36mm or 39mm opinions please!

[Hakkajai]

Hi guys,

Need a little advice guys, I’ve got the urge to get an Explorer 1, just trying to make my mind up with either 36mm or 39mm.

I have a 40mm SD and want something that will slide under my sleeve better. I’ve taken a few pics or the 36mm explorer and a 39mm OP (they didn’t have the new explorer in stock). As I’m so used to seeing the SD on my wrist it’s hard to get used to the 36mm. But it’s growing on me.

Please cast an eye over the wrist shots and let me know what you think!

Thanks

[Nairn1980]

Hi guys,

Need a little advice guys, I’ve got the urge to get an Explorer 1, just trying to make my mind up with either 36mm or 39mm.

I have a 40mm SD and want something that will slide under my sleeve better. I’ve taken a few pics or the 36mm explorer and a 39mm OP (they didn’t have the new explorer in stock). As I’m so used to seeing the SD on my wrist it’s hard to get used to the 36mm. But it’s growing on me.

Please cast an eye over the wrist shots and let me know what you think!

Thanks

IMO the 36mm is a better size for you.

[raydin]

36mm absolutely. I think that 36 is an almost perfect size for this style of watch. Having seen a lot of 39mm Rolex I get the feeling they look dinner plates. Then again its just my opinion.

[NigeG]

Have to say the 36mm looks better on your wrist imo

[Hakkajai]

Thanks guys! Is the 39mm OP case the same as the Explorer case?


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[marcus.furius]

I would agree with the others that the 36 looks best. Like you, I was used to wearing larger watches so for my first Rolex I went looking for the 39 OP, but after trying it on i felt the 36 was just right and now is my go to watch for any occasion.
Gratuitous wristshot included


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[barryw]

36mm looks perfect imo.

[boring_sandwich]

Well the 36mm Explorer looks great on you in my opinion. Currently I have a 14060m and I am thinking about exchanging it for a explorer as well.
They just look so cool and understated.

[Montello]

Well I have a 36mm one and I have normal wrist size ... 6.5" like it a lot ...

[prexelor]

As a owner of a 36mm, I would say go for the 39mm. I wear my Seiko SKX013 daily and my Explorer does feel small. But having said this, I have been wearing my Explorer all week and you do get use to it.

[boring_sandwich]

As a owner of a 36mm, I would say go for the 39mm. I wear my Seiko SKX013 daily and my Explorer does feel small. But having said this, I have been wearing my Explorer all week and you do get use to it.

Can I ask are you saying the explorer feels small against the 013?

[HEKTOR]

36mm datejust looks spot on.

[johnthemull]

My wrist is about 6.75. I tried on a 36mm explorer, but it seemed too small on the wrist. I went for the 39mm in the end and I am very happy with it.

[prexelor]

Can I ask are you saying the explorer feels small against the 013?

Yes - in comparison it does feel small. I suppose that is to be expected give the size difference and it is from this perspective that I say the 39mm may be more suitable. Changing from one to the other should not feel vastly different.

I do like my 36mm but would I change to the 39mm if I could - possibly yes. But then again, I regard my 36mm as my ‘dress’ watch on my powerfully built director 6 inch wrist.

[prexelor]

Can I ask are you saying the explorer feels small against the 013?

Ps it is a SKX007 I have and not 013. No idea why I put 013. Must be too much Actifed cough medicine I have had today.

[francoop100]

The 36MM looks great on you, keep it for sure.

[ddm27]

I'm a huge fan of sub-38mm watches and have based my current collection around this, but must say that faced with the same decision I went with the 39mm recently. I have a YG Day-Date in 36mm which I love, and thought the 36mm Explorer would therefore suit me perfectly. However I think the fact that it's quite understated combines with the smaller size and feels quite small indeed on the wrist.

I really wanted to love it as the 36mm ones are a good bit cheaper too! Make sure you try both is my advice.


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[ddm27]

Here's the 39mm 214270 on my sub-7" wrist.




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[ddm27]

And another:




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[MartynJC (UK)]

And another 39mm Explorer 1 - take a step back - close up phone pictures often look distorted. 6 3/4 “ wrist.

[Berty234]

39mm.

Better watch overall, better bracelet etc.

I traded from 36 to 39 and have a flat sub 7 wrist. Haven't looked back. The 39 wears happily well within my wrist span; the 36 always felt small.

[mui.richard.hk]

I say go with the 214270 no doubt.

Honestly, if I wanted a 36 I'd either go with a new Oyster Perpetual or a vintage 1016 Explorer...just can't see the point of getting a used 114270, given the much better movement and the better easylink clasp/bracelet of the current Explorer or Oyster Perpetual.

And tbh I think the 39mm OP wears very nicely on OP's wrist.

My wrist measures 6" only, and the 214270 wears perfectly fine.

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[Bob Mc]

Another vote for the 36mm. The style of watch looks better in the smaller version.

