For a gentleman, less is always more. I'm a big lad (6'2" tall, 13stone, 71/4" wrist) and often wear 40/42/44mm watches (Sub/Speedy/Marinemaster), but the 36mm Explorer is the one. Classic. Perfect proportions. All you need. It does lean toward smart over very casual. I wear mine working in forestry, on the farm, in a suit to town, on the motorbike, on the bicycle, in the pool and out to dinner. Almost no watch has that versatility. The definitive GADA watch and one of the greats.

Probably the most perfect overall watch in design, execution and size. Like you pointed out it’s under the radar but the wearer gets the full enjoyment of the experience of perfection… without everyone else needing to know. I do not own one, but love the watch from afar. Keep up the awesome content.

Great video, this popped up on my feed and made me remember watching it before I got my call.

Thank you for your excellent analysis in this video !!!

Great review. You've made me want one for myself that much more! Thanks

"It always seems the right watch to wear". Perfect description!

19:50 Totally my philosophy! Nice review mate.

Great review. Thank you. I own a 2020 Explorer 1 214270 and I absolutely love it. I have a 7.5" wrist and it works well for me, but I love the fact that they've gone back to the 36mm size. It's a classic size. As you mentioned, have a look at some old movie footage and you'll see even smaller watches on well-known stars of the day. Heck, I own a 1957 Rolex OP at 34mm and I wear it and love it. Thanks, again, for an informational review. For me, there's nothing like wearing an Explorer. No one will notice except you, and that's the point.

Thks for the informative review.

Great content! I just picked mine up from my AD today and it's everything I learned about. It's truly amazing.

Picked up my 36mm a few days ago. Absolutely love it!

Thank you. Great Watch and a Great Video 👍🏻💪🏼

I like your approach, Chap, and thanks for the great video. Wear your Explorer in good health. Cheers!

Great vid, I can tell you really enjoy it, wear it in health. Interesting point regarding the negative space on the 214270 which I have and adore, it's one of my favorite points of the watch as I think it magnifies the field watch exsperience for me and adds far more than the negative space takes away.

Today I registered my interest in a 36mm Explorer and/or 36mm Oyster Perpetual with two authorised dealerships in Edinburgh. I returned home, and quite by chance, came across your excellent KZfaq presentation on the Explorer. I concur with everything you say about the Rolex. Great stuff!

Great review! I’ve got the exact same watch, I have it since August last year, also managed to get it from an AD and I’ve been wearing it every day since! I think it will never let me down.

Great watch! being used to wearing vintage sport watches, I find the 39 mm version actually quite wearable. The 39 mm with its wider bracelet feels more tool watch than the smaller version and the smaller tapered bracelet, but that's really down to personal preference. I've owned mine for about 4 years now, and the explorer is fantastic regardless of size because of its simplicity, fairly thin case, and great robustness. Put it on your wrist and forget about it until needed! thanks for the video!

A gentleman cannot experience a more timeless and elegant piece. 'May you live in interesting times' (Tsun Tsu). I feel blessed to have seen the introduction of the 70 hour power reserve movement, and the reissue of the Explorer I! Both monumental feats. Just one more monumental feat to overcome, convincing my A.D.

Great review ash! "The perfect companion" seems a fitting description of the Explorer.

It was an excellent video. Thank you very much.

fantastic review. thanks for putting the time in to make this video. just picked mine up a week ago and i agree with you on all points you made. i have a feeling that a lot of my collection will now get some much needed rest for the foreseeable future. it truly is a watch that can do it all.

Excellent review. You are a very talented presenter and public speaker. Engaging and entertaining. Thank you for sharing your experience. Wear that beautiful watch in good health! Cheers!

Great watch and review. I got mine last year. Really enjoy the simplicity of the watch but bought it essentially because of the history and the heritage. I usually prefer to wear my OP 36 on a daily basis.

Nice review!

