The Rolex Explorer 114270 vs 214270
It’s Friday and I’m bored…so here’s a hot take on the 36mm Explorers. Both are great watches, and most people probably couldn’t tell the difference between them, even side-by-side.
However, this is a website for watch nerds, so we have to scrutinise every single detail!
The updated Explorer (124270) is better spec and tech wise in every way:
- A new movement (3230) with a 70 hour power reserve
- A clasp with Easylink adjust
- Anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal
- Fully lumed numerals and indices with Chromalight blue lume
However, there are also some stylistic changes, which are not objective improvements:
- The lug width is 19mm and tapers to 14mm ( on previous models it was 20mm to 16mm)
- The numerals and indices look slightly bigger, reducing the empty space of the dial.
- The more modern clasp is also a lot bigger visually than the old foldover clasp.
I am probably biased because I have the 114270 and so am just used to seeing it, but I think that just like the new generation of maxi-case Submariners, the older and vintage Explorers look more dressy and a tad less sporty. In the past, the 36mm Explorer was very similar to the 36mm OP, just different styles of dressy.
This new stylistic direction makes the Explorer bolder, more sporty and tool-y (and less subtle and less dressy), perhaps to differentiate it from the OP line. Think more Sinn 554A (which is a fantastic tool watch!) and less… well, Oyster Perpetual. Which is great for people who like that or don’t know the difference.
I for one prefer the older aesthetic: better proportions, more real estate for that luscious glossy black dial, and a dressier vintage appeal. I do wish those numerals were lumed, though!
Anyway, would love to hear your opinions. No shade intended towards anyone who likes either version. Just watch talk.
Thank you for the comparison! Good to see them side by side. I prefer the old one, the new case proportions are too stout for my taste, it looks to squarish.
If I were to get a Rolex. I guessing would be an explorer. But honestly, looking at these 2. I don't see a difference.
I have the 114270. Well, my wife has it now but I digress. I was trying to get a 39mm Explorer and was shut down by its cancellation.
I was offered a new 36mm model by my AD but turned it down. My rationale was like this. My wife would get the new model and I would take the old one back. But from her perspective, nothing would have substantively changed. She would still have a 36mm Explorer. I’d feel like a selfish ass if I spent that money just so I could have another Rolex.
As it worked out, we passed on the Explorer and she got the Chanel J12 that she wanted since she was a teenager. Same money either way.
I’ll pick up a 39mm version when used prices come back down to reality. I’m in no hurry.
Too bad you can’t get the old case size with a new bracelet that fits. Best of both worlds. The new bracelet is so much better, but the new size is too small and out of step with previous Explorers that traditionally had 20mm lug widths.
I have the 114270. Well, my wife has it now but I digress. I was trying to get a 39mm Explorer and was shut down by its cancellation.
I was offered a new 36mm model by my AD but turned it down. My rationale was like this. My wife would get the new model and I would take the old one back. But from her perspective, nothing would have substantively changed. She would still have a 36mm Explorer. I’d feel like a selfish ass if I spent that money just so I could have another Rolex.
As it worked out, we passed on the Explorer and she got the Chanel J12 that she wanted since she was a teenager. Same money either way.
I’ll pick up a 39mm version when used prices come back down to reality. I’m in no hurry.
My wife just "claimed" one of my watches today, too. 😂 Well worth it, though, if you ask me, to have her "support" for this obsession.
I like both but if I had to choose, I’d go with the newer version.
For me the difference is huge. Not only numerals, but the indices also look bigger that makes the dial overcrowded. 100% I like 114270 much more. Proportions matter... even more than size sometimes.
Some negative post now 😎
I find the Explorer the most boring watch I ever had on my wrist.
I had the older 36 mm 2 years ago, found a tad too small for my 7 inch wrist but above all, so terribly meaningless boring, so I sold it already after 2 weeks.
2 years later, exactly 2 weeks ago, I bought the 39 mm, maybe that one I like I thought, let´s give it a go....I wore it for 3 days straight to get a good opinion and decided I need to ditch it as soon as possbile......I just can´t deal with that watch, the size was ok for my wrist but the 3, 6, 9 numbers are ridiculously large and again just like the 36 mm, it is just a terribly meaningless dull boring watch for me, there is no sparkle of "oh wow that is nice" about it when I look at it on my wrist.....I have three 120 euro Seiko´s and every one of them is more exciting than the Explorer.
