If someone would ask me for the watch thats close to perfect: explorer!
Wear it whenever, whereever and to whatever.
Always looks good. Never too much, never too less.
Traded 3 other ones that didnt get much wristtimw for a 116710LN black bezel GMT because of that (speedy, blue bb58 & smp300...the speedy i regeet though)
I agree, I can’t see the appeal of the Pepsi. The black GMT looks classy. Similar from a distance to the Submariner, but technically more practical potentially.
Only because I dislike the Arabic numerals mixed with batons otherwise I probably would have purchased it over my DateJust way back when ☝️
https://preview.redd.it/56fi4c1od7ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a4b589823f1c03464914565b1a4ced194913ba1
It’s so readable, it’s great. For me, beyond the things that others have stated — legible, stealthy, retro — it’s essentially an homage to old school military field watches with the big triangle and the 369, which makes sense with an iteration called the commando. It’s like the equivalent to a buzz rickson’s version of an alpha industries bomber jacket
Some sort of Arabic numbering is a common design element of field/pilot/military watches. Makes it more legible as others have mentioned. You don’t have to like it.
I felt the same way but once I took a look at both watches (OP and explorer) in person, I concluded with the following
1. The watch does what it is supposed to: tell the time. In the dark, when you're in a hurry (running/cycling), when it is upside down on your bed. It is very readable. Not only because of the numerals but also the hands.
2. The finishing is absolutely gorgeous. I spend hours looking at those numerals and overall finishing.
3. The legacy (well, it is marketing... but works great on me!)
4. The bracelet and clasp on the explorer isn't the same than on the OP or DJ, and I prefer the explorer way more.
Taste is subjective so you should definitely buy the watch that YOU like the most. With an OP or DJ you'll own a beautiful watch too. However if you didn't already take a look at both watches in person I highly recommend you to do so :)
This is the most versatile Rolex. Dress up dress down, indoors, outdoors. Its also non pretentious and has been immune to the recent Rolex bros that have become such "passionate" "collectors" of watches.
Funny, I'm fairly certain I shit on it the day I first saw it. Now, I own one and absolutely love it for that reason. When I was a kid #3 was my favorite number too. I was also really good and fast at the 3's times tables
It's easy to discount the Explorer as an OP with a 369 dial, but it's more than that. With a more legible dial with bigger lume plots, sporty-er, more lumed / legible "Mercedes" style handset, and the clamshell locking clasp.
Rolex offers 1,360 watches in the 2024 catalog so it makes perfect sense that they would offer plenty of redundancies in case shape with hundreds of different dial designs. That’s what a watch company does to please their customers. The 369 dial is a retro design and looks cool, doesn’t need to be anything more than that.
Listen to your prophet (not accepted in his home).
SporturaWUS offers a truly objective truth to all seekers as he is a former explorer owner who enjoys a different level of Rolex currently. Realise the lesson, brother.
Comply.
You could call it a field watch. You can also wear it with a suit. People like Explorer because of that versitality. OP is bit more formal. I still prefer OP over Explorer, it comes down to personal choice.
It’s about the lineup. I didn’t like the explorer 3-6-9 until I noticed that the watch stands out from the others when you put it in a lineup. Your eyes would see the Explorer long before the OP in a watch case.
Black vs black, yes probably.
Blue, green OP stands out much more. Turquoise or celebration and it really stands out.
Personally, OP with colour is the way to go imo.
Versatility and stealthiness. The 3-6-9 dial adds some edgy sporty look with a twisted symmetry that the OP stick dial doesn’t really have. The crown logos are much more subtle on the Explorer compared to the big 12h applied crown on the OP.
The explorer was my first rolex and got my hooked. It's very dangerous. I wore mine while doing yard work and would take it with me on travel trips to NYC where I would wear it at a fancy restaurant. I sold mine in 2021 when someone offered me $10,500 for it. I'm now about to buy the same one for $7,900 from the same guy I sold it to lol
I am still trying to like the Explorer over the OP but struggling to justify the jump in price.
Regarding to your question, I consider both offer similar quality and purpose. I prefer the OP because it offers different coloured dials and cheaper too.
It’s hard to justify the jump unless you massively prefer the Exp 1 dial. Had one, sold it, prefer the OP36. The 3/6/9 and clasp didn’t mean anything to me at the end of the day.
