Is the Rolex Explorer 214270 39mm Too Big for Small Wrists?
Hey everyone! As someone with a small wrist, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find the perfect watch. The eternal question that has bedeviled watch collectors is the right fit. How do you know whether a watch will fit on your wrist and, better yet, look good? This is especially a problem for those of us with small wrists. And it's even more of a problem if you're planning on dropping $10k on a watch. You've got to get it right!
So I'd been considering the ref 114270 vs 214270. The latest 124270 was even smaller, so I had already rejected it. The only way to know is to get hands-on experience, right? But both Rolex references were no longer available at the Rolex boutique. So I turned to grey dealers, especially my local Bob's Watches. They had the coveted 214270 reference to try on, and let me tell you, I got a shocking surprise!
You see, I was expecting to reject it! I was so sure it was too wide; that the lugs would float over my wrists. I had become obsessed with the "vintage size" of the 114270 reference. And the 124270 was even smaller case size - it was actually under 36mm. So, I was fully expecting the 39mm version to hover over my wrist. And I would say, "no, it's just as I thought. It's too large! Now, I can rest my mind and calmly shop for the 114270." Because like I said, the 124270 was even smaller. And I didn't like it.
But now, all my expectations has been upended! Now, I've have to start over. All my prior planning is dead. I've had to delete all my Chrono24 bookmarks (oh no, dead!), and those awesome eBay deals that were likely fakes? Gone! It's like breaking up with a hot girlfriend and starting over, haha.
To be honest, I was fully expecting the 39mm version to be too big for my wrist. I thought the lugs would stick out and it would look awkward. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that this wasn't the case at all. Look at how those lugs curve around my wrist!
Has anyone had a similar experience? If you have the 214270, I would love to hear your thoughts on the long term wear ability. How has it been in your rotation?
Son of a watchmaker. Artsy farsy dude.
I never tried on the explorer. But I did try the Tudor ranger and the lack of a bezel and empty dial did make it wear a bit big for me. I’m guessing I’d have a similar feeling with this exp
I never tried on the explorer. But I did try the Tudor ranger and the lack of a bezel and empty dial did make it wear a bit big for me. I’m guessing I’d have a similar feeling with this exp
To me, the Ranger is the tool watch that Rolex used to be. I have a 36mm homage of it and I wear it almost everyday around my home. It's my "comfy watch".
I know the current gen exp 1 124270 is smaller than 36mm but have you tried it on in person? The upgraded bracelet and clasp is miles better than the prev 2 gens
I know the current gen exp 1 124270 is smaller than 36mm but have you tried it on in person? The upgraded bracelet and clasp is miles better than the prev 2 gens
Yes, I tried it on yesterday again. And it looked so small to my eye. Like it had shrunken on my wrist. Maybe it was because I'd also tried the 39mm on the same day. But I just couldn't do it!
Also, the AD experience again was lousy. I asked her to put my name down for an OP, and she didn't even bother to ask what size I wanted. So I could tell, she was going to throw the card away. What a joke!
I know, I actually prefer the 36-37mm case size. That's why it was such a surprise to me when the 39mm fit so well. At least to my preferences. I had honestly wanted to like the 114270 instead because there are deals below retail.
What size is your wrist? I am asking as I have a suspicion many who think their wrist is small are statistically more closer to average.
Have you tried the 114270 yet? If so how does it wear?
I have tried the new 124270 (two tone as that was all that was to hand) and found it a bit dainty. Probably would acclimatise in time, but I think I would prefer the 20mm lugs of the older reference.
P.s. thanks for your videos on your AD experiences. Having had some bizarre interactions myself I can empathise!!
The 40mm will probably wear fine. And I say this as someone who mostly wears 30-36mm. I have some 40mm too and they wear and look great. I just like them less and find them less comfy - the bulk of the case can dig into the wrist bone and back of my hand and they catch against other objects more easily. Whereas smaller watches just seem to fit like a glove.
What size is your wrist? I am asking as I have a suspicion many who think their wrist is small are statistically more closer to average.
Have you tried the 114270 yet? If so how does it wear?
I have tried the new 124270 (two tone as that was all that was to hand) and found it a bit dainty. Probably would acclimatise in time, but I think I would prefer the 20mm lugs of the older reference.
P.s. thanks for your videos on your AD experiences. Having had some bizarre interactions myself I can empathise!!
Yeah, I tried on the 124270 yesterday and It was sooo small! It looked like a toy. (Sorry to owners, my personal preference!).
I never tried the 114270, but was so set on ordering it. I have a 36mm tudor homage that I used to test the dimension. But when I tried the 39mm it convinced me. Also, I had this nagging feeling for a while that a Rolex should have a larger presence on my wrist. So, I'm going for the 214.
And thanks about the vids! I had another horrible experience with Hyde Park Jewelers. That's where I tried on the 124270 again. Never going back there!
The 40mm will probably wear fine. And I say this as someone who mostly wears 30-36mm. I have some 40mm too and they wear and look great. I just like them less and find them less comfy - the bulk of the case can dig into the wrist bone and back of my hand and they catch against other objects more easily. Whereas smaller watches just seem to fit like a glove.
I never got to try on the 40mm. With my bad experiences with ADs, the thought of begging for an even newer reference was too much!
I still prefer the 36-37mm case size. But I'm going for the 214270 explorer :-).
I never got to try on the 40mm. With my bad experiences with ADs, the thought of begging for an even newer reference was too much!
I still prefer the 36-37mm case size. But I'm going for the 214270 explorer :-).
Glad it worked out! I can't imagine the pressure to make the right decision buying a watch of that price.
