Probably the reverse as now they both look like a current model rather than being the old model ....
Return to the 36mm is an unexpected move but I think the 36mm is the best size for the Explorer (as I have one ) ... the gold one is awful and is at odds with the whole concept of the watch but then any precious metal tool watch is an oddity IMHO.
I also note they have returned the text EXPLORER back to the the top half of the dial as it had dropped down on the 39mm.
Also odd that the reference number remains 124270 for the new 36mm and the old 39mm; that has to cause confusion somewhere down the line ...