The newer EXP's are nice BUT I would go for a vintage with the Exp but that is just me.

 

Both are nice, but I'd also go with a vintage 36mm Explorer.

 

Modern: Railmaster. Vintage: 1016. Across both lines, hard to go wrong though.

 

I picked my winning team long ago, and it is Omega (particularly Speedmasters). However, my favorite modern player under 40mm is the Rolex Explorer 214270. My wrist is 7.75 inches so I don't need to think about the 1016. There is something super sweet about the 214270 even if it is more luxe than the 1016. The precision of the engineering and the solidity of case and bracelet are quite impressive at any price point. In addition, the dial maintains a classic simplicity and elegance (and I pretty much used to hate any Rolexes). Just sayin'

 

36mm Explorer.

 

At one time I had both the 2504.52 (36mm Railmaster) and a 14270 Ex 1. The Explorer was just so sterile and felt pretty mundane, so sold it and now I only have the Railmaster. Pros for me are: matte dial, co axial, relatively rare, and super comfortable on on the wrist. Having said that, both of those watch purchases were inspired by the financially out of reach 1016, which trumps them both IMO.

 

Agree with most above. Personally, I too dig both watches with a slight preference towards the Explorer. I think 36mm is the perfect size for that type of watch though...
Just throwing a monkey-wrench in to the works...
What’s wrong with the 36mm Black-Bay - cheaper than both the Explorer and Railmaster.

 

For me, the colored crown tube, WG surrounds on hands that feel too big for the dial/case, and snowflake hands on a non Sub kinda don't work for me. Although, possibly a great candidate in this category for others.

Another possibility is the vintage Ranger if sizing down is not an issue. Ticks many of the same boxes and can be had for a little more than a modern explorer, and still way cheaper than a 1016.

 

Just joined with my 36mm! Came across this rare thing on eBay last week and grabbed it. Bracelet needs a bit of restoration (previous owner used the wrong link pins and tubes!!!?). Will send it to get refurbished when Hatton Gardens opens up next week. My RIOS 1931 leather strap just arrived and looks fab. This is indeed is a STRAP MONSTER like the Speedy! The 19mm is a slight pain but not the end of the world. As mentioned in another thread, a super alternative to the Rolex Explorer!

 

yup