ROLEX EXPLORER | 3-YEAR LONG TERM REVIEW
In this video your host discusses the his 3-year ownership journey with the iconic Rolex Explorer.
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Don't buy this watch. This is the most boring watch. Since I got it last year I lost interest in other watches. It's perfection
Exactly
Ahhh sameee
Unfortunately its bland...which is why he is selling it. I recommend the 116000 blue which has the 3-6-9 indices and an amazing sunburst blue. It wears like a 38 too with the beefier case and bracelet
Very agree with you. I got explorer 2 polar 6 months ago. Since that I never wear explorer 1 again. 2 weeks ago I decided to wear Explorer 1 again. Thats the moment I appreciated the value of explorer 1. Its small buat still very elegant for man (I have 7 inch wrist). The watch for adventure or one watch for every occasion should be simple, tough and don't feel you're carrying a heavy watch everywhere.
What Rolex used to be about: Understatement and versatile class for the active gentleman. I'm a big lad (6'2", 13 stone, 71/2" wrist) and my Subs, DJ41s, Sea-Dwellers, Speedies etc rarely get wrist time. I can wear my Explorer 36 from the field to the office to a nice restaurant. It is always comfortable and never out of place - quiet sophistication, no need to shout.
I would let one of the GMTs go if I was in your situation. I have the Explorer and it is my daily wear.
I just bought one, 36 mm and I love it
It’s a slow burn man. Once you start wearing it you realize the light weight and smaller profile is just so nice. My Sub feels like a clunky beast in comparison. I also have 5 Rolex watches - I wear the Explorer 1 about 95% of the time. It’s a vintage sized watch with all the modern updates. It’s so elegant and timeless you hit that right on the mark man.
I bought the Explorer 40 three months ago and i love it. Perfect daily watch! So simple, but still elegant.
I just want to thank you for the videos on the 124270. It took just shy of three years for mine to come. It is my retirement watch and I have had it for 5 months, still loving it. Your videos helped me make the decision to purchase it, at retail, even at 36mm. It is just the best. Once again ,thank you.
Glad to help
Such an elegant piece, honestly as my watch tastes have matured the Explorer is the one Rolex I hope to own someday. It also inspired a love for the Tutor Black Bay 36 and the Seiko SRPE.
Thanks for this insightful video. I sold all my Rolex watches, except of the Daytona and the 36 mm explorer. It’s a daily watch., and I’m also wearing it on my hikes and climbs. I think it is the perfect Rolex.
Same with me. Love the 36 Explorer but something on it wore a bit too small. My wife thought it looked too small on me. Sold it for the Air-King and prefer that one but, if I have enough money where I could own both, would consider repurchasing the Explorer 36.
I have that 124270.....its a special watch to me, if you ever hear of me selling it, its means im having a financial meltdown. Im glad you have enjoyed it, and I understand you wanting to branch out to other brands, there are better brands out there, I myself would love to own a Breguet one day. How the watch market has changed, two years ago that watch was probably worth somewhere between 6 to 7k second hand...now around the 5k mark is about right. Please keep us informed re the new watch you are planning to bring into your collection...thanks for the great start to my saturday Ash
I have the 39 mk2 and it’s my 15th anniversary watch so it’ll never leave the collection
I got the same 39mm mk2, I keep it forever.
Ive never been a watch guy, but I’ve been more interested recently. I just ordered a Seiko Sport 5, my first mechanical watch.
Great choice sir
Besides my Omegas, I would congratulate anyone on a Seiko. I own some and one of them, the Seiko Arnie, is my goto 😎 Have fun with your Seiko!
Wearing my good old faithful Seiko 5 now - it’s by far the best watch I own (I also have a Tudor BB36 and a Hamilton Khaki). If I had to keep only one, it would be my trusty Seiko. Nearly 20 yrs old, battered, never serviced (I must address that), but it just keeps on going. And it cost me the princely sum of £150. Tremendous watch!
well, I´m flabbergasted, as the Explorer (me owning the 39 MKII version) is one of my most worn watches. But, as you stated, it will eventually come back, in one form or another. Glad to see that Rolex has three sizes available, even if not from the AD, but the secondary market...
