After careful consideration and a mildly exhaustive search, I'd like to present my new old-stock Z-series Rolex Explorer I, model 114270.
This was not my first choice, or even my second. I seriously considered an Audemars Piguet Diver, a ceramic Panerai 384, and an IWC Big pilot, but at 42, 45, and a billion millimeters, respectively, none looked or felt right on my 6.5 inch wrist.
Late this summer I went on a short rafting trip with a few friends. Surrounded by rocks and with ample opportunities to hit one's wrist against a variety of hard surfaces, rafting warrants a true beater. I strapped a sub- $20 Casio to my wrist for the trip.
I wear the Casio for about 90 minutes every day and use it to time my runs. I've never really put much thought into it since for me it was a purely functional device. But wearing it straight through an entire weekend and I realized just how comfortable and lightweight it was.
In the weeks after that I (with great determination) looked closely at several smaller watches, and in the process found several that were true contenders.
1. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph. I really liked the look of this one and I loved the 65 hour power reserve and chronograph complication. Ultimately I decided against this one due to the lack of a second hand. The three register non-Vintage version does have one, but the size...
2. I'd never looked too closely at Audemars' offerings, but after concluding that the Diver wasn't a real contender I looked at the rest of their range. I tried on an outgoing 15300 and was amazed at how well it fit and the size was near perfect. The display back showing the beautifully finished movement was alone almost enough to close the deal. Here I hesitated for two reasons: the modest 50m water resistance and how delicate it felt (or at least I perceived it to be less rugged than the others, though I readily admit to having no evidence to support this). With that said, this may be my next watch.
3. The Rolex Explorer I. I tried the 39mm version on first and it just didn't feel right. Trying on a 36mm Oyster Perpetual confirmed the size was correct, and from there it was just a matter of finding an older Explorer that I liked.
So I've passively watched the size debates that have popped up on this forum over the past few months and decided to join in and vote with my wallet. Bring back the reasonably sized watch!
I've had the watch for close to two weeks now and I've worn in daily since its arrival. In that time it has gained close to two minutes; more than I expected, but given its age I'm not too disappointed. I'll give it a few weeks before I take it in to be regulated and pressure tested.
- bardamu