New Oyster Perpetual v. Explorer 1
Discussion
Gentlemen,
I have been looking to buy my first rolex. Have saved up about 4K but have some flexibility. Fell in love with the Explorer 1 but my AD showed me the Oyster Perpetual with the grey dial and blue accents and it looks really lovely in the flesh.
There's nearly a 1K difference between the two models and the OP almost looks the more expensive of the two - although I understand that the explorer is more robust.
I would wear this watch to work with a suit during the week but I'd still like it to be fairly tough - nothing too rough expected - I'd just like to wear it at the weekend a bit without worrying about it too much.
Any thoughts gentlemen? I'm sure some of you have far more knowledge than me and might have a view.
I have been looking to buy my first rolex. Have saved up about 4K but have some flexibility. Fell in love with the Explorer 1 but my AD showed me the Oyster Perpetual with the grey dial and blue accents and it looks really lovely in the flesh.
There's nearly a 1K difference between the two models and the OP almost looks the more expensive of the two - although I understand that the explorer is more robust.
I would wear this watch to work with a suit during the week but I'd still like it to be fairly tough - nothing too rough expected - I'd just like to wear it at the weekend a bit without worrying about it too much.
Any thoughts gentlemen? I'm sure some of you have far more knowledge than me and might have a view.
Could you post photos of the two you're considering?
I have an OP DJ and was considering a GMT or other "sports/divers" Rolex but what puts me off is that they are so in fashion as to be going out of fashion, if you get what I mean? That almost every Rolex I see is a Sub, Explorer, etc makes them seem a bit common now.
But at the end of the day you have to decide whether you're buying it because you like it or to become one of the fashionista?
I have an OP DJ and was considering a GMT or other "sports/divers" Rolex but what puts me off is that they are so in fashion as to be going out of fashion, if you get what I mean? That almost every Rolex I see is a Sub, Explorer, etc makes them seem a bit common now.
But at the end of the day you have to decide whether you're buying it because you like it or to become one of the fashionista?
Mikey1986 said:
Oyster Perpetual
https://www.rolex.com/watches/images/jfbgdk3/share...
Explorer 1
https://i.reddituploads.com/868382e8bf1546bcba2f84...
As both photos are of the OP, I'd say you are heading toward that? https://www.rolex.com/watches/images/jfbgdk3/share...
Explorer 1
https://i.reddituploads.com/868382e8bf1546bcba2f84...
Could it be you prefer the Exp1 but are just trying to save a grand? Go with your heart, not your head, or you may always regret not spending the extra when you see the watch you love on someone else's wrist.
They are both essentially the same watch - other than the clasp, lume, hands & bezel, the differences are largely cosmetic (and in price, of course).
Obvious differences - Explorer vs. OP 39
- Mercedes vs. Stick Hands - the former are recognisably very Rolex (and more readable for older eyes) but the latter dressier
- Printed Coronet (the Rolex crown logo on the dial ) vs. Applied Coronet - I happen to like the applied crown more, though printed is perhaps more appropriate for a watch which aspires to be more 'tool'-like
- Folding safety clasp plus Easylink extension vs Normal Clasp - this is the biggest difference, with the Explorer having the more secure folding lock, and an easy flick-out 5mm extension, which is a godsend if your wrist is prone to swelling on hot days
- Flatter bezel vs. dressier domed bezel
- Much more lume on the Explorer, for reading in low-light
They both have exactly the same internal movement, shock resistance, sapphire crystal, accuracy, screw-down twinlock crown & 100m water resistance.
Neither is more robust / tougher than the other, they'll equally take a kicking at the weekend.
In fact, whilst the Explorer's legend is indelibly (if a little dubiously) linked to Hillary's ascent of Everest, it was actually an Oyster Perpetual he carried - it was not until afterwards that the 'Explorer' moniker was attached in tribute.
The Oyster Perpetual classification is the generic base for most of Rolex's line-up e.g. the Submariner.
The Explorer has a bit more function, and a little more 'cachet', but I think the OP 39 with grey rhodium dial & blue dial markings is stunning, and easily one of Rolex's nicest models.
