Thanks to Exquisite Timepieces for loaning me this Rolex Explorer from their pre-owned inventory for this video. Please check them out and visit their website: www.exquisitetimepieces.com

My only regret is not having this watch to sell in the first place.

For such a plain, easy to read watch, you sure know how to over-think this thing.

I'm glad that Rolex got rid of you and likely found a proper home.

Just bought mine from my ad this week. Truly a stunning watch for all seasons. The modern tech mixed with Rolex classic looks. And the balance of the dial is perfect. On my 7.25 inch wrist it wears perfectly with the best bracelet in the business in my opinion. Thanks.

I bought this watch in Nov 2019 and can't say I agree with any of your points (accuracy notwithstanding). I'm really enjoying this watch. To each his own ... M

if you not sure about explorer do not buy. explorer for those who knows what they want.

I love my 214270 - that being said, if a 36mm Explorer was available with a modern high quality bracelet I’d trade it in a heartbeat.

Very descriptive review, I have one and LOVE IT!

Its like with the ex gfs.. sometimes you miss them remembering the good times.. but believe me if you were to get them back you would remember why you got rid of them in the first place

I just got this watch and am loving it. I often hear about the open dial design as a negative design flaw but I like its openness and legibility, and that, along with the 39mm case size, was the reason I bought it and am loving it. I also have an IWC Big Pilot watch and it has an even greater openness. Good for old eyes like mine.

I would love to have a chance to own one of these some day. It's funny how perception of watch aesthetics can differ from person to person.

I love my Explorer. I Watched all of your Explorer videos prior to my purchase and didn’t have any of your issues. I Love how low key this watch is on wrist, yet still delivers an awesome owner experience. This watch has scratched all my watch wishes and wants 100% although a 9F Grand Seiko is in the distant future. The sub is sexy, but screams Luxury watch ...not always ideal.

I’ve watched so many videos about how the explorer is a great watch but you make so many good points and actual experience and reason why it didn’t work for you, thank you for your honest opinion! You gained a new sub.

The weight that you mentioned does not exist. The openness of the watch is wonderful and clean. Makes it easier to read than the Rolex you put next to it. The most important part is the comfort level. Lack of micro adjust to get the watch to fit is an important part of the watch and is the most important part. That the watch is not accurate and is noisy also is a good reason for selling it.

It’s nice to hear an honest review about love lost and love “maybe found again”. As you state, a lot of what we see and then interpret is based on subjectivity. Without getting into the metaphysical and conceptual ideas of design, like the golden rule. A watch has to work for you!

I’ve had it for two years and thought about flipping it, but it’s the most versatile Rolex I own. I’ve finally decided it a permanent keeper. Thanks for the great vid. Just subscribed...

Great video Guy. Time has a funny way of changing our views, even if it’s just a little.

Wow, after hearing your explanation for why you sold it, I think it’s a good thing you did. #ocd #nitpick

It is remarkable how our tastes can change so much over time. Well done.

I'd love to own a Rolex Air-King one day, very similar to the explorer but there's definitely something about it I absolutely love. The submariner was my fave Rolex but now I've got an ORII, I have less desire to own one.

Great video! What size is your wrist? I haven’t had a chance to try the 39mm Explorer, so I’m trying to get a gauge of it it’s too big for my wrist. Thanks!

I have had a Rolex Explorer 1016 for 20 years and think it is nearly perfect, but the 36mm size wears too small for my current tastes where 40mm is my sweet spot. I had trouble warming up to the 39mm Exp, but finally did and bought the 214270 a month ago. Mine fits very comfortably and according to my timegrapher runs at +/- 0.0 sec/day in every position, so I don't have some of the issues that you did. However, I really agree about the case proportions, especially compared to the bracelet size. Throw the 39mm Exp on a fat 20mm, non-tapering leather strap and it looks great. On the OEM bracelet though it looks like some person with a freakishly huge head on a tiny little body. The 36mm Exp had a much smaller dial and much more tapered lugs, but the same 20mm wide bracelet. The proportions and flow from the watch head to the bracelet were perfect. The 39mm Exp just doesn't have this, with a much more visually bigger dial, fatter lugs, and a bracelet that then tapers a lot. My feeling is that Rolex missed the mark here a little with the bracelet. I think it would have been better to either decrease the taper from 20 - 16mm to 20 - 18mm or go non-tapering or maybe a 22mm bracelet would have balanced out the aesthetic better.

Thank you for the video. I'm am between this and the DJ 126234 for my first rolex.

