Rolex explorer

2shea

So from what I'm reading would I be right in saying that I couldn't just walk into weirs and buy a Rolex explorer?

Like this one

https://m.rolex.com/watches/explorer/m214270-0003.html

Is there a waiting list or something?

893bet

2shea wrote: »

So from what I'm reading would I be right in saying that I couldn't just walk into weirs and buy a Rolex explorer?

Like this one

https://m.rolex.com/watches/explorer/m214270-0003.html

Is there a waiting list or something?

They may have one in stock. Demand for that model should not involve a long wait relative to other indemand pieces.

893bet

Exact one popped up on TZ-UK overnight for 4K gbp.

The_Guvnor

2shea wrote: »

So from what I'm reading would I be right in saying that I couldn't just walk into weirs and buy a Rolex explorer?

Like this one

https://m.rolex.com/watches/explorer/m214270-0003.html

Is there a waiting list or something?

Correct. All steel sports models (Submariner, Explorer, GMT Master etc) have waiting lists (at every Rolex AD in UK and Ireland).
But on a positive note; often the wait time quoted is far longer than reality.
The reason for this is; Rolex AD's have no control whatsoever on which pieces Rolex send in their monthly delivery. They can't just email an order for 5 Submariners next month etc. They just have to put in the window and sell whatever Rolex sends them. Hence when customers walk in and ask for a piece, they add them to the waiting list for that piece; on a first-come, first-serve basis.
But often they will say its 4 months wait etc for an Explorer, but then call/email you a month later to say come in yours has arrived.
The other factor is they may have 10 on a list for an Explorer, but when they work down the list when one comes in; the first 5 on the list etc don't pick up or just say they don't want/can't afford it now.
So if you are number 6 but the first to pick up and say yes I will have it; then it's yours.
I can tell you this for fact; Lunne's Belfast waiting lists are much shorter than Weir's Dublin. Also the UK RRP's are much cheaper than Irish ones.
The shortest waiting lists of all the Rolex AD's in the UK are at the Rolex Boutique (29 Old Bond Street) London. Reason being, they are one of the most profitable AD's in the UK so Rolex supply them with more steel sports pieces as a result.
The other factor is this; other Rolex AD's will put you on their respective lists free. But the Rolex Boutique makes one pay a 20% deposit upfront to join a list. This cuts out one man joining multiple lists and pumping the numbers up. It also cuts out the time wasters who join lists but don't have the money to buy one.
Realistically you will join a list on an Explorer and get a call within 4 months; but as I said it could be in 1 month depending on what is delivered.
The UK RRP is £4800 (5500 Euro). So you see its well worth taking the train from Dublin to Belfast for one. Lunnes's are 10/10 customer service.
Weirs 6150 Euro v Lunnes 5500 Euro. 650 Euro saved. Enough said.
Lastly I will say, the Explorer is an excellent, highly regarded piece. For under 6K it is an excellent piece, one that will serve you for a lifetime and then your son. Its one of Rolexes most iconic pieces due to Ian Fleming wearing one himself, hence him specifying James Bond wearing one. The personal Rolex 1016 Explorer worn by Ian Fleming and referenced by him in his novel, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
https://ibb.co/cD0Ehy