The Oyster Perpetual is sometime unfairly called the 'entry level' Rolex, because it's the least expensive. That is total nonsense, as there's no such thing as an entry level Rolex - they all have similar technology and are built to the same standards & rigour. In fact, both those models have the newer, better Paraflex shock absorbers, whereas the Submariner still has the older KIF versions.
Both are the perfect 'one watch' solution, capable of being worn with any attire, and from the beach to boardroom. So, really, it's a choice between the Explorer's sporty look and slightly enhanced functions, versus the OP's more beautiful, dressier leanings.
Can't go wrong.
Obvious differences - Explorer vs. OP 39
- Mercedes vs. Stick Hands - the former are recognisably very Rolex (and more readable for older eyes) but the latter dressier
- Printed Coronet (the Rolex crown logo on the dial ) vs. Applied Coronet - I happen to like the applied crown more, though printed is perhaps more appropriate for a watch which aspires to be more 'tool'-like
- Folding safety clasp plus Easylink extension vs Normal Clasp - this is the biggest difference, with the Explorer having the more secure folding lock, and an easy flick-out 5mm extension, which is a godsend if your wrist is prone to swelling on hot days
- Flatter bezel vs. dressier domed bezel
- Much more lume on the Explorer, for reading in low-light
They both have exactly the same internal movement, shock resistance, sapphire crystal, accuracy, screw-down twinlock crown & 100m water resistance.
Neither is more robust / tougher than the other, they'll equally take a kicking at the weekend.
In fact, whilst the Explorer's legend is indelibly (if a little dubiously) linked to Hillary's ascent of Everest, it was actually an Oyster Perpetual he carried - it was not until afterwards that the 'Explorer' moniker was attached in tribute.
The Oyster Perpetual classification is the generic base for most of Rolex's line-up e.g. the Submariner.
The Explorer has a bit more function, and a little more 'cachet', but I think the OP 39 with grey rhodium dial & blue dial markings is stunning, and easily one of Rolex's nicest models.
The Oyster Perpetual is sometime unfairly called the 'entry level' Rolex, because it's the least expensive. That is total nonsense, as there's no such thing as an entry level Rolex - they all have similar technology and are built to the same standards & rigour. In fact, both those models have the newer, better Paraflex shock absorbers, whereas the Submariner still has the older KIF versions.
Both are the perfect 'one watch' solution, capable of being worn with any attire, and from the beach to boardroom. So, really, it's a choice between the Explorer's sporty look and slightly enhanced functions, versus the OP's more beautiful, dressier leanings.
Can't go wrong.
DJMC said:
Mikey1986 said:
Oyster Perpetual
https://www.rolex.com/watches/images/jfbgdk3/share...
Explorer 1
https://i.reddituploads.com/868382e8bf1546bcba2f84...
As both photos are of the OP, I'd say you are heading toward that? https://www.rolex.com/watches/images/jfbgdk3/share...
Explorer 1
https://i.reddituploads.com/868382e8bf1546bcba2f84...
Could it be you prefer the Exp1 but are just trying to save a grand? Go with your heart, not your head, or you may always regret not spending the extra when you see the watch you love on someone else's wrist.
UnclePat - thanks for that summary. Really good. I hadn't appreciated that the mechanism inside was the same actually.
This is a tricky one. I'll have to go see them in person again. I think the OP is the way forward for me but I do prefer the hands on the Explorer 1. Another factor is that there is a wait list for the explorer too.
This is a tricky one. I'll have to go see them in person again. I think the OP is the way forward for me but I do prefer the hands on the Explorer 1. Another factor is that there is a wait list for the explorer too.
Wills2 said:
But they both look like a Rolex? 
But the OP 39 doesn't "scream" Rolex. It's pretty subtle and discreet. I think it's a really classy elegant piece, especially in grey (which can appear anything from silver to black depending on how the light hits it). The blue dots lift it without appearing garish imo.
Of these 2 I would go for the OP. I don't really see what you're getting with the Explorer that justifies the significant additional outlay.
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