Railmaster vs Explorer?

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For me it would be: 39mm Explorer <<<< RM < 36mm Explorer << Denim RM (this one is just amazing)
 
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I prefer the 36 mm Explorer. The 39 mm MK2 version is also nice, but seems slightly less well-proportioned to me. I don't like the coloration of the lume on the Railmasters (too brown on the 1957 re-edition and too green on the older non-limited editions). I may, however, be slightly biased...

 
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Both watches are great. I tend to go for the explorer but I like the one with the applied numerals better. The rail master is a little busier but it remains a pure simple design. I think is a "damn if you do damn if you don't" sort of thing and you will always have a little but of FOMO no matter your choice. Ultimately no matter what way you go you'll be left with a great watch....and without a great watch.
 
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Railmaster 36 had replaced the 39; definitely on the 36 mm size the Railmaster wins!

 
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My 36mm Railmaster is my favorite watch. It fits proportionately perfect on the wrist.
 
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The true winners here are the lucky gentlemen who own both the Railmaster 60th LE and the Explorer 36mm.* This thread reminds me that owning the RMLE is not enough and that I need to get an Explorer 36 sometime in the future.

Here’s the groom waiting for his bride.


* - vintage collectors who have both the CK-2914 and the 1060 are LEGENDARY!
Edited:
 
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The true winners here are the lucky gentlemen who own both the Railmaster 60th LE and the Explorer 36mm.* This thread reminds me that owning the RMLE is not enough and that I need to get an Explorer 36 sometime in the future.

Here’s the groom waiting for his bride.


* - vintage collectors who have both the CK-2914 and the 1060 are LEGENDARY!
Why is there a “winner” here...? I mean this is purely personal taste and it’s hard to call win/lose.

Personally I think the 36mm RM has a better proportion than the 60th anniversary version. Also like the hands on the 36mm better, and not a fan of the faux patina...
Edited:
 
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Used to be the owner of the 114270, however it was snatched by my wife...😁 Just recently got myself a 36mm railmaster, makes a pretty good pair!
 
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I'm a guy who looks at his wrist several times a day to see the date. Can't break myself of that habit. But I'd love to own an Explorer or a 1957 Trilogy Railmaster (I even like the faux-patina!). These watches are perfect, sans date. If Rolex ever reissued the 36mm Explorer, I'd go into hock to get one.
 
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Railmaster 36 had replaced the 39; definitely on the 36 mm size the Railmaster wins!


Damn I started this thread two years ago, and this post brought me back to it today...and now, I miss my railmaster! 😀
 
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Love the Explorer 14270. Perfect size and the earlier ones have a tritium dial. Also looks great on leather.

Here is mine from 1996 with tritium, mostly worn on leather straps:
 
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Used to be the owner of the 114270, however it was snatched by my wife...😁

That's exactly what happened to me too. Trying to tell her that the Explorer is too big for her and she should just stick to her Datejust!
 
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IMHO the explorer 1 is a snoozfest...the railmaster wins everytime...but explorer 2 vs what omega gmt ?
I had a titanium Seamaster Pro Auto, and always wanted a SeaProGMT because it has a lot going for it, and isnt a stinky rolex with now no independent wm able to buy parts...Omega rulez!
 
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IMHO the explorer 1 is a snoozfest...the railmaster wins everytime...but explorer 2 vs what omega gmt ?
I had a titanium Seamaster Pro Auto, and always wanted a SeaProGMT because it has a lot going for it, and isnt a stinky rolex with now no independent wm able to buy parts...Omega rulez!

Are you sure about all that?
 
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D Duckie
Are you sure about all that?

Which part are you asking about?
Rolex UsA cut all parts accounts not owned by ORJ's earlier this year...nobody is getting parts anymore...everyone got the green letters, so I would be very cautious about owning a rolex going forwards. All machines wear-out some of their parts over time.
If it was something else you meant, please let me know
 
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I must admit I love an explorer, but I lprefer the vintage ones. I think the styling of the railmaster in this particular pairing make it a winner for me.

rolex has lost it's heart. all the new beefy case lugs on their watches are very un-stylish imo....
 
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I like both, imo the explorer 36 wears smaller and looks slightly smaller. I feel more connected to the RM since my grandfather was a hard working engine driver all his life, I still battle some rolex stigma but that might wear off eventually. Tough call, you love different things about them.
Tough call...
 
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Just over a year after my postings on page 8, I sold my 39mm Explorer. An exceptionally great watch, but it was just a bit too big and bold for my taste. It was my intention to pick up a 36mm Explorer (an early 14270), but a few things got in the way of my plans:
1) I used the funds to pay down some debts
2) I just can’t justify the prices the 36mm versions are commanding these days for the comparatively inferior timepiece you get, especially with regards to the bracelet and clasp.
3) I fell back in love with this guy and decided I don’t need any other watch, period: