Is rolex explorer 39 really understated?

[Dr. Robert]

I have two explorers, a 114270 & a 214270
Definitely the quiet Rolex models.
No one notices


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[6161HH]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I have two explorers, a 114270 & a 214270
Definitely the quiet Rolex models.
No one notices


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I too have a 114270 as well as a 214270 Mk2 although my all time favorite Rolex is my 214270. You’re correct too that no one notices.

[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

I was tired of the eyes on my hulk and pam233.. now with explorer 40 I feel free of those jealous eyes ..

[Ninja Master]

I don't think it's an understated watch. The Rolex writing and logo are prominent.

When I think understated, I think Grand Seiko. Almost everyone will think you're wearing a cheap watch.

[PenDelicate]

The word, "Rolex," is probably written bigger on that dial than any other Rolex watch.

[996marty]

A Rolex is a Rolex no matter the reference and yes some standout more than others. If it’s the Explorer you crave then go for it,for me they are great looking watches

[joli160]

It’s the most modest Rolex

[Scottyboy]

No such thing as an understated Rolex, people who want to know will spot the Oyster bracelet a mile off, polished CL or not.

The Exp is better than most for the reasons you've mentioned, no wart (sorry I mean cyclops) but does have a polished SS bezel so still plays with the light a bit.

[espanol]

Without a doubt. As noted previously, 904l certainly has a shimmer to it that 316 doesn’t. But I’ve worn an Explorer for the better part of the last decade and can’t recall a single comment.

[HHIslander]

For Rolex, the only watches that are more understated are a black or white OP. Ex is definitely understated and a good choice if that’s what you’re looking for in a Rolex.

[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by HHIslander

For Rolex, the only watches that are more understated are a black or white OP. Ex is definitely understated and a good choice if that’s what you’re looking for in a Rolex.

I have the silver 36" OP and 99.99%+ of people would never know it's a Rolex. You have to stare at the dial, roughly a foot away, to be able to see the crown and Rolex text,

[travisb]

As far as Rolex goes, it's pretty low key but if you're looking for more under the radar I'd be looking at other brands.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Ninja Master

I have the silver 36" OP and 99.99%+ of people would never know it's a Rolex. You have to stare at the dial, roughly a foot away, to be able to see the crown and Rolex text,

Agree, I completely forgot about silver.

[cdmorenot]

Depends... I live in the outskirts of a city that has gangs dedicated to the theft of Rolex watches. Up until recently I wore my EXP I exclusively when going into the city without a care. Because of new Gov and less punishment, these gangs have gotten more brazen, now I feel like ANY Rolex is a target. I stopped wearing it into the city altogether.... I considered a MARK XX as no thief will give a crap about that but ultimately opted for a SPB143 from Seiko. Any country in Europe, US or Canada - I'd wear the EXP I everywhere without hesitation.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Depends... I live in the outskirts of a city that has gangs dedicated to the theft of Rolex watches. Up until recently I wore my EXP I exclusively when going into the city without a care. Because of new Gov and less punishment, these gangs have gotten more brazen, now I feel like ANY Rolex is a target. I stopped wearing it into the city altogether.... I considered a MARK XX as no thief will give a crap about that but ultimately opted for a SPB143 from Seiko. Any country in Europe, US or Canada - I'd wear the EXP I everywhere without hesitation.

That’s a very nice Seiko.

Kat


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[wcall]

I was in the same mindset after consolidating l down to a 126610LV. Wanted to add something a little more undercover that I would still love to look down at (and specifically was not a Rolex).

I ended up picking up a IWC Mark XVIII - have always loved iwc as a brand, and this iteration with the black dial, incredible bracelet and 40mm case checked all my boxes (though wouldn’t mind a little more than the 60m water resistance). Absolutely love it and find that both the iwc and LV get lots of wrist time. Good 1-2 punch for my needs.

If I was considering a Rolex to fill this role in my small collection, the Exp 1 Mk2 would’ve been top of my list.




