Trying the Rolex Explorer 40mm + Why Watches are Badly Designed!!!

As I pay my penance, whilst in Rolex Purgatory, I visit the local AD and try on the 40mm Explorer. Here, I offer my thoughts on the new size, as well as a surprise DJ revelation. I also share my opinion on how unfit for purpose, most modern watches are.

[@michaelsaraceno3438]

Really is such a personal preference and choice. I don’t have a large wrist, about 6.3”, have a speed master pro moonwatch, Omega Seamaster pro 300m (that’s pushing boundaries for me but after all, it’s a diver) and my first Rolex, an Explorer 40m. I love the explorer. Such a clean classic dial, functional, easy to read, designed with purpose and is such a timeless classic. I tried the 36mm DJ and to me it really felt like wearing a woman’s dress watch. I realize to each his own and historically a 36mm was a very common men’s watch; it’s all just personal preference. Everyone should wear their pieces in good health and spirit.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Amen to that!

[@wristfulthings9676]

So agree. Have an Explorer 36 with the same size wrist and I thought it was a little small on me, My wife and daughter took a look when I brought the watch home and said it looks too small. Personal preference all the way, I think the 36 looks great on some bigger guys but just not for me personally.

[@explorerjlc1743]

40mm exp is too large for me at 6.75inch

[@Anonymouslyme1]

If you think it’s too big that’s why they are giving you the option of the 36mm. I bought the 40mm Explorer recently and it fits me perfectly, wears much smaller than my 40mm ceramic sub which is very bulky and heavy in comparison.

[@Explorer40mm]

40 actually measures 38.5. Wears much smaller than OP41

[@RocketDog73]

I find that my 40 mm Explorer feels small on my 7.5/7.75” wrists. I love it though 🤙

[@russheins6458]

I wish it was 42 mm, I’d have to have it then !!!

[@MrBeautalkz]

The 40mm exploder is a sleeper for sure. Fits better than my aqua terra 41 on my 7 inch wrists. Also It measures closer to 39.

[@NicolasMiari]

I too have a 7 inch wrist and although I love the SMP at 42 mm, I prefer the 38 mm AT. Different watch, different size!

[@Emach76]

If you are right handed you would have more dexterity with that hand which would make it easier to manipulate the crown, bezel, and pushers with that right hand. If you wore the watch where most watch people say to wear it, which is above the head of your ulna bone, then it wouldn't dig into your wrist. In my opinion for a right handed person it is actually the most optimal way to wear a wrist watch.

[@roygaya]

I wear my watches a bit above on my wrist, above the bone, so I don't have the problem of crown/crown guards digging into my skin. However, I do wear my watches on my right arm when I am driving manual, in order to reduce tear and wear on the caliber.

[@thesavagelifestyle332]

I always wear my watch on my right wrist and I'm right handed for the same reason you mentioned. I tried on an explorer 36mm a year or so ago, I've got a 7 inch wrist and it looked too small. However about a month or so ago I had the chance to buy the 40 mm at retail which I personally really love, finally got a ' fleming '!! A couple of weeks after this I was also offered an explorer II polar at retail which at first I thought would be to big. Turns out fits really well so pretty pleased with my purchases......next stop the no date sub! 😇

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Wow congratulations! You got the call for two great watches!

[@fan-jo2je]

Couple things depending on where you wear your watch will depend if the crown will dig or not. I wear my watch snug and just beyond my wrist bone so not an issue for me. I own the explorer 40 and my wrist is 6.75 I think it’s perfect. I guess just personal preference.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Agreed, and it's also dependent on what watch you had on and had mentally adjusted to before trying it on. I was putting it on from a DJ36 so it I knew it would always feel big. The difference is the comparison between it and the 36mm really

[@johnt2694]

Surprised that you’re not interested in the Explorer 36.

[@mattsa]

Left wrist is the norm for right-handers so you don’t drag the watch around while writing and can access the crown without taking it off. Probably less relevant these days as most of us use both hands on a keyboard. And another factor is your wrist structure. I have a prominent left wrist (ulna?) bone which prevents the watch sliding down my wrist and therefore the crown biting into my hand. Works well!

[@MBCGRS]

I brought the Explorer 40 mm from the same AD where you tried yours on. I also wear my watch on my right wrist. I do this because I am ambidextrous, and it feels correct. I love the size. People wank on about too much negative space blah, blah... I don't care. Just love my watch, and it is my daily wearer..

[@alanchappell4845]

Speaking of wanking you may over wind an auto watch when wearing it on your dominant wrist!