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[afnios]

the 36 fits you better.

[hafle]

I find that wrist shots almost always make watches look like they wear far larger than on person, but it would be 36mm for me. Great size.

[topcat666]

Another vote for 36mm.
I tried on the new Explorer and was surprised how large it seemed.
Went for the 36mm OP blue dial and am very happy with my choice but as they say:your wrist,your wallet,your choice.
Best of luck.
It's a nice choice to have to make.

[Cat7]

I sold my 36mm explorer and my 36mm datejust because I thought they were too small.
I quickly realised I had made a bad mistake and have regretted it ever since.
Definitely 36mm

[Velorum]

36mm absolutely. I think that 36 is an almost perfect size for this style of watch. Having seen a lot of 39mm Rolex I get the feeling they look dinner plates. Then again its just my opinion.

I agree with this. I have a ZEX and at 36mm on a bracelet it feels perfect.

[andyd30]

Due to my wrist size I would favour the 36mm and am saving for a 114270, I have a 39mm PRS-22 which I guess wears like a 39mm explorer and is on the limit of what I am comfortable with.

I agree with this. I have a ZEX and at 36mm on a bracelet it feels perfect.

I have thought about the Zeno but not taken the plunge as in profile the case looks very deep, almost dumpy. Is this the reality or just a photo illusion?

[Velorum]

Due to my wrist size I would favour the 36mm and am saving for a 114270, I have a 39mm PRS-22 which I guess wears like a 39mm explorer and is on the limit of what I am comfortable with.



I have thought about the Zeno but not taken the plunge as in profile the case looks very deep, almost dumpy. Is this the reality or just a photo illusion?

Well its not an ultra slim dress watch but I wouldn't say that its out of proportion or too tall.

[Rocket Man]

36mm is the best choice IMHO. The proportions of the 114270 are perfect. The old style bracelet is very comfortable too.

[CardShark]

I have a 7.25" wrist and would choose the 36mm over the 39mm. I have a 36mm GS and that wears just fine, that and (IMO) an Explorer isn't an Explorer if it isn't 36mm. The 39mm is folly to fashion

[Hakkajai]

39mm.

Better watch overall, better bracelet etc.

I traded from 36 to 39 and have a flat sub 7 wrist. Haven't looked back. The 39 wears happily well within my wrist span; the 36 always felt small.

Definitely agree about the bracelet, the 36 bracelet almost feels rattly compared to the newer 39 and the glidelock makes life so much easier


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[Evangelos]

36 dude!!

[slever]

I would agree with the others that the 36 looks best. Like you, I was used to wearing larger watches so for my first Rolex I went looking for the 39 OP, but after trying it on i felt the 36 was just right and now is my go to watch for any occasion.
Gratuitous wristshot included

That 'grape' dial is lovely.



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[helidoc]

36mm for size and proportions, unless you have a very large wrist. My wrist is 6.5 inches, and the 36mm wears much the best.

Dave


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[speedish]

39mm. All the way.

[speedish]

39mm. All the way.

Most manufacturer make 39, 40mm. Regardless what size your wrist is.

AP, Breguet, Patek, Vachron, Omega and so on.. All make 39, 40mm. On a bracelet watch.

[dforgrieve]

I am biased towards the 36mm Explorer as I think it’s perfectly proportioned on the wrist.

The modern 39mm versions have arguably better bracelets and improved movements. The Oyster Perpetual dials are stunning.

Dave


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[ASW1]

39mm all day long. In OPs pictures the 36mm looks too small IMO.

[tyC]

36mm fits you perfectly. I think the 36mm rolexes are exquisitely proportioned which is why I'm looking for a 1601 at the moment.

[charlies]

This is so nice , perfect size and the grape colour is the best in this range , Rolex at its best in my humble opinion


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[nick1]

I think you should go with 39mm. 36 is too small but thats just my opinion

[Jamie.Loader]

Personally I think the 39mm, especially with the Rhodium dial is the better choice. I love the Explorer, but for me it has to be the newer 39mm again. Plus the Rhodium 39mm dial is pretty scarce these days it would seem.

[Omegamanic]

I’m fairly sure history will look more fondly on the Explorer.

[Bobbyf]

If I was in the market for one I’d instinctively want to try the 39mm first, as most my other watches are around that size, but after seeing these pictures of the 36mm I would definitely be trying one on. It carries its’ 36mm very well!

[Morning Wood]

Either would be fine, but my preference would be the 39mm

[JimmyGood]

The 36mm looks better proportioned within its design. The 39mm looks somewhat overgrown to my eyes. The 36mm case just says I'm the classic Rolex which sets the fashion rather than following it.

[Kiloman]

36mm, definitely.

In my opinion the 39mm is tool large. Whenever I think of an Explorer, I think of the 36mm version.

[Newby]

39mm for me