The 39mm Rolex Explorer | Can one watch do it all?

[@alndi3]

was hard-pressed on the Sub for many years without wandering eyes now that I finally have the money for my first Rolex, I think the Explorer may be the better choice thanks for quality content

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Really can't go wrong with either... Or both 😉. Thanks Andrew!

[@sergezerkin]

I would bug the sub and then add the explorer

[@jonathanl2748]

Same process here and I’ll have my Explorer in one month. Subs are a dime a dozen on guy’s wrists.

[@oysterman962]

Love the history lesson. Everyone knows the story of the Rolex Explorer but no one has explained the actual climb up Everest with the same level of detail. I learned something new from your channel. Well done!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you for the feedback... The stories make these watches so much more meaningful

[@Newtypenewtype]

Man I really like this format you have going...Can't think of anyone else actually using their watches and getting it on video lol

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! Yeah I think showing the watch in the world gives it more context and hopefully helps people make more informed decisions.

[@MarkMphonoman]

Own the new Explorer and Sub. Love them both. 👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Lucky guy, datejust next on the list? 😉

[@MarkMphonoman]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Ha, don’t think so. I am pretty satisfied with having just these two. If Rolex ever issues a white faced Explorer, well...........that rings my bell.

[@BaoNguyen-wp8vh]

Great content! After wearing mine daily for more than a year, there are days where the 39mm sizing definitely feels a touch too big. But overall, the more time i spent with this watch, the more I fell in love with it

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! Yes it's a beautiful watch that feels like a tank on the wrist. And I mean that in both the positive and the negative connotations 😉. If you got a bigger wrist, then you can probably pull it off better than me.

[@mkyhou1160]

I’ve always felt it’s a bit small. I barely notice it on my wrist, but then, I’m 6.2 with a 7 inch wrist. I use it mainly as my dress watch now,.

[@nicksundby]

I've worn a Datejust every day for the last 38 years, it seems fine to me

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Wow that's impressive! I don't have that level of watch fidelity 😅

[@77cjam]

Fantastic video. The place in Washington you guys went hiking looks stunning. There is no doubt the explorer is a classic and many people love it, but it's never really done it for me. Give me a Polar explorer 2 anyday. But, as with most things, that's entirely personal opinion/choice based and doesn't mean it's not an amazing timepiece. Thanks for the video 👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes Chris, the entire PNW is a post card 😍. I love the explorer 2 with the black dial. Something about black+ red. Thanks for chiming in!

[@richardweir3342]

That is the best video I have seen on the Explorer, or any watch for that matter. I love the 39mm Explorer, and have ordered one, I do feel the 36mm is too small, but I think it's great you can have both options, although preowned for 36mm is your only option.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Richard! Congrats on your purchase, it's a fantastic piece.

[@bevelsintact7851]

Nice work as always!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks bud 🙏

[@audemarspiguet4237]

Just watched this video again after 2021 Rolex announcements - it’s as if Rolex listened to the enthusiasts who were asking to bring back a smaller Explorer case. The challenge now is to get one from an AD😅

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

So glad they didn't go bigger with the explorer 😅

[@aaronib3651]

Explorer is the best

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's a classic!

[@ericfan9149]

Good video! One small point, the Mark 1 didn’t lose the lume on the numerals. The previous models of the Explorer never had lumed numerals, they were painted white (with the exception of the “blackout” version of the 14720).

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Ahh, good point Eric. Always something to learn :)

[@ericfan9149]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial although this only applies to the more modern references that immediately preceded it. I believe the earlier Explorers like the 1016 had lumed numbers. I don’t know why they stopped this for the 14270 and 114270. Having recently bought one it’s the one thing I don’t like about them.

[@ALLinHerMovements]

Now that they’ve re-released the 36 mm Explorer can you do an updated review?

[@ronin7106]

Great vid quality and review approach! Love the intro. Cheers!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you!

[@hov311]

Excellent job on this video. Very different and entertaining!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you! I like to put the watch through its paces👍

[@tiongloo5310]

Took me 8 months to get the Explorer 1 at 39 mm. Maybe phase out to a bigger size n 70 hrs power reserve. My daily watch.

[@eric106071]

Very nice production. Excellent!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Theseikopath]

Excellent video on the explorer !!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you!! 👍

[@changi68]

Very good review ! ! ! Many warm thanks ! Your channel is great ! Beautiful!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks so much for your feedback 🙏

[@KC-nw3gt]

Very well made and informative video, thank you!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Kevin, glad you liked it 👍

[@jensfiehler4716]

Excellent video. Very informative and relaxed storytelling. Looking forward to seeing more from your channel. Subscribed.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Jens, and welcome to the channel 👍

[@goodwrench838]

I personally think the sizing is fine on my 6.75 inch wrist. My personal opinion of course. Great video by the way. New subscriber here 👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers! Yeah the lug to lug is not too bad

[@mjbxxv]

Congrats on another great video!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks so much for watching !

[@timchan334]

“Lacking micro adjustments”??? There is three micro adjustment along with the on the fly 5mm!

[@johnprosser5035]

He says lacking 'much' micro adjustment

[@petterlindberg9479]

haha sorry for spamming on all your videos but your channel is so genuine I love the content!!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Appreciate that my man!

[@watchmedicine7747]

Great review

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you 👍

[@diamondjoebloggs119]

Great presentation and photography, I’ve subscribed and I’m now changing my order from an Explorer 2 to an Explorer 1 MK 2

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Peter! Both great watches. You can't go wrong either way.

[@ahmedzeinalabdin2229]

great video it seems like your always on some kind of adventure

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, my life isn't THAT interesting I promise 😉

[@Tizianv]

Great video :) thanks for sharing

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Tizian for stopping by again 😉

[@Halfmoon67]

Awesome vid of an awesome watch !

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks! Yeah it's a beast 👊

[@zhenay]

Great video!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Appreciate that Jonathan :)

[@rodneyharris552]

Love the content! Subscribed.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Appreciate you Rodney! Welcome

[@robertkubis2799]

What an intro!!! Wow! Rolex Explorer, as an icon it should fit and being sold as an icon. Rolex in my opinion should provide more options for the consumer. As there are many markets around the world. Option 1) Offer the watch in two sizes if you really want to increase the size to 39mm. Offer the watch in the original size 36mm and as a second option offer the watch in 39mm for those that prefer a bigger watch due to their wrist size. Option 2) Less popular... Leave an Icon in its original size and don't try to fix what was not broken in the first place. Option 3) If you need to make it bigger as times change and people's perceptions as well offer a watch in a size that will fit the majority of consumers 37mm-37.5 if you really have to stick to one size.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Couldn't agree more. Rolex should hire you as a consultant 😉

[@Noventus7]

Really awesome content

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you James 🙏

[@christianamato4193]

There’s a couple errors in your video. When you talk about the 114270, you use a picture of the 21470 MKii. And when you talk about the MKi you say that it lost its lume, when it hasn’t had lume since the 14270. But overall good video. Nice work

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice catch! The lineage is so long that I knew I was gonna fumble a detail there

[@globalluxurywatches960]

Magnifique 🍾

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Merci 😁

[@davidr2802]

the black watch in the opening on the left is an OP not a date just

[@bogratful]

the real everest watch was a 34 oyster perpetual, and a smiths watch, the explorer was introduced a little later to celebrate the everest climb .

[@davidb9531]

Yes the video states that clearly

[@ivankerr3570]

One thing for sure the prices are rising for these as it’s now the only 39mm available. I do hope they make it 41mm as the 39mm will rise in value. However if they make it 36 or 38mm then it will reduce demand.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah I remember a year ago the 36mm were around $4k

[@steve8510]

Can it do it all? sure, unless you want to know the date.

[@carlosranghel3290]

Great review! What kind of strap is that?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's a canvas strap with deployant buckle from strapcode

[@ronpower7790]

I sold my 214270 for a 114270 since it always felt to big and like mentioned by some before, slightly out of proportion. I totally agree, that a 37 or 38 mm version, with slimmer bezel, would be great...but I guess we most certainly won't see that anytime soon.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice Ron! Do you ever feel the 114270 is smallish? Maybe if we keep screaming, Rolex with listen 😉

[@ronpower7790]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial I usually wear smaller watches and the 36 mm of the 114260 isnt a problem for me. But sometimes it takes a couple of minutes to re-adjust, when coming from a bigger watch like my Tudor Oyster Chrono or Black Bay 41. But that usually dont last long and is very dependent on daily mood. I have a 39 mm Tag Heuer Carrera Chrono which measures 38.3 mm...this is the perfect size for an everyday watch and would be perfect for the Explorer, if Rolex wouldn't apply any maxi case treatment and rather go for more classic proportions.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah I have 42mm watches that wear smaller than this 39. Case/lug design matters

[@stephens2r338]

I did the same, sold the 39 and bought the last year of production 114270 with rehault Interestingly the 39 actually measures 39.8mm. The glass l think is the same diameter as the 42mm Explorer 2 although l haven't had the opportunity to measure the 42mm in person. The older 36mm 114270 is actually only 35mm. All explorers wear larger. I don't think that they will release a smaller version for a long time but maybe a white face version that would look smaller on the wrist.

