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Looking for advice re: 36mm Explorer

  1. R3D9 Jun 8, 2017

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    I've posted before about my love for the Explorer I.

    The 36mm version - namely the 1016 - was my early grail, but I haven't tried on a 36mm model since my teenage years and I'd always figured it would be too small for my 7.25" wrist, so I'd shifted my attention to the newer, 39mm edition.

    I was visiting a local Rolex AD this week and had the opportunity to try on the current 36mm Oyster Perpetual and, to my surprise, the watch wore very nicely and has me re-thinking my long-range plans.

    In fact, depending upon the model, a 36mm variant such as the 114270 may fit into the right-now budget.

    Here's a few photos I was able to grab:

    IMG_1553.JPG

    IMG_1555.JPG

    IMG_1556.JPG

    IMG_1557.JPG

    IMG_1558.JPG

    Here's an older photo of the 39mm Explorer on-wrist:

    IMG_0040.JPG

    IMG_0039.JPG

    My issue is that there isn't an opportunity for me to try on a 36mm Explorer prior to purchase, unless I'm able to find a face-to-face buying opportunity...

    I'm hoping those who own a 36mm Explorer would provide some input in terms of how the 36mm wears in comparison to the 36mm Oyster Perpetual I'm wearing above.

    The new Explorer trades at around $7k CAD, which would require more time to save up the funds.

    The 36MM seems as though it can be had for around $5k CAD or so, which I could pretty much swing right now.

    Any input on sizing and wrist pics, especially from those with 7" wrists or larger, would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Seiji Jun 8, 2017

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    I love my watch. What others think about the size of the watch doesn't determine my enjoyment.

    55mm
    [​IMG]

    34mm
    [​IMG]

    These might even be 28mm
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Mark5 Jun 8, 2017

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    IMHO, the 36 version is way more elegant than the 39.
    My wrist is 18 cm, and the 16200 is a perfect fit.
    I even have a Air king (which is "only" 34) and it also fit very nicely on my wrist.
    Maybe you could try and buy a cheap hommage (think Alpha) just to see how it fits on your wrist ?
    You could then offer the "hommage" to some kid from your relatives...
     
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  4. watch3s Jun 8, 2017

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    1016 over the 14270 if you can find it!
     
  5. R3D9 Jun 8, 2017

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    I would LOVE a 1016, but the prices have risen to a level I can't afford at the moment :(
     
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  6. Kmart Jun 8, 2017

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    Woah, is that an original IWC 431? Super cool.
     
  7. watch3s Jun 8, 2017

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    save save and keep saving! im on the hunt for a 16710 and although there are several examples ive seen, they are out of the budget zone or the amount im willing to spend. i would like to get it as a birth year watch full set but will settle for early 2000s holes case with SELs. if you ever make it down to NYC, i do know some one that has a second hand watch business and has a lovely 1016...
     
  8. Xeer Jun 8, 2017

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    I'm much of an Explorer enthusiast and I'll say 1016 all day long. I have at some point owned 1016, 14270, 11470 and 214270.

    I currently only hold on to the 1016 and 14270 (Blackout dial with tritium markers).
     
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  9. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jun 8, 2017

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    A 36mm datejust is watch that fits everyone and every situation. Please no DJII.

    Or a killer 34mm... I think they wear a tad bigger then you think.
     
    Edited Jun 8, 2017
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  10. watch3s Jun 8, 2017

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    definitely, i have bought and traded my datejust and I can honestly say itll be a watch that Ill likely repurchase in the future
     
  11. WatchVaultNYC Jun 8, 2017

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    1016, nothing compares. I sorely regret selling mine
     
  12. R3D9 Jun 8, 2017

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    Agree that's it's far and away the best of the bunch... unfortunate it's also 4x the price of a 14270. I kind of missed the window to buy a 1016, so I'm looking for the next best option.

    I was thinking an earlier 14270 with a tritium dial and hands.
     
  13. Seiji Jun 8, 2017

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    Yep. Original. Turned a smokey color from oxidation
     
  14. masterP Jun 9, 2017

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    to me 36mm is the perfect size......it's right in the middle of not too big and not too small.......just right

    I have small wrists and big watches look ridiculous on me as well as uncomfortable
     
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  15. watch3s Jun 9, 2017

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    same if only tudor didnt make the black bay in 41m...
     
  16. PaulC77 Jun 9, 2017

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    36mm is the perfect size after a tiny bit of getting used to... and save up for the 1016, it's so worth it IMG_6824.JPG
     
    IMG_7567.JPG IMG_7568.JPG IMG_6827.JPG
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  17. watch3s Jun 9, 2017

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    a classic!
     
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  18. R3D9 Jun 9, 2017

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    Does anyone own both a 36mm Explorer and a 36mm Black Bay? I was able to try on the Black Bay and it wears small, but reasonably well on-bracelet.

    I've searched everywhere online, but can't seem to find a back-to-back photo series of both watches on the same wrist.

    IMG_1633.JPG
     
  19. brockburst Jun 19, 2017

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    They wear the same.
     
  20. Atleo Jun 22, 2017

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    If an explorer is what you want id encourage you to keep saving. It's really a great watch even at 39mm. I can't compare the older ones to the op but I can compare the older explorers to the new one and they both felt quality. The size of the old one didn't feel as much smaller as an Internet message board would make it out to be. But it was small enough to detect a difference in size.

    I ultimately purchased the 39 because of the lumed numerals which I felt is what the explorer was lacking for a while. But you can't go wrong with ether.