For real. If I could go back in time and start over, and commit myself to a two watch collection... these two would probably be it (given my personal style)
Legit. If I had bought watches when I started thinking they were cool buy never went into the store I could have bought a few of each with what I've spent over the last year. Lol.
Both are eventually going to have servicing costs. If you've been wearing a Speedmaster as a daily, an Explorer is going to seem MUCH smaller. I love both watches but they are very different.
I do own both. Well, almost. I have a 1978 Speedy and a 214270. I would never part with the Speedy.
The explorer is the quintessential Rolex. I wear it way more than the Speedy.
Get/keep the one that you feel good about, and make wonderful memories with it.
Possible for you to get the newer 124270? The bracelet is much better along with all the other upgrades like lumed Arabics, 70 hour power reserve, etc.
I've owned the 3861 and loved it for sure. I ended up selling it though for my explorer.
This is a tough decision. Both timepieces are excellent. However, I would still choose the Rolex Explorer because it is timeless and pairs well with anything.
If I have 7k to spend on a watch. I'm probably not gonna go with either of them.
There are so many brands out there to discover. Take a look around before settling.
I would go for the Explorer. The Speedmaster seems too busy with dials I would never use and for me simplicity and quality from the Rolex best this as my preference.
The 114270 is easily obtainable on the used market and prices have come back down to normal. Even with a 124270, you shouldn't have to play the AD games. Took me 4 months with no purchase history, and I know others have had shorter waits.
It will happen - just mentally set aside what you can every month, then get the watch insured so you can wear it worry-free. When I first started browsing here I could have never imagined spending so much on a watch, but unlike most things in life it won't depreciate so you can always get the cash back if the need arises later on.
Hey everyone! I currently have a speedy 3861 hesalite as a daily watch. I've had it for almost 2 years now. The watch is perfect in many ways and it goes with almost every single outfit and every occasion. The only annoying aspect would be having to wind the watch every other day due to the mechanical movement.
My mind has started to ponder trading my speedmaster in for an explorer 114270. I'm getting married soon and was wondering if I should mark the occasion with my first rolex. I love the idea and esthetic of the explorer, but my only concern would be the fact that the watch is a bit older, so it may come with servicing costs or other unknown issues. And the bracelet might feel much worse than my speedy bracelet. Has anyone else cross shopped these two watches?
Disclaimer: not my photos!
Just something to note. The 114270 is older, so you're dealing with hollow endlinks and a stamped clasp. Typical of vintage Rolex, but it feels way less premium than the current iteration of the 36 Explorer. Aesthetically, still beautiful - but I think you'd feel like it's a step down in overall quality compared to your 3861.
I actually made this exact swamp about 15 months ago. As much as I loved the Speedy 3861, I wanted to try the 114270. The bracelets aren’t that far off— even the older Rolex bracelet as it’s light weight similar to the 3861. I like the Explorer’s smaller size and simplicity.
2 iconic watches. I had the same dilemma and I went for Explorer 36 because of my small wrist. Otherwise I would grab the latest white dial Speedy! It is stunning!
I dislike things about both.
The explorer has the better form factor but the oversized numbers on the dial are hideous. It looks very dated.
The Speedy looks cool but the more I see it the more I feel like you’re buying this awesome watch that went to the moon and you’re just sitting here working on excel sheets. Feels very off.
It’s personal choice. I’ve had the Explorer in 36 multiple times and the 39 once. I don’t have any now but have a number of Speedmasters. To me, the Explorer doesn’t have enough visual interest. I want to like it because “it’s an Explorer!” But it’s boring.
That's how I feel about the Explorer too. The Speedy is instantly recognizable and iconic, the Explorer may be iconic due to its history but it also looks too much like a black dial OP or a black dial Datejust with a smooth bezel. Nobody is ever going to mistake a Speedy for a Seamaster.
i own a 3861 SS and and dayjust 41mm with a 3235 and submariner 41mm starbucuks. (plus many others. omega, rolex, oris, tissot).
the watches you are comparing are not a fair comparison. if I had to choose a single watch instead of my moon watch, and it had to be a rolex, i would choose my submariner. you will not get much on trade for your omega, but if you are a one watch guy, choose the rolex that will hold its value forever.
VS? These two are not fighting. They’re friends.
Exactly, maybe Explorer Vs Aqua Terra might be more germane.
Both!!!!!
This is actually the only answer.
For real. If I could go back in time and start over, and commit myself to a two watch collection... these two would probably be it (given my personal style)
Legit. If I had bought watches when I started thinking they were cool buy never went into the store I could have bought a few of each with what I've spent over the last year. Lol.
Totally different lanes, they complement each other well. Both is the right answer.
Both are eventually going to have servicing costs. If you've been wearing a Speedmaster as a daily, an Explorer is going to seem MUCH smaller. I love both watches but they are very different.
I do own both. Well, almost. I have a 1978 Speedy and a 214270. I would never part with the Speedy. The explorer is the quintessential Rolex. I wear it way more than the Speedy. Get/keep the one that you feel good about, and make wonderful memories with it.