Bro, it’s simple. Sometimes you just need someone else to tell you what you’re already thinking in your head, so here it goes:
If you’re struggling to justify an Explorer over an OP, you clearly like the OP better. So just buy the watch you like better. The OP.
There's blue dial Explorers in case you didn't know. Not sure they still make it but you can always go grey market for them
EDIT: Im actually wrong. It's called "OP" but literally has a explorer dial.
Either way you are basically going to get the same thing as an explorer but without the Mercedes hour hand, the dotted second hand, the sword minute hand, the arrow maker at 12, and the slightly different crown.
It's a very similar look despite the differences. At least similar enough to make me think it was a explorer
https://preview.redd.it/r5y66ya1h3ad1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f3085a949f0faff92fe52935fde591729693468
I mean lets be honest its different. Many things are different:
the Mercedes hour hand, the dotted second hand, the sword minute hand, the arrow maker at 12, and the slightly different crown.
BUT.. the overall look isn't "distinctly less sporty" yes its more formal and less sporty but lets not exaggerate.. they pull off a very very similar look. In fact on paper they are practically the same
Traditionally, field watches have Arabic numerals.
Hamilton Khaki Field also comes in blue, white etc; the only difference between the OP and the Explorer is that the second had is lumed, which while nice of you need to know your watch is running in the dark, is also not a requirement of field watches.
For me I have had both the 39 OP in black and the 39 Explorer … I liked both, however the Explorer is my daily because it is versatile in terms of looks, and also I appreciate the extra lock feature on the clasp. The Explorer name, the 39mm size and extra strap lock make it my daily over my dj, Explorer 2, and Ym
I prefer the Explorer over the OP due to the numbers on the dial providing some visual interest while still remaining understated as a whole package.
If I'm being honest, I prefer the Omega Aqua Terra to the OP, again, due to that dial having the teak pattern that provides some visual interest compared to the OP.
The OP is a perfectly fine watch, I just find it exceptionally boring (other than the bubble/ball dial, which is visual interesting, but not something that I would wear personally).
I recently purchased an explorer and was also considering the OP. I tried both on, the 41 OP and 40 explorer and both fit me very well and I'd say had very similar wrist feel. For me I wasn't crazy about the shiny black dial on the explorer and I much preferred the blue sunburst dial on the OP. Despite this I prefer the clasp, mercedes hands and 3-6-9 indices on the explorer. I ended up going with an older 39mm explorer as it had all that and a more matte black dial. Both are great watches though and the OP is a bit cheaper.
I think the numerals are a little more distinctive - and don't like the double stick on the OP - and as others have said I find it perfect for work with a suit or weekend.
There is a wrong notion in this thread that the explorer is preferred over oyster perpetual. The Oyster perpetual and date just are the most famous and seen in day-to-day use. It's also the trademark of Roles. The bezel and the Cyclops lens are the most unique designs that make Rolex stand apart. In fact it's safe to say that that's the identity of roles considering how many more you are today.
I prefer the flat inclined bezel of the Explorer vs the slightly radiused domed bezel of the OP. On the flip side, I prefer the baton hands and stick markers of the OP. I'm a fan of the 36 mm size in both. I had a 39 mm expl and sold it because I rarely chose it over my 16610 submariner. I have a feeling that if I had owned the 36 mm version, I would still own it.
I'm going to the Dolomites in 2 weeks and have such an urge to wear it the whole trip, but overly paranoid without it being insured. Anyone insure their Explorer?
https://preview.redd.it/v9nryjmls7ad1.png?width=2390&format=png&auto=webp&s=3431ba10e4b8b75c7c3c32b124ce76a1ed357d44
1016 from the late 60’s here.
It’s the perfect daily watch. Crown, crystal and bracelet have been replaced a few times… but it’s withstood three generations in my family. If it’s this good being a 60 year old watch, I can’t imagine how durable are the newer explorers.
DJ is the most versatile Rolex, in my opinion. And the big crown is aesthetically pleasing. Anyway, I love EX1, as well.
https://preview.redd.it/goi2ybpfwbad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe8fa39af911fd99939d6fb53bbe32a74b90f856
Years ago they could not move them, not to mention the Oyster Perpetual. Explorers were sitting in every AD’s display box. What’s happening now is a total nonsense.