I love my 214270 mkii! For me, perfect proportions! I found the Sub too thick and a bit too chunky for my liking. Love your video though, Guy!

I love my Explorer, even though you make a good point about the bracelet and adjustments. I wish Rolex would include a half link as they do with the Subs.

Owned one for 2 years now and have enjoyed every second of it. Mine is running about 2 sec fast which is perfect. The explorer in my opinion is the kind of watch that looks very ordinary in the display, but when you put it on wrist its perfect(unless you have huge chunky wrists)

I am now an owner for the last 3 months. The easy link issue, yes I agree. The movement and timekeeping yes I agree. The dimensions? No, I’m in love with the look, fit and feel.

Nice analysis Guy. I actually bought the 36 OP with the blue 369 dial primarily due to the larger wrist presence of the 39 Explorer 214270. it has absolutely become my daily wear. The new OP36 is so overlooked imho. The slightly larger lugs on the 36 case has made the proportions close to perfect.

You are right about the oblong look of the dial. I have never thought of that before, but I cannot unsee it now. It was especially apparent when you placed it next to your Submariner.

I love this watch beyond love.. But these were great points. To each thier own. That's for sharing brother!

Great content really enjoyed this one, can’t believe I nearly sold my 36mm not too long ago ,,,,so glad I never as is probably my favourite watch now absolutely love it.

Great video! I felt exactly the same, when i tried on the explorer in 39mm. Loved it on paper but „disliked“ it on my wrist... I hope i fall in love with the watch again :)

Have to agree we change and evolve in this hobby great video👍

How do you feel about this Explorer vs the Oyster Perpetual 116000 blue dial?

Not that I've been into watches all that long, but the Explorer was a watch that really caught my eye early on. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to justify the price to myself, but I'd love to own one someday. I wish that they made a modern 36mm Explorer, because I have found that I just like smaller watches more.

Got rid of a watch that you now want. Reminds me of when I sold my 1972 914. I had to do it; I've missed it, but at this point I don't regret selling it.

This is the one I'm currently saving up for :)

I often regret buying :D For all of watches I sold, I regret selling only Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture LE with blue dial and Cartier Drive. Don't regret selling Datejust, Submariner, Explorer, Explorer II, Tudor Black Bay 58, and any other. But I've learned a lot. Simple lesson - don't buy hot models just becouse they are hot. In the end of the day only thing that matters is your taste. Likes on instagram won't make you happier about your purchase.

How did this watch compare to yours in terms of accuracy? Did you test this one to see how many seconds it’s off by a day?

You should DEFINITELY buy it back, Guy! I have the same wrist size as you, and I thought the same thing. But the longer I wear it, the more I love mine.

Have to agree after trying one dial felt to spread out... Went with the datejust 36 126200 smooth bezel oyster bracelet & upgraded movement

Good video. I love my explorer it’s the perfect every day watch for me. Two regrets for me over the years. The first was selling a Daytona, not because I wanted it back but more down to when I sold it. I never wore it but literally 2-3 months after I sold it prices started to get ridiculous and I could nearly have doubled my profit had I just held off. Surprisingly, the watch I regret selling the most wasn’t an overly expensive one, it was my Longines Legend Diver no date version. Obviously at the time I didn’t realise they would discontinue it and they now go for double the retail value. I did buy the version with the date in the hope it’d put my mind at ease but despite it being a beautiful dial, that date window really annoys me.

Man you have a lot of highly personal issues. Explorer is a work of art from the standpoint of simplicity and functionality. Exquisite Timepieces are great but your viewers should know they have no refund policy.

If the tide shifts and I get into a Rolex, this is where I’d start. This would fit great on my larger wrist.

I think you may be better served by that GS you have mentioned a few times - the SBGA285/283. Would love to see a review of one if you happen to track one down as I'm considering one myself

Very interesting commentary and topic. For me, personally, I simply love the old aesthetic of the Explorer 1016 and because of that cannot really warm up to the newer models. I just tried on the new Explorer a few weeks back. I like it, but not sure I really love it.

The explorer 1, the 36 mm one, can I still buy it from authorized dealers?

I recently sold my 214270 mark 2 as well in favor of picking up a 36mm version. But having the 39mm version for over a year and enjoying its many modern upgrades (esp the bracelet, clasp and fully lumed dial) I cannot justify the inflated prices for the 36mm versions which while looking more balanced on my 6.75” wrist, are just so much less bang-for-the-buck. I have very happily made my Omega Trilogy Railmaster my everyday wearer and I have no regrets....thus far!