This is a classic, elegant, and understated watch which, in my opinion, is much more attractive than many larger watches that are more ostentatious and clunky. A watch like this can be dressed up, dressed down, and worn with just about any ensemble for any occasion.
Thanks Ash. As always, a very balanced, well thought out offering from you. Appreciate so much that you speak without the hype (positive or negative) that we so often see from KZhead content. Got my 40mm Explorer from my AD not long ago, after about a 6 month wait, and I absolutely love it. Through my watch journey I have a number of larger, more substantial, flashier pieces. I always come back to field watches because as you say- they simply do what we need them to do. There are days and times when I just want the simplicity and function. And this one does it better than all the others in my collection. Looking forward to the next leg of your journey- cheers.
Hello there I loved it very much but 2 things made me sold my 124270 in the end : 1) the clasp is a bit too narrow to my taste on this version 2) I found the minute hand very small & narrow, hard to read as it doesn't reach the minute track I am picking up a 124060 next week ;) (Sorry for my english, I'm french) Cheers from Champagne !
Enjoyed the honest review of this great timepiece. Keep the great videos coming Ash.
Great video! I have an Explorer too and I love it as it’s my first and only Rolex so far. I hope you enjoy your new watch!
Good classic watch for certain occasions. Can’t always wear Pepsi or Sub and this 36mm Explorer gives another great option.
If memory serves, you have a Root Beer dial. Why on earth would you not get rid of that and keep that beautiful Explorer? 🤷♂ My wishlist has the Ranger planted firmly near the top, haha.
You think the Explorer 1 is a more beautiful watch than the Rootbeer? I've got both as well and the Rootbeer is quite possibly the best looking watch in Rolex's current collection
@@derekbrettell8121 It's a good thing that it's all subjective because I couldn't disagree with you more. 🤷♂ Cest la Vie
@lonniesharp9109 that's very true. Maybe if your lucky enough to own both one day you'll have a different opinion, or maybe not. I'd also recommend saving for an Explorer instead of buying a Ranger. I've held one and it's a poor imitation of the real thing
It's a great watch and I agree on the sizing being perfect, but I cannot argue with wanting to expand one's horizons.... wondering what the new one that replaces it will be.
My trusty 2000 Explorer is a good watch. Unfortunately, in recent years I got sucked into the hype and, after a couple of years on a waiting list, purchased two brand new Datejust's (two-tone and blue) from my AD. However, after a few months of light wear, they are not keeping accurate time due to notoriously faulty movements with amplitude issues. I just had to send them in for service. This really sucks! Won't get fooled again.
Still on the list personally for one. Came up for a Mgauss and went for it at Christmas last year, so might be a bit more of a wait. Love the explorer though. Hoping you make some content on the next journey too. Looking forward to it. Thanks!
Modesty was once a very British value, no body liked people who boasted or showed off. The Explorer embodies this.
Quiet or understated luxury is maybe best how to describe it & if I remember correctly off the top of my head, ''understated luxury'' is the FEARS brand motto for their watches...
It was a bit sad seeing it go, I've always somehow associated it to your personality and your style. But I admire nonetheless your horological journey. Thank you for this last video on the subject, Ash! (or maybe you'll surprise us one day, who knows? 😀)
The Rolex 36mm Explorer is a completely iconic watch & so if I had one & got it at RRP, I just would NEVER EVER sell it & even if I lost a little love for it over a period of time because for sure, the love would return & similarly with the Submariner no date & your Pepsi too & of course, not forgetting your first Rolex Date Just you bought as a younger man & understandably that's NEVER EVER for sale either, so the Root Beer would have been completely the one for me to have sold, but you chose otherwise & that's your choice as owner of the said watches!!!
