I bought the BB36, as a “scratch that itch” for the 114270 which just seemed at the time like the world’s greatest watch. I slowly fell in love with the snowflake hands and BB style dial. It’s a tool watch, first and foremost. SO legible on my motorcycle, and the mint green lume against the blue dial is incredible. Just last week I tried on a 114270 in person at my watchmaker, with a strong vibe to buy, and was surprised it didn’t hit the way I expected. Super happy, I mean really, really happy, with my BB36. I ended up buying another Tudor last week (BB Bronze / brown dial) instead of the Rolex. Such a personal journey, so much fun which is all that matters anyway, thanks for the incredible videos, cheers!

My thoughts...... I've owned both, two Explorers worn daily over 10 hard years, no complaints from either but fed up with the too regular inconsiderate "is that a Rolex" quips and the odd fake jibe. So I did my own research and decided that there are others as good and arguably better out there so I sold the last Explorer and purchased a BB36. I wont be looking back, the BB36 is a depenable field watch totally under the radar and will be regarded as a masterclass in field watches in the future in the same way the Tudor ETA Submariner is as a dive watch today I love it and after 18 months I know this was the right move I dont miss the Explorer or the attention at all. For me It travels relatively incognito but still with Rolex build quality, plus 2 seconds a day when worn 24/7 and easily serviced world wide Great

@resjon7981

4 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@mikec3454

4 жыл бұрын

Amen! Your comment virtually describes my situation entirely ... Having owned a couple of Rolexes in the past and many Omegas, I finally said "I need to find the ONE watch I can settle down with and quit trading/buying, etc." I have smaller wrist so the 36mm size was extremely attractive to me and all of the aesthetics the BB36 offered were right up my alley. Like you, after 18 months of wearing it virtually every day, it is going absolutely nowhere. Do I still have random people saying, "hey, that's a nice watch"? Yes, but I don't get "wow, you own a Rolex?" or "is that a REAL Rolex?" I couldn't be more happy with the BB36 and absolutely agree that it will become a model that is well regarded for years to come. With all that said, I am looking to get another watch in the next couple of months and very high on my list are the Rolex 114200 or 116000. The BB36 will remain my daily wearer and the Rolex will be reserved for formal events and special occasions, though the Black Bay does this just fine. There's a sentimental perspective here - I wore my BB36 when my son was born in July 2018 and with another one on the way, I want to wear a new watch for that baby's birth. My intention is to gift these watches to my kids many years from now when they are having their own kids so they can keep the tradition alive.

@purplefabian

4 жыл бұрын

Does the Tudor bb36 feel inferior quality wise?

@mikec3454

4 жыл бұрын

Purplefabian so I picked up a a Rolex 116000 just a couple days after my post and did a comparison to my BB36. Is there a difference in quality between the two? To a degree, yes. The polishing, dial, movement and such are higher quality in the Rolex. With that said, I paid exactly $4k CAD more for the Rolex. I can tell you without a doubt that the Rolex is not $4k better, the BB36 represents incredible value as far as I’m concerned. To some extent, the BB36 wears slightly more comfortably and the clasp is better.

@SlapShotRegatta22

4 жыл бұрын

In the same predicament. I'm getting ready to buy a Rolex after years of watch collection (waiting for a special occasion). Would snap up a 36mm Explorer if they still made them but now I'm debating between a 36mm Datejust, a NOS 34mm Air King and the BB36. In all honesty the Tudor is definitly better looking and I really, really appreciate the serviceability but the Rolex is hard to turn down. Additionally, I completely agree with the flying under the radar. Something I'm very keen on. I'm worried that if I opt for the BB that I'm going to always regret that I didn't go with the Rolex.

The only thing missing from the Tudor for me is about 4 grand 😂

@marktrett1652

3 жыл бұрын

Haha 😂

@resjon7981

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@kelvin.008

2 жыл бұрын

Especially when the BB41mm is USD1800 brand new..in 2021.

@raffytaffy2936

2 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to be in that position. 😂

Am I weird for liking the design of the bb36 more than the explorer?

