1.5 Years with My Rolex Explorer Unexpected Truths Revealed!
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- Welcome to my deep dive into the iconic Rolex Explorer I after wearing it daily for a year and a half!
In this video, I take you through a journey with one of the most revered watches in the world - the Rolex Explorer I. This isn't just any review; it's a real-life, long-term experience share!
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00:00 intro
1:20 experience exp1
2:40 comparison op vs exp
5:16 1.5 years w/exp
6:10 Wearability
6:40 buy op or exp?
11:23 wary of wearing the exp?
12:06 why pay more for explorer?
12:53 conclusion
It doesn’t matter how long I‘ve had my Explorer. I see an Explorer video, I watch it, I like it. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Me too 😅
Same here
Just classy
Same 😂Have had my 124270 for 2 years, still watching videos about it.
SAME.
Almost 3 years on the wrist here. The Explorer 1 is like the best gear and or equipment in that it disappears on wrist and melds into any outfit or situation. It can go from a work uniform to a tuxedo and it looks right in all situations. I have 5 Rolex watches and the Explorer 1 is my favorite by far.
🙌🏻 love this! Yes and yes! Exactly how i feel about the explorer!
Same here! Own a Daytona 116509 and a Day Date 128238. Have owned Daytona 116500LN, Sub 126613LN, Datejust 126233, and Yachtmaster 126622. In the end, the Explorer 124270 is my favorite and the one I reach for every day. Only watch that competes for wrist time is my AP 15450st.
Does the polish on the domed bezel fade over time?
@@IamnotJokic not in the least just shows scratches pretty easy but that adds to character
@@BLR653 Glad to hear. I’m so close to pulling the trigger on this.
It is boring and I love it. Classic, timeless, and something that you'd never feel the lesser for. After all, you wear the watch and the watch doesn't wear you; the universe in balance.
Love that frase!! “Its boring and i love it” TOTALLY!
For anyone wanting just one Rolex ...a watch that fits any situation...buy a Rolex Explorer 36....it really is perfect.
It is exactly that! You explain it perfectly in just a sentence.
The 124270 is my first Rolex. I got mixed reactions regarding its size but I love it. The simplicity of it is charming. It never fails to put a smile on my face whenever I take a look at the time.
What are your mixed reactions regarding its size?
@@comeonman7423 Some say it’s too small while others think it’s the perfect size.
I don't find the dial boring at all.
Does the polish on the domed bezel fade over time?
Discreet, versatile, understated; quietly rugged. The Gentleman's tool watch.
Describe it perfectly
My only gripe with the new explorer is the 19 to 14mm tapered bracelet. I think it’s a bit too extreme and i think the clasp is a bit too narrow compared to the OP and DJ clasps. That being said, I still love wearing it and try not to think about it too much.
It's not a problem to me now. However, I did think that it was too dainty. But now I love it and everything about the watch.
Unfortunately, my watch doesn't keep its accuracy to specs. It's 2.5 seconds slower than reference, extremely consistently.
At first it was a problem … but now i love it! I understand it when i got a vintage airking and thats when it hit me.. its based on this vintage watches the bracelets were super small and super tapperd
I greatly prefer the aqua terra over the OP, I think the AT wins hands down in every department
It's solid, reliable, unflashy & it has got a backstory. I don't find it in any way amazing but when I put it on it's a total pleasure to wear. You can't ask for anything more. Once you're going into Sub/ Daytona/ Patek territory it's about making a statement. & there's something to be said about not needing to make a statement. That is Home Base & the Explorer has it covered.
Totally agree!
Does the polish on the domed bezel fade over time?
Yep, that’s why I sold my sub. Didn’t want to make that statement. Much prefer the explorer
I have the same size wrist as you and the 124270 as well. I wear it 24/7 (although I travel I sold my GMT II as I never really felt the dual time complication was as useful or as needed as I thought it would be) and have never been happier. No one notices and I like that. Be well.