Just saw this video where you do a 2020 look back whether you regret selling it. My personal experiences when buying expensive (for me) watches like Cartier & Omega, is that my expectations were too high. Given that I spent my hard earned money, I thought the watch would make me eternally happy. WRONG! Like the Cartier Roadster I bought after my divorce. The pain didn’t go away. Haha. A watch can only do so much for the soul. So, As I prepare to buy my first Rolex, I’m going into it with my eyes wide open. Won’t have high expectations this time. And I know, that I’ll still be looking for my next watch after it. God help me if I did the same thing with my relationships!

This is my favorite watch .not flashy but you know what you’ve got!!

The Explorer 1at 39 mm is a highly sought watch. Took 8 months on wait list to get from AD. Really like this timepiece. Now I hear this Explorer 1 is the sole survivor at 39 mm n has appreciated beyond retail price. Glad this is a good investment n a great watch on wrist.

I completely disagree with most things you said about the 214270 but all in all I think it was a great review. Honest and very well made video. I really like the sub too but the explorer is my fav...so simple and minimal. It def wears larger than the size on paper. Again, great vid, humans can disagree and still be friends 🙂

why not get the bb36? ticks all boxes you mentioned imo. thank you for your awesome vids!!!!

I just bought a 214270 last week and I LOVE it with a capital L-O-V-E. For me, the smooth bezel is the way to go (my 126200 DateJust also has a smooth bezel, with a Jubilee bracelet). The new blue Lume KILLS IMO, and I find the watch effortless to wear from a comfort standpoint. I'm not a blind Rolex fanboy who would ignore faults, but so far, after about a week, I'm totally satisfied. But then again, I think my priorities are different than this reviewer - I may not be quite as, shall we say, strict about things like the balance between the 3&9 vs the 6/12 - I think the dial is fantastic. So that's my two cents, and it's only been a week so if things change I'll update this comment. But for anyone thinking about going for a 214270, this recent purchaser would say GO FOR IT!!!!

Great video Guy. I agree that the 36mm Explorer is just right in so many ways especially the ref 1016 which is my favorite I could never afford a Rolex of any reference but one can dream, and that dream is 36mm. Thanks again,Brian

I know exactly what you mean about the 39mm dial proportions being “off” compared to the 36mm. The “pie pan” dial does present large compared to some other watches with bigger diameter cases, like the Sub you showed. All that negative space exaggerates the spacing of the dial elements making the dial feel oversized. That said the original 36mm Explorer wears on the small size. I went back and forth for months trying to decide between the two sizes before finally deciding to keep the 39mm. If you have a smaller wrist say 6.75 or less then the 36 might work. But get to 7” and above then the 39mm starts to works better IMO. Rolex should have gone with 37.5-38mm diameter. The 39mm is just a little to big and throws the dial proportions out of whack. Get ahold of a 36mm to try out first before you abandon the notion of getting another 39mm. The 39 looked fine on your size wrist BTW

I get what you mean about the fit of the bracelet. The Glidelock spoiled me so much that I've gone out and gotten a Sub bracelet for my GMT Master II, I just can't be happy with the fit of a regular Oyster and if I could be CEO of Rolex for a day my first order would be "Ditch Easylink and put some version of Glidelock in every watch, doesn't have to be the full 20mm like the Sub bracelet but maybe 10mm of Glidelock micro-adjust in every bracelet" that would make such an incredible difference.

Mine falls just of COSC specs as well at 2.5 secs + per day.. Good to gear mine isnt the only one.. I personally love the heritage and simple elegance of this piece

Hey bro I got the new date just 41 smooth jubille.. but the rotor is very loud .. compared to the submariner.. are the new 3235 all so loud or is it my watch only because its defect. One to one like my ETA watches. That loud. Thanks!

Beautiful watch! Will be my 3rd Rolex

Agreed. I think the dial of the explorer is the most overrated dial out there. The IWC pilots or Omega railmaster are more aesthetically balanced.

It's been almost a year and half since this video was posted. I would like to know if your feeling changed again since. Also I remember you had a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic. Would you say Hamilton is a better watch at its price point? I have Hamilton for a little while now. Overall, I find the watch hit way way above its price point, with its fit and finish, super slim profile, 80 hours power reserve and almost COSC accuracy (mine is -2s / day).

Thanks for the vid, don’t agree with your summary of the 214270. Own both the sub and exp 1 and have to say the exp 1 is very well proportioned. If you’re looking for a watch to tell the time at a quick glance and in any condition, can’t go wrong with 214270.