@Visitor555

3 жыл бұрын

I also like Tudor more than Explorer. What weird have in this? I also like my Zelos Swordfish 40 Teal more than many rolex models and Zelos cost 270$ and have better specs than any "old" model rolex, better bracelet, clasp, saphire with antireflective coating, better lume, better water resistant. Watches are not about how much they cost, mostly we pay for the brand name 😉

@michaelriera6277

3 жыл бұрын

Not at all I prefer the BB36

@drzaius844

3 жыл бұрын

Same

@petroffplastic

3 жыл бұрын

Me too🙂

@maitrehg

3 жыл бұрын

No. Looks way cooler.

If you ignore your heart and buy a watch that is marginally ahead on specs you will not wear it in peace.

@axr-pe9di

5 жыл бұрын

Wouter Stassen Damn right! Watch is affairs of heart not of head. No one would pay so much if they started thinking.

@talia3280

4 жыл бұрын

Wouter Stassen Too true, mate. Buy the watch that makes you happy, the one that you look at and it just makes you smile.

@fmacdonald7557

4 жыл бұрын

So right my friend All this talk about collecting watches and this brand is better then others pick the one that makes you smile. I only have one and wear it on special occasions but it's the one I like best it's a Rolex Yachtmaster not worried what it's worth .

@marshalbass7098

4 жыл бұрын

Well said

“Push a touch more to get that rolex explorer” the cheapest explorer I could find is still more than twice as much as the tudor😭

@demon1spence

4 жыл бұрын

Look harder then

@DutchClawz

4 жыл бұрын

Will Spencer well mister Spencer, would you mind linking me a modern explorer that is less than twice a tudor?

@LvL69Gengar

4 жыл бұрын

They've gone up in price since this video

@stms4411

4 жыл бұрын

Will Spencer - you don’t look harder to erase a price gap when its that significant. If you find a used Rolex that’s equivalent to a new BB36, it means you’re buying a Rolex that’s in rough shape

@lefreakify

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it is about 3 hard touches of the value of the Tudor :D :D

I was between these two watches and ended up with the BB36. I just feel it has a lot more charm to it. A year later I don't regret my decision at all and I'm now wanting a BB58 or GMT. I definitely like Tudor more than Rolex.

@davenportsimon

3 жыл бұрын

once you go Tudor its hard to leave!

You should stop using red borders in your thumbnails. Makes it hard to differentiate between "watched and unwatched" videos

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

That’s a great observation. Thanks. 👍🏻

@romanpierce4606

5 жыл бұрын

And after that the red border was never used again. We all learn from our mistakes. Well done m8

I recently tried on both the explorer and the BB 41. The Rolex was the one I wanted but it just didn't feel right on my wrist. The black bay just had a better feel. Great video 👍

I am wearing my new 39mm 2018 Explorer watching this. It has taken me some 50 watches to get to this. I now own one. This is the final watch, just perfection.

@bighands69

6 жыл бұрын

Would you not want a dress watch from the likes of JLC with it high end movements?

@hcronos

6 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@shawncarino3212

5 жыл бұрын

There is never a final watch ;)

@richiechou1605

5 жыл бұрын

You're a filthy liar. There is no final watch ;)

@timothymckay7924

5 жыл бұрын

So was it your final watch thus far?

Great vid! I went for the Tudor.Love it. In terms of the dials, although the explorer is stunning , I'd prefer it without the 3,6,9 Arabic. Anyway, both lovely watches

I love Tudors, but in this case i believe you are correct. But they're both a great buy.

For me the Tudor with the blue face is like an explorer and a seamaster had a baby, and that is just the most beautiful combination. My dream watch

Loving this new style of video. It's way more relaxed, down to earth and relatable. Keep up the good work.

Great video. Your new videos are certainly more polished, but this more casual format is what drew me into your videos when you first starting putting out content.

Damn, How have I not seen the Black Bay 36 before? Thank you so much for making this great video. Double-Thumbs Up!

I just don't see why people are so in love with that Explorer. The dial is boring and predictable. The BB is far more interesting and beautiful to look at.

Another really excellent video Adrian, props for managing to record yourself in public without dying of embarassment haha. I'm a big fan of both watches. I think it'd be great to get hold of a new Black Bay Fifty-Eight later on in the year, I reckon you'd love it! Keep the videos coming :)

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Chris. I can’t wait for the 58 to come out. I’m really trying to get in contact with Tudor to try and convince them to let me borrow watches. I might just need to be patient and wait until I’m bigger. 👍🏻

Epic review ! Thank you so much !