Great narrative. Congratulations on the comprehensive review & the great Rolex collection. As you may have guessed, I am also a fellow Rolex collector. I own 7 pieces of all various models including 2 Submariners, Sea-Dweller, Oyster Perpetual 36mm, Explorer 39mm and Explorer II. Surprisingly my most recent purchase was a vintage 34mm Air-King. Initially I thought it a tad too small. However, once it's on my wrist it looks perfectly fine. Also the light weight and absence of unnecessary extra metal, makes the smaller size watch feel more comfortable and elegant. Although I still love my 39mm Explorer, the 34mm Air-King is exponentially more practical. I do however defend the 39mm Explorer and think it still deserves a place in the Rolex catalogue. As people with larger wrists, which is stereotypically someone who may be a stronger, more heavy set guy. Unless they want to buy pre-owned, they now have no option but the 41mm Oyster Perpetual. I have also seen more women gravitating towards wearing men's larger sized watches these days and the 39mm Explorer actually looks better on a woman's wrist. The contrast of a large watch on a feminine wrist just looks more envogue. I also think the discontinued ref 116034 36mm Oyster Perpetual with the sunburst blue 3-6-9 Explorer dial & fluted white gold bezel is a great alternative to the 36mm Explorer.

Yes sir, this watch killed the desire for other watches. It's difficult to let this one go. I bought my new Explorer 36mm in October 2021. Since then I do not wear my other watches. Besides my Speedmaster (another one and done perfect one watch) I'm trying to get a rotation going. So I wear my Speedy one full week out of the month, and the rest is for my Explorer. You are so right about flying under the radar. No one notices the Explorer on wrist. That's one of it's strengths is discretion, the other is versatility. A Rolex that doesn't scream Rolex or look like a Rolex. I can wear it with a suit, business casual, jeans & t-shirts, camping gear, or wear it on a beach. The size it perfect for me, plus it's a classic size. I am a child of the 70's & 80's so smaller watches are nothing new to me. I feel that size should be functional. Like a chronograph or dive watch should be 40mm - 44mm for visibility/timing. A field or sport watch should be 36mm - 39mm for function/reference. A dress watch should be 35mm - 37mm for discretion/elegance.

My mate and I recently celebrated a milestone with a Speedmaster. We're now thinking of getting an Explorer (because, you know...). This has been helpful.

This was an excellent review. I saw an exhibition model today for the first time at my AD. I absolutely loved it. By far this is now at the top of my list. Hopefully the AD can come through for me.

I have the 36 explorer. Love it. Perfect size.

Great video. Cheers!

Thank you for the review. I'm on a weighing list for an Explorer in Manhattan, NY. I have had an Air-King for over 20 years and just picked up a Tudor Black Bay 58. For me, it's all about the bracelet. The longer you have it, the better it gets.

Extraordinary review! Thanks for the little known factoid about Ian Fleming . I was only one years old in 1953 but the Rolex Explorer 1 is the watch I would have had if I had been of age :)

Great review,I've been on the list for one of these since Xmas hopefully I get a phone call some time this year

Amazing Ash. my 3 watch collection: Exp1 124270, the first Tudor BB58, Tank Must 👍

I love my Explorer, bought it 2 weeks before the price increase. Lovely watch!

5 years ago I bought a NOS 114270. All papers even stickers. Last year of sale 2011. It’s perfect. Bought it to replace my 25 year old black air king I passed to my nephew.

Really enjoyed the video. My dad has a vintage omega Seamaster which was a long service present from British Steel. It is 36mm and still works even though he hadn't used it for years. You are right. Often less is more. What is the watch dealer community like in South Wales? I.e, how is their customer service?

I enjoy your videos you give a honest and detailed review .I recently got my Rolex explorer I followed your advice and received my explorer whin a year I’m very happy with my watch .I would like to thank you for your advice please keep up good work. Thanks Allan

Enjoyed the review and glad that yours arrived: you’ve had some nice pieces enter your collection while you’ve been waiting. Agree with the review. It is a timeless demonstration of quality, style, and yes, I say value. For something that is of this quality, gains in value, and can/should be worn daily I think it’s a fair price if you’re able to get one. The history is nice but the pedigree is hard to argue with. Also passed on a larger Rolex because the proportion was not right for me: and I didn’t want to settle for what was available preferring to wait for the one that was right.

