1.5 Years with My Rolex Explorer Unexpected Truths Revealed!
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- 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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#RolexExplorer #LuxuryWatchReview #RealWatchTalk
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
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
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.
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!
the explorer is unique, enduring, iconic. many watches are modeled on it. but there can only be one.
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
Discreet, versatile, understated; quietly rugged. The Gentleman's tool watch.
Describe it perfectly
Great comparison! Thank you. And that 36 looks great on you.
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” 🫣
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
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
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?
I understand what you mean. It’s hidden luxury, it doesn’t scream Rolex like the rest of the world wants to show off. It’s robust and the best Rolex IMO because you get the quality of Rolex without the baggage of traditional flashy Rolex. It’s all the things we as enthusiasts like about Rolex and no of the things we don’t.
I greatly prefer the aqua terra over the OP, I think the AT wins hands down in every department
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 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
I can’t wait to get mine!
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!
When you own larger and more expensive watches, and then take the 36 Expl just out of curiosity to try it, you realize how revolutionary and perfect that size 36 is, clearly present on the wrist despite its size, sporty, elegant, comfortable, exceptionally well made, a piece of watchmaking history, and you realize it could be your only watch, because you wear the others less and less. An iconic and definitive watch.
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
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?
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 think it's brilliant... it highlights the shapes of the case, and the watch on the wrist seems larger than it is, reduces weight and increases comfort.
The 40mm Explorer gets a 21mm bracelet and it is still not that big as actually a little under 39mm in the bezel diameter.
@@g43654 i‘m sorry to hear. Maybe bring it buly the shop to have it demagnetized. Though I‘m not sure if magnetization could account for so little deviation.
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 !
Explorer has thermal, mechanical, and magnetic compensation. Very tough. And also understated and formal/informal, so very versatile. Since I bought mine I never wore anything else from my collection for the last year!
im glad you love your explorer! it is truly a one watch collection so easy to wear every single day
Great review! What is your wrist size?
Thanks!! My wrist is 6.7 inches!
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 !
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
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 ?
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 just bought the 40 and it’s incredible.
Awesome congrats on your new exp 40!! Its amazing . Wear it in good health
@ thanks so much man, I feel incredibly lucky.
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
I owned an old 36mm OP and the sizing was great, unfortunately i found the new 36mm explorer to small, the bracelet looks too thin.
I would say the iwc mark is the best alternative to the explorer but even more versatile imo.
Uuu nice great alternative i agree! And that feature of the new exp1 is that it feels vintage thin bracelet and smaller proportions is a vintage dream!
@AndySTWT if your wrist is on the smaller side then it's perfect, I love the sizing on the old 36mm but I couldn't pay that money for an old watch though, plus I can't part with my mark 18
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
Its a stainless steel watch with a sapphire crystal so cant understand why it is any different to a stainless steel 1016 apart from having a more robust crystal and if Rolex did not tell us that it is 904L grade stainless then I would not notice the difference from a regular stainless steel watch like a Tag F1 that I used for 11 years before an Explorer became my everyday watch.
@@alanchappell4845 I think it's a great watch, but not really intended to adventure or exploring. It's a more luxury item, and the 904L steels proves it. It's softer and about 85% as hard as 316L steel and, I can really tell as I don't know how, but managed to scratch it with plastic (there might have been a grain of sand, I don't know). For an everyday and almost anything watch. Yes, it's great. No doubt.
Is 36mm fits for a 7,5 inch wrist or gotta be too small?
Id think it will fit you incredibly well! Try it and you’ll see!
I’ve tried both the 36 and the 39 on my 7,5 wrist and found the 39 significantly better. The 39 looks pretty similar to the new 40…
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!
Dream watch. Awesome video
I appreciate you watching! And it is!
Its 36mm?? Its looks perfect! The 39mm its big?
Hello man. Wrist size?
6.7 inches my man!
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!
Which one do you like better in terms of size 36 or 39?
I really want one but these interview with no guarantee to get one puts me off. Im gonna flip it. Its a late birthday present to me during a tumultuous time and something will be passed on to my daughter
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
What’s your wrist size?
My wrist is 6.7 inch or 17 cm
Beautiful watch ❤️
It is!! Thanks for watching!!
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.
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)
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
Still prefer my 114270
Haven’t had the opportunity tu see one in person
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 :)
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.
@@AndySTWT cool!
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
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
The double indices on the OP are a bit jarring and not elegant…
i really like them specially at night, but i do prefer the explorer desing
I can hear him messing with his turtle neck the entire time I swear.
😅😅 it was getting a little bit hot hahaha sorry thanks for watching!
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
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.
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!
Nice ladies watch.
Thanks my man
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!
When it comes to fine imitation watches, MAMACOO delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.
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 !