2021 Rolex Explorer (36mm!) - My Reaction!

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[sensational_cellar]

I’ve been trying to convince myself that the 39mm Explorer was right for me but I always had niggles about the dial proportions and larger case size. The new 36mm version with updated movement, lumed numerals, and modern bracelet and clasp is a fantasy watch for me. I placed an order immediately, can’t wait to get one!

[ashotinthedark]

When I looked at the 39mm Explorer the dial wasn't symmetrical or offset, called the ad and got on the list for the 36mm. Watches are getting too big and or thick for under the cuff wear, 36mm makes for a nice dress watch.

[Treetopflyer]

I’m glad I have the blue OP.
But if I wanted an explorer I’d definitely go 36.
Can’t stand the 2 tone explorer. I agree with you on that one. If I was going two tone it would be a larger watch. Maybe like a bluesy

[jtbjr]

Shocked beyond belief but obviously Rolex didn’t think the 50th birthday was special at all like we did. What else can you say???

[Nexus.Achiles]

On the Explorer 36mm, it seems to me Austin you have this romantic idea that the Explorer is a tool watch, but the truth is it's no longer the case. The steel variant is in fact a toned-down luxury watch. Well, now Rolex have decided to spice it up a little bit with the bimetal treatment, just like they've been doing for the past 60 years with their classic line, nothing new. It also happened to professional models like the Submariner, Yacht-Master, Daytona and even Sea-Dweller lately.



No big deal as far as I’m concerned, this is where Rolex want to go, they want to sell less steel and more precious metal with higher margins. As for the "flexing" that is typically associated with two-tone watches, I can tell you that when I wear my two-tone Sub Bluesy, I wear it for myself, no for other people. I like the look on my wrist, it's a bit showy, perhaps exuberant and flamboyant even, but it offers an interesting and fun contrast against my otherwise sober steel collection. Dude, you really need to try two-tone, it'll do you good :-).

As for the size, I don't have a problem wearing a 36mm dressy sports piece or a 45mm diver on my 18cm/7.2in wrist. Men used to wear 30mm watches not so long ago and they were not less manly for doing so.

[AShea]

Come on Austin you should know by now Rolex don't do logic! I have been hoping for the 36mm Explorer reintroduction for years now and have all been told it would never happen. I had given up on it, so I'm delighted. Its perfect!

[danielmeier]

the massive success of the tudor blackbay 58 clearly showed them, that there is a huge market for smaller watches too.

[the_shadow_realm]

The Black Bay 36 (especially blue dial) is all you need.

A true hunk’s watch.

[terryb]

36 mm after they made the Sub 41 mm ... they seem a bit confused !

[michaeledwardlenzi]

It is a move I approve of. I have thought many times that the larger Explorer was not quite right in terms of dimensions and case to dial ratio. The 1016/14270/114270 are perfect in that respect. Whether it is the perfect size for others, that is your decision of course. I have a 1016 and a 36mm DJ and just might buy the new Explorer. This one caught me off guard!
--Michael

[tommyrm]

36mm is the correct size for a watch like this, 39mm is huge. Well done to Rolex for correcting their mistake and leading the way back to a sensible and functional sized tool watch. The less said about the two tone version the better...

[jon]

amazing news! this is exactly what I always wanted, a brand new 36mm explorer 1

[AriefLatif]

Love that they brought back the 36 explorer. Initially had the same reaction with the two tone, but the more I look at it the more attractive it becomes

[enriqueflorendo]

Explorer 36 makes sense it uses op36 parts. Op 39 is gone so production wise exp 36 makes sense.

[THX-C]

All the things that make the Explorer my favorite watch are reasons against a two-tone variant. It was Rolex’s most minimal tool watch. It was bad enough they replaced the 1016 printed dial with white gold surrounds and blockier arabics. Kill the two tone and bring back the 1016 dial while keeping the incredibly accurate movement.

[davidc]

I think the two-tone is targeting the Asian market. I curious to see how well it'll do in Japan.

[RogerOThornhill]

Now they need to do that with a Submariner.

[anthonyjames]

Good video Daniel as always thinking you might have a hangover this morning I'm the same as you glad it's all over

[aln]

I was on the waitlist for 39mm explorer. Honestly I'm completely turned off the model altogether now. Ive seen Batmans coming down in price on grey market. Older ceramic versions are being offloaded, dont think they will retain a lot of value now.

[melvazialcita]

Well said....If I may ask, which model should I get in the Explorer model Ref. 114270 D serial 2008 or the new 124270 ? I do want a 36mm Explorer. Thank you !