[@ronpower7790]

@@stephens2r338 not a bad choice ;)..also have the latest version of the 114270 with engraved rehaut. I measure exactly 36 mm on the case...measured from "2" to "8" or "4" to "10"...I measured my 214270 multiple times and I'm quite sure that it was spot on 39 mm as well. Depending on the caliper used, how someone measure and condition of the case there might be small deviations.

[@phil6784]

hey man, good stuff. Well done! Would you mind sharing where your friend got his 3rd party strap from?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes, that canvas strap is from strapcode!

[@jaysterling26]

Being a philistine, couldn't an OP do everything the Explorer can do but with a different design ( does the new version share the same anti- mag spring?).

[@anarchynz]

I mean, the whole point of buying an explorer is that it goes under the radar, its near impossible to do that with a fluted bezel

[@michael1882yt]

Great video 👍🏾. What’s your thoughts of this watch compared to the latest Omega Railmaster? Sure, the Railmaster won’t hold it’s value anywhere near as much, but technically it’s light years ahead of the Explorer.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes, I love how much tech goes into modern Omega's, but have not really cared for the design of the new railmaster. Something too simple and blocky to my eyes. Though the vintage railmaster or the LE with the broad arrow hand 😍👍

[@PanduStrat]

I'm a follower of your vlog. I happen to have a Seiko 5 type SNK807K2 do you have a reference for modding it. thank you

[@lx95020]

I like the Explorer. I prefer the OP when it comes to Rolex.....I'm sure I can use it for exploring. Better bang for the buck is the Mido Multifort. Way cheaper and looks great.....resale value is terrible though.

[@gardiyan76]

Bracelett or leather strap? What do you guys prefer?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Works on both, but it's very hard to change the endlinks, because of the superb tolerances 😉

[@TimJaramillo]

Great video! And awesome watch. @2:38, the 12 o' clock marker has a bit of an alignment issue. Probably wouldn't be able to notice that without the close-up, though.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Sharp eye, I won't be telling my friend though... he doesn't need to see what he can't fix ;)

[@TimJaramillo]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial my Pelagos has a similar slight misalignment with the 12 marker ... can't see it from even 1 foot away with the naked eye, so I've made peace with it! 😁

[@Milofchg]

If you have a wrist smaller than 6 & 3/4 inch, it wears large. If you have a wrist 7 inches and up, it will look perfect.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yep, that's why I said it fits better on my friend's wrist 😊

[@kkthomas5750]

Prefer the mk1 for sure more elegant and the way the handles merge with the white gold numbers

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah, agreed the mk1 was better proportioned👍

[@amddon7544]

Great mooie!! What’s the name of the strap.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's from strapcode

[@danohalloran4212]

Does anyone know what strap was on the explorer, is it just a normal leather or something else? Thanks

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's a strapcode canvas strap 👍

[@danohalloran4212]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial thank you so much it looks great, love the channel too the way you compose the videos is so refreshing! Keep it up

[@davidb9531]

What Is your wrist size? The owners wrist looks OK, for yours was too big?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah it's better on his wrist. Mine is 6.3 inches

[@davidb9531]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial thanks much appreciated

[@gito4130]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Thats why you prefer 36 I tried it but could not get over how small it looked on my 7 wrist I'm very happy with 39 plus now is a discontinued model MK2 is perfect and I love that it is a bridge between OP and Sub.

[@hodad924]

*Khumbu glacier not Kundu

[@morganthedruid1]

excellent stuff again Max, for me the size increase ruined the whole idea of the Explorer and I don't see the point of it now. If I wanted an Explorer now I would buy the Omega Railmaster 1957 instead, it's a bit fake retro I suppose but just works perfectly.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks again Morgan! Yeah the new explorer is just a bit big. I'll have to play with a railmaster some time. You are the second person to suggest it... Cheers 👍

[@ivankerr3570]

It’s got 4 micro adjustments in the clasp and the easy link 5mm half link extension so more than a lot of watches. The lume isn’t as good as claimed.

