Explorer Vs North Flag - Todays Tool Watch?

[MGWT]

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by MGWT

sweet!

Looks like it wears well on your wrist. Bracelet looks slightly loose. Guess it's hard to get a *perfect* fit with it... As you said, prob more comfy w/ leather strap. Only drawback w strap I would guess, is taking it into water.

Thanks for posting

[MGWT]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

sweet!

Looks like it wears well on your wrist. Bracelet looks slightly loose. Guess it's hard to get a *perfect* fit with it... As you said, prob more comfy w/ leather strap. Only drawback w strap I would guess, is taking it into water.

Thanks for posting

I keep trying to post a comparison with a few Omegas without success. But you are correct. The bracelet is too loose. I could likely remove one more link but the strap just wears better. My wrist is flatter and compared to the Explorer The NF feels slightly smaller. That said I need to buy an Explorer so I'm a fan of all of these watches including the ranger.

7 inch wrist.

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by MGWT

I keep trying to post a comparison with a few Omegas without success. But you are correct. The bracelet is too loose. I could likely remove one more link but the strap just wears better. My wrist is flatter and compared to the Explorer The NF feels slightly smaller. That said I need to buy an Explorer so I'm a fan of all of these watches including the ranger.

7 inch wrist.

So, just for the record; With the leather strap, you get a nice snug fit? It fits like a NATO or does it do micro adjustment, essentially?

And yeah, for bracelet wear, the 214270 wins. You get the easy link extension and can get a snug fit. Once you have a Rolex oyster bracelet, esp newer ones, every other bracelet will seem cheap.

[MGWT]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

So, just for the record; With the leather strap, you get a nice snug fit? It fits like a NATO or does it do micro adjustment, essentially?

And yeah, for bracelet wear, the 214270 wins. You get the easy link extension and can get a snug fit. Once you have a Rolex oyster bracelet, esp newer ones, every other bracelet will seem cheap.

Yes very snug with the strap. It has a deployant and can be as tight as you need it. This isn't a bad bracelet but micro adjustments just doesn't exist I'd have to remove a link to make it fit better but just prefer the strap mostly.

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by MGWT

Yes very snug with the strap. It has a deployant and can be as tight as you need it. This isn't a bad bracelet but micro adjustments just doesn't exist I'd have to remove a link to make it fit better but just prefer the strap mostly.

Nice. Yeah, when I tried the NF on, both with bracelet and with strap, the strap is what felt & looked best.

Honestly though, after 214270 bracelet and my SKX jubilee (stock), every other bracelet feels like a letdown.

Usually I would always buy a watch on bracelet, even if I were going to wear it on an aftermarket strap, but in the case of the NF... I may go with just strap.

Again, downside is if I wanna wear it in ocean/pools - COULD be done, no doubt, but I guess leather would take a beating.

But... maybe I should just say, 'who cares?'

Leather gets worn in and beat up... so what? It's a tool watch. let it get beat up.

Thanks for your info, MGWT. You're awesome. I'd like to buy you a beer or two

[Friar]

While you can't adjust the bracelet on the fly like the Explorer's EasyLink, there are three possible spring bar placements in the NF clasp.

[Friar]

Yes the Ranger is 1mm wider than the NF but interestingly, the lug to lug size of the Ranger is 48mm and the NF is 50mm. The lugs are shaped differently of course. (I measured my watches with a digital caliper.)

[WS9D]

I owned a NF. It was nice, but in the end, the color scheme and the angles bothered me a bit. Also the fact that I couldn't play with the bracelet and put a NATO or rubber strap on it was the ultimate deciding factor for me. Flipped it towards a modern Black dial Explorer II from a trusted seller and haven't looked back. I really love the EXii. Got a rubberb for it as well as some NATOs and I'm in heaven. The first pic is from tonight. The other is from last weekend when I was doing some "exploring".

Second time zone, date, brushed finishes, and the ability to change straps makes this the ultimate tool watch for me.




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[MGWT]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

Nice. Yeah, when I tried the NF on, both with bracelet and with strap, the strap is what felt & looked best.

Honestly though, after 214270 bracelet and my SKX jubilee (stock), every other bracelet feels like a letdown.

Usually I would always buy a watch on bracelet, even if I were going to wear it on an aftermarket strap, but in the case of the NF... I may go with just strap.

