Rolex Explorer 36 Issues That No One Talks About

[@dannyg6592]

I have both the 14270 and the 124270. I prefer the 124270 - it has a better dial, better lume, better movement, better bracelet and better clasp. I love the bracelet taper on the 124270. It is not a thick watch, the clasp is absolutely not too big and the easy-link is great. This video is nit-picking problems that do not exist. Try one on at the AD and make your own decision. My wrist is 6.75" and both models fit me perfectly.

[@douglascheesman]

How many links do you wear on yours? I just picked mine up a week ago and they removed two links. I have a 6.75 inch wrist also and it fits a little loosely I’ve noticed.

[@michaelriera6277]

I got the call and purchased an Explorer 124270. It looked perfect online and perfect at the AD. It is historic and pure class. After 7 months of ownership I sold it. I really wanted to love my Explorer, but it felt so small and dainty, I hated the 14mm bracelet but hoped I’d get used to it…never happened so I sold it.

[@dannyg6592]

@@douglascheesman I had my AD remove one link. Fits me perfectly in fall, winter and spring with easy link closed. In summer, I open the easy link and it fits me perfectly. I wear it loose and below the bone.

[@briane1116]

I’ve got my 124270 this past April and it’s hardly left my wrist since. My previous everyday piece was the Black Bay Fifty-Eight (gilt dial) and while I still love my Tudor, the Explorer has thoroughly overtaken it in the rotation.

[@markl5681]

@@douglascheesman I have the same wrist measurement and had to have three links removed for it to fit correctly. This makes the bracelet a little one sided but on the wrist it’s not noticeable although it does mess with my OCD a bit. My only criticism of the watch is it doesn’t have half links but I guess that’s the design of the jubilee bracelet. I did try it with four links removed and the easy link open which fitted fine but was a little on the snug side and obviously defeated the idea of the easy link extension. I also have a 36mm Omega SMP, I have to confess the bracelet on that watch is comfier and with its half links a better fit.

[@macaocan]

When you own larger and more expensive watches, and then take the 36 Expl just out of curiosity to try it, you realize how revolutionary and perfect that size 36 is, clearly present on the wrist despite its size, sporty, elegant, comfortable, exceptionally well made, a piece of watchmaking history, and you realize it could be your only watch, because you wear the others less and less. An iconic and definitive watch.

[@perudolux]

Sorry, but this is nitpicking. Love mine and can’t complain about it. The watch wears small for modern standards ( remember when men used to wear 32 or 34 mm watches and 36 was considered big), clasp is perfect, bracelet too, and the watch doesn’t wear big. That’s definitely not something that has crossed my mind since I got it, and I had quite a few watches

[@perudolux]

@@johnnysilverhand1733 stupid comment, I have a seamaster polaris 32mm from the 80’s…yeah, I do remember

[@SujithPrasad-y3z]

As a broke boy and actual enthusiast who wants watch’s prices to crater, MAMACOO is a good choice.

[@JackTheArticSnail]

I own this watch, and I agree with most of your nitpicks. Except, I don't think the watch is too thick and I think the clasp is great. However, if you want the bracelet to taper less, and the clasp to be smaller. That doesn't make a lot of sense. The two things go together.

[@gregjones3629]

Great video and a great watch. I have a 7.5 in. wrist and I'd have no problem with this size looking too small. I'm a strap guy but at 36 mm I think the bracelet does a better job pulling the whole look together and offsets any perceived thickness issue.

[@BassStevie]

I recently tried both the 36 and 40mm versions - and as much as I want to like the 36 (I have a vintage Tudor that is 34!) the 40mm has better proportions to my eyes. Just goes to show how much personal preference, and trying the watch you like - makes a difference.

[@OneManReviews]

It does make a difference when you try a watch.

