Bob’s Watches: you can borrow any watch you’d like. Adrian: Explorer Bob’s Watches: don’t you already have one? Adrian: a different Explorer Bob’s Watches: ... Adrian: ... Bob’s Watches: sure, but we have other wa- Adrian: EXPLORER

For those wondering, the lug to lug on the 36mm case is 43.6mm and the 39mm case is 47mm.

Resurrecting the comments section for 2024, I went for the newer 36mm Explorer ref. 124270 thinking that it would be a perfect match for my smallish 6.5" wrist. As it turns out, this 36mm reference actually measures closer to 35.5mm. Despite my smallish wrist, however, the watch looked to be a "boy's size" for lack of a better term. Indeed, my wife's reaction on seeing it on wrist was "it's nice but it looks soooo small". True, she's used to seeing 40mm sports models (GMT, Sub) on my wrist, so this significant down-size was very noticeable. Her concluding words on the subject, given how well she knows me: "It's not gonna last", and she was right (of course). Although compact and comfy, it was just too small even for my smallish wrist. Literally within days of receiving it, I traded it for the 39mm Explorer 214270 (MK2 dial), which I should have bought in the first place. What a difference that added 3mm makes. I rejected the idea of getting the new 40mm Explorer, only because I much prefer the 20mm lug width on the 39. The 21mm lug width on the 40, and corresponding bracelet width at the end links and wider clasp, not to mention the additional overall weight, was a non-starter. The 39 is literally perfect for my 6.5" wrist in all respects. It looks and feels great. A true 38mm, if one existed, would probably also work, but definitely not the 36...at least for me. I'm well aware that other folks with wrist sizes similar to mine, or even larger wrists, and the purists of course, swear by their 36mm Explorers. There's no right or wrong. It's just a matter of preference when it comes to wrist presence and the comfort level you're seeking in the Explorer.

Fair comment! I own the latest version (MkII). It's a fabulous watch and I also very much like the 36mm versions as well. as you pointed out, My 39mm variant is an everyday watch, never taken off. I have worn it when I scuba, outdoor hiking essentially no quarter given. I don't mother it. Wash it with warm water and fairy once a week. Last month I left it on a tea towel to dry and the picked the towel up. It dropped onto a stone floor at 4 feet, on its face. game over right? No! it worked, flawlessly and continues to do so at +1 per day of constantly worn. It's scratched to buggery and it is absolutely never noticed. It's not flash it's just functional and I adore it. My previous watch was and still is, the 14060 two-liner sub. Twenty plus years now with underrated and venerable 3000 movements, also scratched to hell, works perfectly +3 per day, never serviced. Now gaining considerable value and now worn only on curry night :) I have owned many watches, they come and they go but the Explorer and the sub remain. The thought of watches being stuffed away in bank vaults or watch cases and watch winders too risky to wear in an urban setting is a reason not to own those types of watches. Investment apart, both the purchasers and the industry have forgotten the reason for a wristwatch...a daily dependable companion. It has all got very silly IMHO. Love bark and Jack, thanks for the comparison Adrian, I might just yet treat myself to a 36 :) it is very likable

They need a new explorer version in 36mm. Imagine: the newest movement and that cool blue lume in that perfect small package.

36mm, classic and perfect.

Rolex should offer the 36mm version again. Id buy it as a daily.

One thing that happened in human: you can't stoped the curious and never satisfied of them, if you have a 36, you will want a 39, and then you have a 39, you think of a 36....

Got the 39. Massive fan. Just love it.

I own a 214270 mk2 and couldn't be happier. This will stay in my collection forever. I get the historic angle of the model makes 36mm the go to size. Yet the 39mm sits so incredibly well on my wrist it's brilliant. Great review and comparison as always. Keep up the great work love the channel

Adrian, I first came across the explorer on your channel a while ago and was unable to shake off the love for it. Ended up buying a 39 a few months ago and I hardly take it off. I love this thing. Keep up the great work on the channel and good luck with the move.

I own this 214270 explorer. Its the perfect rolex ever made. The size, the look, just everything. Not much to look at, but i still look at it every day still. Have it for like a year now

Sold my 114270 to get the 214270 Mk2. I loved my 114270 and it is still the best looking explorer beside the 1016 in my opinion. But the 214270 has the better bracelet, useful Easylink, better movement and the best lume so far. With the lumed 369 it is far more a homage to the 1016 than the 14270 or 114270. It wears bigger than 39 mm, yes, but if you have the wrist size for it, it is the perfect watch for you. I had the luck to get one from my ad and I love it!