Great points Ash. But watches have started (generally speaking) to trend smaller again, Rolex is. just going in the opposite direction. But micro brands and some of the other big players in the Japanese and Swiss market are going smaller.
I own a 124270. I love mine and wear it often. It has kept perfect time for the last 2 years, and of all the watches in my collection, it is the most legible. It is not for flexing but is a superb, elegant, sporty and robust watch that is a wonderful companion on adventures or daily life. I recently sold my 2 larger Rolexes ( I stopped wearing them after buying the Explorer and the OP36 green dial). I also acquired my grail watch - a yellow gold Day Date 36 on a President bracelet, model 18238, in as-new condition, box and papers and just back from a full Rolex service. I've always wanted a gold Rolex and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The 36mm Rolex oyster case has an elegance that the larger slab sided cases lack, and is more comfortable on wrist. Best of luck in your future horological adventures.
As ever, many thanks for your videos and insights, Ash. I’m fascinated learning about the iconic watches from each brand whilst trying to imagine a modest wearable collection that would encompass 1-2 dress watches (strap, non-steel case, few/no complications, hour markers that are Roman/plain), 1-2 watches that are “boardroom to pool” (swap strap/bracelet, not “professional” style watches as my job is not a pilot, astronaut or diver), and 1-2 watches that cover “smart casual / outdoor activity” (which is where the dive watches, etc. come in). Rolex has perhaps more truly iconic watches than any other brand? Whilst the datejust with the jubilee bracelet, cyclops and fluted bezel is perhaps the most uniquely “Rolex” looking watch they make, I love the heritage and understated nature of the Explorer36.
Simply timeless perfection
Technically it's anything but timeless because the time is all it has 😂😂
I like the look of it. It’s quite similar to the Tissot that I wear daily. I have never considered spending Rolex-type money on a watch, but if I were to ever buy a Rolex it might very well be this one.
Thank You for the Video 😀
You're welcome 😊
Just discovered the Explorer from your video - thanks so much - I love it!!!!
Glad you enjoy it!
Omega for me...
Got the Oyster Perpetual 36 last month, but always come back to my Omega Aqua Terra and Speedy
Another great video, Ash. I totally agree with you on the versatility of the Explorer. In addition, it is such a handsome watch when I see macro-shots of it by KZheadrs. The thing is, I've seen one up close and for some strange reason it doesn't look as good. My old boss wore one everyday and I got used to seeing it all of the time. It was for this reason that I gave up my search. After a while, it did look like a Seiko. No insult intended there; I wear a Sarb033 everyday. So, at nearly $8,000 (before sales tax) I would rather spend my money on something else. It was strange, because I yearned for one for several years, until I saw one in real life. Best of luck on your new search.
I would have binned one of your GMTs, (probably the root beer) and kept the Explorer personally. Each to their own though. Another great video Ash.
My 124270 is the crown in my collection. It is the only watch I have ever described as perfect. It is a benchmark for tool watches, feels like air on the wrist, and is never out of place. I love the "if you know, you know" kind of vibe.
Thanks!
Thank you for the support sir.
I have exactly the same model and love it. I struggle to keep it off the wrist such that other do-everything watch (a blue-dial Aqua Terra 38mm) is feeling unloved. I sometimes think about selling the AT but then I see how the dial pops when the sun hits it and I know I can’t let it go.
I have these two as well in my collection. There is room for both 😉 I get the exact same feeling from the blue AT dial under the sun 🙂
May get an older 114270 some day...I think that will be superb...20mm lugs, vintage feel...
Good call! I own it, but it really isn't worth the price. I saw a rep and I couldn't tell the difference between the two. The anti reflected coating on the rep was actually better.
I agree with your decision to part with the Explorer, there is no better time to sell. I'd say it's the perfect Rolex, if its your only luxury watch out of a small collection. But if you have a sizeable collection of luxury watches, with some of them being other Rolex models like a Submariner or GMT Master. I will agree, they win out. The just do. I Hope whoever ends up with it wears it, as imho, its one of the best watches ever made.