Many people feel the appeal for both designs is a slow release I don’t own either, but really like simplicity and understated look of the explorer I’m the type of person who regrets when I settle so I typically go for the one I connect with the most ( assuming I can afford the options I’m considering)

I buy the Tudor BB 41 mm with blue dial. It looks so fantastic. I love it so much. I have think about the Explorer 1 and i like it too, but finaly the tudor is altough great quality, half price and the blue dial in combi with steel great.

I sold my explorer 114270 and bought the BB 36 used and have no regrets. The price difference wasn't worth it to me.

@awesomises

3 жыл бұрын

I feel you. I sold my 114060 and bought bb58 blue.

Good to know of your channel, and good comparison too. Cheers!

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lee 👍🏻

I got my pre owned BB41 for $2200 in 2017. It was a cut price deal and I can tell you guys I never regretted it. Slim profile, symmetrical dial and best of all, cheap to service!

I Love the design of the Explorer. Longine's Conquest is like and homage to it. I was considering getting that one as the rolex is way ahead of my budget. But i did look at the BB 36 and it looks dope! but the round lume fills up a lot of the dial. Its at 36mm and it seems like the lume pips are the same size as the larger versions. Same thing with the hands.

I have to say I struggled with the two watches. I already have a Datejust so needed something a bit sporty. I looked at the Explorer and the TBB36. I have to say hands down the TBB36. It just felt rock solid through and through and bracelet was the deciding factor for me. The clasp and blades were solid and well made! So in the end I went with the TBB36. Thanks for the video.

@davenportsimon

3 жыл бұрын

wow... over the Explorer.. nice!

so glad I found this channel this year, your content is just pure consistent quality. Can't wait 'til I can afford a Rolex, beyond inspired! Until then... what are your thoughts on Orient? 🤔

Great video. When I bought my bb36 the AD also had a used 36mm explorer so I had the chance to compare. Fabulous as the explorer was it was 2k more !

Got my bb36 for four months now and I just love that minimalistic dial..., no numbers, just dots, bars and a triangle..., just telling time. White on black dial and..., yes I think I agree that I would have loved the white to be an off white. But other than that for me it is just a perfect watch, my grailwatch :)

You've touched upon a good point. I love the aesthetics and proportions of the vintage Rolex models, but can't stand the hollow end links and cheap clasp. I'd love to see a modern Rolex with old school dial and case proportions, but GlideLock clasp and SEL. That would be ace, but I doubt Rolex will do it.

I'd prefere the 904L steel though; less chance of case pitting (in the long run). i think you are right about the dial.

I own both. Tudor looks much much better but Rolex will hold and may be exceed its purchase value. I like the crown of Tudor which sticks out and adds personality to the watch. Also love the rose logo engraving on the crown. Love the snow flak hands. It looks different, while Explorer looks like a conventional watch. Tudor has a retro look. Both keep accurate time. Rolex -3 seconds per day vs -2 seconds per day for Tudor even though it is not COSC certified and has an ETA movement. Tudor is a magnet for scratches though and somehow scratches easily compared to Explorer😩 The Rolex I own is with Rehaut Bezel. 2009 version.

@picanha694

Жыл бұрын

Rolex uses different steel than tudor.

Great video mate! I love everything that you do! Great topic! Keep it up!

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much buddy, really glad you like it. 🍻

Always great videos to watch, thanks.

Woah! Very informative, i didnt know the 316 steel was harder, always heard 904 was better. Glad to know

Great video. Both are very nice, but the dial on the Explorer is probably the perfect design. I think I like it even better than the Submariner. Love the vids out and about. Brilliant stuff.

Very good balanced view ! Another good video keep them coming.

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much buddy. Glad it came across balanced. Thanks for watching.

Great video. I’d agree about the dial on the Tudor, for me it’s the minute marker and the circle around the dial. But then you know my thoughts on the Explorer dial from our chat the other day.

Tried the Tudor 41 mm on today, what a fantastic watch for the money and the hands suit the size more than the 36 mm. Great reviews as usual 👍

Great intro with the bloopers. Odd you chose to do the video out on the streets of London. But (from Minnesota, USA) I love it...

Thank you for another great video. The Rolex dial is perfect. I agree with you about the Tudor. I think the problem is that the dial belongs on a Submariner so your eye is looking for the bezel.

The Tudor is amazing!

On your wrist I think the Tudor LOOKS BETTER than the Rolex, more masculine too.