[@TwentyOne_Five]

All of the coolness of the Explorer comes from its vintage sizing. 34-36mm was a full sized medium watch for a man in the 1950s. Real manly adventurers didn’t give a crap about “wrist presence”. They cared about their watch staying out the way when they were climbing, sailing, bull fighting and having sex. So the Explorer needs to be classically sized to be right. At 39-40mm it’s a different watch and quite boring.

[@ustac1247]

Very well put. 36mm is the right size for this watch. It was designed to be very easy to read, and yet be light on the wrist and stay out of one's way while climbing. At 40mm, it's pancaky and very much in the way if you're climbing. The Explorer II is now more of an all-around travel and adventure watch, so it gets away with 42mm. Plus, even if you're spelunking (cave diving) per the Exp2's original purpose, you're not going to be banging into rocks as much as you would if you were rock climbing or mountain climbing.

[@thomaspeters2117]

its from being able to wind and set the watch without removing it before the invention of automatic watches.

[@drloch]

Personally, i wear my watch on my left wrist despite being right handed, but my wife tells me that a lot of finance people who grew up with land line phones wear their watches on their right wrist so dealers can hold the phone receiver to their ear with their left hand, write notes with right hand and see what exact time it is as well when making time sensitive deals. So there you are. Maybe you’re a trader at heart!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Ahh now that sounds very practical 😂

[@Mark_G77]

That DJ 41 config is my favourite in mint.

[@JacobLawrenceCanning]

Luckily the Explorer 40 is 38.6 mm. Couldn't ask for a better size. Rolexes most legible sports watch of all time.

[@alexbizz]

I choose to wear my watches on the left wrist which is my non-dominant hand. IMO, you are more likely to damage your watch on your dominant hand.

[@Saints-Forever]

I agree. Wearing a watch on your dominant hand tend to risk scratching and denting the watch more. I also think by having the crown on the right and wearing on the less dominant hand allow a quick adjustment of the watch by the dominant hand.

[@peakrider4886]

I’m like you Mark, right handed and wear my watch on the right wrist. I just find it more comfortable that way. If you think originally wrist watches were developed from pocket watches in WWI, with most people being right handed it made sense for it to be on the left wrist, as the right hand was gripping a rifle stock and the trigger, and it would have been easier to turn the left wrist to check the time. Plus, as these watches were hand wound, the right handed soldiers would have found it easier to wind the watch with the crown on the right side of the case, and in those days if you were left handed, they beat that out of you in school thinking you were some sort of deviant.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I think you definitely nailed it there!

[@theartstraveler]

First time viewer. You are great on cam. Very enjoyable!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Thank you so much!

[@oneeyeman6258]

As for the crown digging into my left hand, it never happens. I wear my watches above the wrist bone so the crown is well out of the way.

[@jaysterling26]

Answer to which hand /crown problem for left -hand watch wearers: Citizen NY0040 ( for 'frugalists" like me, or a Tudor Pelagos LHD for big spenders). Also, isn't the 'right hand free' to do with taking one's sword out of its holder ( not a euphemism ...) as the 'sinistras' were killed for being witches? The Explorer's numerals look stuck in the 70s for me .

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I could make a follow-up video on reasons to wear a watch on your left hand, and sword reaching freedom is definitely a good one! 4 o'clock crown all the way!

[@majedalessa8376]

Few remarks, the Explorer I 39mm ref 214270 was produced from 2010 to 2021 (11 years) and the watch has it own cult and followers, so saying the 39mm was not popular is far from truth. However, the fact is that prior to 2017 most Rolex SS models such as explorers, DJs, Air King, OPs, ...etc. were less in demand compared to Subs, GMTs, and Daytonas (Rolex Holy Trinity). As for the Explorer 40 mm dimension and aesthetics, compared to the 36mm, the watch has better sized barclect and thickness, while compared to the 39mm, it has shorter lugs and less thickness. Nothing is simple about Rolex.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Thanks for the info. Very handy

[@Coolguy24686]

How about the Yacht Master 40 Rhodium ? You might like that.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Not keen on the YM bezel unfortunately, but it is a nice watch

[@Coolguy24686]

@@TheRandomWatchDude Same here. Everything apart from the history of the watch and the bezel are great. The size and curvature of the case fits smaller to medium sized wrists very well.

[@KO-fr2is]

You should try wearing your watches higher on your wrist by making the belt a bit tighter. Seiko designed their Seiko 5 series with a crown on the 4 O'clock position for the crown would not dig into the back of your hand. They have some Grand Seiko's with a 4 O'clock crown too. With Rolex, GMT2 Sprite solves your issue. But then again, there is nothing wrong with wearing watches on your dominant right hand.