I think people really overstate the size to arm size aspect of watch suitability. It’s more down to taste than anything else. I’ve read people who say they have big arms so anything less than 42mm looks bad, but I think that’s more of a case of guys who just want big watches. I’m 6’3 and over 220lbs, and I regularly wear a 34mm Seamaster that looks awesome. Once you get over the mental block and are open to smaller watches, a whole new world of watches Is open to you

Adrian - You're channel is so on point. I have just found in the last week, but have been enjoying your content BIG TIME. In particular, it is informative and thorough, whilst being fun to watch. Thanks mate, and keep up the great work.

Love the macro shots where you show the lume on and off like a switch🙌🏻🙌🏻 keep up the good work. One of my fav channels watch related or not

I really like your old video where you explain the a differences between the different explorer 1 models, so I have been waiting for this video!

The 36mm looks perfect. Don’t know why something doesn’t fit in the 39 model 🤔

Hi Adrian, Thanks so much for making this video! You answered all my questions about the different variations on the Explorer and even got into the blue dial Oyster Perpetual. Thanks again!

YES!! Been waiting for a comparison Explorer video of yours forever!

I tried the 36mm and the dial was just too small for my taste. Picked up a new 39mm this year and it is probably my favourite watch. It just works in any scenario, and the monochrome simplicity is just beautiful. The brushed bracelet and the way it meets the case is similarly gorgeous to me. The case is lovely and curved. I think the brushed oyster is the best bracelet Rolex make, I have a jubilee and a polished centre link oyster and the brushed bracelet looks the best and suits the watches more IMO.

This is exactly the video I needed! You're the man, Adrian. Best of luck with the move.

I just purchased my first ever rolex, and it's the new Explorer 1. I absolutely love it! The simplicity and class of it is something I really appreciate. It's not trying too hard and it's not too flashy, It's simply a beauty! Keep up the great vids

I always wanted an explorer for many years but when I tried on a 36mm I was surprised how small the watch looked on my wrist. This always prevented me from buying it. When the 39 came along it was a no brainer. I love it.

NEW 36mm !!! So happy about this release. I pretty much deleted my whole wish list 💜 36mm Explorer 124270 is the one

Thank you for giving the OP36 blue explorer dial some love! Finally, this variant is getting a bit of recognition and screen time.

Adrian I just wanted to say that your reviews and this video in particular helped me decide on my 39mm Explorer, thx for the great content and keep doing what you’re doing.

39mm just feels too big for this watch. 36mm was perfect, glad they brought it back.

Love the channel! Was in the same conundrum between the OP 114300 with Black Dial and Explorer 214270 MK2. Went with the Explorer 214270 MK2 for many of the reasons you mentioned here and in couple of your videos on both references. Couldn't be happier with my decision. Gorgeous piece and incredible balance on the wrist, and the fully luminous dial is special in the daytime, or at night. Couldn't come to wearing a 36mm as a daily wearer. Thanks for the help! Keep it up!

36mm! Wish they would bring the vintage 3,6,9 markers back!

Great video mate! Hope all go's well in your move! Have a great one!

39 Mk 1 for me. Love the look of the hands. The feel is that each hand gets progressively longer from hour to seconds, with the second hand fully reaching out to the markers. Plus the full white gold numbers has a very classy/sporty feel. With such a small number of years in production, its a keeper.

no questions 39 way to go

Had a new 39 mm for a couple of months now, absolutely love it. It’s just such a cool under the radar watch, good with t shirt, polo shirt or under the cuff of a nice shirt and suit.

Another cracking video Adrian. Having recently purchased a 114270 I really connect with this video and love the whole Rolex Explorer collection. I can’t believe how much of a difference 3mm makes to the modern watch! I considered a newer Explorer for some time before ending up at the 114270, and I’m so glad I went for the 36mm! Keep up the good work and all the best with settling in to your new home! 👍🏻

Great review, very interesting comparison. Thank you

Great video Adrian. I’ve made up my mind for the 114270! Cheers!

Great video 👏 I love my 214270 Mk ll it fits my rather large wrist nicely.

I bought the 36mm after having hesitated for weeks :) I like both versions but I chose the 36mm because of Don Draper...this watch is a pure class beauty. I’m obsessed with this watch and can’t stop looking at it 😀

The best video on Explorer there is in the internet. Answered all the questions i had and ever more then that!

Love these Explorers but, I’m obsessed with the 1016 when it comes to Explorers. Another great video here Adrian. The photography and macro shots were top! Good luck with the relocation to Glazgee. ✊

Yet another great video Adrian, I do like the 39mm as a sports watch. I purchased 2 of your NATO straps, 'bond stripe' and 'seatbelt grey', and have to say they're excellent quality for the money. Keep up the good work!!

