call me crazy...

[Wario406]

Im kinda lusting after this as an eventual upgrade to my Ranger. Everyone has an EXPII (Polar) and I love them - I really dont need a GMT. I also like the EXPII with the back face... but - this Explorer 40 looks pretty bitchen.

Am I crazy? What am I missing with this watch?

Image 9-8-23 at 8.43 PM.jpeg

[BacoNoir]

I’ve never owned a watch with a smooth polished bezel, but I’d expect it to be a scratch magnet.

[Chocodove]

Haven’t owned one of the new ones, but the 214270 (39mm) is one of my all time favorites.

[Wario406]

Haven’t owned one of the new ones, but the 214270 (39mm) is one of my all time favorites.

@Rog - my Ranger gets regular duty and looks awesome. Bezel is not an issue.

@Todd -I love the 39 too! Actually like the balance of the face better but also love the new movement in my ND Sub...

[hoppyjr]

I owned that one 3 or more times. Fantastic watch, but with a Sub in the stable I find the Ranger a more effective companion.

BTW: you are crazy, but not for watch choices. I understand that you enjoy disco music, nothing wrong with that. I get that many people like to sing along, again not a problem. I think you singing “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer is a little odd, but that you dress up like her is definitely a little crazy.

[smellody]

You'll be going vintage soon too.

[MDF]

Im kinda lusting after this as an eventual upgrade to my Ranger. Everyone has an EXPII (Polar) and I love them - I really dont need a GMT. I also like the EXPII with the back face... but - this Explorer 40 looks pretty bitten.

Am I crazy? What am I missing with this watch?



Image 9-8-23 at 8.43 PM.jpeg

Hey man I want that one too. Probably next year.

[demer03]

You'll be going vintage soon too.

That’s the cycle

[SoCal C4S]

Welcome to the sickness.

[Wario406]

I owned that one 3 or more times. Fantastic watch, but with a Sub in the stable I find the Ranger a more effective companion.

BTW: you are crazy, but not for watch choices. I understand that you enjoy disco music, nothing wrong with that. I get that many people like to sing along, again not a problem. I think you singing “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer is a little odd, but that you dress up like her is definitely a little crazy.

Why do you think that about the Ranger? I was kinda wondering my self “ why do I want to trade a beautiful 39mm with a “hidden crown” for basically another 39 with a crown other than the glossy black face and prettier numbers?!

[hoppyjr]

I owned that one 3 or more times. Fantastic watch, but with a Sub in the stable I find the Ranger a more effective companion.

BTW: you are crazy, but not for watch choices. I understand that you enjoy disco music, nothing wrong with that. I get that many people like to sing along, again not a problem. I think you singing “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer is a little odd, but that you dress up like her is definitely a little crazy.

Why do you think that about the Ranger? I was kinda wondering my self “ why do I want to trade a beautiful 39mm with a “hidden crown” for basically another 39 with a crown other than the glossy black face and prettier numbers?!

And, you’re full of shit me cross dressing when I sing. That’s never happened. How do I know? Well, I don’t wear any clothes at all when I sing along - so nnaah.

As to the first part; having owned both, the Rolex is obviously nicer, but the Ranger is more true to what the original Explorer was. As a daily rough & tumble watch I can wear the Ranger without worry, whereas I was always being cautions with the Explorer.

As for the “performance” situation….. as if often the case with crazy, one may not remember all the details. I will say, your rendition was spot on, if a little off key. The dress did remind of the 70’s and your makeup was flawless (for a dude).

Here’s a clip from that very performance.

[DMB]

The explorer rocks IMO. I had some homage brand 36mm version that I eventually gave to one of the kids, but I loved the size and look. Rolex got way to expensive for me, but I’d definitely get one if I thought I could do it and my wife wouldn’t kill me. I only like the 36mm even though it is small by todays standards.

[rockmastermike]

It's all subjective - I've owned both the 39mm and the old school 36mm and for the 36 wins

The 39 was fine don't get me wrong however I had the "T-Rex" version.

What's the T-Rex version?? For whatever reason, Rolex kept the minute hand from the 36 and it didn't reach the minute track. I didn't notice it until I read about it online and from then on I couldn't unsee it.





A few years later I went for the neo-vintage 114270 36mm - which of course despite being marketed as 36 everyone knows it was more like 35

Anyway, this had less space on the dial and everything seemed to fit together better, more cohesive more proportioned to my eye and closer to that Golden Ratio of case diameter, lug width and bracelet taper

After getting the 36 I got it, I got the cult, I got the monastic devotion - I wore the heck out of that one and sold it because I am a dumbass.

Plus it is versatile as any watch I have owned.

Yes, I was a little self conscience about wearing a 35 (possibly more like 34.5) but that was a me problem and not a EXP problem.

[DMB]

Not a huge fan of the Ranger, but I did have the Sinn 556 in 38mm, which I think they now make in a 40mm. It’s bad ass and has a brushed bezel instead of polished.

[rockmastermike]

The newest version Rolex changed the text size and numerals a little to make it slightly bigger and more pronounced which looks pretty good to me old eyes.

