Top 10 Rolex Explorer Alternative For Small Wrists 

It’s no secret that one of my all time favorites, and possibly my grail, is the Rolex Explorer 36 (reference 14270). Perfect size, GADA (go anywhere do anything), rugged, classy; its hard to find a fault. Well if you consider the expensive price a fault. I’ve damn well spent the last 8 years of my watch collecting journey on the search for the perfect Explorer 36 affordable alternative. To be honest, I don’t think I will ever find an affordable alternative to the 14270, but I’ve compiled 10 watches that I’ve personally experienced, across different price points that I believe come close. 

Here are the top 10 affordable Rolex Explorer 36 alternatives that will suit your small wrists, from least expensive, to most. 

1. Citizen Chandler 37mm (Model BM8180-03E) – USD$149

The Citizen Chandler 37mm is arguably the best representation of the explorer philosophy. In a 37mm case, you get an eco-drive movement that’s ran on solar energy, 100m water resistance, and a day/date complication. The Citizen is tough as nails, built to last, and more importantly, it’s got a movement that you won’t need to worry about. Put it on a nato strap, take it mountaineering, or Sunday brunch with the family, it fits the occasions. 

At roughly USD$150, you’d be hard pressed to find a better alternative. Bear in mind the Citizen is all in-house! 

2. Seiko SNK809 37mm – USD$160  

There’s not much that isn’t already said about the legendary SNK809. The gateway drug, the watch that will kickstart your watch addiction, the one that will make your partner hate you. Perfect 37mm size, 7s26 movement that requires a service maybe once every 15 years, bead-blasted case. Honestly, what else can you ask for at just USD$160. The strap and bracelet it comes on isn’t great, but nothing some aftermarket straps won’t solve. 

To me, it’s a little boring. If you’ve got a bit more budget, and are looking for something different, keep reading! 

3. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm – USD$440 

Obviously I could not do this list without at least including one of the Khaki’s from Hamilton. My favorite of the bunch of the Field Mechanical, reference H69439931. Coming in with a case size of 38mm, 9.5mm thin, and the Calibre H-50 hand wound mechanical movement. You’re getting a tool watch through and through, with history, all for under $500. 

If you’re balancing a tight budget, but also looking for something more than a Seiko 5, this Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is your perfect explorer alternative. If this is going to be your first “proper” step into the watch hobby, I’d recommend that you go with this to start. 

4. Lorier Falcon 36mm – USD$499

Lorier is one of those micro brands that does not hide their adoration towards mid-century timepieces. A lot of their watches do pay homage and take inspiration from GADA legends such as the Rolex Explorer and Omega Seamaster. The Lorier Falcon, now on their fourth version, is a 36mm midsize case, less than 10mm thin, Miyota 9s movement, and hesalite crystal that gives it that vintage warmth. 

The version I owned was more similar to a Tudor Black Bay 36, but the newer versions are closer to the Explorer with the 3,6,9 dial. For just under $500, it gives the Hamilton a real run for its money. 

5. Traska Summiteer 36mm – USD$625 

The Traska Summiteer V4 is my pick of the bunch for the best Rolex explorer alternative for small wrists for for under $2000. It shares a similar 36mm oyster case and the 3,6,9 dial, but the Summiteer V4 has got it’s own unique charm. Firstly the diamond cut handset is with the applied indices is gorgeous. Not to mention it has a proprietary scratch-resistant coating on the case which makes it a great GADA piece. 

I’ve strapped it on a gray nato strap and I can honestly say, hand on heart, if you don’t want to spend thousands, get the Traska. The Summiteer stays in my collection and can only be replaced by the 14270. 

6. Seiko Alpinist (SARB017) 39mm – USD$650 to USD$900 

Let me start off by saying absolutely you can still find the OG Alpinist for pre-inflated prices. Do not go on Chrono24 and pay more than USD$850 for this. Search on local Facebook groups and grab it second-hand. The 017 Alpinist is the Rolex Explorer alternative given it’s history, and ties to Japanese mountaineering. The gold indices and the sunburst green dial, the inner-rotating compass is an instant classic. It’s no wonder that the 017 has got a cult-like following. 

You’re getting everything in-house, 39mm, 12mm thin, put it on a green nato strap and you’re the Edmund Hillary of the East. 

7. Seiko Alpinist 1959 Deep Lake SBDC159 38mm – USD$750 

For those that either can’t find a good value SARB017 or just don’t like the green aesthetics, the newer more faithful reissue of the 1959 alpinists may be for you. It comes in a little smaller at 38mm, but with a beautiful patterned dial with mountain-shaped markers from the first ever laurel alpinist by Seiko. 

The one upside with the SBDC159 is that it comes on an OEM bracelet with solid end-links and a milled clasp. Personally I’d still put it on a nato strap but the bracelet is actually quite decent. Now it is a little taller at close to 13mm in height, but if you’re used to watches wearing thicker and heavier, this is right up your alley. 

8. Christopher Ward Sealander C63 36mm – USD$980 

If you’re chasing the best value for money option out of the bunch, then the Christopher Ward C63 in 36mm is probably even better than the Rolex Explorer. When I say this I refer to the value for money you’re getting from the Sealander. You’re getting a really well-built everyday watch with all the bells and whistles you’ll ever need. Catch this, the bracelet has a on-the-fly micro adjustment, which technically puts it above the 14270 bracelet. It sports a deep black lacquered dial, top-grade Sellita movement, and proudly has it’s own design. 

For under USD$1000 brand new with a 5 year warranty? It’s an option that’s hard to pass up. The Sealander is also a really comfortable watch, it sits really well on my 6 inch wrists and the weight just disappears on your wrists even though it’s all metal. 

9. Damasko DS30 – USD$1100 (now DK30 @ USD$1500)

I’m going to focus on the DS30 by Damasko as it’s the one I’ve owned, and while it has been discontinued, they can still be found on certain retailers. The DS30 has a bead-blasted case made entirely out of submarine-grade steel. I’m no materials engineering by submarine-grade steel is much more durable than regular 316L stainless steel and highly corrosion resistance. 

Put simply, the DS30 is a tank. It houses an ETA-2824, and sports a clean, utilitarian aesthetics that just means business. The dimensions are spot on at 39mm in diameter and 9.9mm thin. These are a steal at USD$1100, so if you can still find one, buy it. 

10. Sinn 556i 38mm – USD$1620 

To cap off the list we have the Sinn 556i, which might not be surprising given how popular it is amongst the affordable watch community. Seriously, this could be your one and done, the proverbial ‘watch nirvana’, ‘one watch collection’, ‘exit watch’. A perfectly sized 38mm case, clean and legible dial, top-notch built quality and just all round solid German engineering. It’s not boastful in any way possible, but you know it can handle it’s business. 

Before Rolex became hot shit around the world, the Explorer 36 was genuinely produced for the blue-collar working man and was designed to take a beating. The Sinn 556, is that for the modern day man. If you’re against the Rolex hype train, but still want something similar to the Explorer 36 in a more affordable price bracket, the Sinn 556 needs to be your pick for the best rolex explorer alternative.

 

What’s your best Rolex Explorer 36 alternative?

You’ve now seen my top 10 list of explorer 36 alternatives after almost 10 years in the watch hobby. Every time I reminisce on the different watch purchase I’ve committed over the years, I’ve always asked myself: 

“If I gave you all the money back, and you could only buy one watch, which one would you buy?”

In this case, without question, it would be the Sinn 556i. One, and done. It’s not just another rolex explorer alternative, it’s the Sinn 556i.