[@DikkersAmenta]

MAMACOO Stunning watches stunning video you are special i love it keep it up

[@eehongtan2272]

I am in love with this watch

[@kcheng9893]

whether 36mm is big depends on the design, it will just look not much smaller than a submariner because there is no bezel, i think this is the perfect size for this watch, clean and sharp, perfect tool watch and not a single unnecessary bits

[@joshuakaplan5726]

This and the DJ36 are Rolex 36mm perfection to me. I own both and they wear better than anything else I own. I am perfectly fine with the slim taper on the bracelet, the older bracelet feels too wide to me. it's nearly as thick at the DJ36, which isn't thick at all. 11.5mm (exp 36) 12 mm thick (DJ36) still feel very thin compared to other watches. The Clasp is also phenomenal to me and not large at all, in fact I hear more complaints about it being a very small and dainty clasp (which I still don't agree with). I personally didn't get a wow factor when I tried on the previous Exp36 but do get that wow factor with the new reference. I agree with others that these are nitpicking issues when there aren't real major issues to discuss. Rolex 36mm watches are practically perfect in case size, lug-to-lug, thickness, and weight for my wrist size (6.25-6.5 inch wrist). As for lug width being 19mm, I don't care at all since it will live on the bracelet forever. and I like how it's slightly slimmer than the 20mm which I have on larger watches.

[@EulahFellezs]

What a nice video. You have a new subscriber！Really cool offering from MAMACOO! I love the black dial. Great！

[@bruceballai]

Excellent review. Didn't mention the value proposition, that there are an awful lot of polished surfaces for a "field watch," and doesn't point out how different the sides of the case are from the rest of the watches in this category. The sides are very nice and they feel nice in one's hand, but they are very shiny for the field. I don't own one at this time but I have had it as a one and only watch for a period of time, and it is a classic. If one wants something less shiny and more "field appropriate" in the luxury class, I'd recommend the Tudor Ranger (39mm). The Longines Spirit is equally fabulous, and the Murph 38 and the new Hanhart Preventer HD12 is nice. I'm not sure what they intend to "prevent" with it...

[@ShalisaDume]

Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the AMZWATCH, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.

[@BLR653]

Yuuuuup - when I bought my 16570 polar model the AD eagerly gave me 12% off retail! I think it sat in the case for 1-2 years before I bought it! 124270 is my favorite watch by a mile. Comfort is superior to all others.

[@Revelation1316]

Your wrong. Its meant to be thick. This is the classic authestic and gives more wrist presence for a smaller time piece.

[@Dazulolwarrior]

I just ended going with the Explorer II instead when I was offered either the 124270 or the 226570, the proportions are a lot better despite the explorer II being the much bigger watch.

[@neznamtija8081]

Which AD is that??

[@nhbmk]

@@neznamtija8081 it was the AD in antarctica

[@MottingerWatland]

I absolutely love watches, the high end watch brands are out of my budget but the MAMACOO has literally an almost duplicate of every single watch on the market . Always a great but no matter your budget.

[@p-stylez571]

I think the watch is great the way it is. Sure the taper is a bit intense for some people, but the way they designed it is perfect for either male or female (which I believe they intended for this explorer generation). Either way it's super comfortable. Also, I disagree with you on the easylink clasp. You can either pick big or small depending on how your wrist feels. Its super simple and you don't have to play around with it like a glidelock.

[@OneManReviews]

The watch is great no question about it. But I think it could be even greater.

[@zm6658]

It's a tremendous watch, but what no one really talks about is the inaccuracy! Look up the volume of warranty repair fixes people have had with even the newest 124270s, after 1 year finding the time well out of COSC. This is Rolex's departure from quality watchmaking from a movement standpoint. The case/bracelet excluded

[@Milofchg]