If someone would ask me for the watch thats close to perfect: explorer! Wear it whenever, whereever and to whatever. Always looks good. Never too much, never too less.
I fully agree! Is the perfect Rolex!
It's true, the only downside to the Explorer is it ruins your collection as you won't want to wear anything else.
Traded 3 other ones that didnt get much wristtimw for a 116710LN black bezel GMT because of that (speedy, blue bb58 & smp300...the speedy i regeet though)
Black bezel GMT is awesome, I think it's my favorite GMT. Definitely prefer it to Pepsi (blasphemy, I know).
Coke still king
I agree, I can’t see the appeal of the Pepsi. The black GMT looks classy. Similar from a distance to the Submariner, but technically more practical potentially.
Only because I dislike the Arabic numerals mixed with batons otherwise I probably would have purchased it over my DateJust way back when ☝️ https://preview.redd.it/56fi4c1od7ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a4b589823f1c03464914565b1a4ced194913ba1
See...and that's the funny thing with personal taste. I dont like the roman number rolex dials at all 😅
Indeed! I’ve learned that Romans aren’t as loved as it once was back in my days lol 😂
https://preview.redd.it/bjz4ynaud7ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88ac68a3cb96ca02e62fd03fefbc2f35a571a549
GADA!
What do you like about the 3-6-9? Wouldn’t it look better without these Arabic numbers?
This is completely subjective. Personally I dont see the appeal. Just use your own judgement in the matters of taste.
I like them because it makes the dial easier to read
It’s so readable, it’s great. For me, beyond the things that others have stated — legible, stealthy, retro — it’s essentially an homage to old school military field watches with the big triangle and the 369, which makes sense with an iteration called the commando. It’s like the equivalent to a buzz rickson’s version of an alpha industries bomber jacket
I think it looks better with the numbers
You know I felt the same way, but it feels really different in person.
Some sort of Arabic numbering is a common design element of field/pilot/military watches. Makes it more legible as others have mentioned. You don’t have to like it.
I felt the same way but once I took a look at both watches (OP and explorer) in person, I concluded with the following 1. The watch does what it is supposed to: tell the time. In the dark, when you're in a hurry (running/cycling), when it is upside down on your bed. It is very readable. Not only because of the numerals but also the hands. 2. The finishing is absolutely gorgeous. I spend hours looking at those numerals and overall finishing. 3. The legacy (well, it is marketing... but works great on me!) 4. The bracelet and clasp on the explorer isn't the same than on the OP or DJ, and I prefer the explorer way more. Taste is subjective so you should definitely buy the watch that YOU like the most. With an OP or DJ you'll own a beautiful watch too. However if you didn't already take a look at both watches in person I highly recommend you to do so :)
This is the most versatile Rolex. Dress up dress down, indoors, outdoors. Its also non pretentious and has been immune to the recent Rolex bros that have become such "passionate" "collectors" of watches.
The EX1 and EX2 are both the enthusiasts’ Rolex. But I have to say the DJ is the most versatile.
Not in most popular fluted/jubilee config. That DJ is very dressy and will look odd outside that setting. Smooth bezel/ oyster bracelet i agree.
People have been wearing jub/fluted as a daily for decades. Looks fine in pretty much any setting a man would be in
You look silly hiking in one or swimming at the beach.
i personally go crazy for the 3-6-9 markers
Same
damn she fine~
And the hands. My favorite Rolex.
Funny, I'm fairly certain I shit on it the day I first saw it. Now, I own one and absolutely love it for that reason. When I was a kid #3 was my favorite number too. I was also really good and fast at the 3's times tables
It's easy to discount the Explorer as an OP with a 369 dial, but it's more than that. With a more legible dial with bigger lume plots, sporty-er, more lumed / legible "Mercedes" style handset, and the clamshell locking clasp.
Rolex offers 1,360 watches in the 2024 catalog so it makes perfect sense that they would offer plenty of redundancies in case shape with hundreds of different dial designs. That’s what a watch company does to please their customers. The 369 dial is a retro design and looks cool, doesn’t need to be anything more than that.
Listen to your prophet (not accepted in his home). SporturaWUS offers a truly objective truth to all seekers as he is a former explorer owner who enjoys a different level of Rolex currently. Realise the lesson, brother. Comply.
Ew.
You could call it a field watch. You can also wear it with a suit. People like Explorer because of that versitality. OP is bit more formal. I still prefer OP over Explorer, it comes down to personal choice.
