Is it worth the 'upgrade'?

I can, having handled a friend's Ranger and owning the Rolex. You're not just paying for the name.

The indicies on the Rolex are applied instead of painted on. They're white gold and sparkle when the light hits them. The Rolex dial is inky black, deep and dark. The Ranger has a more black paper feel. The seconds hand is thin and refined. Watching it is one of my favorite things about that watch and will always calm me in traffic. Side-by-side, you can see the case material is higher quality on the Rolex and the case shape more fluid and refined.

If you can, see if you can get them next to each other. I think you'll see why the Explorer has double price. Then you can really decide if it's worth it.

In the end, for a simple black dial field watch I personally decided nothing else would do.

I appreciate the honesty here. I understand the predicament. I say just stay with the Ranger.

Get the Rolex, especially if the ranger feels like a place holder.

I think the Ranger is its own thing. It was never meant to be a substitute. But I can't justify having both in my collection.

Having neither seen nor worn either, the Ranger has a yesteryear esthetic, more in keeping with the automatic movement it contains. It may be the sweet spot in terms of decreasing marginal utility. But I do like applied indices. 🥸

I've only handled the newer 124270 (no I'm not a reference number guy!). But the quality of the case and bracelet are pretty comparative if you ask me. It's actually the clasp that the Ranger wins on. No doubt.

The painted indices don't bother me, I like the vintage vibe/homage to the original Ranger. But it could also be argued it was just a cost cutting exercise!

Need to get my hands on one and then can let you know if I agree on the dial in general. But understand your POV. It's the same reason I'm even considering it.

The Rolex is a little bit too blingy for my taste. That was the reason I sold my Yacht-Master, I like tool-watches better. For what it's worth, the applied Omega logo was enough reason for me NOT to buy the sapphire Speedy. The Hesalit Speedy has just a painted on logo.

Me too.

I bought the Ranger because it is a timepiece that I want, there are other watches that I want to own with Explorer money. A few sales professionals that I have very amicable dealings with in the past have moved to a Rolex ad have reached out to me to visit with the suggestion that I would be welcomed there. I’m ok my business would be peanuts and I don’t miss owning a Rolex.

I love the Ranger. Just wish I could have both. First World problems. 🤣

Every time I see a Rolex Explorer 114270, I want one.

Sounds like you’ve already decided 😉

If the Ranger is better for you and has a better movement, then the answer is clear. If the Rolex name is what's appealing to you, don't forget, it's the same company. Both beautiful watches, imo. You're going to be happy either way.

My older daughter beats me up over 1st World problems every day. She always votes for socialist politicians. I don’t see her sharing her fat annual bonuses. I do like the Explorer a lot!!

what upgrade? they're both great watches. Perceived social status upgrade? Meh, I'd keep the Tudor

If price is an issue then keep the Tudor. This is a great hobby, but an indulgent one on paper. Is the perceived upgrade really going to influence your life enough to justify the price?

and the fauxtina?

What reference Explorer was that?

On it’s own, the fauxtina looks ok. Thinking about it there are just too many watches with fauxtina!

You know my answer.

To be fair, I’ve spent some time thinking about the new 40mm Explorer too. There is a lot to like. But I feel like I have too many watches with a polished finish I’m less comfortable beating around with. The Ranger fills that carefree spot for me.

If I had something else in the collection that was as comfortable as the Ranger and filled that worryfree role I’d probably be on the waitlist for an Explorer.

horrible, but when they do the tile green, I like that

The 214270 Mk.1 from ~2011

So both 39mm? The Explorer looks bigger but may e it's just the angle.

I owned a Tudor, but there's always the elephant in the room of being the "little brother, sort of a Rolex but not really".

I agree the Rolex is nicer, but not twice as much. However, if it's a dream of yours to own an explorer, I don't think you should deny yourself that if you have the means. The Explorer is the only watch I've ever bought that I've had 0 regrets over, it's not perfect, but just the feeling of regret has never overcome me. I recommend you get a 124270 instead if possible.

Yes exactly, both 39mm

I’d honestly chose the 36mm Explorer as it looks and feels larger than 39mm on the wrist. More like 40/40.5mm

Selling the ranger would get you a decent amount of the way there and the 114270 is still very fairly priced compared to its professional cousins

I say go for it

Well...since you put it that way. yes it does makes sense why you'd need something with painted indices. But having said that, I think the Explorer could match it head to head.

Look if you can afford it its a nO brainer go for the Rolex ..there is nothing like wearing a Rolex...😉

I can afford it if I sell my Ranger.

Which is the one you like better on your wrist? It sounds like that may be the Ranger.

I've not tried the exact reference I want on yet. So putting these thoughts to one side for the time being!