Rolex Oyster Perpetual VS Explorer 36
Casual conversation but am trying to narrow down the choices between these two in the medium-term future to add to my collection:
What would you pick between these two models, without thinking of the 1k ish price difference?
Comparing the Explorer, supposedly a tool watch, to the OP, supposedly a dress watch, is an interesting endeavor, but one that is more relevant today than you might think.......
Explorer, though labeled as a tool watch, has polish case sides rather than the brushed sides like the submariner, and can easily pass as a dress watch to the untrained eye that don't know what the model is.
What would you pick if you have never own a rolex before???
Looking forward to thoughts, thank you!
I am a relatively newer collector that is looking to learn more from other collectors and build connections!
Matter of taste. I like tool watches.
I prefer the OP, especially these two 39mm (both discontinued). I get nothing from the Explorer.
If you want it primarily dress, then the OP for sure. Also a great everyday watch, but I prefer the Datejust. But, judging by your question having a date complication isn't that important to you.
Both would work as a somewhat low profile Rolly (claims may be exaggerated). Go with what you prefer.
The Explorer may be a bit on the staid side with it's black dial. The OP do come in several colourways if you want some splash of colour.
Recommend trying both on at an AD and going with what makes your heart jump.
Both are sports watches that you can dress up. I don’t care for the dial of the Explorer, but that is me. I also like that the OP is available in colors.
Both are cool watches regardless.
The Explorer is a dressy sport watch; the OP is a sporty dress watch.
My two cents!
Both are fine options that’ll work.
I actually think the OP is more under the radar since its the most minimalistic. The Explorer is much more obvious with its design and large numerals. Both work well on various straps too.
Clearly a matter of taste. My pick was the Explorer (in 39mm though) and I’d pick it again without hesitation. The OP is more formal in my opinion, the Explorer on the other side has the perfect versatility. It can be an everyday tool watch, but you can also wear it to a wedding.
The Explorer is a dressy sport watch; the OP is a sporty dress watch.
My two cents!
Best statement I’ve heard about those two 👍👍👍
I don’t own either, but my dream watch is the 36mm blue OP with the explorer dial.
https://youtu.be/WwITDgepRhI
I assume you are looking at aftermarket offering. Either looks fine. Go with your heart. If your heart doesn’t go pitter patter more for one more than the other, my advice is save your money until a watch does light that raging bonfire that is watch lust.
In my opinion I find the explorer a contradicting watch. It is intended as the ultimate tool watch yet it is too ... pretty? Not sure if that makes sense, but it does in my head. lol.
I find the OP more inline with it's intended everyday purpose and I think you could more easily dress it up or down.
I think of them as the same watch. Pick the dial that you like best.
I think both are excellent choices, depending on whether you'd prefer a more dressy or sporty look. But are either available if you walked into an AD today? My hunch is probably not but plenty are available on the secondary market.
I have owned both. I like the thicker bezel and Arabic numerals on the Explorer I 36mm. Having said that, I now own just an old Explorer II LOL
I have owned both. I like the thicker bezel and Arabic numerals on the Explorer I 36mm. Having said that, I now own just an old Explorer II LOL
A matter of taste. I personally woul love an OP while the Explorer I could care less about.
Now I wear the hybrid of the two. The Black Bay 36 😊
They're essentially the same watch bar the wider bezel and Arabic numerals on the Explorer.
If I had to choose I'd take the OP. Its more discreet whilst retaining a good WR. I looked long and hard at the it but I like a date on my daily wearer... however I can not stand cyclops. So I got the GS SBGR.
Explorer!
End of debate.
Explorer !!! No doubt - the most versitile watch ever
As others have commented it is a matter of taste. Personally I prefer the Explorer for a few reasons:
The Explorer is sportier and most people doesn't recognize it where the OP is quite common as an entry level Explorer. And as much as I like the OP (truly) it is also what the Seamaster was for midlevel managers getting their first bonus. 😉
The Explorer also has a smaller crown logo which makes it a little more discrete.
Both have the micro link but the Explorer has the fold over lock at the clasp.
Either way both watches are nice and the OP comes in a lot more variations. But if it was me I would pay the extra money to get a Datejust.
In the end it comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what fits your lifestyle and how you will wear it.
Those are the only 2 in-production Rolex I put my name on the waitlist for. I got my Explorer 124270 last week and now patiently waiting for a colour OP36.
Explorer is a dressy sport watch and OP is a sporty dress watch. So I guess it depends on your style if you buy one. Can’t go wrong either way.