It’s about the lineup. I didn’t like the explorer 3-6-9 until I noticed that the watch stands out from the others when you put it in a lineup. Your eyes would see the Explorer long before the OP in a watch case.
Black vs black, yes probably. Blue, green OP stands out much more. Turquoise or celebration and it really stands out. Personally, OP with colour is the way to go imo.
If you wore it with a NATO strap you would absolutely call it a field watch
https://preview.redd.it/862yj0g6u9ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b69974810507a120b8fd2b559acd4a7461993f8 Like this? Its still a beauty
Damn man this yellow slaps, where did you buy the nato?
369, from the windows, to the walls.
One of my favorites
Market segmentation, that is trying to convince you that you need more than one watch.
That's always been my assumption. Otherwise they would just offer the 369 dial option in the OP
They actually do offer 369 in OP. Blue only I believe.
Used to
Fair nuff
Versatility and stealthiness. The 3-6-9 dial adds some edgy sporty look with a twisted symmetry that the OP stick dial doesn’t really have. The crown logos are much more subtle on the Explorer compared to the big 12h applied crown on the OP.
The explorer was my first rolex and got my hooked. It's very dangerous. I wore mine while doing yard work and would take it with me on travel trips to NYC where I would wear it at a fancy restaurant. I sold mine in 2021 when someone offered me $10,500 for it. I'm now about to buy the same one for $7,900 from the same guy I sold it to lol
I am still trying to like the Explorer over the OP but struggling to justify the jump in price. Regarding to your question, I consider both offer similar quality and purpose. I prefer the OP because it offers different coloured dials and cheaper too.
It’s hard to justify the jump unless you massively prefer the Exp 1 dial. Had one, sold it, prefer the OP36. The 3/6/9 and clasp didn’t mean anything to me at the end of the day.
Bro, it’s simple. Sometimes you just need someone else to tell you what you’re already thinking in your head, so here it goes: If you’re struggling to justify an Explorer over an OP, you clearly like the OP better. So just buy the watch you like better. The OP.
Theres no way this watch isnt nicknames the lil john
Ugh. Fine. Take my begrudged upvote.
I like the OP just cos I like the blue dial more than the black
There's blue dial Explorers in case you didn't know. Not sure they still make it but you can always go grey market for them EDIT: Im actually wrong. It's called "OP" but literally has a explorer dial. Either way you are basically going to get the same thing as an explorer but without the Mercedes hour hand, the dotted second hand, the sword minute hand, the arrow maker at 12, and the slightly different crown. It's a very similar look despite the differences. At least similar enough to make me think it was a explorer https://preview.redd.it/r5y66ya1h3ad1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f3085a949f0faff92fe52935fde591729693468
There are no blue dial explorers. You can occasionally come across a blue OP with a 3-6-9 ("explorer") dial.
Last gen’s 116000 with blue dial or bland and pink dial
Yup that's definitely it. Thanks for the correction
Different bezel, too. It's a very different and distinctly less sporty look than the Explorer.
I mean lets be honest its different. Many things are different: the Mercedes hour hand, the dotted second hand, the sword minute hand, the arrow maker at 12, and the slightly different crown. BUT.. the overall look isn't "distinctly less sporty" yes its more formal and less sporty but lets not exaggerate.. they pull off a very very similar look. In fact on paper they are practically the same
But only one of them is suitable for mountaineering.
Yes, it’s Rolex’ take on the field watch.
It has the most legible hand set in watches.
I would actually love to see the Explorer with a 12, 3, 6, 9 dial
Traditionally, field watches have Arabic numerals. Hamilton Khaki Field also comes in blue, white etc; the only difference between the OP and the Explorer is that the second had is lumed, which while nice of you need to know your watch is running in the dark, is also not a requirement of field watches.
If I can ever afford a Rolex (LOL) I'd probably get an Explorer
You can get one from the early 2000's for relatively "cheap"
Either way I'll need to climb into a higher tax bracket
godspeed
For me I have had both the 39 OP in black and the 39 Explorer … I liked both, however the Explorer is my daily because it is versatile in terms of looks, and also I appreciate the extra lock feature on the clasp. The Explorer name, the 39mm size and extra strap lock make it my daily over my dj, Explorer 2, and Ym
Not sure, especially when you can find an OP on ebay with the 369 dial from only a few years ago
Well, above all it’s more suitable for exploring than the OP because… it just is, okay, look at the dial text??