Fine vid!

Seriously dude ?

Owning 5712R, 5167-1A, and 5960-1A, I still want Rolex Explorer 1 so much it's just simple, classy, and peaceful

I love my 39 mm explorer 1 but I just added a 36mm Datejust and I love the size and proportions of that as well. It makes me wonder if I’d like the 36 mm explorer better then the 39. I’d never sell my explorer but I’m just sick enough to want both if money were no issue.

explorer 36mm + speedy are all u need.

Agreed completely. I've owned both the 39 and 36, and the 39 is extremely oblong. It's so wide on its sides that it seems to extend to at least a 41mm. Good choice, Guy. I have since sold both.

The one thing going for this watch is the dial. The dials on the Rolex GMT-Master II and Submariner Date are very small, because of the rotating bezel. Most photographs of them Online are enlarged and taken under magnification, giving a misleading impression. The sharp edges were described as being caused by poor finishing on the backs of the lugs; with un-radiused (un-rounded edges) , in the two-part 2002 Walt Odets Timezone review of then 5-digit 36mm Rolex Explorer and was damning, as it showed the corners being cut on an expensive watch; the main expense of which was the dial and should be required reading for anyone contemplating buying Rolex. I spoke via Instagram with one Rolex Explorer owner who had to have a relatively new watch repaired under the Rolex warranty because the winding mechanism was faulty and I would think that’s a known problem with it. There really is much better quality stuff available than Rolex and at a cheaper price point: you are paying for the expert marketing; multiple ambassadors and hype for a watch that is expensive for a mass produced one; 850K + per year: www.timezone.com/2002/09/16/the-rolex-explorer-ref-14270-part-1/ www.timezone.com/2002/09/16/the-rolex-explorer-ref-14270-part-2/ www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watches/seamaster www.blancpain.com/en/watchfinder www.ulysse-nardin.com/?Twitter www.ablogtowatch.com/glashutte-original-spezialist-seaq-panorama-date-watch/ www.panerai.com/gb/en/collections/watch-collection/submersible.html www.hublot.com/en/collection www.breguet.com/en/timepieces www.breguet.com/en/timepieces/la-marine I would guess the watch you had has been polished and so felt better. The Submariner Date has a different style case to the Explorer and the Cosmograph Daytona.

I have yet to sell any watch, however, I have given away a couple. Last week, I was thinking that I might need to start giving away watches at a faster rate, but I solved that by buying two more cases and got some breathing room. (Here come the “Quality over Quantity” rants.) I have yet to buy a watch (for myself) that costs as much as the latest service cost on my wife’s Rolex, so I have no need to sell watches to afford another. When I do give away more watches, I will probably have already replaced them with similar style watches that I prefer. For example, I may give away my Orient Ray II, since I later purchased an Orient Neptune (f.k.a. Triton). That way, I think I will experience less remorse.

Hi Guy, I know exactly what you mean re the difficulty to find the perfect fit despite the 5mm easy link and 3mm micro adjusts. I did have a flash of inspiration and wonder why no one has developed Rolex links in different sizes. So like some brands have half links but even going down from full size by 1mm increments for us perfection seeking folk. £30 a link I’m sure they would be popular......I’d certainly buy some.

Every time I consider getting an Explorer, I realize there is never a situation I’d rather wear it over my Speedmaster Pro. I wouldn’t wear either swimming so the water resistance is a moot point to me. Damn if I still don’t want one, though.

There’s a reason why the Explorer I feels more comfortable to you, Guy. The pain of this watch hobby has toughened you up! In all serious, I can see you still have heart for the Explorer I, so consider an 114270 or OP36 with 3-6-9 dial in the future!

As they say ea BMW Boxer bike has a soul, this is valid for Rolex, too. I had the same experience, owned one for 15yrs, sold it (tired to see it). Rebought new one with the lume, wearing on Nato, young watch n this one accurate at +0,5-1s/d. Lucky me, great old companion... Cheers Achim, Singapore+

Nice vid. My only Rolex - love mine (36 would be too small / lack presence / dial clutter for me). As an office worker, I think it’s perfect. If I were in a more casual job I’d probably have a sub (no date). These Rolex’s are so versatile and classy, I feel no desire the more bling models like GMT,, but to each their own ::-)

This is how I feel about my black bay 41 blue bezel eta. Love it but it’s so uncomfortable on my wrist if it swells up cause can’t get a perfect fit. I wish Tudor did the underside bevel on the case like they did with the Tudor Pepsi GMT. I would have sold it by now but it was a wedding gift...

