I didn't say the size was better. I said it looks great and it's a great size.

 

I had both watches and they are great. I don't like the proportions of the 214270, so among those two would recommend the Railmaster. If you would had asked about 114270 would had said Explorer hands down as its proportions are perfect

 

I think the Explorer is one of the nicest Rolex's - possibly nicer even than the Submariner. With your picture above though, I like the Railmaster even more than the Explorer. I hate that the Seamaster and Aqua Terra's have dates, the Railmaster is perfect.

 

Okay I think it's time to spend a bit more time with the 114270...a recurring theme on this thread is how ideal that piece is (as a runner up to the 1016). Thanks for the thoughts!

 

I had it twice (had the 214270 once, replaced by first 114270), beautiful piece. The only reason sold the second one was to fund the purchase of my Day Date 18239

 

What a happy family of Rolexes!

 

I've only owned the (36mm) 114270 explorer, never the 39mm. I currently have the 39mm Railmaster but no Explorer anymore for direct comparison.

I have to say I love the Railmaster - very understated, gorgeous case design and so versatile. I would definitely recommend it.

 

Hi Colin. I thought we agreed that you were going to post a pic of a random knackered Franken, say your Uncle left it to you and ask what it was worth? Play the game mate.

ps get an Avatar pic at some point, that also winds them up round here

 

... also, I think the Railmaster suits a leather strap much more nicely than the Explorer:

 

On a more constructive note, here is my RM 39mm, also on leather, with an unworn bracelet sitting in the box:

 

Haha, yes - I was tempted but ultimately too scared when it came to it!

Will get the Avatar sorted when I next log in on a PC - thanks for the tip!

 

Great strap!

 

Since we are sharing ...

 

If the 114270 had the same 3, 6 and 9 markers as the 214270 in this picture do I would buy one in a heartbeat.

 

Personally I like the Explorer more but the Railmaster is classier. I'd go with the Railmaster for a nice dinner

 

I've just gone through this exact exercise and went the Railmaster 39 route. Without being able to go the 1016 route, the newer Explorers just couldn't quite stack up for me, and the Heritage Ranger is just too large. The plan all along was to get it on a canvas or leather strap, which is what I'm working on now!

 

To me the Explorer is a more refined watch and as such more expensive (even though some people try to sell Railmasters at Explorers market prices), holding better their value through time. Money aside they are both very nice watches

 

Good luck hunting!

 

What about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line? This looks sweet

 

A beautiful piece! In my mind also a good option for every day wear.