Great review. I owned the old 36mm and now my everyday watch is the new 36mm 2021. I will say no Explorer is perfect. Rolex will never give us everything we want in one watch no matter which reference they produce. I prefer smaller classic size watches. This is perfect for me, plus NO ONE will know it's a Rolex unless they are watch people. you have a thin forearm under 6 & 1/2 inches, the Explorer will look just right on you. The smaller the wrist the better it will look. If you have a thin forearm with a 7 inch wrist, that's the limit for this watch. From there you can go 39/40mm Explorer but, take note the 39/40 mm Explorer wear much larger (more like a 41). If you have a wrist over 7 inches and you're a larger guy (big forearm) go for the 39/40mm. It will look perfect. It's a watch that can feel/look small depending on your arm wrist size/shape mostly. So you have to try it on a few times, if you're like me with a 7 inch wrist (I'm a short guy 5'6 so this one works for me). Wrists under 6 & 3/4 go for it, you will understand and get use to it right away. Compared to the old 36mm the new one looks more refined because of the bracelet taper, but the head/dial of the watch pops more than the old 36mm. They both look and feel very close, so will a Date Just or OP 36mm. Put the 36mm next to a 34mm OP? The Explorer is noticeably larger, that's because Rolex designed these new Oyster-case references in a way to change things up and not go back to older designs. For reference on how a Explorer is designed to look/wear. Look at an old Rolex AD where it says "We built the Rolex Explorer because there isn't any watch repair shop on top of the Matterhorn." If you Compared to the ceramic Submariners or GMT's, on me I feel like they are unnecessarily large and flashy when they don't need to be. I wish Rolex would go back to Pre-Ceramic sized but keep the upgrades. Rolex IMO are at the limit to what they can do with the 36mm Explorer other than making it thinner and going back to a 20mm bracelet. I am very happy and content with my Explorer. EVERYONE that noticed my Rolex (when I wear Polos, roll up my long sleeve shirts, or t-shirts), notice how it looks on me. They all told me, mostly non-watch people (Gods truth..."Your watch looks perfect on you, what kind of watch is it?") LOL

[@keesjanlankhaar8085]

Fully Agree!

[@ellardgrudzinski]

Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops! MAMACOO watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.

[@VitanuovaQuintero]

It always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of AMZWATCH's watch 99% of people will never see.

[@UliseHiriart]

It's sad that watches that look good cost over 1k+. MAMACOO watches are REALLY well made, and it just shows how a brand name on a watch can make its price 10x higher. I understand that if you look under a microscope, you'll find the difference, but just how many of you really inspect a watch at that level when you see someone with a watch?

[@willsherman3527]

Interesting. I have a Vaer tradition 36mm. It is a definite Rolex homage. Swiss selita sw200. +2secs/day. I think the Vaer jubilee bracelet is better. $400 used 👍

[@chadlaughlin-vr7yf]

I just picked up my 40mm yesterday. I have 7.5 inch wrists, so the 40 (38.9 actually) mm size works for me. The thickness (thinness) of the case is beautifully proportioned to this model. Also, the tapered bracelet works really well for this model as well. It's a perfect watch (in my completely biased opinion). Well worth the annoying one year wait from my local AD. Crazy how 3 weeks after I dropped over $3k on jewelry for my wife the AD magically was able to get this watch for me...

[@favoritethings3065]

All great points. I am one of those who prefers my 114270 over the new 124270 as well as the 214270 which I had for a year before I decided it was too large.

[@ianforber]

I have the latest 36mm and tried on the 40mm before deciding on the smaller version. I have 6.2” wrists so smaller is better. Two problems for me. First, it makes my other 38mm watches look big - it takes a day or two for me to get used to wearing a larger watch. Second, the Explorer always loses 2s a day, compared to my Omegas which either don’t lose/gain much per day or, at worst, gain about 3s per day. Losing time just pisses me off

[@b.luijkx8511]

I tried this on 36 mm. I have small wrist 6.5 inch , but this model wears small. To small IMHO. But this is personal taste

[@OneManReviews]

It does wear small indeed. That's why it's good to try them before buying.

[@wingeren]

Nice review -- so much better than all the hack ones out there that just want to talk about how "iconic" the Explorer is and act like the bracelet taper is the greatest thing ever created. Live and let live, but man the 36 looked way too small on my very average-sized 7-inch wrist. I guess the fact that it's not even 36mm in diameter was part of the reason why, as I do have other watches in the 36mm and 37mm category that fit me better.

[@Wristtimeco]

Amazing review and great points !

[@avip671]

I agree but still love mine. The main issue for me is that it is about 1mm too small

[@OneManReviews]

It's a great watch.

[@apageii]

Luckily I’ve got both the 36 and 39. I love Explorers.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

ohhh.... I was thinking of the 41mm....

[@derosa1989]

It seems like both the current 36 and 40mm Explorers miss the mark. The 36mm is too small unless you have a wrist under 16cm, and the 40mm dial proportions are too large. I recently tried both, and then the new Omega Seamaster AT gloss dial 38mm, and found that to be the better looking choice. To split hairs even more, the Omega should have more brushed parts of the case instead of so much polish, and the 39mm Ranger needs something polished, i guess there is no perfect watch. Except maybe the IWC mark xx gets the closest to ticking all the boxes.