[@nedflanders3769]

I would probably like the fit of the 39mm explorer, although I’ve never tried it on. I’m starting to like “smaller” watches, 38.5mm and up, even though I have a big 8 inch wrist. I like the looks and don’t think it’s too small for me. I appreciate the humor in your videos. Cynical and snarky but not in your face. 😅

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I wonder if with age, I might look to smaller case sizes. More practical, and not so conspicuous on the wrist. 36mm really is the ideal size for me as long as it has a substantial bracelet and nice chunky clasp, which the DJ36 has. The 36mm Explorer is perfect in so many respects. The cynicism is almost entirely just me being playful BTW. I'm always conscious of how this luxury watch channel is very much a first world problem

[@JacobLawrenceCanning]

try the Explorer 40, it's a 38.6 mm watch. Not sure why Rolex labels it as a 40 but they do the same with the OP41 ETC. The explorer 36 is actually 35mm with an extremely thin bracelet.

[@onedirection3510]

That particular Seamaster you have looks spectacular! Have you considered the Aqua Terra?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@onedirection3510 hello yes I have looked at the AT. I'm just not sure that it will hold my adoration long enough, due to it not have a timing bezel.

[@mrg1911]

When one wears the watch up the arm above the wrist bone, there is no crown digging anywhere. (Looks silly down on the hand anyway)

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Very dependent on wrist shape in my opinion, as if I wear my watch further up my wrist it doesn't settle anywhere and looks dorky. Wrist shape variation is a thing!

[@gregnorth1982]

I can't say the crown digs into my hand to be honest. I do know that as a righty, when i want to adjust the watch all i need to do is bend my left wrist down and I can access the crown with my right hand without reaching over the watch. 😊

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Understood. Personally I like to remove the watch from my wrist when I adjust it, whatever wrist or crown orientation.

[@bobbycalifornia7077]

Felt the same way when I tried on the new 40 Explorer. I just don't get the point of it.

[@liquid_metal]

It's to tell the time.

[@THX-C]

Spot on about the Explorer40 - it is just too big. I currently wear the MN-FXD and despite its size and L2L, it wears extremely well but a watch that size without a timing/GMT bezel is too big. The 1016 was a perfect watch but Rolex Kithed* it up with the tarted up squared arabics. I sold my 114270 because I really wanted a 1016. *kithed, tagged - synonyms for effed up taken from Tag and the things they’ve done to Heuer since its acquisition in the 1980s. Kith specifically refers to the new Kith watches, Kith on the dial.

[@nikolastojanov8749]

I think left or right hand is just a matter of habit. I am right handed and i wear on left cuz when a watch is on my right hand, i dang it into mandom obstacle way more then its on the left

[@CykOfficial]

The crown is designed on the right is for ease of setting the time. I think it’s still ok and not really digging into my wrist, especially the Rolexes. Maybe it’s an issue for people wear their loosely

[@mbglobal6246]

hi man, i dnt mean to be rude i would just like to ask how is it living in area where there is this constant buzzing insect noise, its in every your video, iam just courious does it become irating or does the noise ever stop, or is it always around?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Hello I think the mic picks up the insect noise a bit more than the human ear, but yes my garden is pretty well stocked with birds and insects. It's planned that way. Concrete back yards are a waste of space in my view!

[@nickmills9265]

Interesting what you commented about wrist wearing, I did a post on a social media channel last week regarding this and hope I didn’t offend anyone with the “serial killer” comment. I do wear it on the left wrist but not so far forward that the crown digs into my hand and also quite loose, especially in the warmer months. Love the 40mm Explorer, watches start at 40mm for me and anything less is normally a “no-go” dependent on the model. Hoping to get a call for that exact Explorer model soon…….maybe. 🤔

[@Andrew-yy2ye]

Seiko has a four o'clock crown on it's Willard turtle and a cushion case , very comfortable........and Hillary wore a Smith's on the mountain Mark

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

4 o'clock crown is definitely the ideal location isn't it! I read over the weekend that he wore a Smiths on his wrist and had the Rolex in his backpack, but only he really knows!

[@Andrew-yy2ye]

@@TheRandomWatchDude true watch dude friend only he knows

[@nickmills9265]

Another theory I read about regarding Sir Ed was that he was wearing a Smiths watch, but an assistant at a Rolex AD insisted that he carried the Explorer in his backpack. 🤷‍♂️ An Explorer I with a white dial might be interesting also.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I read that too, that he was wearing a Smiths but had a Rollie in his backpack

[@calvintran4210]

Love this video as a left handed person!

