TDIL: Explorer [c.3132] > Submariner [c.3130]...
After watching some tripe on youtube - slating the Rolex Explorer as inferior to the Submariner, I realised I'd never really compared the two movements. Blinded by the dazzle of Rolex proprietary buzz words and technological advancements, a subtle difference between the two had escaped me.
So almost a decade behind, and 2 model releases late, today I learned that in fact, the 39mm Rolex Explorer 214270 [cal.3132 ~ 2008-2020] had a superior shock absorption mechanism to its contemporary Submariner [cal.3130].
3132:
3130:
The "Paraflex" shock absorbing jewel mounting system - distinguishable by it's diagonal support configuration running across the centre of the jewel, allows a tiny amount of flex in the fitting to smooth out those Gs as it decelerates from freefall to 0 on a bathroom floor..
Paraflex was added with the 3132 in 2008 but didn't make it into the Submariner line up until 2020 with the launch of the 3230.
Funnily, it means that the Rolex Cellini which shared the 3132 movement, could, at a stretch, be considered to have a tougher movement than the Submariner of the same generation.
With the introduction of the cal.3230 in the Submariner in 2020, Paraflex was added, and equilibrium between the models was achieved.
From personal experience, I can confirm that my 214270 Explorer, dropped from waist height onto a painfully solid tiled swimming pool floor, can indeed take a shock without damaging the movement! NOT an experiment I can recommend, but I guess I can thank my lucky stars it wasn't a 2019 Sub!
[NOTE:All references are to the no-date Sub]
Enjoys; wild places, small details, engineering and design.
So are you going trekking and mountain climbing with your Explorer? I’m sure many submariner owners haven’t gone diving with their Rolex
Clutching at straws a little 😉 Both great watches with some overlap but one is considerably more expensive......
Interesting little history lesson there. Shame that many won't like such facts distorting a popular myth or assumption though😆
Id take an Explorer 1 over the Sub anyday, it's just a far better looking piece imho.
So are you going trekking and mountain climbing with your Explorer? I’m sure many submariner owners haven’t gone diving with their Rolex
It has indeed been to the top of a mountain - in fact, coincidentally, the first Mountain Hillary and Norgay ever summitted together - Mount Snowdon in Wales, where the team trained prior to Everest.
It also goes on other adventures and gets knocked around a bit - which is why I'm glad it does have a little bit of shock resistance.
Clutching at straws a little 😉 Both great watches with some overlap but one is considerably more expensive......
You might as well throw that Submariner out right now, Clive. No Paraflex = dead to me... :P
Interesting little history lesson there. Shame that many won't like such facts distorting a popular myth or assumption though😆
It surprised me too. There are some who theorise that Rolex wanted to test out the Paraflex in a less important model, prior to building it into the Sub..
Id take an Explorer 1 over the Sub anyday, it's just a far better looking piece imho.
I'd love a Sub - in a 40mm case.
If I'm honest, the Explorer is a bit too shiny for what it's 'meant' for. You can see mine's covered in dings and scratches. But it does mean it's a touch more versatile than the Sub for more dressy occasions.
You might as well throw that Submariner out right now, Clive. No Paraflex = dead to me... :P
🤣
The Cal 3230 in my Ref 124270 Explorer is the best running mechanical in my collection. After I first got it, it ran continuously for over 180 days (about 90% of that time on my wrist). I tracked accuracy using the WatchTracker app every day or two. Fastest rate: +2.1 seconds. Slowest rate: -2.6 seconds. Average daily rate over 180 days: 0.0 spd. Phenomenal movement, iconic watch. Love it!
The Explorer looks better without the clicky fidget spinner egg timer.
The Explorer looks better without the clicky fidget spinner egg timer.
I actually like a good twisty bezel. I think a twisting steel bezel would be ideal - al la Hodinkee x Longines zulu time.
Both watches are awesome just differnt. I don’t own an explorer but own a OP and I love it. Might even be my favorite over my sub although I love my sub too