Looking at the new releases today, the E1 has moved back to 36mm and the 39mm has gone.

Part of me thinks this is great as it should be 36mm, however, on a larger wrist like mine the 39mm wears very well.

Interesting to see Rolex listening to their fans and perhaps more interestingly, getting rid of the 39mm case across the board and splitting it at 36mm and 41mm. Quite a bold move as I'm sure the majority thought the Explorer would shift up to a notional 41mm.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/explorer.html

 

The two tone E1 is a complete swing and a miss for me though. Had to double check it wasn't April 1st.

 

Shocking news! I am over the moon about this. I have the 114270, which I love, but could certainly see upgrading.

For the car enthusiasts, this is very reminiscent of when Porsche went PDK only in the GT3, only to offer the manual in the next generation due to the communities request. Quite astounding, really.

 

Yeah - it’s supposed to be a watch for climbing mountains. Oh yes, I’ll take my steel and precious metal watch

 

i will be definitely trying to upgrade my 114270 to the new one. i wonder if the availability gonna be an issue..

 

i think it may slightly improve availability. The 36mm size is too small for many modern tastes so many may opt for the various 41mm offerings instead.

This move is quite clever IMO as it caters to the traditionalists but also now clearly separates the 36mm E1 from other 40-42mm lines such as the OP41, Milgaus and AirKing.

 

This is really the only good news out of the Rolex camp today — I was really afraid they were going to push it up to 41mm which would have ruined the proportions.

Looks like an Explorer might be back on my radar for the next watch. Hope you are right that this might make it more available from ADs now.

 

I agree with this- it won't be like the Sub or GMT insanity.

I was in a boutique recently and the guy next to me waited over a year for his no date sub.

 

I’ve been on the list for an Explorer 1 for well over a year. Much prefer 36mm but wanted a new bracelet with micro adjust so was willing to go 39. This is great news for me... if I can ever get one.

 

I would be very surprised if they don’t issue a 41 mm as well in the near future.

 

I could see that happening in a year or two. Possibly coinciding with the removal of either the Milgauss (now a redundant feature) or the AirKing (looks ridiculous) from the catalogue.

 

Are the hands now too long?

 

[QUOTE="base615, post: 1760997, member: 11450"]I’ve been on the list for an Explorer 1 for well over a year. Much prefer 36mm but wanted a new bracelet with micro adjust so was willing to go 39. This is great news for me... if I can ever get one.[/QUOTE]

Same here. I like the 36mm and am going to swap over to that list -- and dig in for another long wait.

 

I am pretty excited about this new 36mm steel explorer. A great new for those who have been wanting to get a 14270/114270.

 

I've been waiting 7 months for the Explorer from 2 ADs. I'll reserve judgement until I can try the new 36mm Explorer. I've tried on the new 36mm DateJusts and while I could easily wear them on my 6.5" wrist, they did feel small. I think it will be the same for the new Explorer.

That being said, I've never had the chance to try on the 39mm Explorer, but I have tried the 39mm OP years ago (wish I bought that - white dial too) and it felt great, as did the 36mm OP (previous gen with the slightly wider lugs).

The new two tone Explorer is just stupid.

 

The 39 has already shot up in value while the older 36 models have come down in value. Anyone understand why? The 39 is not discontinued yet