Explorer - “timeless”.
The fluted bezel and jubilee always remind of middle-aged lotharios in the ‘70s, replete with unbuttoned shirt and white shoes.
Datejust
Explorer
Okay, I know we love a poll so here's one... I will definitely be buying one of these watches (in the configurations shown) new from an AD during the course of the next few weeks/months, but I genuinely can't decide which to choose.
I'm not interested in any other suggestions... I'd just like to know which you'd go for and - if you can be bothered to tell me - why.
Thanks very much for your help!
Explorer - “timeless”.
The fluted bezel and jubilee always remind of middle-aged lotharios in the ‘70s, replete with unbuttoned shirt and white shoes.
The Explorer (although I’d prefer the older 49mm model) primarily because I’d struggle with the lack of contrast between the dial and hands on the datejust.
In car terms, the Explorer is the Defender to the Datejust's Evoque.
There is only one choice - in my opinion, of course.
No, not the DJ.
For me it would be the Datejust. Never been a fan of the large numerals on the Explorer dial. The Datejust dial could be seen as a little plain by contrast, but I like the clean, classic look. Another decisive issue could be if you prefer a date on your watch or not. I do, so that's another point for the Datejust. Overall, it feels like a more complete and versatile watch to me. Having said that, I prefer a smooth bezel to the fluted one, but that's not enough for the Explorer to win me over.
For me, the Explorer. I prefer the minimalist, classic, handsome, no-date look. Less fussy bracelet, less fussy bezel, less fussy dial.
The Datejust for me but only because it's my all time favourite watch and currently have two of 'em.
Date just, fluted bezel and the usefulness of the date function win me over
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DJ - fluted/jubilee. Would look and feel that much more special imo.
Rolex are not my thing, but for me the Explorer wins hands down, it looks like a watch, the other is a piece of costume jewellery IMHO.
Another vote for the Explorer. The perfect one watch collection.
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Datejust for me - just looks more special.
I prefer the simplicity of the explorer, I find the bracelet and fluted bezel of the date just a little busy. The date just I see more jewellery like and appealing to a more mature clientele. The explorer a classic watch. 👌
Explorer for me every time.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Had both and DJ far better watch.
DJ a lot more dressy on jubilee than the explorer
I like both and can’t decide
Hope that helps
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Explorer no question, but the dial on the DateJust does nothing for me.
It would be the Explorer for me. It would look good on any occasion in any outfit as would a plain bezel DJ, but not that DJ. Too David Dickinson I'm afraid.
I have a 39mm Explorer and I wear it about 75% of the time. It is way below the radar so you won't get mugged and it just looks like a watch should look like. It is the last watch I would ever get rid of.
The DJ with a serrated bezel just looks a bit Arthur Daley.
I think there is space for both :) I have a 114270 Explorer and a 126234 Blue Dial DJ and love them both.
To answer your question, personally, I would go for the Explorer as I don't particularly like the silver dial DJ.....however if your DJ had been the blue dial variant, I think that would have narrowly swung it to the DJ.
Out of those options, the Explorer. I'd have a blue DJ over the Explorer though...
DJ for me - it’s more distinctive for when you rotate your watches and I like the white gold element.
DJ for me.
The Explorer is just a stone cold classic look. Timeless and versatile.
Dave E
Skating away on the thin ice of a new day
Explorer - more classic to my eyes. DJ is, as someone has already said, too much like jewellery (bingy) for me..............not that I can afford either!
Buy both and sell the explorer to me! Seriously two great watches but for you I would say DJ since you have tried and owned so many, you might get a tad bored of the utilitarian explorer where as the silver dial jubilee fluted is a nice mix of special/classic with just a bit of flash.
I’m not particularly keen on Rolex. Though if it was my money, it would be going on the Explorer - I just prefer black dialled watches.
Last edited by neebsta; 29th December 2021 at 15:40.
I've just Expressed an Interest in this for SWMBO and feels like a better comparison between the 2.
https://www.rolex.com/watches/dateju...8274-0011.html
and in the larger size:https://www.rolex.com/watches/config...234-0014/bezel
Last edited by SeePee; 29th December 2021 at 15:48.
Explorer. Why is this even a question?
I like a fluted bezel datejust, but for me they need to have some contrast between hands and dial, and as you are fixed on either of the two configurations listed, the Explorer would get my vote.
All my watches have a black dial, I dont particularly like cyclops and never really fancied a dressy Rolex - so why do I prefer the DJ?
Both lovely but for some unknown reason I prefer and voted for the DJ..
I'd go for the Explorer because of the hand/dial contrast. I've got a 1971 Datejust and I never wear it because I can't read the time without my reading glasses.
I think both are classics. If you are comfortable reading the time on the Datejust, it would come down to which complements the rest of your collection best. If you aren't, buy the Explorer.
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Genuinely interested myself in those who have owned both what they would go for.
Not so much the older DJ but the 6 digit ones for me are so much better than an explorer.
For everyday use, the Explorer. For special occasions only, the DJ (although very pimpish as above). However, I wouldn't be going for 36mm if I were you - the 39mm Explorer is perfect on a 6.75" wrist and I prefer the look to the 36mm (but I accept going grey less appealing, unless an AD has one secreted in a safe somewhere).
Datejust every time for me
Explorer. I love my older 36mm version as it’s an understated classic, and also very versatile. I appreciate the DateJust, but I don’t feel old enough to wear one, and I’m properly middle-aged!
D
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In your configurations, Tony I’’d tentatively pick the Explorer. My AD suggested that the new case‘ wears and I quote
“very small, too small in my opinion”
So, I’d be interested to see one side by side with a DJ.
Had you gone Oyster/Oystersteel then I would have gone DJ for a classic all rounder!
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The dial choice for the DJ wouldn’t be my pick but I would opt for it over the 36mm Explorer. Not sure on the bracelet taper…
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Explorer for me. But if you have the DJ itch then switch silver dial for black. The silver seems very old man to me.
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The 36mm explorer is a classic, although I'd want a 14270 with drilled lugs.
If you have to ask, then take the DJ. It would look smarter on the wrist. Most here will prefer the Explorer, but most here ain't normal. The small 36mm Explorer looks like "a boy's watch".
DJ has my vote - classic / timeless and you can’t go wrong with that combo
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