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[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by wcall

I was in the same mindset after consolidating l down to a 126610LV. Wanted to add something a little more undercover that I would still love to look down at (and specifically was not a Rolex).

I ended up picking up a IWC Mark XVIII - have always loved iwc as a brand, and this iteration with the black dial, incredible bracelet and 40mm case checked all my boxes (though wouldn’t mind a little more than the 60m water resistance). Absolutely love it and find that both the iwc and LV get lots of wrist time. Good 1-2 punch for my needs.

If I was considering a Rolex to fill this role in my small collection, the Exp 1 Mk2 would’ve been top of my list.




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That looks great!

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by wcall

I was in the same mindset after consolidating l down to a 126610LV. Wanted to add something a little more undercover that I would still love to look down at (and specifically was not a Rolex).

I ended up picking up a IWC Mark XVIII - have always loved iwc as a brand, and this iteration with the black dial, incredible bracelet and 40mm case checked all my boxes (though wouldn’t mind a little more than the 60m water resistance). Absolutely love it and find that both the iwc and LV get lots of wrist time. Good 1-2 punch for my needs.

If I was considering a Rolex to fill this role in my small collection, the Exp 1 Mk2 would’ve been top of my list.




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That looks awesome!

[rmwill]

My 40 slips under a shirt cuff away from prying eyes.

[Jonny8]

39 MK2 is fantastic. Underwhelming at first but the love definitely grows. It is super comfortable, legible and fantastic looking. The sub is my favourite but if I had to go down to just one…..

[Chris_80]

I also wanted an under the radar watch. I have a 224270. Even my Aunt, who is very observant and has noticed all my other watches, didn’t notice it. My blue Seiko diver gets more attention than my Rolex, and that’s how I prefer it!


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[Mr. K]

The 39mm Explorer is great. The Explorer has always been under the radar.

I love my short hands Explorer. No nonsense simple watch

[sheldonsmith]

I went with an understated 39mm 214270 Mark II (with a solid 3130 movement) as well.

I had Rolex RSC install a new crystal with anti reflective coating on the underside and it looks great; it’s the same crystal that comes with the 39mm Oyster Perpetuals.

~ Sheldon

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

I went with an understated 39mm 214270 Mark II (with a solid 3130 movement) as well.

I had Rolex RSC install a new crystal with anti reflective coating on the underside and it looks great; it’s the same crystal that comes with the 39mm Oyster Perpetuals.

~ Sheldon

Great idea, I’m having an AR crystal put on my 14060 one of these days. Do you have a photo? AR makes any watch more understated

[5thLegion]

I had a brief love affair with the 214270, but went back to the 124270. The 214270 is a great watch, but I thought it was a little big and in the end I preferred the feel and look of the 124270. Both are relatively understated compared with the rest of the Rolex line. If I only have one Rolex it would be a 124270. The 124270 gets some flak for glossy dial, etc, but honestly it was hard for me to tell it from the "matte" dial of the 214270.

[Jack T]

I have the 39mm Mark I, short hands and it’s a great watch - reliable, durable, low profile. Whether people notice is impossible to determine.

Most people here think that if no one says anything, then no one notices, simply not true.

[rockysw]

ok so in the end I went a very different direction. I have bought a Furlan Marri black sector dial. yet to be delivered.

After a lot of thinking, I thought I will give this a go as a daily peice and experient with bit of a dressy piece. Lets see if this turns out to be a sucessful experiment :D

[FHFinster]

Originally Posted by rockysw

ok so in the end I went a very different direction. I have bought a Furlan Marri black sector dial. yet to be delivered.

After a lot of thinking, I thought I will give this a go as a daily peice and experient with bit of a dressy piece. Lets see if this turns out to be a sucessful experiment :D

Nice choice.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ha...ri-three-hands


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[rockysw]

Originally Posted by FHFinster

Nice choice.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ha...ri-three-hands


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thanks! It will delivered next week. Cant wait!

[worldofoyster]

IMHO, the perfect size for the explorer