I debated a bit over this myself, but I ended up getting the 114270 explorer and have had it for about 3 weeks now. No regrets whatsover, it's probably one of my favorite, if not my favorite watch.

Great video as always , keep up the good work .

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mahmoud 🙌🏻

Solid comparison! Great video as always!

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy.

Thank you very much for the great hands on review and I like the perspective of delivery. Out of the two, the Tudor is great value however I would pay more and go for the Rolex Explorer. Great channel and I am looking forward to more videos.

Absolutely love the bb36!

Great video! Thank you brother!

I totally get your point of view and I think your right in your observation. I do think that the explorer is one of the best designs ever, and definitely one of my all time favorites.Very close to perfection! But like I always say; perfection can sometimes be a bit boring. That's why I personally prefer the Tudor 36mm because it has that little bit of quirkiness to it. It gives it a bit more karakter in my opinion. But of course it's simply a matter of taste! I also much prefer the Tudor BB 36mm over the Tudor BB 41mm. Not because of the size but because of the balance between the makers and the dial. The Tudor BB 41 lost that "something" that the Tudor BB36mm has. Having said this; I would be very happy with either the Rolex Explorer or Tudor Black Bay 36! ;) But for now, I'm saving for the Tudor BB 36mm. Great review, I subscribed! Cheers

Great video! Crazy how much better the Tudor looks on your wrist! 😄

Great revie and comparison mate.

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks LV. 👍🏻

I love your style and humor.

This video was very helpful thanks

Great video keep up the great work!

Great review on both beautiful time pieces! I love Tudor's models and the Ranger is no exception! The Devil is in the Details and although Rolex edged out for the win, I have a thing for Tudor.

Keep talking down the bb36 until the price goes down to where I can afford it. I just love it. Want it. Need it. A matter of time only.

Great video. I love both pieces. I'm far sighted therefore I love the big hands, indices and greater contrast of the BB and its beefed up crown. The rolex is dressier, more formal - the BB imho - sportier - however both just awesome.

Bought the 114270 , wore it for a week, then bought the Tudor 36mm blue dial. Both are great watches but so different but for how much space they occupy. Explorer with bracelet is absolutely amazingly comfortable on my small 6.5” wrist. Tudor bracelet super nice but with the weight of he case, a very different wearing experience, but also nice - a significant presence versus an elegant presence. Tudor bb36 vastly more legible - the reason I sought it out after a week with the Explorer. Both lose less than one second per day with identical wear time on alternating wrists (the 2001 Rolex still rox,). So during COVID home time, I’m a two-wrist watch fan. The bb36 a great beater bar none and then some, the explorer the watch that makes life a bit more special and then some.

Hi, Totally random question - what is that music? It’s good to see your channel is growing and you are becoming more recognised for your hard work.

A slightly different option is the Tudor 76200 Prince date + day, black face and steel bezel. Rolex oyster case with a great bracelet. I picked mine up in a shop in Tokyo for just over £1000. Brand new with all stickers and warranty card. I think it is a parallel import intended for the Hong Kong market and not available in Europe. A bit more dressy but a great everyday versatile watch.

Hey Bark and Jack, Nice Video! I actually had both watches: BB36 and my 114270 36mm Explorer 1. I agree the Tudor hands were a bit too big compared to the balance found in the sizing of hands/case in the Rolex. 36mm Exp1 Ftw imo

Good Episode brother.. I like both watches a lot and strongly considered the BB 36 before getting my 14270 The dial on the BB started to bore me as I was watching the reviews online about it. so I knew it wasn't for me... I have never tired of the Exp dials... Just timeless Its funny because when I first really got into watches and seen the 14270 it didn't interest me at all fast forward to now and I love it!!

100% agree with you about the Black Bay. I've always thought there was something missing. I could have purchased one a while back and instead opted for something else. It just didn't make me want to stare at it. The Explorer however has a simplistic beauty. I like uncomplicated and uncluttered dials. I think there's just enough going on to hold the eye. Great video as usual!

Agree Aidrian B.B. 36/41 are a superb buy at 2 grand .Ipersonally love the aesthetics of course this is subjective. Of course you will pay almost double for the explorer. Think it depends whether you prefer a vintage piece or a vintage inspired piece . Of course we can’t forget the value of Rolex brand recognition.. so if your thinking of flipping at some point probably Rolex is the way to go.