[@dunderhay9169]

In my opinion, if the crown is digging in, the watch is too loose and dropping too close to the hand. Seiko designed the perfect crown placement and protection on the Turtle, no chance of that crown ever being uncomfortable 👍

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

That's so true. The crown at 4pm position is perfect. Also I think every wrist is a slightly different shape. Some people have round wrists, and some people have flat or oval wrists, so the position the watch feels comfortable in will vary.

[@dunderhay9169]

@@TheRandomWatchDude Yes, those with flat wrists can get away with a longer lug to lug too.

[@frp88k]

My everyday watch

[@Zotrax1946]

Because wearing it on my dominant hand would mean scratches and bangs galore. Plus, the “correct” way of wearing a watch is above the wrist In exactly the point where the crown does not dig into the hand. Yet to each his own, enjoy it the way you want to, mate 👍🏻

[@PabloTBrave]

I have a pelagos LHD and for a watch that big the crown on the other side is perfect . I do prefer the fluted bezel which is why I got a 126334.

[@denbo74]

I have the same size wrist and the Explorer 40 looks smallish on my wrist. My Speedmaster looks way bigger

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

It's often relative yo what you've just been wearing too I think. To go from a Speedy to a 40mm would make the 40mm feel small. But go from a 36mm to a 40mm and it suddenly feels like a frying pan. I think the 36mm is perfectly proportioned for a time-only watch

[@CykOfficial]

I have absolutely no love for the Explorer 40, but I LOVE my Air King which is also 40mm. Never liked that model. As for the DJ41, I feel any domed bezel on the 41mm is too big and unnecessary. So if I were to really go for domed bezel, it can only be 36mm or smaller

[@JacekS406]

I have a 6.5 inch wrist which is smaller than yours and Explorer 40 fits great.

[@Coolguy24686]

Would a Submariner be attainable for you to get from your AD ?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I've had a few nice watches from my ADs but the Sub (NO DATE) has always been out of reach for some reason.

[@Coolguy24686]

@@TheRandomWatchDude ​​⁠ Would that be at the same AD’s you got your Sprite and Batman from ?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@Chillguy849 yes that's right. Ironically I could get a Sprite and a Batman, but the Sub was never really close!

[@Coolguy24686]

@@TheRandomWatchDude Is this true for both the Sub date and no date ?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@@Coolguy24686 Yes I think so. Subs are so hard to get here in NZ. GMTs are easier so go figure that!

[@patrickkuehn5970]

Why do people treat the Explorer’s size different than the other oyster perpetuals and date justs? They were all only available in 36mm until 2015. Why is the Explorer the only watch that must stay the original size, and the only sports watch people want to be small? Peopled weighed about 1/3 less on average in 1950. The dial size is the same as the 38mm Aqua Terra or Hamilton Khaki Field.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@patrickkuehn5970 ahh well this is the fickle world of watch collecting. I agree with your sentiment. Just like most people say the 39mm Explorer was weird and too big, but this updated version isn't! It don't make no sense!

[@emmanuelrodriguez5044]

I thought on buying the day just 41 white but the more I see it it looks to boring in comparison with the explorer II polar which is the the one I really want, I try to have a reason for all my watches and I think the explorer polar is the best vacation watch. That would be a good idea to make a video “ Best vacation watch “

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I really like the white dials, and a white dialled Explorer 36mm would send the watch world into a frenzy. White dialled EXP2 is a very good choice for a vacation watch, and yes a great idea for a video. I'm making a video shortly on interview watches, so vacation could be another good topic.

[@emmanuelrodriguez5044]

@@TheRandomWatchDude Thank you Mark for your response and it’s always a pleasure watch you videos my friend

[@ellisd.wilsonjr.4114]

I Luv The Watch Despite It Wearing Small On My Wrist. I Think It’s A Judgement Call Based On Preference. I’d Buy It At 40mm’s🖤🖤🖤

[@jongoodman7448]

I find these videos oddly entertaining. If you have a 7.25” wrist, you can absolutely wear a 40mm Explorer, especially knowing it’s not a true 40. Second, you must be wearing your watches incredibly low on the wrist for the crown to dig in. Third, please never double wrist things again. Then, right when I’m ready to write the whole thing off and ask for a refund of my time, you make the remarkable observation about the white dial DJ 41. How brilliant. All the more considering its vastly greater versatility. I was so pleased over the argument that, against my better judgment, I decided to subscribe. 😂

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Well what a Rollercoaster ride I must have taken you on there! Thanks for sticking with it!

