So I have been thinking and looking... A step up the latter some would say, others call it the dark side..

I need your help folks! I am hooked on the Explorer I, to be the first Rolex. It's understated, fairly priced, I can use it every day and for most occasions. I simply need this watch! Having a hard time deciding how to play my cards best:

---Options---
1. Get a brand new 214270 39mm at €6.200.
Pros: 5 year warranty, roughly 10 years service interval.
Cons: 39mm seems BIG, maybe not TOO BIG, but just BIG...

2. Get a 114270 36mm at €4.000 with box and papers. Would have to be as new as possible.
Pros: I think 36mm would make a better fit! (haven't really had the chance to try one yet but 36mm is good on me), at €4.000 the price fits my wallet better.
Cons: No warranty and a service could be just around the corner..

3. Get a 14270 36mm at €3.300. Maybe a birth year watch, without box and papers..

What do you think? Am I missing some pros or cons?

Tried the 'new' 214270 on at my AD..






Some IWC (offtopic)


Oh and look what was sitting there.. A CK2998 and a FTMTM..

 

The 36mm is too small for an average sized mens wrist IMO. The 39mm is perfect. Go for the new one at your AD and buy confidently knowing that you have a 5 year warranty. That IWC blue dial pilot watch is beautiful as well but I don't love the metal bracelt. The bracelt on the Rolex is far nicer. That Explorer I would also look great on a black or olive green NATO strap. It's super simple, yet versatile and badass. Go for it. Let us know what you decide on. Here are two pics of an old and new Explorer on Natos.

 

Unfortunately, the only "perfect" Explorer I in my opinion is the newest 214270. They corrected the short minute hand issue and I LOVE that they lumed the arabic number markers. The downside of course is you're pretty limited to the high price of brand new unless you go gray market .
The wrist shots suggest that the 39mm is a good size for you and wow, it's just makes the 36mm Datejust look tiny.
I do like the size and stylings of the Exp I, but I chose the Railmaster LE which in my opinion is more bang for the buck, but either will be a winner.

 

I may actually prefer the new Tudor 41mm. I def like the circle ("submariner") indices more on the Turdor than I do the straight indices on the Explorer. Maybe 41mm is too big for your liking and maybe you prefer the inhouse Rolex movement though. I know that some people look down on Tudor. Especially some Rolex owners.

 

I bought the 39mm Exp a few years ago and love it. It is the most versatile watch I own; I've worn it with a tee shirt and shorts, I've worn it with a tux, and it always looks completely appropriate.

No offense to Sub owners, but you see an Exp far less often, which was important to me. I didn't want my first Rolex to be one that I see in every meeting I go to, like a Sub or Datejust. (Again, no offense to anyone. They're all beautiful.)

I will also say that the new version with the longer minute hand is just fine, but I don't feel any inadequacies about my minute hand, personally.

Go for it and you won't regret it.

 

Looks like the 214270 fits your wrist very well! Go for new, enjoy peeling the stickers off and your green COSC tag with its 5 year warranty.

 

I posted this same comment on another forum earlier today, but...

Definitely try a 36mm before making your mind up. I was undecided initially and tried both 36 and 39 versions before I bought my 114270. Within seconds of trying them both, I knew the 36mm was the one to go for. Something about the proportions of it is just so right, and - apologies to owners of the 214270 here - the 39 just didn't capture the essence of the original.

Your mileage may vary of course - that's just my opinion - but I reckon if you try them both on, it'll be clear to you in seconds which one to get.

And it is possible to find decent used examples - I managed to get a V serial 114270 with box and papers and in mint condition for a decent price. A friend of mine was convinced I'd bought it brand new. It was missing a couple of bracelet links, but these can be picked up pretty easily.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Personally, based on the wrist shots you posted, I think the 36mm version would wear really well on your wrist.

My vote is for a birth year 14270.

 

Have you tried this one yet in person? I did a few days ago and it wears very large and the flat, tall sides kind of diminish it's flexibility as a dress and sports watch.

Love the dial, wish it was 3mm thinner and 39mm.

 

Second the motion for a 114270, extremely versatile because it can be worn with almost anything (except formal military kit, as I have learned here).

 

I enjoy the simplicity of the E1 and as already mentioned by others, 39mm is not necessarily "big", IMO it seems pretty well-balanced on your wrist. And I enjoy mine, the previous model equipped with a short minute hand as criticized by some

 

Is the ceramic Daytona for sale? There's a waiting list at my AD. If so I would get the black dialed ceramic Daytona that I spot in the background!

 

No i haven't.

 

Second dibs on the DaytonaC!

 

I thought about getting a 114270 for a while... I still might. I personally like the 33 to 37 mm sizes better than the 39+ mm sizes. 114270s do show up on watchrecon regularly in the mid US$ 3000 range, if you don't mind minor wear.

I like the design of the IWC Pilot, but it, too, is slightly too big for my taste. Matter of opinion and wrist size.

 

Thank you guys for all the input..
Definitely need to try the 36mm on, before making a move. Would be too bad to miss out on it, if a 14270 or 114270 would do the trick
I do not care much for the history or correctness that the 36mm size offers. To me it is all about enjoyment and comfort!

My head tells me that the 39mm would be a good sports watch for me but the 36mm more versatile and wearable every day of the week. Also my guess is that 36mm would make for a more balanced wrist/watch size.

About the Daytona: the gentlemen at the boutique only pulled this one out to show us. They use it only for show prior to ordering one, hense why it had platic all over it for protection.. He informed us that the waiting time is currently 8-10 years for a Rolex Daytone

 

I would go with option no 1, get the 39mm. In the pictures you posted the watch doesn't look too big on your wrist. IMO it fits you fine.
I'm saving up to buy an Explorer myself...it's beautiful and understated watch.

 

In order.
3 n 2.

 

Update.
I went with a 114270 without ever trying it on..
And now it gets the most time on my wrist
Actually I have been playing with the thought of just selling everything else... Speedmasters included

 

Good choice and a beautiful example!