The Tudor looks cooler. Iv always wanted a sub but they were too bulky and big. I get the sud dial in a smaller package. Perfection.

Dilemma solved! I've just picked up a Black Bay 41 with the blue dial to go with my existing Explorer 214270. Best of both worlds. Been thinking about the Tudor since I saw this video. Thanks.

As a Seiko fanboy, I definitely have a Rolex itch that I think I want to scratch. The Explorer I looks likes a great choice. Its that or the Milgauss. Also slightly eyeing the Explorer II. I think I want a Rolex that doesn't stand out too much as a "Rolex". Love the videos. Finally subscribed.

FINALLY someone made this video who actually handled both watches! I agree with your assessment: Go for the Rolex if that extra bit of perfection is worth paying more than double the price. To me, it's not worth it and I feel Rolex just gave the BB36 because they stopped making the 36mm Explorer. Still, it has a certain feel that the Rolex dial doesn't have. A bit more naval.

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Trev, that’s exactly it. It doesn’t matter which watch someone gets, they are both amazing. If someone things the Rolex adds something better, then get it. If not, then don’t. They are both genuinely amazing pieces. The Tudor is definitely better built. 👍🏻

Cool to see this comment thread still going. I owned bb41 for a week. Loved how the dial looked but overall too clunky for my 7.25 wrist. Got the bb36 and growing t enjoy the size but the indices still seem large as mentioned. Tried on explorer 39 mk 1 today. Dislike the non lumed 369 and also felt more like a watch for the club with too much wrist presence. Really want to try 36 explorer I love the dial, bracelet seems meh but whatever. My big concern is bb36 is already a bit smaller than I’d prefer and it seems the Rolex wears smaller if anything

@BarkandJack

3 жыл бұрын

I completely agree about the 39mm Exp Mk1. Although it feels well made, it doesn’t look like it has much of a purpose.

Totally love your videos. Always loved the explorer but also love this Tudor. However you say to push a little. Ore if you want perfection but it’s not a little more as it’s more ban double the price. Thinking about acquiring that Tudor though. As you say for value you can’t beat it. Keep the videos coming.

How can you not like this guy? I hope this channel grows and brings you success Adrian 🙌🏻

@jasonthelee

3 жыл бұрын

Oh, I predict it will.

Great video. Btw the mouse stole the show in the end.. 😁 Next Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra vs Railmaster..?

I love the Tudors. The only thing I wish they did (Rolex too) was to add a crown guard.

Great video as usual , have you ever considered looking at the air king. I went to my local ad to view a explorer and they showed me an air king and I fell in love , maybe abit busy but it grows on you , be great to get your thoughts .

I had the Tudor BB 36 and loved it. It sits a bit higher in the wrist than the Explorer and does suit a slim wrist. I would like to own an Explorer 36mm nevertheless! Considering the cost difference I’d say the Tudor wins hands down in this instance. The Roly is not £3k better IMO, although it won’t lose any value long term I suppose.

I like your balanced and considerate review. The blobs on the Black Bay look very big alongside the Explorer, but... I reckon if I had a Black Bay I would soon become enamoured with it. It is a lovely package.

Great vid man! Ya it’s funny how things go, I felt the opposite and grabbed the Tudor because I felt the Rolex lacked something.....Having sad that I am warming up to the Explorer and my feel completely different down the road! Either way you can’t loose.

I went for the 114270 and love it.

Hi Adrian, great vid. Pretty much agree with everything you said. The Rolex dial is a lot better. I'd still have the Tudor as well, though. I'm surprised that more people didn't try to "star" in the vid.

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Haha a few people did try to “appear” in the video. I just cut them out. 😏 Glad you like the video. I was amazed at how great the Tudor felt, especially in comparison to the Rolex.

I knew which watch you were going to choose before you finished you do own the Explorer , and before anybody accused me of not liking Rolex I've recently purchased an explorer ll white dial and I love it

Yeah the new explorer feels amazing, really substantial and the quality is up. I think the markers on the BB are too large as well as you mentioned, the minute hand is too large. Both of these I believe are due to using the components from the 41mm version. A shame because the dial does look slightly off.

