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Three Generations of Rolex Explorer 36 - Quick Review

ross29

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2/10/09
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Well, it finally arrived. After waiting for some years (it seems like) for someone to this one right!

Now that it's here, I must say I have some mixed feelings. This will be really quick since I'm half-assing this before some meetings. My apologies for the brevity.

Here we have 3 different generations of the Rolex Explorer in 36 mm. This new model was on my shortlist for purchase if I ever had the chance. After hearing about the smaller bracelet and lug size and all the other comments I decided that actually, the 114270 would be the best fit for me. I liked the solid end links and the standard 20 mm lug size. Although I was anxious to check out the "beefier" better clasp of the newer version. While waiting for either one of these to materialize I found and purchased an awsome Franken 14270. This was an awesome find and I thought that my search may be over. Of course, in quick succession, the other two materialized before my eyes. Crap! Now there was a more accurate rep of the 124270 and I found an awesome example of the 114270 for a great price. Good thing my wife loved the 14270 on the leather strap I had it on, or I'd be writing this from a tent set up on the back porch. Here are a few pictures to start. The 14270 was on the leather strap and I changed it to a 78360 I had for one of my DJ's. I have an Italian bracelet on order for this one too. I think either bracelet is correct for this era.
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The 14270 -
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The 114270 -
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The 124270 -
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Quick thoughts - I have skinny wrists, but if this was for me, I would probably opt for something else. I love the 36 size, but this feels more like a chunky 34 mm. The clasp is solid, more than the other two, but it's small and kinda gives off a dainty vibe. I don't mind it too much, but glad I went with the 114270 instead. This will probably go to the wife in the meantime. Buy me some more time hopefully. I leave you with a few group shots. Not the greatest photos, but for the moment they will have to do. I will try and add some more thoughts and pictures when I can but have to head to the meeting now. Enjoy and good luck!

HiXr1P.jpeg

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HiXR5b.jpeg
 

ross29

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OK, I've had a few moments to test drive the 124270 now. It's actually not too bad. It is comfortable and easy to forget you have something on while wearing it. It does feel well-balanced and nice overall. It will still most likely go to the wifey but I could still see myself wearing it too. I will add a few more wrist shots of each and call it a day.

124270 -
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14270 -
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114270 -
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Powerfluff

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is the 114270 a rep as well? how did you find that bracelet strap combo for the 14270?
 

ross29

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is the 114270 a rep as well? how did you find that bracelet strap combo for the 14270?
No, the 114270 is Gen. The 14270 is a good mix but if I remember correctly it was more gen than rep. At least on the head.
 

Powerfluff

Getting To Know The Place
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No, the 114270 is Gen. The 14270 is a good mix but if I remember correctly it was more gen than rep. At least on the head.
do you by any chance have the 20mm rep bracelets from bp, ewf etc before clean made the 19mm. Im wondering if those incorrect rep bracelets of the 124270 will fit a gen 114270. because I want a gen 114270 but want a better clasp
 

ross29

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do you by any chance have the 20mm rep bracelets from bp, ewf etc before clean made the 19mm. Im wondering if those incorrect rep bracelets of the 124270 will fit a gen 114270. because I want a gen 114270 but want a better clasp
No, sorry. If it was me though, I'd probably be looking for an ARF bracelet from the 39. That one is also 20 mm and theoretically should also fit with a much better quality to match the gen. Not too much experience with the other factories. I briefly had a BP and it just couldn't compete with the ARF in terms of quality fit and finish. I was also looking for another one to possibly try out. Now that I need one I can't find them. They have some on Ali Express but kinda expensive and not sure if "real" ARF or not.
 

Powerfluff

Getting To Know The Place
27/2/21
67
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No, sorry. If it was me though, I'd probably be looking for an ARF bracelet from the 39. That one is also 20 mm and theoretically should also fit with a much better quality to match the gen. Not too much experience with the other factories. I briefly had a BP and it just couldn't compete with the ARF in terms of quality fit and finish. I was also looking for another one to possibly try out. Now that I need one I can't find them. They have some on Ali Express but kinda expensive and not sure if "real" ARF or not.
worred the lug holes will be too far away on the 39mm rep bracelets