It's very difficult to source parts for the 1016, and the 114270 is a nice alternative. Less money, similar look, and parts galore if needed.

 

Wow... stunning. In my opinion, the dial of the 1016 is the most perfect/beautiful dial on a Rolex of all time. The new version will never be its equal, but for me the issue is the case size...

 

Explorer 1. No question The question should be.. 1016 or 14270 or 114270 or 214270?

 

Honestly Xeer,

I don't think you can go wrong with any explorer; however, 1016 if price is not an issue, and the other three references you listed are all fair game.

 

They're all winners in my book. However small nuances between each reference that needs to be considered depending on individual taste and preferences.

 

my vote would be for a late serial 1016. but not really a daily wearer if you want to wear it in the water, etc. if that is the priority, 214270. the upgraded bracelet/39mm is worth the premium over the 14270.

 

I have nothing to add but my admiration for all of the views expressed here. Passion... love it.

Good luck with your decision.

Let the Force be your guide.

Great post.

 

Don't really see these two as either or scenario. If only one, you won't regret the Explorer. And if you get the nice Black Bay, I would wager that you still end up coveting the Explorer, so just get it now.

 

Go for the Explorer. I had a similar issue.

Was in school and desperately wanted a TT Sub. Had the chance to get a watch at a lower price point and bought.... a Tudor Sub in SS (this is late 90's). Loved it BUT it wasn't the TT. Took 8 years after that but I finally got the TT Sub and kept the Tudor Sub. That bug, when it bites, is a strong one. Go for your first love or you're just costing yourself more money! Good news is, I took the Tudor off its bracelet and on a nice Hodinkee distressed leather strap so I have two looks! Good luck

 

Well, I tried on the new 41mm Black Bay yesterday while visiting my AD (I'm kicking myself for not taking a few wrist shots) and the watch is an absolute no-go for me.

The case is slightly thinner than the standard Black Bay, but has the same flat sides that make the watch feel very large on the wrist. It simply can't compare to the elegance of a curved oyster case.

41mm is also an issue - it's a very large watch overall.

Honestly, outside of the Explorer-like dial, the two watches aren't even remotely comparable on the wrist.

 

Sounds like the Explorer keeps calling. I think it's for the best, long term.

 

I was lurking around a Explorer, too. But I also have a general averseness to Mercedes style hands. So I was very happy when BB36 came out. It is more than an adequate replacement for me - it's actually my preferred watch .
Having said that, the BB36 tends to wear lager than a 36mm Explorer. So if the 39mm Explorer is the sweet spot size wise, I would expect the BB41 to be too massive.

If they had made a BB38 or BB39 I would have been tempted for an exchange as well. But 41 will be to big for sure

 

The Tudor BB wont scratch your Rolex Explorer itch. I ak going through the same problem.

 

I agree, i had a similar issue, i bought a BB to try and scratch the Sub itch. Ended up buying the Sub. Rolex is just that league above for quality imo.

 

I have the bb blue and i dont have an itch for a sub (yet?) but exp 1 is a different story. Its my grail watch!

 

Well gents, today I went and did it... I found myself a solid deal from a great guy on a lightly used 2016 Basel Explorer I and I will be picking it up in a couple of weeks.

Lifelong goal: achieved

June is going to feel like a very, very long month! I'm so excited I'm nauseous.

Here is a 214070 on my wrist (not the actual watch I'm buying):

 

Turns out you were 100% correct. Even a Speedy Pro immunization shot couldn't cure me of the Explorer bug.

 

nice, couldnt wait for 1016?

 

It mostly came down to me preferring the 39mm size-wise, but I'm not going to lie, it's a bonus that the new Explorer costs half the price of a 1016.

 

Congrats on picking up the watch you really wanted all along, the Exp 1. I think you'll really enjoy the awesome new lume and the durability of the 6 digit model. Size you tried it on and the size is not an issue, I think you made a great choice and you'll love wearing it for years to come.