Im super glad to hear this! The explorer is one of the best from rolex and think you don’t need more! And yes i agree with you in the dual time complication i roughly use it on my gmt rootbeer
I really want to get an explorer soon. I’m a pilot and use the GMT all the time though for the exact purpose: all weather and notices are posted in GMT time so I’m constantly referencing it. I could see that not being needed for most. I wish more watches had the gmt setting for the hours that didn’t stop the watch, by far an underrated feature of the GMT
Great comparison! You have 4 links on the six o clock side on the OP, and 5 links on the Exlorer - why is that?
I ask, because I wear my Explorer rather tight and open the easy link in summer or on vacation. But with 4 Links on the six o clock side, the clasp peaks out a ltitle, just like on your OP.
I tried adding one link and using the micro adjust in the clasp, but didn’t like it, since it was a little bit loose - just the way you wear yours.
Now I’m wondering, if I should have given it more time to get used to it. Any thoughts?
I can’t wait to get mine!
Regarding your turtle neck, there is an amazing trick. You can fold the neck, kind of wrap it and it will wear nicely. You will be able to record your video without holding it down with one hand all the time!
😅🤣 thanks for the tip!
I needed this motivation today! Thanks for the inspiration!
Heey im glad to hear this!!! Thanks for watching!! 🤗
I’m thinking of putting my name on a wait list for this one. Looks great on you!
I am curious where/how you sell your watches ?
Beautiful watch ❤️
It is!! Thanks for watching!!
I got an Explorer (14270) five years ago and have never looked back. The watch is excitingly boring. It's always perfect for the scenario you wear it in.
TOTALLY AGREE! Nice to hear this
Does the polish on the domed bezel fade over time?
@iamnotjokic, not at all. May dull just a tad with a bunch of scratching but mine is holding the original polish just fine almost 30 years later.
@@MrBrianMandl amazing. What a great timepiece
Rock-solid review; I've just liked & subscribed. I'll check out your other videos. I've owned two Explorers (a Z-serial 36mm 114270 and a 39mm 214270 Mk1). I've also owned two 39mm OPs (blue dial w/green accents and gray dial with powder blue accents). For various reasons, I've sold all 4 of them. I love the new Exp 40mm and wouldn't mind getting one. To me, the Explorer (either 36 or 40) is sportier and more tool-focused than the current OP models, but you can't go wrong with either reference.
Both are great. I'm like you, I like both the 36 and the 40. I don't know why people are so cultish with their sizing preferences sometimes.
Great review. Two things I disagree with though…
The bracelet I prefer on explorer - love the logo that you pull to release. Also the tapering makes it more comfortable (marginally)
The light reflection on the explorer bezel is amazing - unlike the op’s domed bezel, it doesn’t distort the reflection, and adds a nice element that no one seems to notice / discuss - this adds the to interest and reflects nearby colours
Great review! What is your wrist size?
Thanks!! My wrist is 6.7 inches!
Have the GMT Master 2, blue steel sky dweller and the new 40mm explorer 1... The Explorer 1 I just perfect.. Mostly using that now!
I truly don't understand the obsession with large watches...is it to make it easier for YOU to see it or for OTHERS to see what you are wearing??
I think is the latter … and to fill “manly” 🫣
Can ask the brand model # of your glasses? They’re cool!
Haha yes! They are from Barner Brand and the model is the Williamsburg Havana
Love my Explorer. And for those looking at getting one. The new 36mm are actually 35mm and the links get narrow as they go around your wrist. Imo, the early 2000 Explorers are the best.
totally agree with you 2000 are the best !
That OP is super nice. For me, the blue sunburst, doomed bezel and AR coating are improvements over the Explorer IMO for an everyday watch. The Explorer is a little bland/boring on some days when you want a little pop in colour, it also reminds me of a UFO craft with the flat bezel...There's also a 116000 blue sunburst 3-6-9 OP with Explorer numerals if you want a cross between the two. Goodluck on the green OP. Now thats the true Rolex colour! Classic OP look with Rolex colour...WOW! Perfecto
Brother, you like op more. For sure. Than go for it! I have op bright blue as your old one. It‘s perfect!
