I have been playing with an idea of purchasing an explorer for more than a year.
Last year i already had a chance to try a new 39mm 214070 and really loved the look and the case proportions of the watch. But didnt want to rush into the decision before doing some sort of research and thinking. So i walked away.
While researching a great deal on the smaller Explorer 36mm i somehow fell for the 114270 reference, in particular for the proportions of the dial. I had a chance to visit a local dealer and try it on, but the case proportions of the 36mm Explorer somehow didnt feel right. The case is realtively high with its 12mm for a 3 hander with such a small case size i thought. So i walked away as well.
1 year later, and i am still could not make my mind, which one i would prefer more. Somehow both fit, but in both cases there are trade offs.
The new 39mm has this cool lume filled markers, and a really well proportioned case size, modern look, but still not too loud. Its a new watch with 5 years warranty.
The old 36mm has a very nicely proportioned dial and is even more under the radar Rolex, which i like very much. Its also significantly ligher and comfortable on the flimsy bracelet. But meanwhile they cost almost as much as the new ones and are not so easy to find one in a pristine condition.

Today i had a chance to visit a local boutique and try on the 39mm Explorer and a local AD and try a 36mm Explorer. And i am still not sure... somehow i am thinking maybe Explorer is just not for me :/

Never thought i would have to ask for opinion, but what do you guys think? (my wrist size is 7 inch)
The funny thing is that both OB and AD told me that 36mm is for ladies!

214270


114270

 

36mm all the way IMO. The proportions are just right.
Although..if your struggling to chose, maybe the Explorer isn’t for you.

There’s no right or wrong decision!

 

the 36mm is better proportioned for you.

 

The Exp is the epitome of simple perfection.
Im partial to the previous models (case size) with a matte dial.
BUT
I think if you want to wear one on a semi regular basis to wear and use like its meant to be used (not babied)
I think the 39 mm is AMAZING!
36 or 39 is really a personal choice, you have the wrist to carry either... Its not like were talking a PAM243 or DSSD
Please let me know which route you go.
I usually travel with 2-3 watches, quite often one of them is an Exp. If Im only taking one watch its usually my Polar 16570, I have a Daytona crystal on it as I don't love the cyclops especially on a watch Im very tough on. The White Exp II (especially sans cyclops) is one of the most unnoticed Rolex's

 

I have owned both, and I preferred the 36mm. But neither of them were keepers in the end for me.

 

I have an 114270 and in my view the 36mm size is the better proportioned.

 

You mean the simple traditional folding clasp style that we find 60 year old intact examples of?

Be careful of falling victim to trends. By the multitude of selfie wrist shots you seem to be focused on what others will think of the watch you wear. The watch looks fine and exactly as it's supposed to look like...the tried and true original size explorer. If you over-think this stuff you will never be able to enjoy anything you eventually pick.

 

I think both are new enough to withstand a daily abuse. But the 5 year warranty on a new one are surely handy just if something would go wrong.
I prefer to wear only one watch over extended period of time therefore i want it to be versatile and functional to strap on and wear for a week without thinking too much.

 

there are rolexes that have been running for decades sans service

 

I got a 114270 earlier this year, and will keep it forever. I also think it's more connected to the history of line with the design being basically unchanged for 50 years (1016, 14270 and 114270 all at the 36mm), but if that doesn't matter, just get whichever speaks to you. If neither do, move on, there are better ways to spend that money.

 

Dont get me wrong flimsy is maybe not the right word. Infact this bracelet felt way more comfortable on the wrist!

You are spot on, i took many wrist shots because since its my first Rolex, i am a bit worried that people start realising im wearing a Rolex, as i said i would prefer it to be under the radar. With my other watches i dont really bother about the others, since noone notice them anyways.

 

It is a very understated watch; no fluted bezel or cyclops to give the game away...

 

Thats the least thing i worry about. But i am fairly young so nothing wrong about enjoying modern style as well, i am not a hostage of the past
I own and wear 34mm watches without worry, i even prefer smaller sized watches if they are well proportioned. And i personally think the 39mm case profile is proprtioned better than the 36mm. But the dial proportions is a different story.

 

Yes I won't let your barrage of wrist-shot selfies throw me off

 

Its not like i have been posing in front of a mirror for a photoshooting even though it might look that way.. Just put a watch on my wrist and shot 10 shots in 15 sekonds on different angles for later considerations. Dont understand why you make such a big deal out of this.

 

The 36 seemed to look better on your wrist, but it's really personal preference. I'm always fascinated by cultural trends in all aspects of life, and watches are part of that. As watch sizes have trended ever larger, watches that would have been a largish "mens" size 60 years ago are now "ladies" watches. The issue watches worn by US servicemen in WWII were 32mm cases. Call them "ladies." Go ahead.

Wear what you like.

 

Yes thats why i was a bit surprised to hear it from the boutique staff. She even said, she will not sell me a 36mm watch, i startled for a second, i thought she was joking

 

She was either joking or a great example of a poorly trained salesperson. If some guy looking like a Brad Pitt type walks in and wants to wear a rose gold 26mm Cellini with diamond dial out the door, you write up the sale and find a strap long enough for his wrist.

 

It's called kidding around. Did my smiley-faced icon throw you off?

 

I think both of those Explorer watches look good on your wrist.

So, that's the answer, buy them both!

.