I know the explorer is very much loved by many, but I wonder if there are other watch enthusiasts like me who just don't like the explorer at all.
And sorry to all those who love the Explorer for my negative comments, but yes, tastes differ, fortunately 😎😎
Some negative post now 😎
I find the Explorer the most boring watch I ever had on my wrist.
I had the older 36 mm 2 years ago, found a tad too small for my 7 inch wrist but above all, so terribly meaningless boring, so I sold it already after 2 weeks.
2 years later, exactly 2 weeks ago, I bought the 39 mm, maybe that one I like I thought, let´s give it a go....I wore it for 3 days straight to get a good opinion and decided I need to ditch it as soon as possbile......I just can´t deal with that watch, the size was ok for my wrist but the 3, 6, 9 numbers are ridiculously large and again just like the 36 mm, it is just a terribly meaningless dull boring watch for me, there is no sparkle of "oh wow that is nice" about it when I look at it on my wrist.....I have three 120 euro Seiko´s and every one of them is more exciting than the Explorer.
I know the explorer is very much loved by many, but I wonder if there are other watch enthusiasts like me who just don't like the explorer at all.
And sorry to all those who love the Explorer for my negative comments, but yes, tastes differ, fortunately 😎😎
All opinions are welcome, friend! Thanks for yours. I’m glad that there are so many different watches out there to cater to all tastes and preferences!
Some negative post now 😎
I find the Explorer the most boring watch I ever had on my wrist.
I had the older 36 mm 2 years ago, found a tad too small for my 7 inch wrist but above all, so terribly meaningless boring, so I sold it already after 2 weeks.
2 years later, exactly 2 weeks ago, I bought the 39 mm, maybe that one I like I thought, let´s give it a go....I wore it for 3 days straight to get a good opinion and decided I need to ditch it as soon as possbile......I just can´t deal with that watch, the size was ok for my wrist but the 3, 6, 9 numbers are ridiculously large and again just like the 36 mm, it is just a terribly meaningless dull boring watch for me, there is no sparkle of "oh wow that is nice" about it when I look at it on my wrist.....I have three 120 euro Seiko´s and every one of them is more exciting than the Explorer.
I know the explorer is very much loved by many, but I wonder if there are other watch enthusiasts like me who just don't like the explorer at all.
And sorry to all those who love the Explorer for my negative comments, but yes, tastes differ, fortunately 😎😎
Yes im exactly like you. I found the explorer 1 line terribly boring and over rated. For the money i expect a bit of flair, but none was conveyed through the watch
to join the discussion; i much prefer the updated Explorer 1 purely because of the lumed 3, 6 and 9, but also wish there was a 39mm version. I have a 6.5 inch wrist but found the 36mm terribly small…
I had the chance to compare both old and new at a grey market dealer 1 year ago ( even luckier to be able to buy the new one from a rolex Ad some month ago). I would be happy with both but definitely prefer the new model. It looks a little bit smaller but at the same time it feels bolder. The way the bracelet and lugs are finished almost looks like an integrated bracelet. when I had the chance to compare both, the new model just felt more refined, more matured…but again, I could live happily with either version and the explorer is my go to everyday watch.
I watched Adrian from Bark & Jack do this comparison a while back so after many sleepless nights I still choose the newer version :)
I’m a 114270 owner - absolutely loving it so far!
But - I prefer the 124270 hands down. The clasp and the slightly bolder look perfect for me.
I’ll admit that I haven’t held either or both in person before.
The more dramatic taper aids in the elegance in the 124270. And while the 114270 has the shiny-shiny of the all-white-gold 3, 6, & 9… I’m a child and i love lume lol. The addition of the “ROLEXROLEXROLEX” text makes it a little dressy with how fine it is. No need for such over-branding on a toolwa— oh wait :P
Because of the above reasons and the overall improvements, I think I would go with the 124270 every time. And the lumed 3, 6, & 9 feels like a core part of the Explorer; strange when taken away. Like Trump without his toupée :P