Nice review. The watch fits you perfectly

I just bought my Rolex Explorer 124270 last Thursday and I'm in love. You nailed it with it being understated and perfect in size. I wear a suit everyday for work where I have been wearing my Rolex Submariner 116610LN which I love equally. There's something about the newer Explorer 1 that makes it so wonderful to own. It's so simple and tough. Great video. Keep up the great content. Subscribed.

I love my explorer to for almost all the reasons you said. i have the two tone gold it not as loud as it looks i find that the gold is quite subtle

Outstanding and thorough review, chap. You’ve got a new sub that is now set on acquiring this piece as well.👌🏼

Great video

I have this watch and 36mm is a great size for it. Definitely flies under the radar. In my opinion, it's the best time only watch on the market.

Great review as always Ash. I enjoyed the little bit of comedy infusion. “I like discretion” you’ve got a root beer and a Pepsi. 🤣🤣🤣. I agree with your comments on watch size. I have larger wrists and can pull off a 44mm panerai but also am happy with a 36mm too. If you love the watch or have a sentimental connection you should wear it no matter the dial dimensions.

What a admirable execution of an opinion on this Rolex model. Outstanding!

Love your take on this piece. Maybe you could do a compare and contrast video with the two-tone someday ^ ^

Great video! I just got “the call before the call” from my AD letting me know that I’m expecting some good news in May

Ash. Another great review. Of all the Rolex the Explorer is my favorite. I like the early submariner but not a fan of the Cyclops window. Although I would never be able to afford such a watch. I really like the Simplicity of the Explorer and the smaller size. I agree with you and that the watches have gotten bigger just because of fashion. I remember in the 70s big watches were considered for old people so they could read the dial better. I have my father's Bulova from the 50s and it is a 34 mm automatic self-winding watch with a Swiss Movement. I wear this on occasions and believe it or not get more compliments on it than other watches I own. Bigger isn't always better. Cheers Ron

Stumbled across your video comparing the DJ and explorer1. Then on to this and love your take on the watch. Subbed! And I agree for me this is the Rolex for me - one day!

Agree, have worn mine for most of the last 15 months, since I got it. It could definitely be a one and done watch!

100% agree on your review. I'm loving the 36mm and it wears so well on my 6.25in wrist. Waited 3 months for it at the AD this year - however it's a shame that mine came with a dust on the dial and they had to take it back 2 weeks to remove it.

Great review👌 Mine says hi. Of my many watches, this is my absolute favourite.

Brilliant video, I have been waiting 8 months for this watch it’s perfect for me, I’m not a small chap I think the size is purely preference I have vintage 40s omegas 33mm and 35mm and Tudor bb58 but also like 42mm they are all watches and all beautiful 👍

The stainless steel Rolex Explorer in 39mm is discrete, brilliant and perfeto por me 7 1/4” wrist! It’s my grail and I’m planning to buy it when I retire. Thank you Ash. Cheers!

The first watch I fell in love with.

Very classy indeed❤

Great review.

I've been waiting for this review for a while now.....Thank You Ash!..... I've been waitlisted for the Explorer since the 1st week of January....I was offered the 2 tone variant in Feb....I passed on it.....I own a Bluesy and really didn't want another gold piece, especially considering how little I wear mine.... I want something under the radar for work....... I've been eyeballing the Tudor BB36 in the silver dial.

Fantastic Review.

I am a watch nut and subsequently have watched hundreds if not thousands of watch videos. That sir is the best watch review I have ever seen. Have yourself a subscription! Keep up the good work.

Great review. I’m a HUGE fan of the new 36mm Explorer. It’s top of my list, tied with the new 41mm Submariner. Depending on wait, I’m still not sure which one I want to buy first.