Again, downside is if I wanna wear it in ocean/pools - COULD be done, no doubt, but I guess leather would take a beating.

But... maybe I should just say, 'who cares?'

Leather gets worn in and beat up... so what? It's a tool watch. let it get beat up.

Thanks for your info, MGWT. You're awesome. I'd like to buy you a beer or two

Cool man! Thanks! Also some have been using the Pelagos rubber strap with the NF and I agree any bracelet compared to the Explorer has some hard competition.

[173rdabn]

114270 or 214270 will work equally well. Simply a matter of cost and preference. Don't drive any nails with either one, they ain't that much of a tool.

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

I owned a NF. It was nice, but in the end, the color scheme and the angles bothered me a bit. Also the fact that I couldn't play with the bracelet and put a NATO or rubber strap on it was the ultimate deciding factor for me. Flipped it towards a modern Black dial Explorer II from a trusted seller and haven't looked back. I really love the EXii. Got a rubberb for it as well as some NATOs and I'm in heaven. The first pic is from tonight. The other is from last weekend when I was doing some "exploring".

Second time zone, date, brushed finishes, and the ability to change straps makes this the ultimate tool watch for me.




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LOVE the Explorer II, esp black dial...

Tried it on, seemed too big for my just-over 7" wrist... Though thinking I need to go back to AD and try it on again. Maybe it'd look different.

It's the watch I really WANT to work on my wrist, but I feel the same way about the Ranger, and sometimes, watches are just too big...

Great pics

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by Friar

Yes the Ranger is 1mm wider than the NF but interestingly, the lug to lug size of the Ranger is 48mm and the NF is 50mm. The lugs are shaped differently of course. (I measured my watches with a digital caliper.)

That's interesting. Online, all info on the NF says lug to lug is 48mm.

Mind you, I believe you - it's just interesting that Tudor would lie about that.

Nonetheless, on my wrist, the Ranger (on bracelet) wears bigger than the NF.

Friar - you said if forced to give up one watch of the four it'd be the Explorer.

What's the one watch you'd keep if forced to pair it down to ONE?

[50hz]

What about a 40mm ExpII? The current ones are 42mm no? Surely you could get a used one for a good deal.

[WS9D]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

LOVE the Explorer II, esp black dial...

Tried it on, seemed too big for my just-over 7" wrist... Though thinking I need to go back to AD and try it on again. Maybe it'd look different.

It's the watch I really WANT to work on my wrist, but I feel the same way about the Ranger, and sometimes, watches are just too big...

Great pics

If it helps, I'm at 7.10". Fits like a dream. Do it!

[MGWT]

I did not like the size of the 216750 but love the 16750. Just my op.

[kamonjj]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

LOVE the Explorer II, esp black dial...



Tried it on, seemed too big for my just-over 7" wrist... Though thinking I need to go back to AD and try it on again. Maybe it'd look different.



It's the watch I really WANT to work on my wrist, but I feel the same way about the Ranger, and sometimes, watches are just too big...



Great pics

I have a 6.5 in or a hair smaller. I feel it works well once you have it on your wrist for a few days




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[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by 50hz

What about a 40mm ExpII? The current ones are 42mm no? Surely you could get a used one for a good deal.

Tried the 40mm version, black dial (not a fan of the Archie Luxury Polar).

I liked it, but I think it's b/c I like the original 70's Explorer II so much w/ the orange hand... I just like the colors of the 216570 better, though it would have to be black dial.

The 40mm just didn't grab me. But thanks for the idea

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

If it helps, I'm at 7.10". Fits like a dream. Do it!

I'm gonna try it on again, most definitely.

BTW - Love that you're in SF and watching The Giants baseball w/ that watch - Team Colors! Sick...

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by kamonjj

I have a 6.5 in or a hair smaller. I feel it works well once you have it on your wrist for a few days




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Gotta admit, it does work on your wrist. Great pic, great watch.

Wear it in good health and thanks

[hugs]

I think the Explorer as a daily because it's a neutral colour

Only North flag if you wear yellow every day

[swils8610]

The GM of my local AD wears a NorthFlag and loves it.