[@seang2822]

ivan kerr thanks for pointing that out.. I thought it needed more...it’s applied too thin compared to say a sub

[@goodwrench838]

This lume is absolutely as good and SuperLuminova. Maybe not as bright but definitely lasts longer.

[@seang2822]

Ashton Young it’s not as bright as what they have on the Subs .. I have both and the Sub glows all night just from the light it picks up from the ambient room light.. the explorer does not do the same.. if exposed to light .. it looks bright for a while.. but fades out quicker.. it’s probably to do with how much is applied.. it’s the same loom.. not as generously applied in Explorer

[@johnkerr5395]

Dinner plate? Stop it’s 39mm

[@austinzizzi1142]

Is it just me or does the bezel seem too thick and shiny on the 39mm?

[@aidens.5729]

I like the NATO bands/ straps you have, where I can buy the same one for explorer 1

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's a canvas strap from strapcode 👍

[@slevinkelevra8696]

May I know what belt are you using on the Explorer??

[@seang2822]

Your first watch picture was oyster perpetual.. did you mean that or date just? @1.37

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Check the asterisk at the bottom 😉👍

[@seang2822]

Good video.. The Chromalite is not that generously applied for a sports watch.. put it next to a sub and compare @5.10

[@jeravincer]

Max is definitely not Nepalese ... my assumption is he has Japanese heritage. Max? What about a video on how your aesthetic borrows (or not) from your heritage? The Japanese of course have a long history of design/aesthetics. This is off topic but this channel is fantastic from Japan and is clearly not just a channel about fast jets. 1-300B - KZbin

[@randomguitarnote8887]

What’s a trusted website to purchase one?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

For second hand, I'd look at crown and caliber or Bob's watches

[@RJH5202]

I would add DavidSW

[@secretsanta9046]

RandomGuitarNote- Go to an Authorized Dealer! The wait should be less than 3-4 months if your personable and show your interest in keeping the watch for many years, As these watches are now unfortunately trading at over list.

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

I just wish the explorer had a date

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

They'd have to find a place to put it on the dial 🤔😊

[@christianhofmann9281]

In my opinion that would have ruined the watch. I‘m so glad it has none.

[@gito4130]

NOOOO!

[@sobeit712]

Submariner is anything but "accessible". Most people can't even buy it at ADs without absurd long wait time.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

My friend got it 5 months after ordering, I guess that's absurd for some, but he was happy

[@sobeit712]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Let's be honest here, 5 months is not average wait time, at least not for Stainless Steel Submariner.

[@EscapePlan97]

@@sobeit712 Submariner is easy to get compared to the Pepsi.

[@UltraDoug]

Wish it had… AR undercoating 300 w/r Inky black dial Framed date Much lower price while maintaining stellar quality, fit-n-finish & lengthy heritage. ……oh wait, that’s the Longines Conquest 39mm in black. 😏

[@krit5339]

I guess beggars can be choosers.

[@UltraDoug]

@@krit5339 lol good one.

[@boypaulkim]

214270 does have AR coating underneath.

[@MrThehardway]

I kept hearing that this watch was supposed to be the Rolex that "punched above its weight," but it just doesn't...still a great watch though, but more OP 39 then anything...

[@Romio666]

Is true that Rolex would release an anniversary edition in 2021 ?!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I sure hope so. They keep their secrets pretty close to the vest

[@BaoNguyen-wp8vh]

let's hope they don't upsize it to 41mm like the OP 😂

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

I have 16.25cm does it has dinner plate effect?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Hmm, might be a bit big. Depends on if you like bigger watches. If not, you might consider the 36mm explorer from a decade ago

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial problem is the prices went to the roof

[@andrewholt3849]

An excellent video and history with the date different references were introduced, although there doesn't seem to be any definitive reference for that info and you take it on trust it's accurate. I think Rolex are a disappointment when you get one and are very expensive for what they offer and what you can get for your money elsewhere: notably Swatch Group brands, like Omega; Breguet; Glashutte Original; Blancpain and some other brands not made in such vast quantities, like Rolex but which is still unattainable without paying a premium or a long wait. If you are going to cover other brands as you develop and I'm sure your subscriptions will take off if all your videos are as well written; made and presented: Girard Perregaux/ Jean Richard/ Ulysee Nardin/ Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600/ Panerai/ Frederick Constant Highlife 2020.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Andrew for your recommendations! You mentioned some great value proposition there 👍

[@andrewholt3849]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial The Frederic Constant just released look good.

