Not as far as I am concerned. I love them
Rolex Explorer reference 1016 the larger 36 mm model
Rolex Explorer 5500 regular sized 34 mm version. The perfect size for me. Dial and hands appear mismatched it could be a redialed Air King, but comes with certification of authenticity from Rolex expert, James Dowling
Three of them together, the 5500 Superprecision, 5500 Precision and 1016 Chronometer
I think they are superb 3 hand models.
The 36 is for me perfect, the combination of the 39 and fairly small bezel makes the current model a bit too flat if that makes sense. That said I saw someone on the tube last year wearing a 39 and it looked ace.
Rolex Explorer - the least popular of the sports models? Not in these parts.
Possible the title of the least popular sports model belongs to the Exp II?
Shot from the web.
It would be interesting to know how many of these Rolex sold versus other models, but I guess we never will. Personally it's my favourite watch from today's line-up. I am of course biased.
I don't think so....Originally Posted by dkpw
Maybe the yacht master?
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The Skydweller is uglier than Michael Gove.
I don’t think so either. As you can see my trusty Explorer II is no safe-queen, but it’s my go-to daily wearer.
It’s everything that I need in a watch, comfortable and bullet-proof and can handle everything that I throw at it (evident from the marks and scrapes). The fact that I see very few of these being worn is a positive too!
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Exp II owners, don't get me wrong, I like them, especially the older polar models. I don't believe though, that they are/were widely appreciated compared to Subs, GMTs and as this is an Explorer thread, Explorers.
dkpw - you're the one that dragged the ExpII into an Explorer thread (i.e. an Explorer I thread, not Exp IIs).
P.S. Everyone knows the Milgauss wins that Fugly Rolex prize.
I think you make a valid point...i have an Explorer II the polar but the later model in 42mm.
At one point you could get these for a discount as no one wanted them...the problem now is everyone wants one because they will be discontinued next year and Rolex are running down the supply of them(Confirmed by a very good contact at my Rolex dealer) so from an investment point of view a good buy.
The new model out next year is probably going to be like the new Seamaster...white faced with a black ceramic bezel and being a new model everyone will want one.
I am glad the Exp II isn't popular because i don't see many about unlike the subs and seadwellers which i have previously owned.
I have been wearing my 39mm Explorer non stop since February and to me it is the perfect watch. Another of its attractions, or so I thought, is the anonymity of it, in the sense that no one ever notices it.
Two weeks ago I was passing through an almost empty Murcia airport and was approaching the security part where you have to put your hand luggage through the Xray machines etc.
I was about 10 ft away from a female guard who told me in a loud voice to put my belt and Rolex in a basket. I looked around to her to work out how on earth she knew I was wearing a Rolex but she just walked away. If she spotted the Explorer, any scrote can and it was a trifle worrying. I may wear the old 1655 next time, that looks nothing like a normal Rolex.
I still think the Explorer is the iconic Rolex.
You must be joking or are completely un-aware of the Yachtmaster 2! That takes the prize for not only Fugly Rolex but Fugly watch of all time.
As for the Explorer, Rolex sports perfection in any reference. I absolutely love my 114270 it’s my daily wearer!
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I prefer the larger modern version for the size and the bracelet/clasp, but the overall design is more or less the same. I really like the Explorer and I contemplated buying one for my son as a birth year watch (which was when I discovered how scarce sports watches had become).
I think it’s hugely versatile, can dress up or down and it’s the sort of watch, bullet proof as I think it is, that could really be a ‘one watch to do it all’.
Great find. Hope it serves you well.
I tried really hard with the 39mm. Three times actually!
So much wrong with it. Dial too big, bracelet too narrow for the case....
Best watch out there for me. Under the radar and foes with anything !
I’ve got the 39mm and ive currently got it on a rubber B.
Is that the 214270 mk1 version?
Shot from the web.
What a photo !!!
Air-King is probably the least popular, most people forget it even exists.
Nah. That'd be the Milgauss every day of the week.Rolex Explorer - the least popular of the sports models? Not in these parts.
Possible the title of the least popular sports model belongs to the Exp II?
Shot from the web.
Little polar loveliness to brighten up the thread!
Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.
Explorer the least Popular of the Sports models?
No not for me. I much prefer the 114270 than something like a 14060. Mind you I am probably in the minority in also preferring the 16570 to a 14060.
I think the explorer II in white is one of the most beautiful design of Rolex. Is in my must list since many years!
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114270 was the perfect modern Rolex sports watch in my opinion
I love mine
Understated class what’s not to like.
Size, proportions, bezel and dial ;) None work as well as on the 36mm model, imo. The lumed numerals are an improvement though.
Understated class what’s not to like.
Its a real shame they dont offer the 36mm anymore - cant see why they couldn't do it alongside the larger model...
Tbh, I was going to put the 36mm on the 'most overrated' list on the other thread! It's actually the only watch I've owned twice, and it's certainly nice enough, but I struggle with the enormous hype it gets. It seems almost de rigour for 'serious' enthusiasts to declare their undying love for it as the ultimate statement in timelessly classic, understated, Rolex cool.
Of course, the watch itself is blameless in all of this!
When did they switch from 36mm to 39mm on the Rolex Explorer? Was it in 2010? Just asking as am interested in a 2004 version - but fear that 36mm may be too small for the wrist that I have it in mind for...
It’s a boring watch and what’s the deal with the ugly 3 6 9?
To the OP, what a lovely set of watches.
Definitely wouldn't say its the least popular, has a great story and simple clean dial.