Great review. Love mine and had to wait 6 months from Goldsmiths.

The watch looks splendid on you! I'm noticing more and more classy and confident men wearing watches in the 36-39mm size. That is why the Black Bay 58 in the 39mm size is so popular (shrunk from 41mm)... Bravo on your amazing Explorer! Totally agree that it fits in every situation and will last a lifetime. This was a great review - thank you!

This is the perfect time watch. My 124270 wears like no other.

I like simplicity and and I’m a minimalist! Thks.

I always loved the 1016, but having a generous 8” wrist I simply found it too small. I was therefore thrilled when Rolex came out with the 39mm version which I own and love. In fact since purchasing my Explorer 18 months ago I hardly ever wear my 5 digit Sub or SD and more. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

Excellent review, Ash! I love the 36mm Explorer. Rolex tells a yarn about Everest, however. Hillary was wearing a Smiths when he reached the summit, Norgay wore a Datejust. I've had no luck getting an Explorer from any AD, so I bought a Smiths PRS-25 Everest instead, and it is a crackin' good watch. Cheers!

In all of the content I've watched and read about the Explorer (which is a frankly embarrassing amount), no one has ever pointed out that it's a field watch. But of course it is! It's ridiculous that I didn't see that, but it's so obvious! People always talk about how you can dress it up or down, and that it's a proper tool watch (especially being a simple 3 hander), but no one's ever asked what category it goes into. Which is weird, because people seem to be obsessed with categorising every other watch. Excellent as always Ash. Cheers!

Completely agree. Perfect understated everyday watch for modest wrist sizes…for everyone else get a 39mm and stop complaining.

Just got a call from AD, picking mine this week, so excited to have it on my wrist. Thanky you for your extraordinary review.

One quick comment. I love the watch. It does have white gold hands, so a tiny and discreet amount of precious metal

I really enjoyed your video! I've looked seriously at a Rolex for a few years now and decided to go for it. Not realizing what happened in the past couple years with pricing and availability. I extended my working career due to Covid and will be retiring in the next few months at the age of 66. It's kind of disappointing that my chances aren't great purchasing that "gold watch" at the end of the rainbow going into retirement. After listening to your video I'm more convinced that the 36 Explorer is the one for me... simple, just bold enough (for me anyway), as my purchases in life are for my enjoyment not the worlds. To add insult to injury... I live in Saskatchewan a province of Canada, and there are no Rolex dealers hear! So I would say that drops me to the bottom of the bottom of the list!!!!! LOL

Good review and amazing Rolex Watch. Very classy Rolex watch. I enjoyed very much.

Ash, I got the call from my AD on Saturday that my 124270 had arrived and I have not taken it off my wrist since then! It has already become my favorite watch, so light and comfortable I can easily wear it loose and under the bone, which is my preferred way to wear a smaller watch. It also flies under the radar screen and does not attract the wrong kind of attention, so this will be my daily driver. I will keep my Starbucks and DJ41 for special occasions! Cheers :)

Fully agree you have to try it on, I did and it felt small on my 7 inch wrist. It would not be my first choice but if I can get it from the AD I would make it part of my collection. Cheers!!

Perfect review. I think Rolex should hire you :)

The review I've been waiting for. I totally agree with your view on the Exp1. In my opinion the Explorer 1 is (more than the Submariner) the quintessential Rolex. Wear it in great health chap, cheers!

I always lusted for an explorer, and waited for a good offer to buy the old 36mm. So when the new one was announced, I went to an AD the day after and asked to put me on the waiting list. I had no prior relationship to that AD, since I just recently transited from a broke medstudent to MD. But, luckily I guess, I got the call Dec/2021. Cheeres!

It’s the one watch. So many collectors with a plethora of fanciful watches, still fall in love with the Rolex Explorer 1. Interestingly, everyone has common AND differing reasons for it too.