[rockmastermike]

You'll be going vintage soon too.

That’s the cycle

Christopher and Mike are wise and 100% correct .... you will have at least one or more in rotation eventually

[rockmastermike]

Also, does anyone know if the new 36 is actually 36?!?

[Wario406]

Not a huge fan of the Ranger, but I did have the Sinn 556 in 38mm, which I think they now make in a 40mm. It’s bad ass and has a brushed bezel instead of polished.

I forgot (in two weeks) that one of the things I do love about my Ranger is the almost 100% brushed finish. The only two things that are polished are the edge of the bezel and the chapter ring.

It does show signs from regular wear, but somehow those marks look in character.

Doesn’t mean I don’t want the explorer- because I do… but, the Ranger definitely doesn’t suck.

[hoppyjr]

My first Rolex was the 36mm Explorer back in 1999 and it definitely wore small, but I was coming from a 36mm Omega SMP so it worked out.

I had the 39mm second gen version 2-3 times and it was outstanding, with its correct length hands and lumed numerals.

I wouldn’t kick the 40mm Explorer out of my life, but as a basic field watch the Ranger gets it done nicely. I only listed mine to help offset the expense of getting my Explorer II back, but truth be told I wasn’t crushed that it didn’t sell. I’m wearing it now. Fantastic watch and 90% of what I like about the Explorer at 30% the price.

[Wario406]

My first Rolex was the 36mm Explorer back in 1999 and it definitely wore small, but I was coming from a 36mm Omega SMP so it worked out.

I had the 39mm second gen version 2-3 times and it was outstanding, with its correct length hands and lumed numerals.

I wouldn’t kick the 40mm Explorer out of my life, but as a basic field watch the Ranger gets it done nicely. I only listed mine to help offset the expense of getting my Explorer II back, but truth be told I wasn’t crushed that it didn’t sell. I’m wearing it now. Fantastic watch and 90% of what I like about the Explorer at 30% the price.

I don’t have the spare $$ to throw down on an Explorer at this point - but, I am drawn to the 39 and the 40 Explorer.

[R@cerx]

I have the 36, a Z 114270. It’s a daily for me. It’s closer to 35.5. Recently paired my collection down to this and a sub. The 40 has funky proportions. I’ll stay with the classic.

[Wario406]

I have the 36, a Z 114270. It’s a daily for me. It’s closer to 35.5. Recently paired my collection down to this and a sub. The 40 has funky proportions. I’ll stay with the classic.

That sounds awesome. I will not ever get down to two… Wife has given me a couple of watches with a promise never to sell them. But, I’m shooting for 5 with an Explorer. Todd the Enabler says that he likes his 36 better than his 39.

… or, I could just live with the Ranger and not put any more $$ on the table.

This is such a stupid hobby! LOL!

[R@cerx]

I have the 36, a Z 114270. It’s a daily for me. It’s closer to 35.5. Recently paired my collection down to this and a sub. The 40 has funky proportions. I’ll stay with the classic.

That sounds awesome. I will not ever get down to two… Wife has given me a couple of watches with a promise never to sell them. But, I’m shooting for 5 with an Explorer. Todd the Enabler says that he likes his 36 better than his 39.

… or, I could just live with the Ranger and not put any more $$ on the table.

This is such a stupid hobby! LOL!

At the beginning of the year I had 6, sold off 5; kept my Sub and got the Explorer. Got sell off money burning a hole in my pocket now. Looking for a 3rd Rolex.

[Wario406]

I have the 36, a Z 114270. It’s a daily for me. It’s closer to 35.5. Recently paired my collection down to this and a sub. The 40 has funky proportions. I’ll stay with the classic.

That sounds awesome. I will not ever get down to two… Wife has given me a couple of watches with a promise never to sell them. But, I’m shooting for 5 with an Explorer. Todd the Enabler says that he likes his 36 better than his 39.

… or, I could just live with the Ranger and not put any more $$ on the table.

This is such a stupid hobby! LOL!

At the beginning of the year I had 6, sold off 5; kept my Sub and got the Explorer. Got sell off money burning a hole in my pocket now. Looking for a 3rd Rolex.

You have a problem and I respect you for that!!!

[R@cerx]

I have the 36, a Z 114270. It’s a daily for me. It’s closer to 35.5. Recently paired my collection down to this and a sub. The 40 has funky proportions. I’ll stay with the classic.

That sounds awesome. I will not ever get down to two… Wife has given me a couple of watches with a promise never to sell them. But, I’m shooting for 5 with an Explorer. Todd the Enabler says that he likes his 36 better than his 39.

… or, I could just live with the Ranger and not put any more $$ on the table.

This is such a stupid hobby! LOL!

At the beginning of the year I had 6, sold off 5; kept my Sub and got the Explorer. Got sell off money burning a hole in my pocket now. Looking for a 3rd Rolex.

You have a problem and I respect you for that!!!

I’ve been through lots of brands, micros too. Lost money on all but Rolex. I’m sticking with them.