Rolex Battle of 36mm's - Datejust 126200 VERSUS Explorer 124270

[@A0047-z6g]

For me personally, an explorer 36 with an actual case size of 36.xx (not 35.xx) and 20 mm lug width tapering to 15 mm at the clasp would be a perfect watch. But that’s just me.

[@w00borg34]

100% agree

[@johndudeman365]

I’ve come to appreciate the Exp1 124270’s bracelet as the best feature of the watch. At first, it felt dainty compared to other bracelets in my collection. But, the reduced width translates to increased comfort. Comfort is more important to me than appearing 1mm larger. Of course this is my personal opinion and everyone is different. Plus I’m looking at it with the eyes of an enthusiast and collector. The average person would think we are crazy for debating 1mm of difference lol!

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

It is comfortable. I can’t deny that. And yes, this hobby is all about the details 😆

[@lihanou]

When I was a kid, my grandparents used to read newspapers and thread needles with a magnifier. The cyclop reminds me of that, and old people in general. I chose 124270.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

For me it’s the two tone Datejust 16234 that reminds me of old generation. 😆

[@MrZanzibar123]

Sounds right to me. Both great watches. I think they made a blue OP with 369 dial…. That would be cool too.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Yup, really cool dial. They also made them in silver.

[@andyburton9201]

I’ve got the 3-6-9 blue dial OP and think it’s the perfect blend of the two watches.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

This is the reason I bought the 116000 with the blue 369 dial. It is the same size as your Datejust with beefier lugs and a 20mm bracelet. I like the Explorer dial but the blue pops nicely in the light.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Very nice model you have. Much more interesting than your standard OP.

[@lettuce1305]

the 116000 with the blue 369 dial is underrated imo, I call it the 'Blue Explorer' it's perfect for someone who likes the Explorer but wants an alternative to the black dial.

[@deltawhiskey6417]

Great video. It boggles the mind as to why Rolex would put a 19mm lugs when the previous Explorer 36mm had 20mm lugs. The explorer would be perfect if it was sized like the OP36.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thanks! I agree.

[@1000lightyrs]

I commend you, this is a really great video comparison. I've owned older Explorer 36 and 39's, but they never stood up against my DJ 116200. I've wanted to try the 124270 since it came out, but have been put off by everyone saying the bracelet is too narrow. But it looks perfectly OK here. So I think it's time for me to go on the hunt again, and try it for myself. Thank you.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Definitely try it on in person. I think you’ll get used to the narrow bracelet. But since you have the DJ36, perhaps try the 40mm explorer?

[@andyburton9201]

Both gorgeous watches and suit your wrist perfectly. I’d never have said the Explorer looks small on you. Plus I find smaller watches equals less clonking it on door frames and desks etc. That’d make a great two watch collection.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thank you! And good point haha

[@TheDarkmining]

Was between these too as well. Went with a black dial DJ with fluted and jubilee. I think I made the reight choice for someone who wants one watch for all ocassions. I like the elegance of the hands, bezel and jubilee and the usefulness of the date. I also like the cyclops. But in the end you did the best thing by trying both on and then let your intuition speak. 😉 Enjoy

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thank you! Your DJ configuration could definitely be a one watch collection! Congrats!

[@MWA1407]

Please can you tell me if the explorer bracelet is slightly heavier then datejust? I tried a DJ on and it felt very "plastic" at an authorised dealer.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

I don’t have the explorer with me anymore but from what I recall, the difference in weight, if any, is negligible.

[@scottt.4596]

Great comparison. Cheers 🍻 What is your wrist size and how much do you weigh at 6-2”?

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thank you! Wrist size 6.5”-6.75” weighing 183lbs.

[@eloudji]

The smaller (or more tapering) bracelet, makes a watch look bigger.

[@tbprofile1295]

The DJ is nicer IMO. Keep the DJ, or buy both. Depending on your work, you might find that prefer having a date function also (if you do paperwork, etc.).

[@timtim4525]

Rolex oyster 20mm bracelets on ceramic models … ARE UNCOMFORTABLE! They feel bad when worn!

[@Valera_Scotland]

For me it's the DJ (I'm waiting on a silver dial, same configuration as yours). I love field watches, and walked into an AD recently, wearing my Smiths military watch, and tried on the Explorer. I walked away thinking "I prefer my Smiths"...it's strange, but for me what did it is how plain that dial is, compared to a Datejust, which actually feels luxury. The 9 and 3 markers made the Explorer look bug eyed, and I did find the bracelet far too narrow... when I tried on an OP36, it felt "right" on wrist, but the Explorer didn't... and if I'm paying huge money, I don't think I want a plain glossy black dial. There are other field watches out there which do the same simple job as the Explorer at 10% of the cost. For my money, it's a Datejust any day. With whatever dial and configuration. It's all personal taste

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Was it the 36mm or 40mm that you tried on? Either way, if the DJ speaks to you, then it’s the clear winner!

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@BrokeWatchFanatic it was the 36mm... my wrist isn't small (7.25 inches), but I prefer small watches

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

@Valera_Scotland hopefully the store will allocate one to you sooner rather than later.

