Explorer 36 for the more understated ultimate everyday year for someone who wants a Rolex without the bling of a Datejust. I think the opposite for those who wants the DJ with the blingy look with the fluted bezel/jubilee bracelet and with the signature Rolex cyclops, which really screams Rolex from a mile away. I feel like these two watches really are day and night, all comes down to your preference.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Couldn’t hurt to own both if possible then you’ve got all bases covered. Thanks the comment

@avtex108

5 ай бұрын

I have both a 114270 Explorer and a 126234 jubilee fluted green palm dial

@Bisley1

3 ай бұрын

I absolutely agree. I have both and wear the Explorer a lot more, simply because I like understated things. I never get tired of its simplicity and it’s not boring to me. I actually wanted to get an older DJ because their fluted bezels and jubilees (the only configuration I want) aren’t as shiny as the new ones that are cut like diamonds, but when I saw the mint green in person I really loved it and went with a blingy new model instead. But since I have quite a few not so shiny models including the Explorer 2 already, the blingier DJ36 is a nice, dressy addition to my collection that works well as more of a fancy occasions watch (not that it’s limited to that, i like it with a Tshirt too.) Though I wish the new 36 Explorer had the exact same bracelet and case dimensions as the DJ and OP, it’s fine as is and I don’t notice most of the time.

I chose Explorer….26 years ago! Still love it as my daily wear. HNY!

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Glad it’s serving you well. Happy New Year!

I actually looked at both these exact models recently when deciding to buy my first Rolex. I went with the Explorer - an older reference 114270 from 2006. Love it for all the points you mention and honored to have it on my wrist.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

I hope it continues to serve you well, stellar choice. Thanks for watching

Explorer for sure. Flies under the radar. I also like the on the fly clasp.

For me it's the Explorer all the way because it's under the radar. I can wear mine anywhere at any time and in a formal situation it's a watch that will matter only to the people who know what it is.....to everyone else it's just a watch with a black face. The fact it's a Rolex is certainly underplayed by the design .....brilliant !!.

Awesome video!

Great video, I have bought both with 40Ex & 41DJ(white) smooth oyster bracelet. Love & enjoying everyday! Thanks for sharing

Amazing video! 👏🏼👏🏼

@Watchtrader

4 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it

Datejust with the oyster bracelet!

36mm Datejust smooth bezel on jubilee for me but I'm biased as I have exactly that configuration with the Blue Motif Dial. Happy New Year Harry and everyone at Watchtrader ....have a good un.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

A fine choice - Happy New Year!

Very clear information. I like both, very hard choice. Nice video again

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Much appreciate the feedback

@ErwinB46

5 ай бұрын

​@@Watchtrader I have a question. I have a SD 16600 from 2000. I like also the new Explorer 40. Do you guys think they look much the same? I am in doubt. I think I can order one at the AD. Thanks guys. I watch all your videos. Erwin from Holland

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Both are black dial watches but quite different otherwise. The SD has the bezel and the overall build quality and feel of that watch is different to the modern Rolex sports models. I think you should see if you can try an Explorer 40 on in person and see how you feel about it.

@ErwinB46

5 ай бұрын

Thanks. Who of you guys give these feedbacks? I think I can try one. I like now the Explorer 40 as I said and the new Air King also. It is very hard too choose. I have to try them I think as you said. Than I have variaty. SD, Datejust 41 blue on jubilee and one of these. Thnx very much, I like all your videos and information

Thanksvfor the great video, you forgot to mention the explorer has the 5mm bracelet quick extension

It's a tough one. The DJ has the date but the Explorer has the best handset design in watches and one of the best dial designs.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

A tough one indeed 🤔

Both great daily wearers, hard to choose tbh. Happy New Year to the Watchtrader team!

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Happy New Year! Thanks for tuning in

I feel like something like the Oyster Perpetual splits the difference between the two. But can't go wrong with either.

I went the 39 EX1 a couple of years back and use as my daily. I honestly think the EX1 is Rolex's best watch in any size. The 369 and the hands are just perfect. I also went a Santos Dumont as my dress option, which can also be dressed up or down easily, something Cartier does really well. A super versatile two watches. I would also argue that a DJ is the perfect 1 watch choice. On a Jubilee, with a smooth bezel it can be worn in any situation. Boardies or Suit.

