Rolex Thin Sports Watch Alternatives Guide

Echi · 2022-03-29T00:33:18Z

Discover why the Rolex Explorer 39mm offers a compelling alternative to the Royal Oak or Nautilus. Echi's review and collector insights on this discontinued reference.

Echi

WPS member · Rolex forum

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Echi's original post offers a compelling argument for the Rolex Explorer 39mm as a strong contender for collectors seeking a pedigreed, relatively thin sports watch without the premium associated with models like the Royal Oak or Nautilus. His insights into its contemporary feel and classic proportions, alongside a nuanced critique of its sizing, provide a valuable perspective for enthusiasts navigating the luxury sports watch market. Echi's personal experience highlights the watch's versatility and horological credibility, making it a go-to choice for discerning collectors.

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RO or a Nauti, this could be a strong contender. At 39mm, gives the Explorer a contemporary feel while maintaining classic proportions. I used to think it had a bit of negative space vs the 36 but that’s what happens when we’re always looking at a watch up close. At that range, smaller watches especially with an appropriate movement size, will always look better on average versus an upsized one. But they did right with this one although a 38mm may have been better. Would have been a good idea to have both the 36 and the 39 on the catalog. It’s my go to watch when i can’t decide on what to wear but want a bit of horological cred on the wrist.. when a Seiko just won’t cut it

Key Points from the Discussion

The 39mm Explorer is praised for its 'correct' size, matte dial, and full lume, with some collectors preferring it over the new 36mm due to the latter's glossy dial.
A notable design change in the 39mm Explorer (MKI) was the relocation of the 'Explorer' text to the lower portion of the dial, aligning it with other professional Rolex models, a decision later reversed in the newest 36mm models.
While not a traditional 'sports watch' in the modern sense, the Explorer 39mm holds a similar status to the Royal Oak and Nautilus, drawing parallels to how watches like the Reverso were originally considered sports watches for activities like Polo.
The 39mm Explorer, once readily available in display windows, now faces significant waiting lists, reflecting a shift in market demand and collector interest.
Several collectors express satisfaction with acquiring the 39mm Explorer before its discontinuation, underscoring its growing desirability.

The Discussion

houstonian

Mar 29, 2022

Simple and wonderful. And way underrated.

Echi

Mar 29, 2022

A momentary blip in the history of the explorer for sure :-)

Revilo

Mar 29, 2022

MKI

I own the MKI and remember the fuss when they moved the “Explorer” wording down to the lower portion of the dial to better match its professional watch brethren. Always sad to see a good decision reversed now in the newest 36 models. JMO

Echi

Mar 29, 2022

Hehe that was a curious move for sure. While i do prefer the placement on the 39, i don’t mind the one on the 36 :-)

diracpoint

Mar 29, 2022

Perfect modern explorer ...

to my eye. It has everything I wanted in an explorer -- correct size (not too big, not too small), matte dial and full lume. I ruled out the new 36 mm as soon as I saw that it has a glossy dial.

Echi

Mar 29, 2022

Good point re glossy dial. Prefer the laid back contrast on a matte dial.

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