Side by side

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002vsRolex 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.

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002

Owners widely praise the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 for its excellent 35mm size and premium feel for the price, with one owner noting its lume is the best they have experienced. The sand-textured cream dial is described as offering depth and legibility, though one owner rated the dial design 2/5 due to numeral offset referencing classic field watches. The watch utilizes a Seiko NH35 or NH38 automatic movement, with Kuoe adjusting it to a range of -20 to +40 seconds/day, though one example ran within +/- 10 seconds/day. On balance, owners rate the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 highly for its wearability and craftsmanship at its price point.

Rolex Explorer

Owners widely praise the Rolex Explorer for its understated design, versatility, and comfortable wearability, with many considering it an ideal daily timepiece and a perfect first Rolex. Reviewers and owners alike highlight its clean, minimalist aesthetic and excellent legibility, with one owner noting it maintains accuracy at +1 second per day. Some find the 36mm size perfect for current trends, while others appreciate its functional, pure timepiece status and comfortable bracelet. The Rolex Explorer is also noted for being difficult to acquire at retail, often with year-long wait times. On balance, owners rate the Rolex Explorer highly for its blend of understated style, comfort, and practicality, making it a highly sought-after daily watch.

From video reviewers

The screw-down crown delivers a satisfying, secure feel, and the two-tone gold and steel construction offers a refined aesthetic distinct from the traditional steel Explorer. Quality control inconsistencies and the omission of the Glidelock clasp detract from the overall execution at this price point.

At a glance

19 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
OLD SMITH 90-00235mm
Explorer36mm
Power Reserve
OLD SMITH 90-00241h
Explorer70h
Water Resistance
OLD SMITH 90-002100m
Explorer100m
MSRP
OLD SMITH 90-002$559
Explorer$7,900

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Diameter
35mm
36mm
Thickness
12.35mm
Lug-to-Lug
42mm
Lug Width
18mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Oystersteel
Finish
Yellow Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Dome
Flat
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Ivory
Black
Indices
Arabic numerals
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Chromalight

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
NH38
3230
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
41h
70h
Jewels
0
31
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$559
$7,900
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