Rolex Explorer 214270, should Explorer always be a 36mm watch?
When the Rolex Explorer 214270 was released in 2010, was met with resistance, and for a good reason. This was the first time that Explorer changed it case size and got bigger at 39mm, it had non-luminous markers for 3, 6, and 9 and it looked like the handset was carried over from the 36mm case size and didn't look proportional. When the Mark II was released in 2016, it fixed almost all of these things (apart from the case size). It looked much more refined and close to the newest ref. 124270, and it was a strap monster. It looks stunning paired with our Two-Stitch Vintage Cognac strap.
What are your thoughts on a 39mm Explorer? Do you think that Explorer should always stay at 36mm or do you welcome a bigger case?
We take pride in handcrafting our watch straps from the finest quality leather. Our strap manufacturing process is highly time-consuming, and each strap is meticulously handled with great care and att...
looks great on that strap, but still the 36mm for me.
I like the 36mm and 39mm versions. Having a 7.25" wrist, I'd probably choose the 39mm, but would be satisfied with either.
I've never been a fan of the Explorer, but if for some reason I ever got tempted to get it, it would be the last 39mm version. 38mm is as low as I like to go.
I’m a fan of tradition, but my aging eyes appreciate a larger dial now.
36mm is a little small for my wrist which is why I prefer the Tudor Ranger. Just a little bigger and similar appearance with performance in time keeping pretty much equal.
I prefer it at 36 and have the 124270, but I think they should just make it in both sizes.
I've owned the 39mm and wish it was 40mm.
For me the 36 is the right size. I owned the 214270 mark2 and allthough it was a great watch it was too big for me and something about the porpotions was off, maybe too much empty space on the dial.
When the new 36 came out I sold my 39mm and bought the new one.
36 is good but so is 39 at least for me, if pushed I'd probably go 36 tbh
For me the 36 is the right size. I owned the 214270 mark2 and allthough it was a great watch it was too big for me and something about the porpotions was off, maybe too much empty space on the dial.
When the new 36 came out I sold my 39mm and bought the new one.
I prefer the 36mm. Agree with you that the 39mm has too much empty space for the dial. Whatever size, the explorer is a strap monster.
36mm seems about right.
I know I won't gain any popularity points for this, but...
When I saw the 36 on someone's wrist for the first time, I honestly thought they had a women's version (before I knew anything about the history of this model). His wrist is even smaller than mine, so I know there's no way I could appreciate wearing a watch that small.
The 39 is as small as I would go, and honestly wish they made that dial design in the 42 case like the Explorer II.
I have the 36mm 124270, and a 7" wrist. Another benefit of the 36mm case--I have a daughter that will inherit this watch. She would probably not wear the 39mm. I enjoy the watch more knowing she will wear it someday.
I know I won't gain any popularity points for this, but...
When I saw the 36 on someone's wrist for the first time, I honestly thought they had a women's version (before I knew anything about the history of this model). His wrist is even smaller than mine, so I know there's no way I could appreciate wearing a watch that small.
The 39 is as small as I would go, and honestly wish they made that dial design in the 42 case like the Explorer II.
Ah, the Explorer II, that's a GREAT watch
.... should Explorer always be a 36mm watch? No it should be a discontinued watch.
I have the 124270
It's the perfect size for this watch
I know I won't gain any popularity points for this, but...
When I saw the 36 on someone's wrist for the first time, I honestly thought they had a women's version (before I knew anything about the history of this model). His wrist is even smaller than mine, so I know there's no way I could appreciate wearing a watch that small.
The 39 is as small as I would go, and honestly wish they made that dial design in the 42 case like the Explorer II.
I don't understand why people use term womens watch as an insult. I would have no problem wearing a watch that a brand has labeled as a womens watch if I liked the design.
I recently walked into a Rolex AD, looking to try on an oyster perpetual. My tradition loving heart was set on the 36 mm. Until I tried it.
Way too small for my 7 1/4 wrist. I wanted to love it. I tried to love it. But no go. I couldn't do it.
Then I tried the 41 mm. Just a tad too big. Aargh! Steve, the AD, mentioned the 39 mm. I felt it would be perfect for my wrist. I got the feeling he wished Rolex still made those too.
Yes, I also tried the explorer 36 mm. Too small again. But I don't like the explorer II. So it was the original design.
So I'm torn. Too hot, too cold, seeking the goldilocks 39 mm. But I won't pay over retail. Sigh.
I don't understand why people use term womens watch as an insult. I would have no problem wearing a watch that a brand has labeled as a womens watch if I liked the design.
You assume too much. I didn't use it in the pejorative whatsoever. I meant it in the same way that "Women's" clothing is typically smaller than "Men's". That's all.
One step smaller and I might have said "Child's". Again, not pejorative. Simply stating a size class.
Like you, it doesn't matter one iota to me for what gender a watch is made.
I would probably go with the 39
7 inch wrist here,
got the 36 mm OP 116000 in white ----> perfect, perfect, perfect, love it
got a 36 mm vintage DJ from 1984 in silver ----> perfect, perfect, perfect, love it
had the explorer 36 mm -----> too small, sold it already after 5 weeks.
I compared them closely and I think, because the OP 116000 has fat lugs and sits high, (the 36 OP is even thicker than the 39 OP) and because of the fluted bezel on the DJ, it gives those 2 a nice wrist precence, optically they are really present on your wrist despite their smaller classic size.....and on top both have brighter colours than the Explorer.
The explorer 36 mm was a total no go for me, it seemed so small, so tiny, like I was wearing a child's watch....so after selling it I got it back in 39 mm....and honestly, sometimes I wish it would even be 40 or 41 mm....it still feels a tad too small sometimes.
Well, these are just my thoughts and experiences with different 36 mm watches and the Explorer.....but off course, if I would have smaller wrists, it might be a different game.