This is the best rolex hands down
I like the new 36, but i love my 39 mk2 more because it has that vintage touch to it with lumed 369 and that matte classic dial, the new crown below 6 o' clock just not my thing and not forgetting that i can swap out the bracelet as and when needed
It’s nice having a time only watch in rotation. Nice and easy to reset the time when you haven’t worn it for a while.
Explorer 40 is on the top of my list. Just waiting for the right time to buy it. I want it to commemorate completing the Wainwrights Challenge….only problem is with the rolex buying experience, timing such a purchase to coincide with an event isnt easy
Always regretted not buying a 39mm Mk2 and thought the 36 was too small initially (7.25” wrist), so when the 40 was released last year I thought that’s the watch for me. However, on trying the 40 and 36 again, I completely changed my mind. There’s just something about that classic size. You’re buying a small watch, it won’t wear bigger, so if you’re ok with that go for it. I got mine in October and waited less than a week (which was a surprise in itself).
I have this explorer model and I love it. It is going to be my everyday watch forever (I hope).
Ash, it's a great idea to expand your watch collection beyond Rolex. Of course tastes vary, but if I had your collection the Explorer would be the last one to go due to its versatility, as you mentioned. It could indeed be a one watch collection. I would order your collection from top to bottom as Explorer, Pepsi GMT, Submariner, Datejust, Rootbeer GMT. Although GMT color is purely subjective.
Can you recommend a good online shop in Europe?
Will be interesting to see if there’s any regrets 6 months down the line. Best wishes for the next stop on the watch journey.
A very nice watch indeed. It was/is my "collection closer" and fits every occasion. Funny thing, i see yours has a "right side up" screwed down crown as well, you dont see that very often. Personally i think Rolex should make that a standard thing.
Understated elegance.
I don't like Rolex as a brand, but i do like the Explorer, specially vintage references. It's the basic well done, so well that's extremely versatile.
If this was my collection of 5, I would have kept the Explorer and probably release the Rootbeer. Only because there are already 2 GMTs in the collection. Because you are 100% correct stating the Explorer is a subtle watch that’s stays under the radar but so versatile. Anyways, thanks for video.
Honestly, I wouldn't go skateboarding with this watch on, haha. I use my G square with scars and dents for that. The Explorer is a nice looking watch which I'll never buy. Rolex prices are way too high for a 'tool watch', I don't think I need that in my life, but I can still say it's a nice looking watch. Fortunately there are many alternatives. Thanks for another honest video!
Thank you, if you could keep one Rolex watch only which one would it be? Also if you could start your watch collection again what 3 watches would you choose?
Great question sir. I think I will answer in a video format very soon. I've got to put some thought into this one!
@@TheChapsGuide fantastic, looking forward to this, love your view on watches 👌🏽
Another great video. Nothing to do with the topic at all, but could you please share some of your expertise with me? I'm about to buy a really nice suede Harrington jacket with a suit-like breast pocket. I was wondering whether it makes sense to put a pocket square in the breast pocket. What is your opinion on this?
A good question. Whilst it is possible to field a pocket square in a casual jacket, just be careful that you do not come across as a little eccentric.
Hello Ash, did you sell your Explorer through a reputable grey market distribution channel or sell it yourself? I have a Date Just 41mm and I have been on the waiting list for a Sub date coming up a year now. The AD I go through in central Florida has a buyback channel I might use if I ever get the sub. What’s the best means to sell a Rolex? Thank you, love your videos and channel. Cheers, Clay
I have a video on my selling experience coming soon.
I bought the 40mm versions recently and my other Rolex and Tudor watches are barely seeing any wrist time. Thought I’d prefer the 36mm version but it really was a bit too dainty looking on my 7” wrists. The 40mm model is actually only 38.9mm anyway so it’s still a compact watch and doesn’t wear like the other, far bulkier Rolex sports watches.
