool-less adjustability it just a better wearing experience. The Explorer bracelet is very nice too, has a touch of polish on the sides of the end links, a great clasp system and the easy link for a quick adjust, but I’d pick the Ranger bracelet over the Explorer 1 bracelet all day everyday.
Uncle Straps US1479 Speedmaster bracelet on a Serica 4512.
Not sure if that bracelet fits the new 6190 Sericas, but the Denali version of that is even more classic Explorer... ey.
Nodus Unity black dial.
38.5mm Traska Summiteer. Superb bracelet and 10.5mm thickness counting the crystal. Feat the 36 but the 38 will wear like 40 as the 36 wears like 37.
Nodus Unity black dial.
I think a Nodus Canyon with a black dial would be perfect
I think a Nodus Canyon with a black dial would be perfect
The Canyon is great. I have seen it in person. It fits me, but is bigger than I wanted for a watch that would fit the Explorer role. I really like the size, look, and quality of the Unity.
Lorier Falcon bracelet is excellent!