[@resjon7981]

The triangle is misaligned, 7k and QC failure is not on. Pause the video at 2:39.

[@geert7128]

In 30 years people will pay 20k more for this error.. don't worry about it. Tropical dails on omega watches where also fabric errors and look at them now.

[@victormayer8519]

There is no error.. the triangle is perfectly aligned.The angle in which the light is shining is fuller on the left of the triangle than it is on the right.

[@resjon7981]

@@geert7128 True!

[@kurts4867]

If they make the Explorer LARGER that will certainly ruin it. Any new versions have to go down in size. If the 36mm version is what everyone wants then BRING THAT SIZE BACK . Simple really...

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

36 is good, but I think a lot of people feel like that is a bit small for a sports watch. Personally I will take a 38 mm Explorer any day!

[@MarkMphonoman]

I too like the current size of the Explorer. However, a 36mm would be nice as well. Would be a difficult choice for me.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

I think 39 is perfect, but no larger!

[@FouseQuentin]

38 would be a great size !

[@jsytac]

Neither climber was wearing a Rolex. Hillary carried a Smiths and Norgay probably carried a Smiths.

[@David_10157]

More Rolex fanboys should know this. It would have been nice if Max would have acknowledged it.

[@georgetown8986]

The climbers were waiting for the call from the AD. So that counts.

[@kenn82draw]

😂😂😂 ​@@georgetown8986

[@poolmonkey]

@@georgetown8986 Legend has it they are still waiting for the call.

[@brendond.3158]

Seiko is the Rolex of this Century. Rolex made its way view last Century in the early 1920s with their Day, Date, and time.. Now it is 2020 and Seiko comes out with their innovative mechanical quattz movement GS sold at 6k. A quartz! Seiko 🎌

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Interesting comparison. I assume you are including Grand Seiko in your argument. Time will tell 👍

[@brendond.3158]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial That's what I meant....thank you 🎯

[@gemmadevereaux2139]

Hi Marcs, are you single?

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Oui 😉

[@johnprosser5035]

Master in craftsmanship? Its all done by machines...there is no craftsmanship

[@tommylopez8338]

My Timex Expedition Is also 100 m WR and has chronograph, Day Date Month, 24 hour time option, second time zone, three alarms and count down timer. Be honest a Rolex people....which watch is better out in the boonies?? Deep down inside you know the Timex is better for Exploring. Agree???

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, I don't think you can really make that comparison. I have multiple quartz watches I wear when I'm out in the wilderness, but I wouldn't be caught dead wearing it with formal attire.

[@omarmontes9380]

What the hel1 is a timex???

[@MattH-wg7ou]

There's always someone that tries to argue that a Corolla will get you to the Symphony just the same as an S Class or Rolls-Royce but they clearly miss the point. It's just not about telling time, dude.

[@rustyshackleford17]

For me, I no longer emotionally connect with any of the Rolex models. Outside of the costs, it took me a while to understand why. As a brand and as a product, Rolex is a bit too "Disney" to me. Everything is a bit too "refined," everything is a bit too "sanitized," everything is a bit too "designed by committee" for my liking. The lume is certainly not "generously applied." As the price and scarcity of these watches continue to rise, so does my desire and interest decrease.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Well said. Do you feel the same about modern Omega?

[@MrThehardway]

Can't disagree with a Rusty Shackleford...

[@MrThehardway]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Omega is lost...they still think its the 1960s where they're battling for dive contracts with Rolex...while there's a nostalgia for the "tool watch" days, these are luxury items now and Rolex is doing the best at blending the past with the present...

[@tiongloo5310]

Though I do agree with your comments, the resale value is in general is able to hold its value. That's another plus not that I am selling my explorer. At least when I do pass the watch to the younger generation, it is still an asset.

[@robmcd436]

The first mistake was never put any watch down on its crown. Dreadful. I picked up my new Explorer 1 on Saturday. It’s really is stunning. I don’t agree that it looks like a diner plate on the wrist. It feels smaller than one thinks and that is down to the tapered strap.