Explorer face-off: 114270 vs 14270 (1996 birth year for me)
I’m looking to possibly save for my 30th birthday in a few years to buy an Explorer. I probably would wear it on straps as I’m not too crazy about bracelets. Which model would you go with? Birth year for my 30th or a slightly newer model?
Super luminova vs tritium (pretty sure ‘97 is when they updated to SL)
Movement 3130 vs 3000
Any other differences?
16 comments
Sort by
Brett
Current collection: Seiko SACM171 Tissot PRX 35 Auto Casio: W800H, F91W, A168WG
New York
Member since
Last active: 13 hrs ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
I'd go for a newer model otherwise you could have to factor in a service which aren't cheap,both are the same size case so your not gaining by going older
The idea of the birth watch always seems fun in theory, but I can never get behind it fully. Both of these watches are great, but the solid end links and 3130 movement are massive upgrades for everyday wearability. Both of these watches are neo vintage, but the 14270 shows it’s age quite a bit more. If you’re a “vintage guy” and don’t mind the feel on the wrist and the objective limitation of the caliber 3000, the birth year could be fun! Can’t really loose in my opinion! I went for the 114270, but a birth year Explorer would have put me into the days of the 1016 and my expendable income made the decision for me haha!
It's a toss up; the bracelet will be muuuuch nicer on the newer one, but if it's on a strap that doesn't matter much. Overall I'd go new for reliability sake. Birth year watch sounds fun, but personally I'd find a 30 yr old watch that's not as expensive. Up to you tho!
Do yourself a favour and don't pay that much for an old watch with a movement that's two generations behind.
I'd go for a newer model otherwise you could have to factor in a service which aren't cheap,both are the same size case so your not gaining by going older
That’s. Good point I hadn’t thought of that.
The idea of the birth watch always seems fun in theory, but I can never get behind it fully. Both of these watches are great, but the solid end links and 3130 movement are massive upgrades for everyday wearability. Both of these watches are neo vintage, but the 14270 shows it’s age quite a bit more. If you’re a “vintage guy” and don’t mind the feel on the wrist and the objective limitation of the caliber 3000, the birth year could be fun! Can’t really loose in my opinion! I went for the 114270, but a birth year Explorer would have put me into the days of the 1016 and my expendable income made the decision for me haha!
What’s the shortcoming of the 3000 compared to the 3130? I don’t mind a lighter feel on the wrist but if the watch being older will be less reliable it might be worth it to go for the 114270.
It's a toss up; the bracelet will be muuuuch nicer on the newer one, but if it's on a strap that doesn't matter much. Overall I'd go new for reliability sake. Birth year watch sounds fun, but personally I'd find a 30 yr old watch that's not as expensive. Up to you tho!
That’s definitely. Maybe I’ll go 114270 and a vintage 1996 Seiko
Do yourself a favour and don't pay that much for an old watch with a movement that's two generations behind.
Meaning the 14270? Is the 114270 included in that?
What’s the shortcoming of the 3000 compared to the 3130? I don’t mind a lighter feel on the wrist but if the watch being older will be less reliable it might be worth it to go for the 114270.
The 3130 features a full balance bridge as opposed to the balance cock system in the caliber 3000. The balance bridge is anchored at two points and tend to be more durable! I only have experience with the 3130 movement, but from most of what I researched it is quite the upgrade.
My advice- keep on researching while you’re saving. Plenty of time to learn the nuances between models and movements. You don’t have to be committed to either to start saving. You’ll be happy either way!
That’s definitely. Maybe I’ll go 114270 and a vintage 1996 Seiko
That sounds like a good choice! I might have to look at those Seikos too (1996 gang!)
I'm aiming for the 114270 later this year. Will likely go grey for it.
Meaning the 14270? Is the 114270 included in that?
Absolutely. Let's say we ignore the bracelet (which we shouldn't). Most of these older watches are quite worn and have been re-polished once or twice. Nothing wrong with that but no matter how competently it's done and no matter what anyone says, once a Rolex case was re-finished by hand its lines aren't as crisp. Do that a few times and you end up with what looks like a case from AliExpress. A blind jellyfish could tell something looks "a little off" if you put them side by side. In a way it's normal wear and proper maintenance. And again just to be clear, there is nothing wrong with that but the price has to be right (relative to new watches) and it isn't on used Rolex, not anymore at least. Pair that with the older dials that don't have lume-filled numbers and the uncoated crystal and what you get is a watch that looks more like a lesser knock-off rather than a modern competitor.
People say it's charm and history but who are we kidding?! Most dents and scratches don't come from climbing Everest nor are they battle scars from a fight against slavery. No, they were more likely caused by some bloke who was reaching for the canned tuna because he was too lazy to make proper food ... or similar. Nothing worth carrying around with you and commemorating at your 30th birthday.
Get the new watch.
I say this as an Explorer owner and fan… it’s like going up to the counter at Baskin Robbins and pondering the choice between vanilla or vanilla bean.
Both are good choices. Both are about the same. Both are lovable classics for the same reason. Buy the seller and the condition of the watch you find within your budget, and you will love either equally.
That’s definitely. Maybe I’ll go 114270 and a vintage 1996 Seiko
Found this 1996 Seiko Catalog; I think I see a couple of things I might start keeping an eye out for.
https://www.theseikoguy.com/media/catalogs/1996-seiko-catalog-v1-jp.pdf
Found this 1996 Seiko Catalog; I think I see a couple of things I might start keeping an eye out for.
https://www.theseikoguy.com/media/catalogs/1996-seiko-catalog-v1-jp.pdf
Woah that’s amazing, I’ll be flipping through that after work! Thank you!
Solid end links for sure!