I have the 2021 Explorer 36mm, Datejust White Dial Roman Numeral with a jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel and a OP 36mm blue Arabic dial and love all 3. The Datejust is probably my favourite but the Explorer runs it close

I still think 36mm is a good size for men. Enjoyable video

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Agreed - cheers Simon

I currently have OP 41 black and actually want to trade for explorer 40 because of higher legibility and extra secure clasp.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

The OP clasp shouldn’t let you down but if you enjoy the Explorer experience more then go for it!

Just picked up the 36mm Wimbledon smooth oyster for my first.

I will go for the Explorer 36 mm for my wife and the 40 mm for myself. Great video, thank You! Pascal, the Netherlands.

Thanks for sharing! I love the idea of the 3 watch collection.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching - Happy New Year!

Rocking fluted bezel date just with champagne dial on jubilee for over 20 years now. Interested in explorer because of the black dial and no date.

I have the DJ36 (jubilee, fluted bezel) with the blue fluted motif dial. It's the most killer DJ. You gotta mention the fluted motif dials when talking about unique dials!

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

The fluted motif is a killer dial however it is not unique to the 36mm as you can configure it on a 41mm too and that’s why it wasn’t mentioned in this video specifically. Thanks for watching!

@joshuakaplan5726

5 ай бұрын

@@Watchtrader fair point about it also being applicable for the 41s, but it still unique nonetheless.

i have the Exp36 & OP36 (silver dial), a perfect duo !

@markdegaute2125

4 ай бұрын

I have a blue Datejust with OEM Oyster and Jubilee bracelets so I flip flop between both styles

I own the Explorer 36 along with larger pieces ( 41 mm etc ) and must say the lightness of the Explorer is a bonus when I don't want to feel I'm wearing a watch ( formal events) plus is a fantastic piece just to stare at 😁.

@shaun7638

5 ай бұрын

Agreed ,i love the understated look of the watch,class without looking garishly flash...

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Well said - Happy New Year!

Datejust for me but it has to be with a fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet. However, both are great!

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

The classic combination 👌

Exactly the video I needed to decide. Many thanks!

@Watchtrader

4 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

Both great watches and a well presented comparison. Take your pick, there's no wrong here. Grey prices are telling you that either is a fairly easy buy from an AD at present. I expect them both to be available under retail by year's end.

@marc7983

5 ай бұрын

🥴nah, can’t see that happening. Time will tell

@BAF605

5 ай бұрын

@@marc7983 I bought a DJ 36 smooth bezel, oyster one month old for £100 under retail in late 2018. That was the norm except for the madness.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Agreed, both would be amazing to own. Hopefully available with even better value soon

Explorer, every single day of the week!

Explorer 36 any day.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Can’t say you’re wrong, great watch

@Dhagobacayr74

5 ай бұрын

😂 I'm a simple man who doesn't like flash.

I prefer the fluted bezel on the DJ.

I have the explorer and love it. But I wouldn’t be upset having the date just too

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

It’s a tricky one, fortunately you can’t go wrong with either

get both..... perfect 2 watch collection, though get the dj36 with a fluted bezel.

Explorer for sure!

I love my 36mm explorer, was the only option for me!

The datejust 36 for better fit, symmetry and proportions unless the older ref Explorer 114270. I find the current 124270 too dainty due to narrower lugs and aggressive bracelet taper.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

It depends which watch you’re used to wearing. The 124270 is something most people would get used to if they were to wear it daily. We can appreciate the proportions of the 114270 too, just personal preference.

@ay8987

3 ай бұрын

Agreed, they messed up the proportions when they reduced the lugs imo

I personally have Datejust 41 mm Black dial, Oyster bracelet, smooth bezel I think is the perfect everyday piece

I ended up kind of compromising in the middle. Bought a datejust 36 on an oyster bracelet and smooth bezel. I had the bracelet brushed and now it’s essentially a nice in between model with the best of both worlds.

@loutol2952

Ай бұрын

Great choice. ❤

@m.elliott6157

8 күн бұрын

@@loutol2952 I agree. I have a 36mm ref. 16200 Datejust with smooth bezel, narrow brushed lugs, oyster bracelet and blue sunburst dial with narrow indices. To me it represents a happy medium between the simplicity of an Explorer and the dressy looks of a Datejust.