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My best pal has the newest, 39mm Explorer and I used to think it was a watch I really wanted. But having a lend of his I’ve kind of gone off it. People say it’s understated and under the radar, but it’s actually got a fair size dial in the new size, a lot of shiny surfaces including all the polished arabics, plus a large amount of text on the dial. To me it’s actually quite a busy, blingy watch and I’ve gone off the idea of having one.
I’m not sure about it being the least popular, it’s the darling of watch you tubers and a large amount of the watch community.
For me Rolex’s best watch in recent years were the black or white OP39’s, given the choice I’d take one over an Explorer in a heartbeat.
I wonder are you conflating the pre- and post-2016 iterations of the 214270? The latter is somewhat less blingy.
Twice for me ! Kept my 114270 instead, just so much more balance to the design IMO.
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Precisely! 369 design just doesn’t work on larger dials. Also Rolex logo is too big on the 214270.
Eh?
Meh
Yes that's the pre 2016 version.Is that the 214270 mk1 version?
What a photo !!!
It's one of my favourite shots of the watch, which I found somewhere on the web. I tried a reverse photo search to see if could find the photographer, but was unsuccessful.
It's the version I have and which I prefer, over the fatter hands and lumed 369 on the latter model. I don't consider the hands to be too short and the solid gold 369 doesn't affect nighttime viewing at all. The thinner hands are more elegant, to my mind, and match those on my 16610.
Mine was bought in Amsterdam six years ago and is still running at +2 a day.
There are many things I like about the watch but if I had to pick one feature above all others, it would be the slimness of the case. The lugs drip over your wrist and with the oyster bracelet, it feels part of you. I like the large real estate of the dial on a smallish watch. The very thing which turns some people off.
But as this thread has shown, tastes differ!
It’s the version I have too. I had the choice between mk1 and mk2 dials/hands and went with the mk1. The watch seems to wear smaller with the non-lumed numerals and appears more discreet. It was this that won me over as I wanted a watch I could wear everywhere without attracting unwanted attention. As you say I also have never had a problem with the hands.
Great accurate movement, wrist hugging lugs, strong clasp, under the radar and waterproof enough for my needs
Your reasons for wanting the mk1 were exactly the reasons I sold mine and got the mk2.It’s the version I have too. I had the choice between mk1 and mk2 dials/hands and went with the mk1. The watch seems to wear smaller with the non-lumed numerals and appears more discreet. It was this that won me over as I wanted a watch I could wear everywhere without attracting unwanted attention. As you say I also have never had a problem with the hands.
Great accurate movement, wrist hugging lugs, strong clasp, under the radar and waterproof enough for my needs
I found the mk1 was less discreet due to the white gold arabica reflecting light, plus the shorter thiner hands made the dial look bigger and unbalanced where I find the mk2 aesthetically pleasing.
Its obviously all subjective and also interesting how we all view things differently.
I have the MK1 model which fortunately I like, however, I also think that the MK2 does look better.
It will be interesting to see how the market pans out in say 20 years from now, will the short run of the MK1 make it more desirable or not?
Only time will tell.
Vintage Explorer 1 & II models have definately appreciated over the years, so there must be some interest there. I used to have a '57 Explorer with original Marche de Temps, Certificate, Guarantee - sadly no more...
Yes the size went to 39mm in 2010 when the 214270 was released
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Always loved the Explorer but after obtaining the newest incarnation it just wore to big at 39mm. I have watches at 40 - 41 but it just seemed bigger. It was beautifully engineered and for me at 36mm would have been a definite keeper.
I love my 214270. I have owned mine a few months now, it was my first Rolex and it always brings a smile to my face when I wear it.
I tend to wear a watch for a week before rotating and I am always a bit regretful when the end of the week comes.
As to whether it's the least popular, well maybe it is.
I rang my local AD on a Tuesday morning (With whom I had no previous relationship) got told they had none in stock but would put me on the register.
I had read the forums and seen You Tube vids so resigned myself to a long wait.
On the Saturday morning I got a call saying they had a delivery the day before and my watch was there. By Saturday afternoon it was on my wrist!
So it may be the least popular sports watch but it is very popular with me
Explorer on a rubber B
Rolex Explorer – 2002 114270
Less popular than the divers but least popular has to be Yachtmaster or Millgauss.
[url=https://postimg.cc/image/g7t9dxior/]
[/url<https://s17.postimg.org/dqhi6nysf/explorer_114270.jpg%5b/img%5d%5b/url>]
That looks terrible, why not just leave it on the nice bracelet?
Explorer on a rubber B
So all this talk of comparisons between 14060’s and the 114270. As an owner of both I woUld say I can always feel my sub as it slips down my wrist. The 114270 whilst still being a solid end link watch it feels lightweight compared to the sub. So you cant feel it , until you look down at it and enjoy the simplicity of a 3 6 9 dial.
Which watch is most showy 14060M definitely Rolex
Which watch is more comfortable to wear and nicer to look at .........Explorer all day
Fantastic! Lovely size and perfectly balanced dial - seconds/minute indices all around!Rolex Explorer – 2002 114270
Less popular than the divers but least popular has to be Yachtmaster or Millgauss.
No need to bolder hour markers imo.
Hopefully they will fix the modern Explorer next year or 2022. New Submariner proved they can.
Last edited by Toshk; 31st October 2020 at 21:28.
Looks great on a rubber B or the original bracelet.
Explorer on a rubber B
The pick of the current range for me.
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