Having looked at both recently, side by side, the Tudor just kills the Rolex. I don’t see the justification for buying the Rolex over the Tudor unless you’re trying to show off. I agree with you on the long term value, but I never resell my watches so I don’t care about that. I would never make a decision based on resale value, it defeats the point of wearing a watch in my opinion.

@LazyGrayF0x

3 жыл бұрын

Ryan Clark though I tend to agree with Tudor value proposition against Rolex is greater, I don’t like losing money on anything I buy and resale value, whether it’s bicycles, specialty gear or watches and usually buy my stuff used. In my view, if Rolex does not appreciate at least 7% in a year, it’s a poor or not at all investment, so if 5 more large gets you there, then buy for personal enjoyment. Buy an index fund or stocks instead for investment.

I'm all for the Tudor. I wear a 50 year old Tudor on a Rolex strap and it's never let me down. I'm seriously thinking of investing in a 41mm black bay soon though, for the money the quality can't be beaten.

Great review! I prefer the bb36 over explorer for a few reasons: * Better readability due to larger markers and hand shape and dimensions (e.g. minute hand touches the minute marker, hour hand is larger visually and easier to see) * Much cheaper to buy * Much cheaper to service * Does not have any negativity associated with the Rolex I do wish the bb36 had the 3-6-9 numerals, but perhaps it wouldn't work with the design as well 🤷‍♂️

Good video and comparison

Just bought myself an Bb36 S&G with Champagne dial. I feel like I connected with it more than a Explorer or even a 16233 Datejust.

I got the Rolex Explorer 39mm 2016 version better hands 3,6,9 lume and bracelet and 5mm easy link clasp

I went to try and get an Explorer and walked away with a DJ41 with great and BB41with the blue dial! The BB41, or 36 are great watches. The 36 is slightly better size in some ways, but as the hour markers are same size on 41 they look slightly better proportioned.

Hi Adrian - great video. Just wanted to wander into Covent Garden, sit down with a beer, watch the world go by and discuss watches. As for the comparison...can't decide - both would sit well in a collection. The Tudor is half the price of the Explorer too. I do think, particularly having regard to the case size, that they both look better on straps than bracelets

Thanks for this awesome video! I am stuck in a trap because I have the money to buy a Black Bay right now, but not enough money to get the Rolex quite yet. I honestly love both watches and think I’d be happy with either, but I don’t want to get the Black Bay and then be disappointed because it’s not a Rolex. Tough, tough decision...

100 percent agree with you. The proportions on the black bay lack a bit.

@BarkandJack

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Sebastian. 👍🏻

@GermanMike89

5 жыл бұрын

I think that instead the BB36 is very "muscular" for a 36mm watch!! The Exp is more "dressy" in my opinion. Tried it on both, the BB36 seemed more "manly" for me.

I purchased the 214270 (39mm , 904L steel) last year and now find the 904L a scratch magnet and the dial a touch off being 39mm versus 36mm. Might very well sell it with little loss and purchase the Black Bay (the new bracelets will spoil you).

Love the video. I agree the Tudor 36 is beautiful and for the money is a absolute bargain. That said the Explorer 1 to me is the perfect everyday watch. Both amazing watches though! 👍👍

I’m a massive Tudor fan and went for the Pelagos over the sub (if you could actually get one!) - but i agree between these explorers i think i prefer the look of the Rolex because of the more discreet baton markers....to me the Tudor BB looks like its missing a dive bezel mainly because of the larger round markers

Great video! Which NATO is that you have on your explorer?

I agree with you. I don't like the hour indices on the BB36. I feel like the diameter is too large.

Would you agree that the Black Bay 41 with a larger dial will be more balanced with the large hands and lume markers? So then how would you compare the Explorer 39 and the BB 41? Assuming one has the wrist to pull it off like me.

214270 mk2, thats the way to go. The bracelet and dial is perfect, compared to the mk1 and 36mm. Will own mine until im old AF hopefully :)

I absolutely love the Explorer. As classic and understated a design as you will ever find on any sports watch bar none, both in 36mm and 39mm. But the BB36 offers amazing value at its price point. I would say that if one is looking for an everyday beater and has an active lifestyle, the Tudor is the way to go. Because of the ease of servicing the movement, the superior water resistance (though the 100m of the Explorer is very respectable), and the much improved legibility at night. I would, however, chose it with the blue dial, as it is quite striking. I am not that bothered about the snowflake hands / non snowflake dial. It kind of does it for me, but it's subjective.