New Rolex Explorer 36mm 124270

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The one thing the Explorer 39 did right that its contemporaries didn’t was maintain relative proportions and style. No fat lugs. No cushion case. No PCL. Also didn’t get “creative” with color schemes. To me, it was just too big. Partly, as you say, for tradition sake, partly because it was just too much dial.

Much prefer the replacement for those reasons. However, with that said, the ideal might have been a “Rolex 37mm” (which means a “true 36”), 20mm bracelet, with otherwise identical proportions to the current version. However unlike most, I prefer a watch a little smaller than ideal rather than a little larger.

I don’t know. By keeping the bracelet the same width, it did introduce new proportions at 39mm, but I’m ok with that. I’m more concerned with size and weight.

You might look at black-dialed vintage Tudor Jumbos. They use the same, slightly upsized case of the 1019 Milgauss at 37.5mm (bezel measurement.) It needed a slight upside to fit that iron cage in the Milgauss version.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I don’t know. By keeping the bracelet the same width, it did introduce new proportions at 39mm, but I’m ok with that. I’m more concerned with size and weight.

You might look at black-dialed vintage Tudor Jumbos. They use the same, slightly upsized case of the 1019 Milgauss at 37.5mm (bezel measurement.) It needed a slight upside to fit that iron cage in the Milgauss version.

I was thinking about proportions from the perspective of the watch head itself, not so much the bracelet width. But you’re right. In some ways it’s as though the current version maintained the proportions of the 39 while returning to 36.

[TickTockChuck]

"39mm for me, plus I personally prefer the lower “EXPLORER” location better, it’s way too cramped up top"

I would have to agree that the "Explorer" logo looks better and more balanced below on the 39mm. On the other hand a 36mm size will suit some folks better and is more traditional in size. To each their own. Cheers!

[speedgunner]

Great photo, Matt! Love it.

[seosub]

20mm lug width would have made it that much better - I tried on the TT and I think the 19mm bracelet w taper is what made the watch seem too small..

Overall I think 36mm is what I would go with.

[sinkholeninja]

39mm is perfect (for me)

[jkgrooms]

I am a fit 6-4 and 208# w/ 7.5". I was torn between the new 36mm and 40mm Explorer. At first, the 36mm looked too small, perhaps b/c I am use to wearing an Apple Ultra 49mm for work and triathlon training. I chose the 36mm due to its extreme comfort, discreet appearance and max versatility with any attire. I am not a collector, and this is the only high-end watch I own. I spend a lot of time in nature - trekking, surfing, kayaking, etc.; and the 36mm Explorer performs flawlessly and unobtrusively in all. Tried to post photo, but don't have enough posts.

[Submariner868]

6.25 inch wrist here. My 124270 is damn near perfect in terms of size and fit.

[Submariner868]

Originally Posted by jkgrooms

I am a fit 6-4 and 208# w/ 7.5". I was torn between the new 36mm and 40mm Explorer. At first, the 36mm looked too small, perhaps b/c I am use to wearing an Apple Ultra 49mm for work and triathlon training. I chose the 36mm due to its extreme comfort, discreet appearance and max versatility with any attire. I am not a collector, and this is the only high-end watch I own. I spend a lot of time in nature - trekking, surfing, kayaking, etc.; and the 36mm Explorer performs flawlessly and unobtrusively in all. Tried to post photo, but don't have enough posts.

This^^^all day long.

[Lawlex]

Had 39 previously, as others have mentioned before, the proportion seems off, which was why I sold it.

explorer should be 36


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[East of Eden]

Even with my 6.75” wrist I found the 36 too small, but glad Rolex makes both sizes. They should do the same with the Sub

[painexpert]

I have had a 36,39 and now have the 40. I like the 40mm the best. My wrist is 7. I felt that the 36 was small for me.

[ons2101]

36 Explorer all the way !
This thing is just perfect




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[painexpert]

Originally Posted by Ensign

I tried on the new Explorer and I have a 7inch wrist. The watched was very comfortable and looked great. It has a vintage feel, or maybe post-big watch feel.

I have a 7 wrist also. The 40mm feels great on the wrist. Super comfortable. It's such a cool watch. Very glad I bought it.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by duvals101

Literally the perfect watch. Proportions are unreal, versatile in all situations, great readability, AR is actually useful, timeless yet modern.