[@nickgarcia5799]

Odd, of all the reviews I’ve watched about the new Explorer, you’re the only one who says it wears large. The rest of the reviews I’ve seen all unanimously have said it wears smaller than the 39mm version due to the lug to lug measurements. Interesting.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Yes it's quite strange isn't it. I've read that the new and old Explorers are both the same case size so any notion that they wear differently is psychological, surely? So if the 39mm wore big then why doesn't the new 39/40mm? Us watch critics are strange folk!! 🤔

[@jamesbastian3826]

Sweat gets into the pushers and the crown on my Speedmaster if I wear it on my right hand.

[@europaexplorer1]

Try Sinn EZM3 which has the crown on the left!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I have the GMT Master 2 left hand crown for that

[@h.l6344]

I have the 39mm its just perfect size watch for me not too small or too big perfect everyday no nonsense (boring) watch 😂 but I still love it thats why its in my for keep collection ❤

[@robertvanderpoel7721]

Rolex released the Explorer AFTER the Mount Everest climb, so Hillary and Norgay both did not wear an Explorer at all. Norgay did wear a Rolex, and to commemorate the climb, Rolex released the watch called Explorer. Rolex never has claimed that the Explorer has been worn on the first successful climb of Mount Everest. Google is king guys

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Got it off Google, so it must be 100% true! I think we all agree that there wasn't a Rollie on anyone's wrist, but the ADs would happily tell you there was! 😉

[@robertvanderpoel7721]

@@TheRandomWatchDude My bad, it was Hillary who wore the Rolex op. Here’s the story: THE FIRST WATCH TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST A Rolex Oyster Perpetual was the watch that accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to his expedition to Mount Everest. The Rolex watch successfully made it to the highest peak of the mountain and returned in perfect condition. Today, The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a historic symbol and is on display at the Beyer Watch and Clock Museum in Switzerland.

[@kevinhan721]

Didn't wear Explorer. Period.

[@alyw.7491]

Why in the world would you want a lame Rolex with those beautiful Omegas?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Variety is the spice of life!

[@sensible202]

Is he saying gmt owners can't count?

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

No he is saying GMT owners CAN count, hence don't need a GMT

[@johntoal627]

I personally find the explorer as boring, overrated, and overpriced. I’m sure most people think the opposite to me.

[@picanha694]

Its one of the cheapest rolex you can get and still you get the robust cosc inhouse movement. Understated too which make someone classy and not flashy like the other more expensive models.

[@TL-ph5wg]

39 was the best size, still is… Period.

[@robertvanderpoel7721]

I’ve owned both 39, and 40, and the 0,3mm difference (38,3 vs 38,6) goes unnoticed. Don’t let Rolex’s odd sizing claims fool you. It is just a marketing tool.

[@HL-OOI]

Normally I wear higher than the wrist knuckle .. 😂

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I invented a new body part!!

[@StruanRobertson29]

Too big....I agree, that watch is supposed to be 36mm.

[@eunc00]

If you wear a watch properly the crown isn't anywhere near your hand so doesn't dig in when you bend your wrist.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

My take is that is that with the crown facing up your arm, it doesn't matter how you wear the watch, as it will never be in the way.

[@miabeatz80]

If you need to wind or set your watch while you are wearing it you can't while wearing on your right hand. 😅

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Does anyone actually set their watch whilst wearing it?

[@miabeatz80]

@@TheRandomWatchDude Sometimes. Especially if you were in a rush and don't put it on a winder.

[@keithburford8589]

Bull Heads , flog all your current watches and buy Bull Heads , you can wear them on the correct wrist or caggy if you so want ha ha. Ok lets put the Rolex Everest claim to bed, no no no. A Smiths was on Hillarys wrist , Rolex did have watches ( or a watch ? ) on the expedition but not on the summit , they just , as normal , swiped all the glory. I have to agree regarding the 40mm , I own a Timefactors Smiths Everest at 40mm ( first issue quite a while ago ) and these days it hardly gets any wrist time as it just wears bigger than it actually is , although bare in mind I have a sub 7" girly wrist. I love White Dial watches and own a fair few , if Rolex released a White Dial Explorer 36mm I would gladly sell a kidney to own one . Very few buy a GMT for its intended use I would hazard a guess , but they do look cool 😁.

[@wreagfe]

You don't want to wear your watch on your dominant hand because you're doing most stuff with your dominant hand and you don't want to bounce the watch in anything and everything. Especially when doing "manly things" like having sex, as the manly man below mentioned.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Darn it, what are you doing sexually where your watch can get in the way? Apart from wrapping it around your appendage, I can't see how it can get in the way 😅

[@liquid_metal]

@@TheRandomWatchDude You're rubbing in the wrong direction and stroke.

[@Sumerdini]

🔥💕🔥