Right on!
I got my Explorer 40 in June last year and love it but only wear it from time to time as always nervous of scratching the polished bezel etc
Explorer looks good in two tone.
It reaaly does! ive seen one in person and wow .. what i would want to do is buy a twotone explorer and exchange the dial and hands to make a modern 1016 !
I got the same watch, same wrist size and same conclusion.. the exp is just a better watch in many little things than this OP, but the green one is really special. The shade of green is just perfect and the bold color looks very modern and classic rolex at the same time. I kind of wish rolex came with a green dial exp 1 :)
Beautiful Rolex. I prefer the older 14270 but both are great
I didn’t have the experience of seeing on in person until last week they are incredibly different! Gorgeous in their own way.
I love the design of the OP but i feel more secured with the clasp of the explorer. Do you feel confortable with clasp of the op without the safety clasp?does it ever open on its own?
I actually once did a test with the op i pull from areas of the clasp as hard as i can and it didn’t budge. Is it ultra secure and tried to hook it un purpose on my clothes and it never hooked onto with something. So dont worry about that
@@AndySTWT good to know that. Did you ever take it to the ocean or pool or did some activities that require you to move?
@@T3720 yea actually i wore it at my honeymoon and besides the pool and ocean and sand i played a little tennis with it and other activities such as hiking with it and it withstood everything nicely. Is a watch to do everything with you it’s designed for that.
@@AndySTWT thanks man. Another question about the Explorer, do you find it small on the wrist
OP dressy, EXP casual to dressy, very smart looking, and understated. I'd flip a coin, and like both. No more turtlenecks.
🤣🤣 no more indeed !
I feel the Explorer can only be a true GADA watch for people that have enough income as to maintain and substitute it in case of really damaging it. For most people it's more of a romantic idea that isn't true anymore. The 1016 used to be a tool watch but the new 904L steels versions are not. The new Explorer that I'm wearing while I write this is a jewlery homage to the true Explorers of the past and only a shadow of other watches that fill this role in a way better and affordable way.
Sad but true, but i do think that this watches are capable enough
More than capable @@AndySTWT but then again this is just like modern Range Rovers. These cars are very capable but who's going to use them to the extremes they can withstand? Very few people, if any, and mostly people able, ready and willing to get a new one once the car has the slightest scratch. Should you want to make off road you will get a used Jeep Wranger or a Toyota Land Cruiser, and if possible a classic one. Should you want to use a time only watch to every day more or less tough situations, the Explorer is not your watch unless you have money enough as not to care about what might happen to it. However, if going to a very difficult mountain it is unlikely you will go with the Explorer although it surely can survive that and more.
my 1016 does GADA and at current prices is worth more than the 124270 and i have no fear where i go or what i do with it and have does so for over 35 years....i think the 124270 could do same ....and thats why i think an acrylic crystal option would be amazing :)@@TheWatchFrame
I have the 36mm Explorer 124270 and a MK II 212470 39mm.
LUME!
One thing I’ve noticed on the 36mm is that the 3,6,9 is lighter than all the other markers - has anyone else noticed this???
I dont have any issues with mine! Lume is perfect!
What’s your wrist size?
My wrist is 6.7 inch or 17 cm
Thank you for the video! I did not find in it justification why to pay more for the exp compared to OP. On the opposite I see you have loads of regrets selling the OP. Exp being more sporty makes it less gada ghan OP. But in the end - both watches are superb and trust me - when you have OP, you want Exp and when you have Exp, you want OP :-) the watches are so close and there is no right answer which is better. OP wears slighty larger and the dial has sunburst making it tad more dressy. Exp feels more dainty but has more elements to the dial and superior clasp. It’s about personal preference. Both watches fly under the radar and apart from you and watch fans, nobody even notices neither of these watches on your wrist.
the only thing i will add is that the OP hands get lost at certain angles...Owning a 1016 i am biased towards the Explorer. 2 things would make the 124270 perfect 1) the minute hand touching the minute markers 2) Acrylic cyrstal (i do "gada" with the 1016 and have no fear of banging or shattering the crysatl as i would with the saphire)
Still prefer my 114270
Haven’t had the opportunity tu see one in person
Hmm I always thought OP and Explorer shared the same case.
