Rolex explorer 1

[Gaz77]

Hi all, I had a trip Christmas shopping for the other half in the Trafford centre this week, and as you do ended up browsing watches for myself! Anyway I've been looking at my next purchase which I thought was going to be an omega speedmaster pro but after trying on wasn't sold on it.. hmmm back to browsing, looking at rolex albeit through the window I saw the explorer 1 and it just shouted to me, it's absolutely stunning.. now here's the dilemma I normally wear 40 to 44mm watches and not sure how a 39mm will fit? Looks like another trip to try one on! So a couple of questions is the 5k asking price negotiable? And can anyone recommended a good dealer in and around the Manchester area? Thanks guys👍

[Frantastic]

I would say without doubt that the Explorer in the Window will be sold now, they dont last long.. you can usually source one if you try hard enough,, but I would say very little chance of a discount from any AD as they can easily sell it.
As for size, because of the bezel and the design the watch wears bigger than the 39mm.. it does not look small at all.
There is a good chance that you can pick one up on SC from time to time and save yourself a little bit of money if you are patient enough.. I wouldnt pay retail and would not use watchfinder as they always polish and refurb.. usually not very well either.


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[Ivan Drago]

I would say without doubt that the Explorer in the Window will be sold now, they dont last long.. you can usually source one if you try hard enough,, but I would say very little chance of a discount from any AD as they can easily sell it.
As for size, because of the bezel and the design the watch wears bigger than the 39mm.. it does not look small at all.
There is a good chance that you can pick one up on SC from time to time and save yourself a little bit of money if you are patient enough.. I wouldnt pay retail and would not use watchfinder as they always polish and refurb.. usually not very well either.


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The explorer in the Trafford has been there about 3 weeks now and you can pick up an explorer in 2 weeks max up north.

[Gaz77]

Thanks for the reply.! Yeah tbh i didnt think a discount was doable, definitely need to try one as I mostly wear dive watches so I know what you mean in regards size👍

[Jardine32]

I think the Explorer is pretty close to perfect in terms of design and build. It can be as smart or as casual as you want it to be. I have pretty big wrists and it wears spot on. It's pretty under the radar for a Rolex as well.
J

[Gaz77]

Thanks guys.. I'm going to have a trip out soon to see what they're like on the wrist👍

[Mick P]

The 39mm Explorer is what a true Rolex is all about - sheer perfection without being flash.

[sean]

I started out with a Timefactors Everest, only vaguely aware what it was a homage to. Eventually, and many watch flips later, I ended up with an Explorer, and that's where I expect to stay.

In my view, it's a timeless classic, a design that's endured. There are no unnecessary complications to clutter the dial, the simple black and white colours, bold numerals and batons make it very legible, and now the numerals are lumed it looks less blingy and better balanced in the dark too. On the bracelet it looks smart, but it's really versatile and works in almost any situation. The bracelet is great. It looks good, suits the watch, and the easy clasp adjustment is great in the summer.

Running at +/-2s per day, it's super accurate, and it's backed by a five year guarantee. It ticks all the boxes for me!

[thealphabeta]

I think 39mm is a perfect size. Like you I used to wear a lot of large watches and have since sold most or given them to my dad who has bigger wrists. I never thought I'd be down to that size but they feel so much better in terms of comfort. I do still have 40/41mm but I insist on quality bracelets for a good fit or a quality leather strap.

I concur the Explorer is a beautiful piece. I'm no fan of the green addition to the recent release mind. I long for a 1016

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[Craizeehair]

I picked one up recently, I have 8” wrists so had some concerns about size, I took a couple of watches with me to compare against, I have to say it wears ok and it is in my opinion a great watch, subtle and versatile. The perspective won’t be perfect on the pics below but may give you an idea against a couple of 40mm watches... I think it’s well worth you trying it if you are happy wearing a 40mm watch



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[marcus.furius]

May get shot down in flames here but another option to look at could be the new Airking. This watch is 40mm and wears bigger due to the thicker case. Also 250 quid cheaper.

Pictures below to show sizes.

Just a thought...

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[JGJG]

Exp 1 is the best watch Rolex make; I’ve had mine from its introduction and don’t think it’ll ever go.

[Dave+63]

May get shot down in flames here but another option to look at could be the new Airking. This watch is 40mm and wears bigger due to the thicker case. Also 250 quid cheaper.

Pictures below to show sizes.

Just a thought...

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Agreed; I tried both on and prefer the Explorer but the air king does wear slightly larger for those who prefer a bigger watch.

As the air king uses the Milgauss case, that’s another possible option although it costs a bit more.

