Explorer I thoughts
Explorer I thoughts
I'm getting the hankering to sell a couple of things and pick up a 214270 Mark II Explorer. I'm sort of gravitating back to Rolex, but I'm very conscientious about wearing a watch that screams "Rolex!!" in my line of work (my ceramic Sub was definitely noticed and commented on a bit too frequently for my liking). The Explorer I just seems like an unassuming, high-quality workhorse. I know a few people here have one, and I'm interested in your thoughts on living with one of these long-term.
Re: Explorer I thoughts
I’ve had mine for going on 7 months now and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve had both the Mark I and Mark II and I can easily say the Mark II is the way to go. I’d say I grab for the Exp more days than not anymore, it’s just so easy to wear and it definitely flies under the radar. Lastly, it’s just as at home on a strap as the bracelet so you can change the look as much or little as you like. Would highly recommend. Mine’s not going anywhere.






Re: Explorer I thoughts
I'm pretty happy with mine as well. I've worn it exclusively on NATO since I got it about a month and a half ago and it definitely flies much more under the radar than the Sub. Perfect size for me and easy to wear. I will say the text on the dial seems to stand out a bit to me since it's a vey bright white. Very pleasing to the eye, but anyone noticing the the dial is going to know it's a Rolex.
It's a tough, no nonsense watch with a timeless look. Can't go wrong IMO.
It's a tough, no nonsense watch with a timeless look. Can't go wrong IMO.
- Todd
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Great watch Rahul, do it.
I tried one on the other day, if I had a little smaller wrist I'd do it.
I tried one on the other day, if I had a little smaller wrist I'd do it.
Explorer I thoughts
A SubC plays into the stereotype.
I really like the Exp1. It’s understated and a classic watch.

I really like the Exp1. It’s understated and a classic watch.
Last edited by fastward on Sat Feb 10, 2018 6:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
- JP Chestnut
- Posts: 15239
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 10:40 am
- Name: Jacob
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA
Re: Explorer I thoughts
You have good taste. If I were going to buy a modern Rolex, it would be one of those two.smalls wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:55 amI’ve had mine for going on 7 months now and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve had both the Mark I and Mark II and I can easily say the Mark II is the way to go. I’d say I grab for the Exp more days than not anymore, it’s just so easy to wear and it definitely flies under the radar. Lastly, it’s just as at home on a strap as the bracelet so you can change the look as much or little as you like. Would highly recommend. Mine’s not going anywhere.
Obviously, I prefer the 36mm version, but the mark 2 39mm is nice too - and a better deal in like for like condition.
Re: Explorer I thoughts
dukerules wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:05 amI'm sort of gravitating back to Rolex, but I'm very conscientious about wearing a watch that screams "Rolex!!" in my line of work (my ceramic Sub was definitely noticed and commented on a bit too frequently for my liking). The Explorer I just seems like an unassuming, high-quality workhorse.
Always enjoy Todd’s pics of his 214270 on a nato. It’s probably the only current Rolex that looks as natural to me on a strap as the five digit Sub. No less an icon. Great choice, Rahul.
Re: Explorer I thoughts
I love the 214270 and definitely support the “do it” position.
I sold mine because I thought it was too small on my large wrist, but now I think selling was a mistake. I’ll own another.




I sold mine because I thought it was too small on my large wrist, but now I think selling was a mistake. I’ll own another.




Re: Explorer I thoughts
Mine came in “worn” condition and it’s been nice to just wear it wherever, just as intended.












- Todd
- james80
- Posts: 3183
- Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:56 pm
- Name: James
- Location: A Brit lost in the Caribbean
Re: Explorer I thoughts
I find they feel bigger than the 39mm would suggest. The first time I tried one on i thought it looked like a dinner plate but to the amount of dial. That could be partly due to the fact I had on a 36mm at the time.
The second time I tried on I had on a 44 and it felt perfect. On my want list for sure.
The second time I tried on I had on a 44 and it felt perfect. On my want list for sure.
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Do it! Perfect watch to me except for the fact that I like watches with date, and there's no way you can put a date on this watch without ruining it.

- james80
- Posts: 3183
- Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:56 pm
- Name: James
- Location: A Brit lost in the Caribbean
Re: Explorer I thoughts
But just imagine if they did and added a cyclops!!matt.wu wrote:Do it! Perfect watch to me except for the fact that I like watches with date, and there's no way you can put a date on this watch without ruining it.
- 1954Selmer
- Posts: 3085
- Joined: Sun Feb 02, 2014 12:07 pm
- Name: arce
Re: Explorer I thoughts
I've owned the ugly unproportioned Mark1 version for about four years. It's super comfortable, tough, unnoticed, and easy to love.
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Gay moment of the day: the way you manage to be “politely badass” is what I liked when I met you and the DW, and this pic exemplifies it perfectly.Chocodove wrote:Mine came in “worn” condition and it’s been nice to just wear it wherever, just as intended.
![]()
Keep kicking ass Todd, looking forward to seeing you guys again

Ok now that I blew you I can mention that the correct size for this watch is 36mm

Re: Explorer I thoughts
Cheers, AndreaSeppia wrote:Gay moment of the day: the way you manage to be “politely badass” is what I liked when I met you and the DW, and this pic exemplifies it perfectly.Chocodove wrote:Mine came in “worn” condition and it’s been nice to just wear it wherever, just as intended.
![]()
Keep kicking ass Todd, looking forward to seeing you guys again
Ok now that I blew you I can mention that the correct size for this watch is 36mm


- Todd
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Great watch i have owned at least three times. Partial to the 36mm. I will end up with a fourth and likely fifth version.
" The sunshine bores the daylights outta me......"
Re: Explorer I thoughts
My sentiments exactly. Wish I kept mine.hoppyjr wrote:I love the 214270 and definitely support the “do it” position.
I sold mine because I thought it was too small on my large wrist, but now I think selling was a mistake.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Buy it, but break the cycle.hoppyjr wrote:I love the 214270 and definitely support the “do it” position.
I sold mine because I thought it was too small on my large wrist, but now I think selling was a mistake.

Re: Explorer I thoughts
Rahul, still thinking about getting a MM300?
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Ed, weirdly enough, the SPB051 completely scratched that itch. Fantastic watch.fastward wrote:Rahul, still thinking about getting a MM300?
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Absolutely love mine. It doesn't scream "Rolex" and as others have said, it looks great on Natos. Do it!
- Grahamcombat
- Posts: 4321
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:24 pm
- Name: Graham
Re: Explorer I thoughts
I flirted with one for a bit and really really liked it. I’ll probably pick one up at some point. Go for it.
Re: Explorer I thoughts
Funny enough that this thread popped up. On Wednesday I told my wife that I’d stop all buying and selling if I could get an Explorer I.
- JP Chestnut
- Posts: 15239
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 10:40 am
- Name: Jacob
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests