Side by side

Breitling Superocean AutomaticvsRolex Explorer

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Breitling Superocean Automatic

Owners widely praise the Breitling Superocean Automatic's wearability, with the 42mm case considered comfortable even on smaller wrists, and its bracelet is noted as superior to alternatives. Reviewers and owners alike highlight the attractive dial colors, such as the praised green and sunburst blue, and the satisfying click of the ceramic bezel. Some owners find the polished center links too flashy, opting to brush them, and the watch's power reserve of 38-42 hours is considered normal by some, while others find it disappointing for a luxury timepiece. Accuracy reports vary, with one owner noting theirs runs about +6 seconds per day, while another reported a different model running nearly a minute fast per day, which other users suggested was abnormal. Overall, owners rate the Breitling Superocean Automatic highly for its comfortable wearability and attractive dial options, despite some finding its power reserve short.

Rolex Explorer

Owners widely report the Rolex Explorer is exceptionally comfortable and versatile, dominating daily wear across formal and casual settings. Reviewers and owners consistently praise its understated design, immaculate finishing, and comfortable, tapering bracelet. One owner notes exceptional rate stability, gaining only +1.4 seconds in a week, while another reports +1 second per day. The 36mm size is highlighted as particularly comfortable, though some find the 3-6-9 markers too small, making the case wear even smaller. Some owners find the bezel scratches easily compared to the matte case, and a few consider it overpriced beyond MSRP. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Rolex Explorer highly for its comfort, versatility, and understated "watch-guy's" appeal.

At a glance

17 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Superocean Automatic42mm
Explorer36mm
Power Reserve
Superocean Automatic38h
Explorer70h
Water Resistance
Superocean Automatic300m
Explorer100m
MSRP
Superocean Automatic$25,400
Explorer$14,600

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Diver
Field
Diameter
42mm
36mm
Thickness
12.56mm
Lug Width
0mm
Material
18kt Pink Gold
Yellow Rolesor
Finish
Stainless steel
Yellow Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold
Water Resistance
300m
100m
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
Dial Color
Black
Indices
Arabic numerals
Lume
None
Chromalight

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Breitling 17 (ETA 2824-2 base)
3230
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
38h
70h
Jewels
0
31

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$25,400
$14,600
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