Not meant to be insulting but perhaps your wrisk shape (i.e. diameter) has changed as well? It is very unlikely that the watch itself has significantly changed in terms of angles and sharpness (but I could be wrong). Biological structures, like your body and including the wrisk change over time. We are not made of stone or steel.

My complaint about this reference is that it doesn’t have a quick set hour hand. If they aren’t gonna give us a date, give us a way to step the hour without hacking the movement!

Funny. I recently acquired a current Rootbeer. Looks are amazing. Agreed, ez link is basically useless. But I don't think I'd like a bigger clasp on it to accommodate glide lock. BUT, the face of the GMT and Date Subs are simply crowded. Add in no AR and these are not high on legibility compared to anything else I've owned. The explorer gets away with no ar but would benefit. It's coming on the 41 w the new movement. I said it : ) That said, I'm buying one asap. Explorer and Supercase watches look awesome on wrist and nothing holds it's value like a Rollie....

Good size

I’ve never been able to get a Rolex to fit right, and I’ve owned five different models. They were either floppy or too restricting.

It's expense would make me regret buying one, however I think you would be happy with the Tisell E1 homage. It's a great watch, I'm loving mine and I still can afford to own many other watches I desire. I think expectations can skew your perception of products. At first I very much disliked Rolex plain sterile designs, but I love them now. Same happened to me with Harley Davidson, I thought they were so over valued for what they were.

You have made me put mine on after a couple of months of it being in the safe. That’s not good that I needed to be reminded to wear it 😏

I don't understand the analysis that the watch with symmetry as being unbalanced but the watch with a cyclops is somehow balanced. Additionally, the Submariner has two lines of text at the top of the dial and four at the bottom whereas the Explorer has a more symmetrical two lines top three lines bottom. I disagree with the balance criticism from this evaluation but appreciate your thorough analysis and opinion for these and all watches on JustBlueFish.

My problem with not being able to sell things is not with watches but bicycles. They were all high end works of art at the time and they are not made anymore. I have 9 old bicycles that I don't ride anymore but I just like to look at them. I have a desire to collect watches but I have not gone down that road yet.

Interesting topic. I don't sell any of my watches.

they should bring back the explorer 1016, 36 mm, and curve sapphire.

op round bezels better than flat imo

Man we speak the language, had exactly the same feeling once I tried it! The YM 40 wears smaller n compacted the 39 explorer.

I do like this watch a lot However at 5 and a halfthousand British pounds I don’t think I could justify it as a daily wear .I already own similar steel sports so think it would be competing with other quality pieces and therefore joining a pack . I think it would be a great one watch or even part of a small collection.

get a 1/2 link like the one that comes on the sub.....I did and now my fit is perfect for me

In my opinion, the Submariner is not comfortable to wear (I have one BTW 16610), as the case is too thick for its case size and I find the dial too small. I don't own an Explorer but I think I would prefer the Explorer as an everyday watch for me. It is lighter than the sub, the dial is much easier to read because it is bigger and less cluttered.

Funny I always thought the 36mm Explorer would be too small but, having tried the 39 I realised that the 36 felt more balanced. The 39 just looks out of proportion somehow.

thats why i never sell any of my watches, even pieces i don't absolutely love; precisely because i might start to love them some time in the future. you can never go wrong buying and keeping a rolex. i continue to buy whatever collectible pieces i can run into, and some of them are simply bought to complete a collection, but I might love them in the future. and if i really don't love them, at least they will be worth more than what i paid for them. meanwhile, only pieces i love get wrist time. win win, can't lose.

The focal point of a watch should be the centre...it’s a watch

Good video. Wven before you made this video, your previous videos seemed like you were trying to find excuses to justify your reasoning to sell the Explorer and purchase the Sub... just saying and there's nothing wrong with that. Cheers

I bought a Tisell Explorer and felt similarly to Guy BlueFish. The Explorer _should_ be the perfect watch, but it didn't connect with me. Due to the relatively long lug-to-lug, long links and lack of half links/proper microadjust holes I struggle to find the a great fit on my wrist. Also, I find the execution of the dial to be... boring. The gloss black is lifeless, plain, uninteresting. I'd prefer a little bit of texture or sunburst, anything. Just saved myself $6,000+.

Rolex needs to get with the times and start making smaller watches. It’s modern watches are way oversized. A 36mm version of the current explorer would be perfect. But no, they had to mess it up by making it 39mm. Watch manufacturers never learn.