Rolex Explorer vs Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Rolex Explorer vs Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Which one would you pick? (if you have the chance! 😅).
I've written my name down on the Rolex Explorer waitlist, but when trying it on my wrist it felt a tad too small to my liking.
The OP (maybe because of the case shape and its lug-to-lug/lug width dimensions) felt just right, though.
I really like the sporty look of the Explorer and also the classic/simple/elegant design of the OP.
Can someone help to build some arguments for both of them?
Which one would you pick and why?
Thank you in advance!
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If the explorer didn't feel right I give it a miss ,at these prices you don't want to compromise and as both don't have a date window the only real difference is the numbers ,both are great choices
Explorer 40mm 224270
It might seem like a trivial argument, but it’s difficult to dress up for the explorer. Instead, it’s easy to dress down with the op.
I've always preferred the simple stick markers and hands of the OP, however the design of the hands makes them harder to see at a glance, especially in certain configurations. I have a silver dial OP36 and love the look of the watch, but the hands tend to blend in with the dial. They stand out more on the black dial, but I still feel that the Explorer hands are ever so slightly easier to see at a glance.
I’m an OP guy personally.
How about a blend?
I chose the Explorer 36mm Ref 124270. It's been on my radar since about the day after I fell down the watch rabbit hole almost 7 years ago, a grail watch so to speak. To me it has a more interesting back story/history - a tool watch that became a brand mainstay that became a watch icon. I find it to be a more interesting watch "visually" with the 3-6-9 and Mercedes hands (which hold more lume than the OP hands). And I like the Explorer clasp better than the OP clasp.
Registered my interest at the AD in mid January last year and had the watch on my wrist by early May; not an unreasonable wait time. YMMV of course.
Let us know what you decide...and pics when you get it!
I chose the Explorer (but I'll probably add an OP at some point)
Explorer 40mm 224270
I have to visit my AD and try it!
If the explorer didn't feel right I give it a miss ,at these prices you don't want to compromise and as both don't have a date window the only real difference is the numbers ,both are great choices
I see your point. But I can't take it from my mind! 😅
It might seem like a trivial argument, but it’s difficult to dress up for the explorer. Instead, it’s easy to dress down with the op.
Agreed
I've always preferred the simple stick markers and hands of the OP, however the design of the hands makes them harder to see at a glance, especially in certain configurations. I have a silver dial OP36 and love the look of the watch, but the hands tend to blend in with the dial. They stand out more on the black dial, but I still feel that the Explorer hands are ever so slightly easier to see at a glance.
You’ve got a beautiful watch, sir!
How about a blend?
I've got one already! 😅
How about a blend?
I really like this OP. I've been considering this watch too. Thank you for sharing!
I chose the Explorer 36mm Ref 124270. It's been on my radar since about the day after I fell down the watch rabbit hole almost 7 years ago, a grail watch so to speak. To me it has a more interesting back story/history - a tool watch that became a brand mainstay that became a watch icon. I find it to be a more interesting watch "visually" with the 3-6-9 and Mercedes hands (which hold more lume than the OP hands). And I like the Explorer clasp better than the OP clasp.
Registered my interest at the AD in mid January last year and had the watch on my wrist by early May; not an unreasonable wait time. YMMV of course.
Let us know what you decide...and pics when you get it!
I've been waiting for about a year. I will keep you posted! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
It'd be the Explorer ALL day long for me....if for no other reason than the Bond connection. It was Ian Fleming's watch and the piece he gave his 007 creation on the books.
The OP is the more coherent and classic design for sure. The numerals on the Explorer are too big, the typeface too trendy, and, like many modern Rolexes, it falls into this weird, conflicted space between ostentatious bling and tool-watch cosplay pretensions. The OP is simple, elegant, and isn’t pretending to be the watch that Rolex pretended Hillary wore on Everest or trying to imbue any its wearer with any adventuretime fantasies. A 36mm OP in black oozes quiet confidence and class and is the one Rolex that will never look out of place and never go out of style.
I would go for the Explorer 40. Slightly more sportier but with a serious personality if you want to go dressy.
Cleary, the Oyster Perpetual, which is the epitome of classic Rolex.
I have owned the Explorer 39 mm and that watch is neither here nor there. A tad too sporty to be a dresswatch, but way too shiny, prone to scratches and a real smudge magnet in day to day life to be enjoyed as a tool watch.
Not mentioning all the tiresome "Explorer" hype.
If you want Rolex 1016 vibes in a modern package, by a Sinn 556 A
Also, I've lost some weight and my wrist now is 6.85”. It used to be about 7.25”. This is why I still want to give the Explorer another try.
Just keep calling into your AD to try it ,see if you bond ,or buy it and after 6 months if you still haven't bonded sell it you'll probably get your money back and a little extra.
I've always preferred the simple stick markers and hands of the OP, however the design of the hands makes them harder to see at a glance, especially in certain configurations. I have a silver dial OP36 and love the look of the watch, but the hands tend to blend in with the dial. They stand out more on the black dial, but I still feel that the Explorer hands are ever so slightly easier to see at a glance.
This is one of the greatest watches out there. A perfect blend of elegance, sportiness and ruggedness. Has gold but is still kinda not twotone (afaik the only Rolex ever made with only yellow gold hands/indices but no other parts in gold). A true GADA if there’s ever been one, provided of course you don’t feel the need for a date complication.
I would love to see Rolex introducing again OP with "Explorer" 3-6-9 dial ( I remember some pink, blue and WG marker/numbers variations in the past ), best combo IMO.
I wouldn't get a black dial altogether, but the OP is plain and practical. Also, look at those little Roman numerals, how cool are they?
Unfortunately, the current model 41/36 OP doesn't have the Roman numerals. Just slightly boring pips.
Only the 34mm has Roman numerals.
Neither they’re too small….
Go for the OP if you feel it fits better. There are differences in how each of those fit. Both are classic, so you cannot go wrong with either.
Go for the OP if you feel it fits better. There are differences in how each of those fit. Both are classic, so you cannot go wrong with either.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Ok both are 36mm variants. As a former mountain climber, I have to go with the Explorer. Now, if I were to get an OP I am not complaining. I had a Casio Pathfinder on my wrist as I climbed several mountains.
Ok both are 36mm variants. As a former mountain climber, I have to go with the Explorer. Now, if I were to get an OP I am not complaining. I had a Casio Pathfinder on my wrist as I climbed several mountains.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Have you considered the Airking? I saw it next to a 40mm Explorer and really liked it in comparison.
Have you considered the Airking? I saw it next to a 40mm Explorer and really liked it in comparison.
Yes. I have. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.