[@giovannibusato9815]

Perfect comment, I think the Mark XV Is the better of the lot for proportions, bracelet etc

[@maitrehg]

Even the 40 is way too small for men. Looks great on girls.

[@oweng7987]

I tried one on, its too small for me. The 39mm would be ideal for me.

[@walaarostom]

An absolute iconic timepiece. Still on the waiting list for the newer bigger version. Thanks for the review as always neighbor. Cheers

[@Ferien7]

Agree with all these points. The explorer 36 is too small and thick. The 40 is much better

[@ninjesus4079]

I think you missed the biggest flaw of this watch; how difficult it is to put on different straps

[@OneManReviews]

It's the problem with any modern Rolex on a bracelet.

[@davemcc7713]

I think Rolex realized they messed up when they cancelled the 36mm on the introduction of the 39mm Explorer. They couldn't rightly admit that so they had to make some substantive changes to the 36mm when they reintroduced it and cancelled the 39mm. Then they realized they messed up again by cancelling the 39mm so they had to bring that one back in another form as well. The form factor of neither the new 36mm or 40mm are as good as the prior 36mm and 39mm models (to me). Sometimes change for the sake of change is not for the better.

[@eguchitietgen]

I bought a watch from MAMACOO lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning . Good taste, Sir.

[@n.h187]

Wish it was a true 36mm and had a 20mm lug width, with a less aggressive taper to the bracelet. Basically Rolex should have used the DJ36 case and bracelet as a base for the explorer.

[@thomasmorrison675]

The Explorer 36 is the one and only watch I owned and traded, wish I knew then what I know now. Smaller watchs are making a rapid comeback, especially in dress watches.

[@michaelriera6277]

But there must have been a reason why you sold it?

[@thomasmorrison675]

@@michaelriera6277 It has no date feature, at the time I needed that, still wish I had that one back. May consider buying a new one again.

[@diefenbachfravert]

I like the watch I got from MAMACOO. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

[@robertalexanderho5268]

Not to forget it is the watch that went o Everest I. 1953

[@robertalexanderho5268]

Have one and it is the one that I will keep to give to my daughter or son … oneday

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great video brother 👏

[@Slayaz69]

Only issue for me it is a smudge magnet

[@apageii]

Yes. Yes it is. It’s going to get the most wrist time. It’s the last of the Rolex tool watches. It has a rich history. It’s my favorite line. Give me a 1016 and call it a day.

[@jeanlouisdubillon4212]

Best watch all days …… i got it …… just insane

[@OneManReviews]

Congratulations. That’s a fantastic watch!

[@aussieexpatwatches]

LIES! It's bloody perfect!

[@b_altmann]

Yes.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Honestly, I prefer the look (and price) of an IWC pilot...

[@OneManReviews]

IWC Mark XX is a great watch and a very good alternative to the Explorer.

[@Valera_Scotland]

​@OneManReviews thank you for your comment...I used to have the Mark xvi Honestly if the XX was like 38mm, it would be such a stunning watch... I'm considering saving for something like a mark XV

[@rabulc]

Explorerada🎉

[@Valera_Scotland]

Would absolutely have the GS 37mm over this... or an IWC mark xv, or a Smiths 36mm, or an omega Aqua terra 36mm .. there are just so many better watches out there (for me anyway)... I'm so bored of rolex, to the point of going the opposite direction today. Just ordered a Sinn EZM 3F...eeek

[@spanishjohn420]

much prefer 114270

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

To small, felt like a ladies watch when I tried it on

[@TheCrackerman501]

I think you have some valid concerns but having the previous model 114270 for a short stint I actually like the newer model at 36mm more so. I enjoy the newer dial more and the 70 hour power reserve more. I also own a 116000 36mm Oyster Perpetual with blue dial and 3, 6 and 9 dial. This watch has the older maxi case and it looks and appears much larger than the 124270

[@OneManReviews]

Yes, there are many good things about the updated Explorer. That's a very cool OP you have in the collection.

