Rolex ExplorervsVertex Bronze 36 Green

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Rolex Explorer at true scale

Explorer

Vertex Bronze 36 Green at true scale

Bronze 36 Green

Diameter

36mm

36mm

Lug-to-Lug

n/a

46.5mm

Thickness

n/a

11mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

70h

n/a

MSRP

$14,600

$2,611

lowest

Movement

3230

Sellita SW260-1

Case

6 specs
Thickness
n/a
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
46.5mm
Lug Width
n/a
18mm
Material
Oystersteel
Bronze
Finish
Yellow Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold
n/a
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
n/a

Crystal & Dial

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

Movement

6 specs
Caliber
3230
Sellita SW260-1
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
70h
0h
Jewels
31
0
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$14,600
$2,611
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Reviews

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

Rolex Explorer

Owners widely praise the Rolex Explorer for its understated design, comfort, and versatility, making it a near-perfect aesthetic for many and a strong contender for a one-watch collection. Reviewers note its clean, minimalist dial and excellent legibility, with one owner reporting impressive accuracy of +1 second per day. The 36mm case is considered by some to be a perfect size, aligning with a trend away from oversized watches, and its bracelet is described as comfortable. However, some find the Rolex Explorer "boring" and less flashy than other Rolex models, and its desirability is debated due to its lack of complications. The newer 36mm variant features an upgraded movement and a more substantial bracelet, though it wears heavier and tapers less than older models. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Rolex Explorer highly for its timeless, functional design and wearability, often citing it as an ideal first Rolex.

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.

Vertex Bronze 36 Green

Owners widely praise the Vertex Bronze 36 Green for its excellent build quality, comfortable 36mm wearability, and exceptionally bright, legible dial with Super Luminova numerals. Some owners, however, express a preference for a slightly larger 38mm or 39mm case, while others find the 36mm size perfect. The dial color is a point of contention for some, and the £2,150 price for a Sellita SW260-1 automatic movement is noted. A desire for a manual-wind movement to better honor historical designs is mentioned by a few reviewers, though the automatic is acknowledged as practical. Overall, owners and reviewers consider the Vertex Bronze 36 Green a wonderful modern interpretation of a classic field watch, with its superior case construction and legibility being key strengths.