Explorer I - thoughts

Jude13

Back ground: I have been looking to treat myself to a 'good' watch for many years, finishing masters or other milestones etc but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I had a dream since I was a kid of having a Pepsi GMT however since I have grown they seem small and are hard to come by a good one (not from the net & with box and papers). Then a new GMT came out! but only a white gold pepsi. I also hate the polished steel centre of the strap.

I then moved on to looking at a DJ II but again the shiny centre of the strap ruins it for me. Far too bling.

Anyway we were in a Rolex shope yesterday and I was looking at the GMT(back bezel with stupid shiny strap) and my OH shows me the Explorer I, not shiny strap, understated and allot cheaper than the others.

So I thought I would turn to the learned people on boards for a pro's/com's/issues question.

johnthemull

I think the explorer 1 is pure class. Perfect design in my opinion. Some say the previous 36mm is a purer design but I really like the 39mm. They are so understated into the bargain which means you won't draw too much attention to the fact that it is a Rolex from people who either know nothing about watches and think you are a show off or a millionaire or potential criminals who want to tear it off your wrist. The only downside I can think of is that there is no date, but you can get used to that pretty fast. The date is on your smart phone or on the phone sitting on your desk at work if you are stuck. I would buy one for sure if I had the spare cash after I buy a no date submariner first!

Jude13

Cheers for eh reply, I really like it. The date thing may be a little issue but considering I generally don't know what date it is I should probably be looking at a day date.

I will crunch the numbers this weekend and maybe, just maybe purchase next month. Bloody excited. It will be a step up from a G-shock and 50 swatches.

mynameis905

Might be worth checking out the very cool Milgauss also. I like the Explorer but the Mercedes hands would drive me nuts.



The Datejust I is also very, very nice. On the smaller side but it has an elegance that the Datejust II doesn't quite have.

Jude13

I tried on the date just but its just too small. I am not mad about the colouring of the Milgauss to be honest.*


*Bear in mind I love them all and would buy one of each if the finances permitted. I am nit picking as this is going to be a big spend for me.

CarltonBrowne

I wouldn't fixate too much on polished centre links (PCLs) as these can be dealt with - the work can be easily reverted as well.

http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?282194-New-Rolex-GMT-II-C-Brushing-the-PCLs
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?178681-Rolex-GMT2c-brushed-PCL-pics-please
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=brushing+pcls&biw=1440&bih=789&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwisu9qPt4vLAhWLOxoKHZWRC38Q_AUIBigB

893bet

Have a look at the new 114300 also. Very similar to the explorer in terms of design IMO. Will be cheaper also. Explorer prob retain its value marginally better though if that's an issue.

Jude13

Cheers guys, a bit more thinking to do. I tried on the Explorer and it fit like a dream.

I hope that resale will not be an issue as I will pass it on to my future kid. I hope that it will be a one watch in a lifetime and maybe a dress watch, DJ II or something in the future (see its begun!)

Cyrus

893bet wrote: »

Have a look at the new 114300 also. Very similar to the explorer in terms of design IMO. Will be cheaper also. Explorer prob retain its value marginally better though if that's an issue.

this is good advice

its the same case and movement i think so you have a few more options the 114300 comes with a grey, blue or grape dial

mynameis905

Cyrus wrote: »

this is good advice

its the same case and movement i think so you have a few more options the 114300 comes with a grey, blue or grape dial

The blue is just stunning.

Jude13

Ahhhhh, stop it. That is very nice, I will have to drop in again. I fell in love with the DJ II in the light(not quite white/bluey) or the dark blue dial from pics but it looked completely different on.

I will drop in this weekend and maybe even take a few pics of a few on the wrist, might even have a poll.

Gavin1

I have the 36mm model.

This is a very understated and nice piece that can be worn with jeans, shorts or a suit.

It does not shout Rolex but it is really cool piece.

Also as the Rolex rose tinted glasses story goes it was the watch that Edmund Hillary wore on Everest, however that remains a bit of controversy.

Anjobe

Gavin1 wrote: »

I have the 36mm model.

This is a very understated and nice piece that can be worn with jeans, shorts or a suit.

It does not shout Rolex but it is really cool piece.

Also as the Rolex rose tinted glasses story goes it was the watch that Edmund Hillary wore on Everest, however that remains a bit of controversy.

Tensing wore a Rolex Explorer to the summit but didn't Hillary wear a Smiths Everest?

Gavin1

Tensing wore a Rolex Explorer to the summit but didn't Hillary wear a Smiths Everest?

That is what the story is but Rolex marketing would lead you believe that Hillary wore Rolex.

Wibbs

Jude13

I didnt get a chance to look this weekend but will have a chance on date night on Tuesday.

Quick Q though, would getting the centre link and aftermarket mill finish devalue the watch greatly?

Jude13

Gavin1 wrote: »

That is what the story is but Rolex marketing would lead you believe that Hillary wore Rolex.

After having done Kilimanjaro as a last minute drunk idea to fly to Tanzania that night to go the next day with only 4 days off work (3 up 1 down) carrying our own stuff the significance of Everest means very little to me, I hate altitude.

Cyrus

Jude13 wrote: »

I didnt get a chance to look this weekend but will have a chance on date night on Tuesday.

Quick Q though, would getting the centre link and aftermarket mill finish devalue the watch greatly?

No, it can always be reversed

CarltonBrowne

+1. It can easily be reversed. Just don't do it too often.