It's all about wrist size. I'm also 5'9. You didn't say you're wrist size but mine are 6.5 inches, 50cm wide so I keep coming back to 36mm. I sold my GMT Black ceramic to fund much of my current collection. Best decision I ever made. My current collection is 3 piece and it's my sweet spot. In fact I could happily go down to one but I want to hand these to my 2 kids when they're adults and still have one for myself.

Love the 36mm explorer, like you I think the explorer should be 36mm and fits me perfectly. I tried on the 41mm OP nad it was just way too big. Understated and robust makes this the perfect rolex. I’ve registered an expression of interest with my local family AD, so hopefully they can come through for me

Lovely lovely video - my exact thoughts - its the best original Rolex - i got the 36mm ( for the Mrs ) - i am now hunting a pre owned 39mm. The only thing i found was the bracelet was a bit tiny as i am used to the sub and my gmt.

A great review! Love the explanation regarding size. I’m 5’11” and hover around 17 stone and I regularly wear a 38mm Breitling Colt that does look ‘small’ by today’s standards (it was an engagement present in 2001) but it is so much more comfortable than the bigger watches I’ve bought since.

Perfect review cheap.it’s a great watch.enjoy it with good health you have great day.

Great review Ash. I was the same way - as soon as I saw it was back to the classic size with all the modern features I had to have it. What I have discovered after wearing it for 10 months now is I hardly want to wear any of my other watches. It truly does everything so well. It glides under a shirt cuff with ease and under a ski glove with zero drama. It is also very lightweight and doesn't clunk around on the wrist like the Submariner does. I will add that the Explorer is way more low key than the other models - my sub gets a lot of comments. Explorer gets none and flys under the radar!

Superb.. I own a ‘Swiss’ 14270 1999 version and it’s perfect for do anything go anywhere be it in jeans or suit 👌 wear in good health

Thanks for the review Ash. I’d be curious to know, do you consider there is overlap / redundancy in your collection having both the Explorer and Datejust 36?

The first con is beauty to my ears.

Thoroughly enjoyed this synopus, of the "Explorer." Simply put, this is a watch for the man, who has nothing to prove, to anyone. Rolex as a brand, rarely looks backward, on any choice they make. For them to return to the original case dimension, speaks volumes about the relativity of the 36mm size, in relation to the cohesion, of the overall design. Everyone makes note, of how "timeless," the "Submariner" design is, and to a certain degree, I would tend to agree. However IMHO, I believe the design, of this generation of the "Explorer," to be arguably more so. My hats off to you, Sir. Cheers....

I love the Explorer, but sadly my wallet doesn’t stretch to one. Instead I have a Tudor BB36, which is also a 36mm watch, and is perhaps what could be classed as Tudor’s homage to the 36mm Explorer. It’s a lovely watch, and now that I’m used to the 36mm size, following years of wearing an Orient Mako XL diver, it wears beautifully.

The best looking watch every made

I own the 124273 two tone and love it. It’s unique for an Explorer and defines the first of the true two tones in the Explorer range. Both are superb. Great video Ash!

1 year on the wrist for me - no-one has noticed it except the one (!) watch aficionado who owns a Datejust. "Cool watch!", which means it's practically invisible. I work in close proximity to colleagues (who say nothing), and I know it is the only Rolex in the room - no-one notices! Safe to travel with on public transport (so-far. Touch wood!). A private gem. Very cool.

I purchased the two tone Explorer 36mm in January 2022 and its great watch but not sure if I'm keeping it yet as depends if other higher value watches are offered to me by the AD.

great vid as usual. I am curious, what do you think of the Smiths watch that likes to link itself to Everest?

Simple is the best. Not too big, not too small, the perfect size. Good stuff.

Nice video, I love the explorer, tried on the 36mm and it looked tiny on my wrist, its the only Rolex I like. I have an iwc mark 18 and that watch is a great alternative, I even like it more than the explorer for the same reasons you mentioned.

Nice watch. Many Rolex watches seem a bit gaudy to me but this is elegant