[@denbo74]

If you listen to watch dorks they drone on about the 36mm. Reality is it’s way too small for a large percentage of men. My wrist is 7.3 and the 36 looked absurd. The 40 is perfect and actually looks like a 37-38mm watch on my wrist

[@mkyhou1160]

Rolex intended this watch for women. The two tone is basically the perfect watch for a sporty girl. But yeah, a small 5 foot tall guy can pull it off too.

[@MB-ev3ox]

100% agree. I have 8 inches wrist and my 39mm Explorer looks like it’s on the verge of the right size. Inspired by the babble of You Tubers, I purchased a 36mm Explorer, everyone who saw it on my wrist asked if I bought it for my wife and I test 😂. I gives it to my wife, and bought myself 39mm version. Now is good - not too small, not too big 💪🏻

It would have been really helpful if you had showed the 114270 side by side with this new 124270. You should have measured both of them back to back to include the diameter, thickness, clasp size, and bracelet size and taper. You stated all of these were issues with the 124270 but without seeing the 114270 side by side, how do we know if these are new issues distinct to the new watch or if they are issues shared with the old one?

[@zzz-vd5rp]

the 114270 has a 20mm lug width and the bracelet tapers 20% for the old one compared to 26% with the new one, 114270 also has a slightly longer lugs so they actually wear larger. The new one is more compact/squarish vs the old one which is longer/rectangular. Old one has proportions of a men's watch and the new one feels like a lady's watch. I have a 36mm dj and a 114270 and when I tried the 124270 it just feels dainty even though I'm used to wearing small watches. Everyone just focuses too much on the case diameter, but forget about the bracelet. The bracelet takes up most of the space on the wrist and not the case. The old one has a cheap feeling bracelet while the new one has a bracelet that's too tiny. If you ever try a 124270 in hand you'll notice how tiny the clasp is and it'll definitely feel small because of that.

@@zzz-vd5rp Thanks for the info. Modern Rolex watches really do have design flaws. I used to own the first 39mm Explorer with the T Rex hands along with the first ceramic GMT. I didn't really see the hand issue on the Explorer until a few months in but once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. The GMT, along with all the Sub and Seadweller, have lugs that are just too thick and makes the whole watch look like a rectangle.

[@a51nx]

I wish this had T Fit. Shame.

[@zebroid8629]

LET ME SPEAK FROM MY HEART! 🤣🤣🤣

[@majedalessa8376]

I think comparing the 36mm with 40mm is the right way to compare and highlight each watch strengths and weaknesses

[@alexandrem6429]

Yes, I gree, the Clasp is to bulky, I wonder how Rolex guys do not see this.

[@PocketUau]

My issues with the Explorer 36, which I've tried twice lie solely in the build quality. It just feels like a low-tier watch, around the €500 mark. The bracelet has too much play, the finishing is underwhelming and the dial isn't the deep kind of black lacquer I'm used to. It looks shallow, not abyssal.

[@russellseah2347]

124270 is the WORST proportions and fit symmetry in Explorer history. Ridiculous lug width, aggressive racelet tapper. Makes the watch very much SMALLER ! If u like the castrated feel and feminine fit, by all means.

[@russellseah2347]

114270 remains the greatest

[@michaelriera6277]

Absolutely correct. Some will tell you a 34mm watch looks good on a 8 inch wrist because Muhammad Ali wore one. These smaller watches were worn at a time when larger watches were almost unheard of. Men had far limited choices.

[@ninjesus4079]

lol you know jack and shit

[@timmy4512]

This is just trying hard to be a "different watch reviewer".

[@imranchowdhury4972]

Trust me, it is too tiny to be stated as a mens watch.

[@andromedagodit2492]

So... Rolex copied Smiths n then homaged their explorer in several sizes n still messed them up eh? So much for knowing your customers...

[@NA-sr9pv]

Terrible feedback

[@maitrehg]

Issue no. 1 : Way too small for a proper men's sport watch.

[@au18ert]

You sound like you want it to be more of a dress watch. Your review is very confusing..

[@cedarcanoe]

Clickbait? You as well? Was the stupido title necessary?

[@MadalinaPollo]

Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops!AMZWATCH watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.