[Ivan Drago]

What's the bracelet fit like on the ex1 ? Does the easylink do the Job or can you still find yourself struggling for the right fit ?

[downer]

What's the bracelet fit like on the ex1 ? Does the easylink do the Job or can you still find yourself struggling for the right fit ?

The normal micro adjustments in the clasp allow a decent range of fit, and the easylink is perfect for hot days etc.

[JGJG]

Yep, you’ve essentially got 1/3 link micro adjustment in the clasp, +1/2 on the easy link.

You can’t go wrong.

[magirus]

May get shot down in flames here but another option to look at could be the new Airking

The dial on that Air King is a mish mash of a mess. Horrid.

[Buster73]

The dial on that Air King is a mish mash of a mess. Horrid.

Had always quite liked the Airking ,not enough to buy one but just admired it .

The Explorer has never been on my radar , until I’ve read this thread , what a nice looking watch and I couldn’t agree with you more regarding your comments .

Bet they don’t sell many of those in comparison.

[JGJG]

In fairness to the current AirKing, it begins to make sense when you read up on the Bloodhound project. Check out the documentaries on YouTube.

[Gaz77]

Thanks guys! I must admit I was a little shocked that the speedy pro didn't shout to me, I've been looking at them for a while and I love it on photos but on my wrist I was left a little underwhelmed..? Maybe I need to try again but tbh all my watches are 3 hand so maybe the chronograph isn't for me, I've always liked the explorer but with the price was never really an option before but it's not to far from the price of a speedy which got me looking again, I've learnt it's better to save and get what I really want!. I currently also own a ball engineer ohio, my only non dive watch, which is a little similar and 40mm which is perfect size for me without the bezel. I will wear this when I go to try the explorer.. certainly looks great on your wrist shots and seems to wear bigger, thanks for the great photos and first hand knowledge, I will have a look at the airking too but for me the explorer is just about perfect👍 cheers everyone I hope you all have a great Christmas and new year.

[carryondentist]

Perhaps controversially, I prefer the OP39, particularly with the rhodium dial. The little splashed of colour just make it a bit more interesting.

[NigeG]

Perhaps controversially, I prefer the OP39, particularly with the rhodium dial. The little splashed of colour just make it a bit more interesting.

and don’t forget the sunburst dial....personally prefer the blue

[Ivan Drago]

Right that's done it I'm getting one. This thread has really swayed me into it !

The speedy is going and the explorer is incoming !

[KingKitega]

Right that's done it I'm getting one. This thread has really swayed me into it !

The speedy is going and the explorer is incoming !

The TZ virus strikes again. Join the gang!

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[JGJG]

Right that's done it I'm getting one. This thread has really swayed me into it !

The speedy is going and the explorer is incoming !

Good choice 👍

[Tom-P]

Perhaps controversially, I prefer the OP39, particularly with the rhodium dial. The little splashed of colour just make it a bit more interesting.

+1. I'm also always a bit surprised that the OP 39 isn't mentioned (more) in despatches when there's Explorer love going around.

[WillHarris2306]

+1. I'm also always a bit surprised that the OP 39 isn't mentioned (more) in despatches when there's Explorer love going around.

Of course, good call. My understanding is they are pretty much the only steel Rolex you can walk in and walk out with these days. Doesn't it have the same case as the Explorer 39?

[lughugger]

+1. I'm also always a bit surprised that the OP 39 isn't mentioned (more) in despatches when there's Explorer love going around.

I think it's precisely because of the colour/negative pips that the 39 is overlooked. Plus the over sized cardinal/under sized non cardinal indices on the coloured dials don't look right to me either. IMO, the 36mm is the pick of the OP's.

[JGJG]

And the OP is not actually a sports / professional model...

[Frantastic]

I have to agree.. its the 3 6 and 9 of the previous explorer with useless and pointless second markers which ruin the dial
I.e 5 10 3 20 25 6 .. i tried one the other day, loved the white gold and the green second hand and Rolex on the dial.. hated those markers.. id buy it in a flash if they just had index markers... but then again it would be an explorer with a green second hand !! They wouldnt ever do it


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[Der Amf]

now here's the dilemma I normally wear 40 to 44mm watches and not sure how a 39mm will fit?

Straight integrated lugs are always worth an extra couple of millimetres

[WillHarris2306]

Currently saving for a 214270. After a fair bit of research i learned about the 2016 update (it will be my first Rolex so I wasn't up to speed) with the commonly preferred longer hands and lumed numerals.