In my mind the Jubilee alway fit better with the fluted bezel, but I actually think it's better with the smooth bezel.

Great comparison video!! I’d probably go with the Explorer…. It’s Classic looks and style haven’t change for decades. Keep these videos coming, they are really good 👍

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for tuning in and appreciate the feedback.

Great video again, I actually have both watches and couldn’t agree more with your opinion. I have small wrists so the 36mm fits perfectly. First I got the Explorer, where I like the simplicity and still have a premium feel. But I missed the date functionality and the bling factor so I got myself a Datejust with fluted bezel and blue motif dial. An absolute stunning watch with a more luxurious feel. I can now enjoy both watches with a different look and change it from day to day. On my wishlist is the GMT batgirl to complete my collection.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

The fluted bezel on the Datejust and extra detail of the motif dial will maximise the contrast between the watches. Great choices and thanks for sharing. Good luck on your pursuit of the Batgirl and thanks for watching!

I bought the new Explorer (124270) and immediately returned it because of the 19mm lug width and taper to 14mm, and got the older 114270 for much less. The proportions on the dial (numbers are slightly smaller because they don't lume) and 20mm lug width taper to 16mm looks much better than the new version, imo. I love the Datejust, but it's too dressy for my lifestyle.

DJ 36 for me. Still waiting on the call for my fluted jubilee config

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Fingers crossed soon 🤞

assuming its between a black dial oyster smooth bezel DJ or an explorer both at 36 or even the 41vs new 40 explorer (to keep them as identical as possible) - the DJ would be BETTER as a one and done because of the polished center links making it suited for formal events. Yes I like the cyclops, its a Rolex after all.

Date Just with Jubilee and fluted bezel without doubts

@marc7983

5 ай бұрын

The McDonald’s of Rolex’s

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

The classic Datejust combination - timeless.

I’m simple. I just want every Rolex I do not have.

All Dj 36 should have the smooth bezel for less bling and makes the lovely sunburst dials pop more. I prefer the older Explorer 36 114270 as it looks better with smaller 369 and has 20mm lug distance. Another downside for me is it wears quite small on the wrist if you have bigger wrists. The DJ 36 on jubilee is fantastic though. The black sunburst dial has many shades and is a great everyday watch IMO. Very classy and can be worn casual and formal. However if you want a more sporty looking Rolex and have bigger wrists I would go for the EX 4O which suprisingly looks and wears brilliant

I have owned the 36mm exp for about 2 years. Its a great watch, i look forward to wearing it. But, for me its an everyday watch for leisure/holidays...but ive come to the realisation it doesnt cut it as a dress watch. I think the date just would server that function...i would love to have one...shall look into it hopefully towards the end of this year...

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

There is an argument to be made to own both for sure

Datejust for me. Now here is another choice: (1) Rolex Datejust and Tudor Ranger = ~$13,800 or (2) Tudor Black Bay monochrome on 5-link bracelet and Rolex Explorer = ~$12,250?

The datejust on jubilee is anything but understated. A better comparison would be OP vs explorer. Anywaaaays, I’ll either one 😂

Somehow I prefer Op 36

Explorer 1 is the watch you will either end up with or be offered if you ask for an Air King at retail.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Interesting, do you think the Air-King is more popular at the moment?

I vote for the Explorer.

It's good to reward ourselves sometimes . While I'm not one to spend on high-end watch (I spend too much money on travel, lol), I can appreciate your gorgeous and timeless watch. I love how it's a symbol of all your hard work.And i choose NKUWAN every time honestly

OP 126000 black dial!!

I'll go datejust

Am I the only one who thinks the Explorer is actually flashier than the DJ? The larger markers and numbers make for a really contrasting dial which draws attention to itself. If you take the DJ off the jubillee I think this is even more true.

I own an (-older) Date Just...and therefore is lusting after an Explorer. I’m pretty sure that it would be exactly the reverse if I’d have an Explorer...😆 Love my Date Just and will surely keep it. But - if I were hard pressed on economy - I would go for the Explorer because it’s more versatile for all occasions

EXPLORER 36!

Explorer36, primarily for the understated/minimalistic design and heritage. The cyclops lens is a turnoff for me and is too easily identified. The Explorer quietly says that the wearer has taste without the need to take over the wardrobe. It’s also more at home in a variety of settings whereas, IMO, the DJ36 oyster band would be the sport watch while the jubilee would be the dress watch: mixing the two at the wrong occasion just doesn’t seem fitting.

Both...for the best 2 watch collection.

I have the explorer 36 due to the bracelet having a nicer taper and the clasp feels much nicer. However I would be happy with either for sure

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

The clasp is satisfying to use for sure

Explorer...the best❤

Excellent video! For me, Explorer all day, but I prefer the 40 mm variant.

I like the symmetry of the explorer. When I can afford it.

Date every time because it’s a function and I use it.

Explorer everytime but I'm an anti cyclops guy, but had you paired it with an OP I'd have still pciked the explorer as i prefer the design

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Yes compared to the OP the Explorer design is on the sportier side

Other than the dials, these two watches have the same overall look, and with that look, I think Datejust's dial makes much better sense aesthetically.

I recently bought the Explorer 36mm as my do-it-all watch. In part, that was because I have other watches that are a bit more sporty (Omega Planet Ocean) and a bit dressier (Omegas Aqua Terra). The Explorer sits in between whereas the DJ would’ve just replicated the AT.

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Maybe a precious metal piece in future to round out the collection further?

@ianforber

5 ай бұрын

@@Watchtrader Ha! I feel a Cartier Tank looming!

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

A fine choice 🤌

Both 😊

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Can’t argue with that

6,450 british pound is equal to $8,200 USD. DateJust 36mm in the US is only $7,700. Personally, I own 2 DateJust 36MM ( and one explorer 2 tone) both are great

Strongly considering the datejust but with oyster bracelet, smooth bezel. I really didn't like the Explorer 36 which I tried on recently.. very small, bracelet comically narrow.. numerals looked bug eyed . The datejust is much nicer

Great comparison! I actually have and love both of these models (except my Datejust has the fluted bezel). I picked up the Datejust in 2019 as a "one and done" (I didn't like the proportions of the then 39mm Explorer). Then Rolex re-released the 36mm Explorer and I had to have one. Now I've got two beautiful 36mm black dial watches and thinking about swapping out the dial on the Datejust for some contrast. At the moment, it's a tossup between the white dial roman numerals or the silver stick 🤔

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

If lume is important, go silver. The white Roman is more formal and probably less common. The silver is also sunray finish whereas the white is gloss. 🤔

@mazrashid6549

5 ай бұрын

@Watchtrader I appreciate the response. Lume isn't really a consideration if I'm being honest. for any situation I might need it, I'd be wearing the Explorer. I found the black dial on the Datejust struck the perfect balance between sporty and dressy. Now that I have the Explorer (which leans even sportier) it might be an idea to go for the white dial with Romans and no lume to increase the "dressiness" of the Datejust. The fact that you consider it probably less common kinda makes me like it more 😅

@maggyh199

5 ай бұрын

I've got the OP34 with the blue 'explorer' 369 face and a DJ36 with the white roman face, fluted bezel and a jubilee bracelet. For me it's a perfect daily/evening combo of watches. I was thinking about swapping my OP for the Explorer 36, but I just prefer the blue face :)

Both are awesome watches but placed next to a Tudor Ranger I’d go Tudor Ranger every time…

@marc7983

5 ай бұрын

Ok Pinocchio 🤥

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

What gives it the edge?

@rogerteague

5 ай бұрын

It's a 39mm with a similar look to both the DJ and Explorer perhaps closer to the Explorer being uncluttered with no date complication. It has IMHO a better retro feel from the typeface (an aged white colour) used and the classic 12, 3, 6, 9 layout. The hands complete that retro field watch look. It has significant heritage to the watch with its association with the military and the artic tracing its design language back to the 60's. It shares the robust 2842 calibre movement shared with the Black Bay and Pelagos and available on either a NATO, Leather or Stainless Steel watch strap. A true swiss watch at a very attractive price point makes it really hard to beat and can be the perfect daily that doesn't cost Rolex prices. Yes, I have one (and several Rolex models). If you can, compare it with the explorer side by side as I did - its great value! A great video! Happy New Year! @@Watchtrader

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Well said, it does offer a lot of value for a fraction of the price of the two models compared in the video. Thanks for sharing that

@Sumerdini

3 ай бұрын

Ranger is a much better option IMO, more military 👌

Personally I’d have the new airking ref 126900 over either of these, just feels that little bit more special….