Glad it worked out! I can't imagine the pressure to make the right decision buying a watch of that price.
Yeah, with my OCD tendencies, it was even worse haha.
Yeah, I tried on the 124270 yesterday and It was sooo small! It looked like a toy. (Sorry to owners, my personal preference!).
I never tried the 114270, but was so set on ordering it. I have a 36mm tudor homage that I used to test the dimension. But when I tried the 39mm it convinced me. Also, I had this nagging feeling for a while that a Rolex should have a larger presence on my wrist. So, I'm going for the 214.
And thanks about the vids! I had another horrible experience with Hyde Park Jewelers. That's where I tried on the 124270 again. Never going back there!
oh is hyde park still remodeling? I know their make shift temporary store is really tiny compared to the original building
oh is hyde park still remodeling? I know their make shift temporary store is really tiny compared to the original building
Yeah, I had to walk around a bit to find their temp location. When I asked, they said maybe Sept to finish. That's for their Newport location.
Get on the waiting list for a new 36mm one. Mine took 3 months. It’ll fit perfectly and it’ll be cheaper than the old ones. I have a 6.5 inch wrist.
Get on the waiting list for a new 36mm one. Mine took 3 months. It’ll fit perfectly and it’ll be cheaper than the old ones. I have a 6.5 inch wrist.
Glad you like your explorer! Enjoy in good health. I'm already on the list for an OP and DateJust. And it's been 6 months and nothing. So I'm going grey market for the explorer. I already told my AD and asked him to work on the OP first. I guess you could say I'm covering my bases haha.
Here's another shot from a bit further away. It might give a better idea about the sizing on my wrist.
To my eye it looks big on your wrist but I know its very comfortable, On a strap like an Erika’s that would look more snug , not critiquing as I love it 🥰 , congratulations on a lovely watch
Thank you!
Here's another shot from a bit further away. It might give a better idea about the sizing on my wrist.
Looks great from this angle!
Tried the 39mm before settling on a classic 36mm size. Proportion and wrist presence just seemed better for me at a time when my larger watches were looking a tad "loud".
Tried the 39mm before settling on a classic 36mm size. Proportion and wrist presence just seemed better for me at a time when my larger watches were looking a tad "loud".
Looks good! I think both the 36 and 39 can work, depending on preferences.
I am currently trying out one of the 36mm homages of the Explorer 1. At first I thought it was a little too small. However, the more you wear it, the more you realize how much it stays "out of the way". It's super comfortable, and unintrusive. Most importantly, IMHO it pairs better with multiple outfit styles and colors. I feel the bigger 39mm probably doesn't do the same.
I have a smaller wrist and I certainly can't wear the 39mm variant and not be self conscious about it. If it works for you, it is probably the best looking of them all 👍
I agree that the newest 36mm is a little on the small side, it is quite similar to the 34mm Oyster Perpetual with its dainty bracelet. I can wear it but for most guys, even the smaller ones, that watch is too small in my opinion.
That would normally leave the 114270 but these you can't size down very well, like all the 5 digit sports models it isn't meant for small wrists and one has to "destroy" the bracelet/clasp to fit it nicely.
That is to say, if you can wear 5 digit Rolex sports watches, like the 114270, without issues then your wrist isn't small and you most likely can go 39mm as well 😄 probably the "right" choice
You have an excellent point. I actually had the jeweler cut a link out of the 5 digit bracelet.
Was the 214270 the mark 1 or mark 2 dial? I did hear that people thought the mark 1 dial was too spacey.
Yeah when I looked at the 124270, it was kinda shocking. It felt and looked like a 35mm. Which I think it kinda is .. something like 35.4m?
I’m not sure which one it was, but it just seemed like it was all dial.
I'm still on the "waitlist" for a rolex because my wife it turns out thinks I should have one rather than the others, if you know what i mean. anyway, that explorer looks/wears a tad too big on your wrist.. maybe a 36 or 38 would wear better, but hey, some prefer a bigger look and that's fine as well (yeah, my iwc breitling omega and even TW are all 40 plus mm so sue me...)
I'm still on the "waitlist" for a rolex because my wife it turns out thinks I should have one rather than the others, if you know what i mean. anyway, that explorer looks/wears a tad too big on your wrist.. maybe a 36 or 38 would wear better, but hey, some prefer a bigger look and that's fine as well (yeah, my iwc breitling omega and even TW are all 40 plus mm so sue me...)
I would have loved a 37mm. So I decided to go bigger rather than smaller. I felt like a Rolex should have a substantial wrist presence.
Good luck on the wait-list!
Tried on the 214270 39mm Explorer at an AD about 5 years ago. It just didn’t look right to me on my 6.75 inch wrist. Just picked up the new 124270 week before last and absolutely love it.
Tried on the 214270 39mm Explorer at an AD about 5 years ago. It just didn’t look right to me on my 6.75 inch wrist. Just picked up the new 124270 week before last and absolutely love it.
Congrats!! I had the opposite experience. My wrist is 6 1/2 but decided the 124 looked too small. And when I tried the 214 it felt perfect. Goes to show, we all have our crazy preferences haha
Congrats!! I had the opposite experience. My wrist is 6 1/2 but decided the 124 looked too small. And when I tried the 214 it felt perfect. Goes to show, we all have our crazy preferences haha
Nice! One size fits all isn’t really a thing in watches, that’s for sure.
I have the 214270 MKII on 17cm wrist. It wears great. The dial is a tad bigger but I preferred this version than the 114270 36mm.
I have the 214270 MKII on 17cm wrist. It wears great. The dial is a tad bigger but I preferred this version than the 114270 36mm.
Actually, that looks great! Nice to meet another Explorer bro.