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I was going through this recently, and found quite a bit of extra features on the explorer were worth the small increase in price. Better clasp, blue lume, black dial, bigger hands, much easier to see the time. 1 vote for explorer, but I wanted a black dial and unfortunately the OP line doesn't offer that.
 
To those that have the 39 mm OP - how do you find fit particularly the bracelet sizing ? This is critical for me the 3 micro adjustments on the inside of clasp seem difficult to access , no 1/2 links to play with sizing - this is a potential issue - wrist is just under 7"

I'm wearing a Squale 20 atmos [ typical Sub Homage - ] just because I can get a nice fit with bracelet .. Hate the hands !
My wrist is also just under seven inches and have found the op to be very comfortable. Using the micro adjustments would be a lot easier if I had the tweezer like spring bar tool. I just have a normal spring bar tool so it's not that easy but still possible. When I first got the watch I did try a few different bracelet fits (two links removed and the widest microadjust position vs one link removed and the tightest micro adjustments position and eventually settled on the latter) . Now I don't have any reason to change the adjustments. The watch is very comfortable as it is. I just came back from a holiday in Sri Lanka and Singapore.. both places are hot and humid . The lack of an easy link was certainly felt but again I just got used to wearing it a little tighter than I normally do. So in the end the lack of the easy link is not a huge problem for me.

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Very tough choice. I prefer the 36mm Explorer to the 39mm for the same reason as an earlier poster - the proportions just look right. That means I'd probably go with the OP if the only choice were one of these two. If you're after a leftfield (non-Rolex) alternative, then you couldn't do much worse than a 38.5mm Aqua Terra.
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
I gave up on Omega seamasters - including Aqua Terra - no micro adjusments

I feeling more confident in the fit of the Explorer - Looking to have fewer watches maybe 3-4 - Explorer would be a mainstay
daily wear , maybe one dress watch - black strap ... & a beater

will try to see if I can try on an explorer , seem to be sold out around here
 
Both are excellent watches, you can't go wrong with either of them. I sold my 216570 for the 114300. I think the OP is the least pretentious watch in the Rolex line up. It's a true classic. From a technical point of view the only differences btw. the OP and the Explorer are the bezel and the clasp. At first I thought that the oysterclasp might no be as secure as the oysterlock. But since owning the watch I had no issues whatsoever. It feels very sturdy and secure. But it's a nother story with the missing easy link. Good news is, you can buy an easy link with the reference number 32-20193 and install it on your clasp. (Thanks to "Alpino" from the "rolexforums.com" for pointing that out). Regarding the dial I do prefer the OP to the Explorer, but that might be very subjective. Nevertheless, as someone has mentioned already, the Explorer dial seems definitely easier to read.

Image
 
I'm torn between these two models myself. I love the look of the OP dial, but struggle with the neon dots. A handsome look for 2017, but won't age as classically.

The Explorer is truly the most versatile, but sometimes I find myself not wanting the numerals on the dial.

You can't go wrong either way. They are both stunning watches.


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I believe the Explorer 1 and the 114300 have the same movement. I have the Rhodium 114300 and I absolutely love it but selling it to get a 114060 subC, I didn't lose interest but i've always wanted a sub for the longest time and couldn't really afford one at the time so I held out and got the OP.
The explorer is a fantastic watch with a lot of history. I'd try them both on and see which one slaps you across the face and says "buy me" ;)
 
I'm trying to see the explorer again but out of stock at 2 of the large AD'S ? interesting wondering if they are limiting production - supply / demand
I know the Explorer is out-of-stock at the ADs in Northern California and at all the ADs in London. Everyone either has a wait list or is just turning away business. Seems to be a lot of demand for Rolex sport models in general, but not sure if it's due to a change in production...
 
I was at the same point a year ago, loving both models. I got the Explorer because it has the best readability of all the Rolex line. Also without glasses I can read it!
And: The missing lume on the 3,6,9 has a big advantage. Without glasses I cannot distinguish the number from the stick... So the missing three lumes are perfect, I always get the time also without having the watch worn 😎
 
G26okie that OP looks great ! :-!
What size is your wrist ? How do you find micro adjustment
thanks
Thanks.

My wrist is 7.25 inches.

As far as bracelet sizing, I like to wear it loose so that when my wrist swells its not too tight. Right now I have all the links that came with it and the micro adjustment set at the tightest position.

The difference between the tightest and farthest micro adjustment hole is about half link.

Another great pic
Image
 
Thanks.

My wrist is 7.25 inches.

As far as bracelet sizing, I like to wear it loose so that when my wrist swells its not too tight. Right now I have all the links that came with it and the micro adjustment set at the tightest position.

The difference between the tightest and farthest micro adjustment hole is about half link.

Another great pic
Image
That IS a great pic. Wow that is just a sensational watch. I would have to say the perfect sizing for your wrist as well. Classic!

Just to confirm that is the 39mm?

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When I look into photo, I pour all my heart on the OP.
with 2 reasons,
1st. I like straight hand more than Mercedes hand. (weird, I admitted :p)
2nd. is I like the absolute simplicity of OP. (blue, rhodium, olive, all deserve their own classy look.)
May be I am getting older, my Cellini DualTime is on my wrist more than the Explorer II now.
BUT, there is a big but here.
When I did try the real Explorer on my wrist.
man,
I don't know, it just quietly shows its perfect blend of sporty with subtle elegant.
Now I understand why so many people fall in love with it and there is a long thread in the forum.
My suggestion is try both on your wrist with different time and weight your decision later.
It is really a tough choice here.
Cheer!!
 
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