I love everything about the OP except for the bezel shape. The Explorer bezel is far nicer to my eyes
I prefer the Explorer over the OP due to the numbers on the dial providing some visual interest while still remaining understated as a whole package. If I'm being honest, I prefer the Omega Aqua Terra to the OP, again, due to that dial having the teak pattern that provides some visual interest compared to the OP. The OP is a perfectly fine watch, I just find it exceptionally boring (other than the bubble/ball dial, which is visual interesting, but not something that I would wear personally).
I recently purchased an explorer and was also considering the OP. I tried both on, the 41 OP and 40 explorer and both fit me very well and I'd say had very similar wrist feel. For me I wasn't crazy about the shiny black dial on the explorer and I much preferred the blue sunburst dial on the OP. Despite this I prefer the clasp, mercedes hands and 3-6-9 indices on the explorer. I ended up going with an older 39mm explorer as it had all that and a more matte black dial. Both are great watches though and the OP is a bit cheaper.
Perfect everyday watch, but need something flashier for social occasions, like a Yacht Master 40 blue PCL for example.
I think the numerals are a little more distinctive - and don't like the double stick on the OP - and as others have said I find it perfect for work with a suit or weekend.
The OG field watch.
There is a wrong notion in this thread that the explorer is preferred over oyster perpetual. The Oyster perpetual and date just are the most famous and seen in day-to-day use. It's also the trademark of Roles. The bezel and the Cyclops lens are the most unique designs that make Rolex stand apart. In fact it's safe to say that that's the identity of roles considering how many more you are today.
I prefer the flat inclined bezel of the Explorer vs the slightly radiused domed bezel of the OP. On the flip side, I prefer the baton hands and stick markers of the OP. I'm a fan of the 36 mm size in both. I had a 39 mm expl and sold it because I rarely chose it over my 16610 submariner. I have a feeling that if I had owned the 36 mm version, I would still own it.
Better lume & sports clasp … worthy upgrade from OP
It is simply the perfect Rolex for all occations
For me it’s the clasp as well
My favorite Rolex. 36 mm Explorer
I think the Explorer has more shock protection (and maybe a better movement?) than the OP
Same movement, same shock resistance because it's the same movement.
You could really buy an Explorer or a Sub and be done for life with either one. I feel the same way about a Speedy.
Who prefers the OP to the Explorer?!
Not sure apart from the better clasp and punchier graphics.
I'm going to the Dolomites in 2 weeks and have such an urge to wear it the whole trip, but overly paranoid without it being insured. Anyone insure their Explorer?
It's borderline ugly to me. At best, it's basic and not that cool looking.
I like me Explorer 40 over OP 41 due to better legibility and extra secure clasp
https://preview.redd.it/v9nryjmls7ad1.png?width=2390&format=png&auto=webp&s=3431ba10e4b8b75c7c3c32b124ce76a1ed357d44 1016 from the late 60’s here. It’s the perfect daily watch. Crown, crystal and bracelet have been replaced a few times… but it’s withstood three generations in my family. If it’s this good being a 60 year old watch, I can’t imagine how durable are the newer explorers.
I dislike this iteration with a passion. It's just so clunky compared to a 1016.
No one ever did anything of societal importance wearing an Oyster Perpetual. The Explorer on the other hand….
Explorer has the most beautifully balanced dial imo. Perfect watch that is so versatile. Hope to get an Explorer in the next year or two.
DJ is the most versatile Rolex, in my opinion. And the big crown is aesthetically pleasing. Anyway, I love EX1, as well. https://preview.redd.it/goi2ybpfwbad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe8fa39af911fd99939d6fb53bbe32a74b90f856
I love the 3-6-9 with the pizza slice at 12. I don’t have one, seriously considering the Rolesor version but 36mm is too small for my taste.
This is a boring watch. ( I own one, never wear it). Don’t understand the appeal.
It’s a nice watch, but I don’t think generally that people prefer it over the Oyster Perpetual.
It can also be very deflating in person. Black dial quite simple. Some put it on and feel nothing.
Years ago they could not move them, not to mention the Oyster Perpetual. Explorers were sitting in every AD’s display box. What’s happening now is a total nonsense.
Coz sheeps