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Nice choice. I happen to think the the Explorer is far and away the better choice than the OP, in no small part owing to the mercedes hand and lollipop seconds hand.
My only hesitation would be that there's too much overlap between the Explorer and your Sub. I have a no-date Sub, and I can't think of a single time when I would reach for the Explorer over it (even though I do love the Explorer)
After wearing my PAM1312 for most of the winter, broke out my Explorer as the temp warmed up this weekend
View attachment 1565076
Do you think that the OP39 sits higher because the bezels are different between the OP and Explorer1?i was torn between the OP39 and explorer, i liked the simplicity of the OP dial but even at 39mm it sits noticeably taller than the explorer, not a good thing on my wrist. as you say, no substitute for trying things on, although that's not so easy in the era of AD drought
DECISIONS ON A SECOND ROLEXI went shopping this weekend (first time in a while since COVID last year). I had full intention of picking up a Rolex OP39, BUT instead I walked out with a Explorer 1 Mk2-dial.
I strongly prefer clean simple dials without any complications. Consequently, this preferences tends to filter-out many of the interesting and beautiful Rolex models like the GMT IIs, Yachtmasters, and DateJusts etc. Though I do have a 114060 Submariner that I was lucky enough to acquire from an AD. Interestingly, the Daytona is quite acceptable since the dial is symmetrical but of course that is a different story unless you are a baller like @George Red . On the other hand, the Oyster Perpetual line has always been intriguing to me, due to the simplicity of the watch. Consequently, that is what I set out to acquire.
My experience with luxury goods is established in the 'shoe world', where the fit of a shoe is one of the driving factors for a purchase. So, "trying before buying" is important. However, walking into a Rolex AD as a normal person these days is quite intimidating. The empty cases at the front of the AD are a sign that desirable models are sequestered for only the best of clients. This of course is indicative of the demand for Rolex time pieces but also possibly the decreased production due to COVID, all of which means trying on an OP 41 at an AD is not simple. Consequently, I made an appointment with a second hand dealer to try on discontinued OP 36s. 39s and the new OP41.
Below are my thoughts, where I don't hesitate to say that there is no substitute for trying on a watch and seeing them in person before making decisions. Even the pictures below can't fully show the subtle differences in fit.
Thoughts on the Rolex OP 41mm in Yellow on a 'circular shaped' 6.75-inch wrist.My wrists are circular and not flat, which means that tapered lugs that curve slightly look much better on my wrist. I found that the OP41 does not have tapered curved lugs. Otherwise, I did like the watch and if given the opportunity to purchase a green or yellow at an AD, I would.
NOTE THE LUGS THAT DO NOT TAPER.
View attachment 1565040
BUT BUT BUT BUT the 39mm case has tapered lugshard to see but below the smaller size of this Exp1 Mk1 dial is perfect for my wrist size.
View attachment 1565058
AND here is what I got. The reason I chose the Exp1 Mk2 dial over the OP39/41 is because seeing all of the watches together and trying them on became obvious that for me the Arabic numerals (3,6,9) with lume (Mk2 dial), the Mercedes hands, and the better clasp all come together and it 'sang'.
View attachment 1565044
If you made it this far thank you for reading this.
Thank you!Congrats on a fantastic choice! I like your choice, and I would definitely choose an Explorer over the OP 39. I just like the details such as the Arabic numerals, the triangle marker at 12 and the Mercedes hands. Plus it has tremendous history and is a bit more understated than other sports models that have bigger bezels, so it works well with a suit or sport jacket. Congrats and enjoy it!
DECISIONS ON A SECOND ROLEXI went shopping this weekend (first time in a while since COVID last year). I had full intention of picking up a Rolex OP39, BUT instead I walked out with a Explorer 1 Mk2-dial.
I strongly prefer clean simple dials without any complications. Consequently, this preferences tends to filter-out many of the interesting and beautiful Rolex models like the GMT IIs, Yachtmasters, and DateJusts etc. Though I do have a 114060 Submariner that I was lucky enough to acquire from an AD. Interestingly, the Daytona is quite acceptable since the dial is symmetrical but of course that is a different story unless you are a baller like @George Red . On the other hand, the Oyster Perpetual line has always been intriguing to me, due to the simplicity of the watch. Consequently, that is what I set out to acquire.
My experience with luxury goods is established in the 'shoe world', where the fit of a shoe is one of the driving factors for a purchase. So, "trying before buying" is important. However, walking into a Rolex AD as a normal person these days is quite intimidating. The empty cases at the front of the AD are a sign that desirable models are sequestered for only the best of clients. This of course is indicative of the demand for Rolex time pieces but also possibly the decreased production due to COVID, all of which means trying on an OP 41 at an AD is not simple. Consequently, I made an appointment with a second hand dealer to try on discontinued OP 36s. 39s and the new OP41.
Below are my thoughts, where I don't hesitate to say that there is no substitute for trying on a watch and seeing them in person before making decisions. Even the pictures below can't fully show the subtle differences in fit.
Thoughts on the Rolex OP 41mm in Yellow on a 'circular shaped' 6.75-inch wrist.My wrists are circular and not flat, which means that tapered lugs that curve slightly look much better on my wrist. I found that the OP41 does not have tapered curved lugs. Otherwise, I did like the watch and if given the opportunity to purchase a green or yellow at an AD, I would.
NOTE THE LUGS THAT DO NOT TAPER.
View attachment 1565040
BUT BUT BUT BUT the 39mm case has tapered lugshard to see but below the smaller size of this Exp1 Mk1 dial is perfect for my wrist size.
View attachment 1565058
AND here is what I got. The reason I chose the Exp1 Mk2 dial over the OP39/41 is because seeing all of the watches together and trying them on became obvious that for me the Arabic numerals (3,6,9) with lume (Mk2 dial), the Mercedes hands, and the better clasp all come together and it 'sang'.
View attachment 1565044
If you made it this far thank you for reading this.
Yes. You are right, I think/thought there was too much overlap between the Explorer and Sub. It is possible that having both is superfluous in the long run. But in the short term it seems that the Explorer wears more comfortably, while the Submariner is sporty and fun. The Sub is heavy and wearing it all day can be a little tiring (maybe I need to hit the gym more)...
I suspect if I am lucky enough and can continue to have these watch adventures things will change over time.
Thank you for the comments!
Also, some may disagree, but I say kudos to you for going grey market/second hand and getting what you want.
I wish I did when I bought two Breitlings as I was hungry at the time of both purchases??. My local AD sucks I guessI've heard Breitling basically offers you a menu while you shop. They'll pull out a menu of sandwiches you can eat while trying on watches.
Nice choices all around. I do like the look of the OP 41s in several of the colours but until I can see one in person rather than pics on the internet I’ll keep my powder dry.
BTW - the lugs definitely do taper, both from front view and side view. I think what you mean is that they don’t curve (much) around your wrist. Also - even accepting my preference that I like the feel of a robust watch and feel weird when I take mine off, if you really are tired from wearing a watch I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for you. C’mon maaan!!
Anyway the explorer is a popular choice and pretty much unimpeachable so you made a good decision.
I was in Mayors in Boca Raton last week and the Rolex display cases were completely barren save for a few ladies’ dress watches. Pitiful!
The omega leather is a nice option too. IIn other news, I found the perfect strap for my Speedy. Leffot makes this great strap in bourbon shell cordovan. 20mm at the lugs but tapers to 16mm at the buckle.
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