After a chat with my AD they're on a much shorter waiting list than other steel sports Rollies so I've got my name down. Failing that I'm not overly concerned as post 2016 ones can be picked up mint with b&p for around £4.5k (and not on Watchfinder).

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[Gaz77]

Currently saving for a 214270. After a fair bit of research i learned about the 2016 update (it will be my first Rolex so I wasn't up to speed) with the commonly preferred longer hands and lumed numerals.

After a chat with my AD they're on a much shorter waiting list than other steel sports Rollies so I've got my name down. Failing that I'm not overly concerned as post 2016 ones can be picked up mint with b&p for around £4.5k (and not on Watchfinder).

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That's good news, I was thinking a 12 month wait.. Then again I've got some saving to do! Yeah I've done some research and got the same info regarding the lumed numerals and slightly different hands, I must admit I would definitely rather pay 5k brand new with a wait than 4.5k used. To some that won't make sense but I would need a bigger saving if I was buying used..

[Dakar]

Currently saving for a 214270. After a fair bit of research i learned about the 2016 update (it will be my first Rolex so I wasn't up to speed) with the commonly preferred longer hands and lumed numerals.

After a chat with my AD they're on a much shorter waiting list than other steel sports Rollies so I've got my name down. Failing that I'm not overly concerned as post 2016 ones can be picked up mint with b&p for around £4.5k (and not on Watchfinder).

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Unless you like the shorter hand, surely the extra 500 for the new model makes more sense, taking into account the warranty etc.
Lovely watch...definitely on my radar for 2019..

[Gaz77]

Unless you like the shorter hand, surely the extra 500 for the new model makes more sense, taking into account the warranty etc.
Lovely watch...definitely on my radar for 2019..

That's my thought as well regarding warranty.. and I would just like to be the first owner, I would need a bigger discount from rrp, although I think he would be looking at the newer model with the longer hands and lumed numerals as well.

[kultschar]

It’s a nice size. Def never felt small to me with my 7 inch wrist

[WillHarris2306]

Funnily enough it's not actually the short hands that would bug me on the previous one (which seems to be the main gripe) it's the white gold numerals. Much prefer the fully lumed ones.

Saying that i'm no Rolex aficionado...

[Gomers]

It’s a nice size. Def never felt small to me with my 7 inch wrist

To contrast ^^^, I found the 39 just wore too big when I had one, that extra bulk in the bezel bothered me. Lovely watch though but in the end just wasn't for me and I now have what I consider THE perfect Explorer (after the 6610/1016) in the 114270, 36mil of pure class IMO.

[Ivan Drago]

12 month wait ??? Gaz you'll get one within 2 weeks of putting your name down !

[Waxman]

loving that on the jubilee!

[kaiserphoenix]

The 39mm Rolex Exp wears more like a 41mm in my view so def won’t feel small. Great watch.


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[Gaz77]

12 month wait ??? Gaz you'll get one within 2 weeks of putting your name down !

Awesome news! Still need to save some pennies, although a trip to an ad is in order, anywhere you would recommend? Thanks

The 39mm Rolex Exp wears more like a 41mm in my view so def won’t feel small. Great watch.
That's great, I was concerned thinking it would wear small, definitely need to try on the wrist. I'm kicking myself that I didn't ask when I was in the Trafford centre!

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[WillHarris2306]

The 39mm Rolex Exp wears more like a 41mm in my view so def won’t feel small. Great watch.


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Respect your opinion as I've just sold my Aqua Terra 41mm to bank some money for the Explorer. When I tried it I thought I wore a bit smaller but maybe not when I've owned it for a while.

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[JGJG]

Back to the Explorer...

[dkpw]

Back to the Explorer...

Love your last lume shot.

[robinsongreen68]

i sold my 36mm explorer partly because i didn't like the shine of the white gold arabics, i think the lume takes the watch back towards earlier iterations (for me this is a good thing)

[sean]

For a bit of variety, here's what it looks like on rubber.



And here it is in the snow.



And long exposure.

[WillHarris2306]

Great photos. What a watch. And looks good on rubber too.

I've always liked my watches to have a date (i think i check the date as much as i do the time on my wrist - keep forgetting!) but i can see by just by staring at that dial that it would ruin it. There's nowhere it could go without ruining it.

I guess that's what my phone's for.

[j4ckal]

For a bit of variety, here's what it looks like on rubber.



And here it is in the snow.



And long exposure.

Cracking photos there. Looks suprisingly good on the rubber, have you tried it on a nato or anything else?

[boring_sandwich]

The Explorer 1 is a great watch its just the flat bezel that put me off buying one.