Here’s mine on a CB worn in coffee leather band.

Looks sharp!

Kat


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[matthew P]

The 40 feels like a modern sport watch.

The 36 feels like a classicly sized sporty dress watch.

On my 7 inch wrist the comfort and proportions win out and the 36mm gets all the wear while the 39mm MKII sits in its box waiting for its next owner




It’s easily my favorite daily


..Explorer & Spring Diver - I’m just here for the photos..

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by EmpireCity

I have to say the warmth of the steel/yellow gold is growing on me!

I read somewhere that the TT is on its way out. If you want it, better grab it. I have the 36, and really like everything about it.

Kat


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[jb335]

I love a 36 mm watch in general and especially the older Explorer’s at 36. However. I don’t care for the current Exp 36. Bracelet is far too tapered and narrow. Deal breaker for me .


Id get a nice preowned old model Explorer 36 personally.


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[Enezdez]

I own the 114270, perfect under the radar watch when discretion is needed...

Cheers,

Enezdez

[John Doyle]

Love the 36mm - go for it!

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by MountEverest

Thank you for your thoughts on the 36mm Rolex Explorer I. I will try and obtain one of those from my AD. Hopefully, I can get it in 2022.

Have a great evening.

Yea. Overwhelming support for the 36, that’s the original/historical size intended for this model. Good luck getting one!

[~Ocho1~]

Damn, can't believe I read through this whole thread!!!

This revived old thread caught my attention because I should be receiving a nice bonus from work & think an Explorer will be my next watch, however at 6'4" & 240lbs, w/an almost 8" wrist I thin the 36mm may be too small for me.

The times I've tried it on at an AD it did look way small, but I also had been wearing my GMT Master when I went. Still, I'm drawn to the 36mm over the new 40mm.

Think I'll swing by the AD again in the next couple of weeks & try them on again.

IDK, the new 40mm just seems too large for an Explorer.

[matthew P]

Originally Posted by ~Ocho1~

Damn, can't believe I read through this whole thread!!!

This revived old thread caught my attention because I should be receiving a nice bonus from work & think an Explorer will be my next watch, however at 6'4" & 240lbs, w/an almost 8" wrist I thin the 36mm may be too small for me.

The times I've tried it on at an AD it did look way small, but I also had been wearing my GMT Master when I went. Still, I'm drawn to the 36mm over the new 40mm.

Think I'll swing by the AD again in the next couple of weeks & try them on again.

IDK, the new 40mm just seems too large for an Explorer.

The 40mm Explorer is a well proportioned watch, I have no doubt it will look fantastic on your 8 inch wrist.


..Explorer & Spring Diver - I’m just here for the photos..

[Benjack]

Originally Posted by Gekota

The new 36mm 124270 has perfect proportions, imo.

+1
36mm gives a perfect fit and a vintage feel anytime you have on your wrist.

[egamos]

It all depends on your preference, I will personally go for 36mm its perfect.

[Greg.A]

Originally Posted by egamos

It all depends on your preference, I will personally go for 36mm its perfect.

Yup, don’t need a dinner plate on your wrist when you go exploring. 36mm way to go for me as well

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Greg.A

Yup, don’t need a dinner plate on your wrist when you go exploring. 36mm way to go for me as well

This is pretty funny. But I must say, for those of us in the senior set, the visibility and loom of a larger watch is better. Such that I prefer my Explorer 2 to either my 36 or 39 Explorer one


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[lamnyc]

I was debating between 36mm and 40mm Explorer 1. After trying it on at different ADs,
I went with the 40mm. There was something about the clasp that I couldnt get over. Most of the photos people posted only shows the watch head. I have a 6.5 wrist and all my Rolex watches are 40mm, so I'm just used to wearing that size. The 36mm is much small in measurement.

[SAB380]

Just picked up my new Explorer 40 from the AD.
Have a 7.25” wrist and it feels perfectly proportioned.

[Verdi]

The 39 mm Explorer 1 is my GADA watch. It is the one Rolex that I consider to be close to perfection when it comes to versatility, legibility and best proportions.

I am also a big fun of all 36mm vintage models but when it comes to modern models, the 39mm Explorer wins against the 36mm version.