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[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by hugs

I think the Explorer as a daily because it's a neutral colour

Only North flag if you wear yellow every day

Hahaha - yellow everyday

True, Explorer is a better everyday watch. No arguments there. Truly THE go anywhere, do anything watch.

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by swils8610

The GM of my local AD wears a NorthFlag and loves it.


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It's a great watch. I want one, no question.

Funny how this thread started as a 214270 vs North Flag and now the Explorer II 216570 is in the mix...

[Friar]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

That's interesting. Online, all info on the NF says lug to lug is 48mm.

Mind you, I believe you - it's just interesting that Tudor would lie about that.

Nonetheless, on my wrist, the Ranger (on bracelet) wears bigger than the NF.

Friar - you said if forced to give up one watch of the four it'd be the Explorer.

What's the one watch you'd keep if forced to pair it down to ONE?

Polar Explorer II--highly readable, EasyLink bracelet, GMT complication with the ability to change local time without stopping the movement, stunning white dial face with blue lume.

[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by Friar

Polar Explorer II--highly readable, EasyLink bracelet, GMT complication with the ability to change local time without stopping the movement, stunning white dial face with blue lume.

Of course!

See, the 216570 is now high up in the running...

Does tick a lot of boxes. Could be THE tool watch from Rolex.

Thanks Friar.

[red.earth]

The 214270 is, and always has been, my favourite watch. After the NF was released, I was keen to try one on but I didn't expect to like it, particularly. How wrong I was! It is thick, certainly, but fits ever so well (on my 6.75" wrist) and is pleasingly (relatively) unique in terms of design so I'm very happy to have one in my collection. Out of the two, though, I default to the Explorer much more often - it's perfect for every occasion, but the NF less so. In fact, if money was no object I'd find it hard to resist buying a 2nd gen' 214270. As for the Ranger, I liked it... but just found myself wearing less and less to the point of it never being worn. That got traded in for my GMT (cough)

[gav329]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

The polished bezel, The White Gold 3 6 9 (MK 1 version), the reflection of light off of the sapphire crystal...



I don't think Explorers are as blingy as say, ceramic GMT's, but an Explorer has more "shine" than the North Flag.

I have a exp2 polar and the bezel isn't polished only the tiny shoulder is. I'm not blingy I absolutely hate the thought of bling and I bought the watch. It's your opinion that matters not anyone else's. Good luck.


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[Bob the brush]

Originally Posted by ExpSubGMT

Interesting experience... I've been there, walking into the AD thinking it was gonna be that one watch, then it sat on my wrist and it was "meh"

I really WANTED to love the Ranger, but it's just too big. The North Flag was a surprise - didn't jump out at me online, but on my wrist I really liked it. Especially with the leather band (they had both, bracelet and leather).

Interesting you went with the AK as it prob sits as high as the NF and maybe even wears bigger even though they are both 40mm

Curious about the 1016 - do you baby it b/c it's fragile? Have you ever had it serviced? Could it go in the water? Would you consider having it serviced so it can go in the water and live like a tool watch?

Or is some of it that you're bored with it? Is the 36mm too small for you at times?

My 1016 is fully serviced, and was pressure tested at the beginning of the summer, and is ready for what life throws, so I probably used the expression 'retired' wrongly, I just don't have it on my wrist every day now, I have a 116264 TOG, and 116900 AK for that. The 1016 was worn most days from 1981 to February this year when I bought the TOG, I just fancied a change, and then I got the AK, and hopefully next year I will add a OP and my collection will be complete.

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[ExpSubGMT]

Originally Posted by red.earth

The 214270 is, and always has been, my favourite watch. After the NF was released, I was keen to try one on but I didn't expect to like it, particularly. How wrong I was! It is thick, certainly, but fits ever so well (on my 6.75" wrist) and is pleasingly (relatively) unique in terms of design so I'm very happy to have one in my collection. Out of the two, though, I default to the Explorer much more often - it's perfect for every occasion, but the NF less so. In fact, if money was no object I'd find it hard to resist buying a 2nd gen' 214270. As for the Ranger, I liked it... but just found myself wearing less and less to the point of it never being worn. That got traded in for my GMT (cough)

Thanks. Only makes me want the NF even more, just to have, even if only for the days where I don't want to wear the 214270, even though it seems destined to be my every day watch...

You traded the Ranger, so I get your taste. I dig the GMT too (cough).