This was so very helpful. The explorer is on my short list and I did not really understand the differences until now

You are slowly getting the best Rolex analytics and teach us about lot of hidden/ least talked facts we never heard of even though following most of Horological channel for 5-6 years. Never knew that there is a Mark 1 and II versions of the Explorer and I would without any doubt would go for Mark II 39 mm. Thanks Adrian and wish you good luck in Scotland.

Great video. Helped me a lot for my purchase. Thank you

Excellent video as always, Adrian. As far as I'm concerned, you could do an all-Explorer-all-the-time channel. Love that watch!

Interesting to see the 36mm and 39mm side-by-side. Personally I prefer a sports watch to be a little larger - but each to his own. Best wishes for the new life in Scotland.

Hello Adrian. Great upload as usual. I have the 39 from 2018. Prefer the slid links and lumed numerals. Both great understated pieces and each to his own. Good luck with the move. Cheers

I Just got the 114270 and I'm absolutely in love with it. The 36mm size is absolutely perfect for me as my wrist are small. Thanks for your outstanding review, as it really helped me with the purchase of the watch. Keep up the great reviews. Keep well.

Picked up the 214270 Mk II from my AD today. I also have the 114270 in the family alongside other special pieces collected over time and will swap out the bracelet for the B&J NATO straps I acquired a couple of months ago. Great video that provided the guidance for this acquisition.

Great stuff Adrian

Lucky to get my 214270 MK2 in 2018 as my one and only Rolex. It retain its value in case I ever want out.

Great video! I went with the 39mm MKII, I just felt that it worked better with me and my collection, and there’s no denying the build-quality...like you said, “it’s the best explorer”...but there’s no denying the awesomeness of the 36mm! The Explorer is just an overall great watch, regardless of case size or solid v. hollow endlinks! Definitely makes you proud to own one!

In isolation the 39mm looks fine if a bit off in someway, I had a look at one in an AD. But next to the 36mm here, even the Mark II looks a bit like that 🐷 it just looks oversized with distorted numerals and indices, which look like they’ve just been magnified and not properly integrated into the design like they should of been. The same goes for when directly comparing the 39/40mm Explorer II to the contemporary 42mm version. There’s an excellent video by ID Guy that explains this perfectly.

Great video man! If I had to pick just 2 watches (that is reasonably priced). It would probably be the Explorer 36 and the Tudor BB58. Keep it up with the great content.

I'm prepping an Explorer discussion as I watch this! Completely agree with you about the 39mm size. Imagine it being 38 or 37.5? The proportions and dial architecture (dial negative space) would improve so much. Great comparison, brother! Hope your move is still going smoothly.

Outstanding video as usual bro I need you to go ahead and make some more videos LOL best wishes in Scotland brother what a gorgeous place to live

You just blew my mind with the blue dial oyster perpetual! Now I have another watch in my radar.

Usually would prefer 36mm datejust or daydate but in this case the 39mm is more aesthetically pleasing by a long shot but cant really go wrong with either

Further to my last comment-I Just wanted to add my thanks for pointing out the clever fold over shortening or lengthening link design on the bracelet, it’s not obvious if one isn’t aware of it. Great design. Thank you again Adrian.

Thanks for my daily Explorer fix Adrian. I have the 39 mkII. I like yours too...

Great summary! I just bought a 114270 (NOS) I found on holiday in Italy. I could have had the current model but I also prefer the 36 mm. It’s more elegant and suits my wrist better

It’s great that there’s a choice between 36 and 39mm. For me, 39mm is the sweet spot. I tried on the 36, but I felt it was a little too small for me.

Great concept for a video!

Adrian, hope the move to Scotland goes extremely well. Fabulous content today regarding the Explorer. Thanks for sharing the subtle differences. 214270 is on my list.

The 34 mm OP silver dial with 3 6 9 numerals is quite nice aswell

Beautiful photography of the MKII. Wow.

Got the 39mm 1 month ago and I’m in love with it 😍

I have always loved the dial layout of the explorer and it's simplistic beauty. If not for the 39mm/full lume I would not be owning one now and loving it! Thanks for the Vid. Cheers!

Why is this a constant question? It depends on the size of the man

Thank you for showing them side-by-side. I was also on the fence, but looking at them like that, I'm in the 36mm camp for sure.