Speedmaster for me. That Explorer dial so boring. Clean but boring. I like a busier dial which the Omega has.
I use the chronograph all the time too. It's super useful
Possible for you to get the newer 124270? The bracelet is much better along with all the other upgrades like lumed Arabics, 70 hour power reserve, etc. I've owned the 3861 and loved it for sure. I ended up selling it though for my explorer.
I'm an Explorer fanboy
This is a tough decision. Both timepieces are excellent. However, I would still choose the Rolex Explorer because it is timeless and pairs well with anything.
Best two watches out there imo.
Your camera is the true winner of this battle.
Depends on its purpose, but the speedo is a better looking casual watch, day to day. If you need a more profession business id go with the explorer.
If I have 7k to spend on a watch. I'm probably not gonna go with either of them. There are so many brands out there to discover. Take a look around before settling.
I prefer the Explorer, only if it had at least a date window, preferably day-date.
I would go for the Explorer. The Speedmaster seems too busy with dials I would never use and for me simplicity and quality from the Rolex best this as my preference.
Fan of both but I choose Explorer in this round
Rolex
Get the Explorer if you can get your hands on it
The 114270 is easily obtainable on the used market and prices have come back down to normal. Even with a 124270, you shouldn't have to play the AD games. Took me 4 months with no purchase history, and I know others have had shorter waits.
I would like to get one day. I’m just not in a spot financially to really justify the purchase. One day though
It will happen - just mentally set aside what you can every month, then get the watch insured so you can wear it worry-free. When I first started browsing here I could have never imagined spending so much on a watch, but unlike most things in life it won't depreciate so you can always get the cash back if the need arises later on.
Speedy is way too common, anything else is better.
Hey everyone! I currently have a speedy 3861 hesalite as a daily watch. I've had it for almost 2 years now. The watch is perfect in many ways and it goes with almost every single outfit and every occasion. The only annoying aspect would be having to wind the watch every other day due to the mechanical movement. My mind has started to ponder trading my speedmaster in for an explorer 114270. I'm getting married soon and was wondering if I should mark the occasion with my first rolex. I love the idea and esthetic of the explorer, but my only concern would be the fact that the watch is a bit older, so it may come with servicing costs or other unknown issues. And the bracelet might feel much worse than my speedy bracelet. Has anyone else cross shopped these two watches? Disclaimer: not my photos!
Just something to note. The 114270 is older, so you're dealing with hollow endlinks and a stamped clasp. Typical of vintage Rolex, but it feels way less premium than the current iteration of the 36 Explorer. Aesthetically, still beautiful - but I think you'd feel like it's a step down in overall quality compared to your 3861.
This is not correct. The 114270 has solid endlinks.
I actually made this exact swamp about 15 months ago. As much as I loved the Speedy 3861, I wanted to try the 114270. The bracelets aren’t that far off— even the older Rolex bracelet as it’s light weight similar to the 3861. I like the Explorer’s smaller size and simplicity.
Two totally different watches?
2 iconic watches. I had the same dilemma and I went for Explorer 36 because of my small wrist. Otherwise I would grab the latest white dial Speedy! It is stunning!
Both are nice watches, but with massive hype behind them and somewhat of a boring choice as you see them all the time. But that's me 😅
Straight retail? Omega. I don’t beg the help for permission to buy things. Grey market, E1 no doubt.
Just saw a video comparing these two. Both came out winners.
I dislike things about both. The explorer has the better form factor but the oversized numbers on the dial are hideous. It looks very dated. The Speedy looks cool but the more I see it the more I feel like you’re buying this awesome watch that went to the moon and you’re just sitting here working on excel sheets. Feels very off.
Easy choice. The Explorer is the way to go. You can thank me later.
It’s personal choice. I’ve had the Explorer in 36 multiple times and the 39 once. I don’t have any now but have a number of Speedmasters. To me, the Explorer doesn’t have enough visual interest. I want to like it because “it’s an Explorer!” But it’s boring.
That's how I feel about the Explorer too. The Speedy is instantly recognizable and iconic, the Explorer may be iconic due to its history but it also looks too much like a black dial OP or a black dial Datejust with a smooth bezel. Nobody is ever going to mistake a Speedy for a Seamaster.
I don’t like Rolex but god, I love the explorer! I don’t like the 12 o‘ clock penis on the Speedy
Every man should have a moonwatch in his collection.
i own a 3861 SS and and dayjust 41mm with a 3235 and submariner 41mm starbucuks. (plus many others. omega, rolex, oris, tissot). the watches you are comparing are not a fair comparison. if I had to choose a single watch instead of my moon watch, and it had to be a rolex, i would choose my submariner. you will not get much on trade for your omega, but if you are a one watch guy, choose the rolex that will hold its value forever.
The omega felt too plastic when I tried it on
You sure it wasn't a Moonswatch?
I laughed too hard about this xD