Rolex Explorer 1 alternatives?
Lately I've been thinking the idea of a Single Watch collection more and more. Not having to think what to put, just grab the one and wear the heck out of it.
Th Le Rolex Explorer I seems one of the best embodiments of that to me. Black dial for versatility. Applied markers that give texture. 3, 6, 9 numerals breaks the pattern.
Are there any alternatives you can think of?
The Tudor Ranger would be the perfect alternative if it weren't for the printed markers/numerals (and the weird color).
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Mateo
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Medellín, Colombia
Member since
Last active: 9 hrs ago
6.30” / 16.00 cm
Obvious answer is Aqua Terra 😉👍🏻
Got an early quartz one, honestly there's no situation I've been in where it's been inappropriate, whether at work, riding my motorcycle, fine dining etc. versatile, tough and handsome
I think there are quite a few watches that would fit the bill. Omega has the AT, Longines has the spirit, Seiko alpinist or the srpe, CW sealander, Nomos club sport. Pick how simple you want it or a complication and it is probably out there somewhere.
New Tudor BB36/39 range. Maybe more Rolex OP style than Explorer. The ‘light champagne’ is hopefully my next purchase.
The CW C65 Dune or C63 Sealander are perfect for the task, and don't cost an arm and a leg.
I suggest wearing a single watch from your collection for a few weeks just to see if it's actually something you like doing. If you find yourself thinking that a different watch would be "better" for a situation you find yourself in, you may not be ready for a "one watch collection".
Check Sinn 556A :)
Black dial OP isn't a million miles away, but there are plenty of Smiths, Steinhart types available.
Obvious answer is Aqua Terra 😉👍🏻
Got an early quartz one, honestly there's no situation I've been in where it's been inappropriate, whether at work, riding my motorcycle, fine dining etc. versatile, tough and handsome
Yeah that's a strong contender for me! If only the bracelet was a bit different
New Tudor BB36/39 range. Maybe more Rolex OP style than Explorer. The ‘light champagne’ is hopefully my next purchase.
Lovely watch! Sadly not for me
Seiko alpinist black, nivada grenchen super antarctic, tissot gentlemen
This is a question I come to a lot! Honestly I don't know if there is a way to scratch this particular itch for me since Explorer 1 is such a nice blend of elegance and ruggedness. I will say the closest I have come is when I had a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38. The dial is surprisingly inky and the power reserve is insane. Worth taking a look, especially if you don't want to go into homage territory.
The CW C65 Dune or C63 Sealander are perfect for the task, and don't cost an arm and a leg.
I suggest wearing a single watch from your collection for a few weeks just to see if it's actually something you like doing. If you find yourself thinking that a different watch would be "better" for a situation you find yourself in, you may not be ready for a "one watch collection".
You mean like this one? 😅😅
I love it and it's probably the one that I grab the most often, if not daily.
But the 24-hour scale makes it feel smaller than it really is. And I'm not fully sold on the fauxtina. Fantastic fantastic watch nonetheless.
But you're correct! I should probably wear it for a few weeks. Maybe it's just the itch of buying a new one.
What's your budget? Only automatics/manual , or (good) quartz it's also an option? Depending on that there a lot of great options.
You mean like this one? 😅😅
I love it and it's probably the one that I grab the most often, if not daily.
But the 24-hour scale makes it feel smaller than it really is. And I'm not fully sold on the fauxtina. Fantastic fantastic watch nonetheless.
But you're correct! I should probably wear it for a few weeks. Maybe it's just the itch of buying a new one.
I was thinking more like this:
Or this:
Check Sinn 556A :)
Fantastic watch, just a bit too "plain" for me. If it only had applied markers or a textured dial, something to give it three-dimensionality.
This is more explorer than my Explorer.
What’s your budget? There are lots of alternatives but I’d want to recommend something that meets your expectations.
So glad I dont land on one. But if I did it would be my Omega AT Seamaster in 36mm. From my posts tho, u might know my (current) GADA and wrist time beast is my Expedition North Titanium.
Longines Spirit 37 scratched my 36mm datejust itch. I think it’s a great gada watch and looks great on bracelet and any strap. Just wish it had a screw down crown but as long as you’re not going diving with it, can’t go wrong
Yes, not many about. I bought the grey version from an ebayer. I picked it for an absolute bargain, and the watch is almost impossible to fault
Did you happen to buy this in October this year by any chance?
This could be my one watch, watch collection. Seiko Landmaster 30th anniversary. Perfect everyday watch, the dial is stunning. Not the dressiest watch, but I don’t even own a collared shirt.
Sinn 556 is one I’ve been considering. A bit more dressed down but feels like it could be a good alternative
Aqua Terra
I think there are quite a few watches that would fit the bill. Omega has the AT, Longines has the spirit, Seiko alpinist or the srpe, CW sealander, Nomos club sport. Pick how simple you want it or a complication and it is probably out there somewhere.
This guy Watches. . . right on the money. Depending on budget, I would look at the Spirit, Alpinist or Nomos Club Sport (my pick)
Smiths Everest
This guy Watches. . . right on the money. Depending on budget, I would look at the Spirit, Alpinist or Nomos Club Sport (my pick)
Nomos club sport is my pick as well but for the right price I may get the alpinist gmt at some point.
There are lots of obvious answers. Just depends what you like.
Omega AquaTerra, Tudor BB 41, or a Hamilton Murph
Each of these three, imho, embody the simplicity and elegance of the Explorer - a tool watch with a bit of “class” that is equally at home worn with a suit or in goretex half way up a mountain
It’s all a matter of taste but those are three alternatives from £5k, £3k to £1k respectively
(Id still grab the Explorer given a chance)
Railmaster...
You mean like this one? 😅😅
I love it and it's probably the one that I grab the most often, if not daily.
But the 24-hour scale makes it feel smaller than it really is. And I'm not fully sold on the fauxtina. Fantastic fantastic watch nonetheless.
But you're correct! I should probably wear it for a few weeks. Maybe it's just the itch of buying a new one.
I've got the C65 Dune as well. I wore mine to Italy this summer and haven't worn it since. I need to get back on it, was really comfy