[@MWA1407]

Can you please tell me, does/is the DJ 36mm oyster bracelet lighter then the explorer's? I tried both on and I felt DJ was very jingly and plasticy and not as "heavy" as explorer. Please share your experience

[@Valera_Scotland]

@MWA1407 I'm really not sure. Both seemed solid and lovely to me, but the proportion of Explorer were horrible. Anyway, I've gone off the brand. I got a Grand Seiko 36mm champagne dial for £695 from Japan. Model SBGX005. And to me, it's just as beautiful as a silver Datejust, or even more beautiful. I don't see good value in rolex. They should cost half of what they're charging

[@Uh-huh-uh-huh]

They're both pretty much perfect luxury watches. No wrong choice, just preference. Most, like you, I think are going to opt for the more elegant Datejust. But the Explorer is just perfect with that 9-6-3 layout and Mercedes logo on the hour hand is sharp and time reading is clear like you said, but no date. I like the Explorer better, but if I'm going to buy a Rolex it would probably be the Datejust, although I'd want an Explorer. It's a tough one.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

If only we could have them all…

[@ninjesus4079]

wear a smaller explorer? The Explorer is 36mm; it is the iconic size of the watch not the 39 or 40mm version.

[@comeonman7423]

I prefer the DJ 36 proportions over the Explorer 36, the Explorer was too small for me.

[@eunxx]

Great comparison, both beautiful pieces. Appreciating your great shots of the watches! And i would agree - datejust for me 👍

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thanks! I agree!

[@augustojoseramonpinochetug5235]

DJ for me, but I have both (DJ is TT)

[@bjw3079]

DJ has better propotion and looks nicer

[@Treetopflyer777]

I wear a Dj 36 and am on the hunt for a 36 explorer too. For me it’s the perfect size.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Best of luck on your hunt!

[@kyawsan441]

Great video. I like seeing the comparison bracelet shots. I would also go with the datejust. I feel that it's just a more versatile piece.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thanks, I agree!

[@sungsulpark9681]

My pick is the Datejust. 😊

[@Dronetothetop]

What is your wrist size

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

6.75”

[@mikehayes3014]

I think they definitely should ad the extra clasp on the datejust. I have actually encountered it popping open accidentally. I went to pull my sock one time and the clasp caught my pants and popped. Thank god there’s a deployant 😱

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

That’s a close call!

[@tonispark5626]

Datejust is a beauty

[@captainnemo6036]

Choose both. In a perfect world.

[@rabulc]

Explorerada🎉

[@UCZ15]

As a former 124270 owner here, I have to tell you all that the proportions of this watch are a little off and it becomes a dealbreaker very quickly. I sold mine after a few months. The watch itself is perfect apart from its footprint. I also have 6.4” inch flat wrists.

[@n.h187]

They should have used the dj36 case

[@craig2100]

Right decision

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Thanks! I agree!

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

Great video! I personally like the explorer a bit more. For a date only watch I like the looks of the omega at ove the date just. Can’t go wrong with either of these though.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

I love the AT! Hopefully it’ll end up in my collection one day. The 38mm.

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

@@BrokeWatchFanatic I agree, I sold a Rolex and bought the 38mm at. Love the watch. Thanks for the great videos!

[@leiflagercrantz8853]

Explorer every time.....for me

[@NA-sr9pv]

Explorer destroys it with the t fit clasp

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

They both have the same easy link adjustment. No T-fit clasp.

[@NA-sr9pv]

@@BrokeWatchFanatic sorry may be slightly wrong. But the explorer clasp is a more premium of the two reserved for the higher end models otherwise, correct?

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

@NA-sr9pv yeah, I agree.

[@Revelation1316]

If they made the Datejust how they use too with brushed upper lugs, brushed bracelet and polished sides I would pick Datejust. But they dont anymore, so I choose Explorer 36mm. My point is I dont think steel datejust should be this blingy. I also think bracelet on Explorer 36 should have been 18mm or same as the older 34mm O.P. - not sure what they did here but they made it look a little odd.

[@AllyAli-94]

I've got both of these pieces; exp 1 wins it for me, the datejust is beautiful but something about the contrast of the dial and perfectly proportioned numerals on the exp1 nudges it over the line.

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

Close race for sure 👍

[@userdankbh]

If it’s a watch in rotation, it would annoy me that I would have to check/correct the date when using it. Also really don’t like the polished center links on the DJ.

[@reguetondecubabeats136]

DJ36,no dubt…

[@mattc3929]

The Explorer for me. Personally the DJ is a bit plain and there countless GADA's with baton markets. When you see the 369 on the dial you know what it is.

[@lettuce1305]

maybe now only the Explorer has the 369 dial but just several years ago there were OPs and Air Kings with a 369 dial.

[@Yayo509]

If you're a man, Explorer 124270, if you're a woman, Datejust 126200

[@russellseah2347]

The other way around

[@russellseah2347]

The current explorer is too dainty. 19mm lugs?? Taper to 16mm?? Cmon. The 114270 was better