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Other than these two watches, what would you compare the 126900 Air-King with?

@Boz999s

5 ай бұрын

@@Watchtrader I’d say it most closely resembles the explorer 1 but other than that it wears very much like the explorer 2 new ref…. Just a small pop of colour that separates it from other (lower tier) ss professional Rolex models.

Datejust, Submariner, GMT….. those.

It’s actually OP36 vs Explo 1

Neither. Get the Oyster Perpetual for the timeless look from the Datejust but married to the cleaner look (ie. no date) of the Explorer. I think that if you enjoy the overall look of the Explorer, then that's good for you. And if the 36 size works for you, then go for it. But for bigger wrists the stubby, bulbous shape of the size 36 watch probably won't work. That's why there are the 41s, where the proportions may be more suited for the big wrist. It's not a question of one's ability to wear small watches on a big wrist, but that a small watch on a big wrist should lay more flat, like a pancake. There are vintage watches from other brands that can do what I'm describing here, and do it better than the current lineup at Rolex. That's not meant to be a hot take... I'm speaking from personal experience, and my awareness of what works and doesn't work rarely -- if ever -- gets acknowledged. Modern watches have grown thick, so trying to use vintage sizing rationale on modern watches is faulty logic.

date just jubilee for me for dressy elegance to be accompanied by the sea-dweller for the sportier daily wear.

Datejust. Nothing says Hello I'm a Rolex more than that oculus.

Explorer

Fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet 🤢 Bought the explorer 36mm, 8 inch wrist and works fine, for me. I think you’re underplaying the 100m water resistance. It’s much better than doing the bloody dishes. I go in the ocean snorkeling with mine regularly. Don’t write off 100m as nothing. It’s more than most people need.

I'd go with the OP. lol!

Do either have an extension on the bracelet?

@Watchtrader

5 ай бұрын

Both have the easylink adjustment that allows a 5mm extension on the go

Idk but smooth bezel with jubilee just dosnt look right...

@verde629

18 күн бұрын

Yea I think the fluted bezel is a must for the datejust. I actually like the fluted bezel with the oyster bracelet though lol

Exp 40 is the GOAT

Air king ;)

I would go for both! The date just with Roman numerals on a blue dial! Wow! Mint! 😬👍 both in 40 mm tho !

Datejust for sure! Looks more classy, dresses up better, works well as an everyday with enough water resistance for the pool, jubilee bracelet is more comfy and it has a date function so is more practical.

The first watch to the summit of Everest was a Smith's, not a Rolex.

Datejust wins sor sure , explorer way too simple and not attracrive imo

The cyclops ruins the Datejust (the date is unnecessary anyway) and the modern Explorer with the gaudy, oversized, look at me numerals is dreadful. Why they changed from the 1016 design is unfathomable. The basic OP is the one.

Take out the Rolex branding on the explorer and you got a fossil watch

I can't understand how a company like Rolex can't come up with a more elegant solution to date window legibility than sticking a big ugly magnifying glass on top of it.

@user-oc7nx2rt6n

Ай бұрын

That’s the attraction…

Rolex NEVER went to the summit of Everest, with either Tensing or Hilary, Both were wearing Smiths watches Rolex tried to claim it, but ended up having to print a sincere half hearted apology in the National press for claiming this Like they have with some of their other claimed “innovations” that somebody beat them to 😂

Do you all need a talking head salesman on KZread telling you what you should prefer?

36 is small

@user-ep5ck4mj4x

5 ай бұрын

🤡

Real answer: neither - a man does not wear a 36mm watch

@MrPwncake

2 ай бұрын

Lol check out this Richard Mille worshipping dingus here

@deesee6009

2 ай бұрын

@@MrPwncake I hate RM and can also think 36mm is for ladies brother

They are both too small for me, but the Explorer is ONE MILLION times the better choice. Quite apart from the fact that the Datejust is essentially a girl's watch. A man, worthy of that title, has no business seeking out a Datejust on purpose. Not when there are the two Explorers, the Submariner and the GMT as alternatives. I mean, FFS.

@neil4701

5 ай бұрын

That's an incredible density of wrongness in a few short sentences. Congratulations!