Pretty sure the old ones (up until 2 years ago) did. It’s just the newest model that is trimmed down and has slimmer lugs and 19mm lug width. It’s noticeable when you have them side by side, otherwise not really.
There is a substantial difference in wear. The Exp feels very dainty, diminutive for a sports watch. I love the dial, but after 7 months I sold my 124270. I just couldn’t get used to how tiny it wore. I’m going to see how the 40mm Exp wear. For me, the BB58 hits the sweet spot for a mid sized sports watch.
I did too but nope haha not in this iteration
I love the Explorer and would love to add one to my collection. I own the OP with the blue dial and the 3-6-9 dial so get the best of both worlds. That blue dial like you say is absolutely amazing especially in sunlight.
That op! Is awesome! I want to see it in person someday. It is absolutely gorgeous
Where are you at home that you‘re getting offered the Explorer 3 times without asking for it and the OP green dial in 3 months?😅
Im based in Mexico, its kinda “easier” to get one here dunno why less demand i think… who knows. And i have to say i have a good relationship and history with my AD. But i have to say that my first rolex was thanks to a friend that introduced me to this AD and he recommended me as a great buyer ( you know “i wont sell my rolexes” kinda thing) and no prior purchases I got a sub and a op this was pre pandemic though.
Am I mistaken or didn't you have a video at some point comparing the Smiths Everest, San Martin explorer and the Rolex Explorer I?
It was 2 san martins and the explorer! Go check it out if you like! Inhave a san martin comparing with the smiths everest too
Bougth an Omega railmaster it wasn't offert to me I just bougth it for 75% less than an explorer 😂
Haha that is just awesome! And a so much more capable watch! Nice my man! It is a super cool and underrated watch.
@@AndySTWT yeah honest I like the explorer more, it's the price and its for my son's 18 year birthday:-).
75% less, great deal! Under $2000
@@Nakkisampyla maybe closer to 65% :-) 😀. It was 2500 dollars with the high 25% danish tax. But that will go on Rolex to.
Why would you buy a watch that you thought was too small?
This was my grail, but the 124270 but when this watch got released i was so happy cause it was new and in 36 at first it looked small but then the charm of this watch got me now im in love. It looked small compared to to my op but now im more than ok with my explorer
I love this watch, but there is one thing that Rolex does not do well, and that’s how long their hands are. The minute and secondhand should reach all the way to the edge over the minute markers and none of their watches really do that and it drives me crazy because they’re so close to being perfect.
I kinda see your point! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
FYI, It’s just “dressier” and “shinier”. “More dressier” and “more shinier” doesn’t sound right. It’s either “more x” or “x-er”
Explorer is a great watch
Thanks! I'll take this into consideration for my next videos! English is my second language! Cheers! Appreciate the correction!
I’m in a similar boat, I had the OP 36 and adored it deeply. Eventually sold it to fund my Explorer 40. I’m a huge fan of 36mm Rolex but the explorer 40 does wear extremely well. It’s so much sportier but the thing that made me make the shift was the flip lock. I just didn’t fully trust the single flip clasp on the OP when swimming, hiking, riding bike etc. now I just wear an explorer 40 every day whether in the officer or traveling, playing sports, etc.
However, looking back, no Rolex dial in the world matches the elegance and symmetry as an op36 with a sunray pattern. I had the 41op as well and it just didn’t hit like the 36.
Right on! totally agree ! thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Explorer Lover 🫡
Big time! 🫡
NKUWAN 's watch really surprises me！
What’s your wrist size ?
6.7 inches my man! Cheers!
@@AndySTWT thanks looks great !