You are a 36-guy and I’m 39-guy, but we share the love for Rolex and the Explorer😀 These comparison-videos are you best work IMO. Both within a collection and broader (ex Kermit vs Hulk). You have a great eye for watch aesthetics and a clear way of telling it. Keep them coming😋

Great comparison video Adrian, thanks. Btw two unrelated questions - 1. When will the Bond natos be back in stock? 2. Any news/update on how Vertex are getting on since you reviewed them in January? Was scrolling through your older vids this morning and came across that one again. Slainte on the home move. ⌚👍🇬🇧

After being 36mm for 50+ years they decided to move it up to 39mm. To me that suggests they're following fashion trends rather than any carefully considered design in relation to the human form (although average weight increase may have been a factor?). I can't see why they can't offer it in both (like they offer the OP in different sizes), or at least offer the 116000 explorer dial in black with Mercedes hands (such a simple thing to do).

Got a 39mm MkII from Bob's. They are great. I have to say, I was originally interested in the 36mm, but ended up with a 39. Might just be the perfect watch.

Love this! I’d also love a comparison of the recently discontinued OP36, with the blue 3-6-9 dial and the 36 Explorer.

39mm without doubt

How handy is this video!!! I tried on a 39 mm the other day and was wondering how the 36 would look. Thanks Adrian. 👍🏼

The 36mm looks more balanced, ratio between bracelet/strap width and case diameter does it for me.

Thanks for the video Adrian 👍 I hope I get a chance to own an Explorer some day 🤞Best of look with the move 🏡

Happy with my 214270, easily the best choice for a modern steel sport watch with longevity in mind. Bracelet, movement, size(up for discussion) just really hit all the marks you’d want. However if I ever went 36mm we’d have to be talking 1016 or something similar, if you want classic proportions might as well go grail. Good video, but we all knew you’d be opting for the 36mm but was nice to see the two side by side. Grats on the move

I have the 114270 which I purchased recently, and it is the ‘Perfect Watch’, (fortunately my partner Sarah thinks the same).The 36mm is small enough to sit on the wrist in an unobtrusive manner, while being perfectly legible; surely a characteristic needed in a ‘Tool Watch’. In the spirit of the original Explorer: it was designed sit on ones wrist, snugly out of the way, while one was climbing, hacking through jungle, or surviving desert travel. My life is less adventurous, but my Explorer sits very comfortably on my wrist, reliable in all situations. It is also a great investment.

Mk2 for me. Slick, sporty looking and amazingly clear dial. Explorer is an amazing Rolex.

Next in line for the 39 Explorer at my AD. It's perfection to me. Can't wait! Thanks for the great review, Adrian!

Picked up my 39mm last week. She’s a beauty!!

36mm for me. I Tried on the 116000 with the 369 blue dial and its an awesome watch for a great price but it does bother me there's no explorer text on the dial. If there was I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Fresh cut, I see! Personally I gravitate towards the 39 simply because of my wrist size. You did a good job of comparing the watches in your video.

Great summary and spot-on photography.. got the 39 will get the 36 as well one day..

Great vid! Massive fan of the 214270 MK II! Although I love all explorer models !

That’s a tough one. I love the classic feel of the 36mm, but my brain tells me the Explorer 39 is the better all-rounder for me, especially since it’s a sports watch. I’d love to have an Explorer 39 and a Datejust 36 as a two-watch rotation. Sometimes less is more with Rolexes. Safe travels, Adrian!

I much prefer 36mm but the 39mm has a matte dial, something I only recently discovered. Gives it a slight edge in the tool/sport watch aesthetic over the glossy dials of the (1)14270.

I got to try on an Explorer 36 today. Sorry, I don't know the reference, but I believe it was one with luminova or superluminova (no little Ts at 6:00 to indicate tritium). It was marvelous to behold in person. I think it would wear beautifully and lightly as an everyday watch, similar to (but of course more exquisite than) a Black Bay 36.

Great educational and balanced video. One point you mentioned that could be expanded upon is the 114270 with rehault. It was only made from late 07 to late 09. Importanly, this was the same time the finance crisis started and Rolex sales almost halved . They never reduced retail prices but deals were possible on all models. Popular sports watches sometimes took months to sell.. The 114270 with rehault are already selling for more than a new 214270 on the used market

great video. any idea when you will be getting 18,mm grey natos nack in stock?

I ordered a new one for my husband for our anniversary and he loved it. About size a picked 39 and he also agreed ;)

Very cool! Also. Didn't know about the blue OP explorer! That has me like 🤔

I have the "blue explorer" (OP 116000) and it's absolutely a stunning pice. So simple. It's a very good mix of sport and dress.

Have a 7-1/4” wrist, my 39mm is a perfect fit. Most comfortable watch/bracelet I own.

Sick intro keep it up brother🤙🏼⌚️

I traded up for the 2017 version bc the sound of the hollow end links snapping closed drove me nuts. Solid links produce a more satisfying sound