Ash. I could definitely own a Rolex Explorer but there are plenty of watches I would prefer more and at considerably less Price. There are plenty of watches with as much or more horological advancement and style for half the price. Although I get it. It is a great looking understated classic. Best regards Ron
I have the Explorer 40. The only thing that would make it better would be a 200-300m depth/ pressure rating so I would not be worried if I was wearing it during big wipe outs when surfing. That said it performs admirably under a wetsuit with everything the UK waters has to throw at it.
I have the 214270 39mm Explorer and I love it but it’s just not quite right. The 36mm with “Explorer” above the pinion is “just right.” My Explorer celebrates my son’s birth but they only made the 39mm In his birth year. I’ll find an event to commemorate with the new 36 mm in the future.
I own and love the 39mm mk2. I may get a green OP in 36mm though, any thoughts?
It would be a great choice. But it is a ferociously expensive watch for what it is!
I personally would sell the Rootbeer. But hey if you are wearing the explorer the least then I see your reasoning.
I agree. And do you still have a big chunky Tudor GMT? That would be the first to go in my books. Followed by the Root Beer. The Explorer is pure.
Returned the 39mm one I bought, and opted for the Tudor Ranger, I'm just not a Rolex person.
Best watch of all time. It’s the one watch I will never sell.
Agree. Its a great first watch, but as a 5th it will be outshone. Similar reasons selling my 39mm 214270 Rolex Explorer
A very nice review. Always fun, when you are doing these! My grail is the Omega Moonwatch, which I bought at the Omega Boutique in Hamburg, Germany. At the same time I really do like your 36mm Explorer, especially the arabic ciphers, the dial. Cult. Did not know the 100m water resistance also. For the fun of it: how do you personally deal with traces of usage? Scratches etc.? Is it your history, engraved in the steel. Or will you seek psychological treatment everytime you are adding some new scratch on your watch? My regards, Tim 🎉😎
Normal wear and tear is not an issue for me. It is a watch, and a steel watch, at that.
I can’t afford an Explorer - so I have (I think) the next best thing - the Tudor BB36. It’s perfect for me, and I’m very, very happy with it. 36mm is just the right size for my wrist (on the slender side). It is unobtrusive, and unless you are into watches, most people don’t know what it is (which suits me - hopefully less chance of it being attractive to thieves). It works with any type of dress, and is very comfortable to wear. At £1500-£2000 for a good used one, it is a fraction of the price of an Explorer, and being an older model, has an ETA movement, which costs much less to service than the in-house one in newer watches. It may not appreciate in value as much as other Tudors, but I bought it as a keeper……unless, I decide to flip it in future to purchase my grail watch…….a 36mm Explorer!
I'm sorry to hear the Explorer has made a departure! I definitely would have kept it and considered purpose as well as wrist time. What will you be wearing now Ash for your perilous trips down the dark alleyways in central London? 😅
I was surprised at your decision. I thought it fit your collection nicely. If it were me I would have let one of your GMTs go. Anything in mind? 🍻
It’s already here - Cartier Santos.
@@TheChapsGuidecongratulations! Beautiful Cartier indeed. Unboxing perhaps? Cheers
@@TheChapsGuidewe need a video of this new acquisition!!
This is what I like in a watch; I need it to tell the time and maybe the day, and that is it! How many men actually use the other features of complex watches? 1 in 100? 1 in 1,000?
Apparently the current Explorer 36 measures 35.5mm, the lugs are 19mm and the bracelet tapers a lot. This does make it quite different to the OP36 - and the older Explorer models.
Beautiful watch I can’t afford one of these, but i have a very good copy which i bought second hand .goes with anything. If one day i buy the real thing my wife wouldn’t notice …
beautiful timepiece. but i think i would prefer an old explorer, with more modest numbers in size
I had the explorer1 & 2 Sold the model 2 & had to sell the model 1 to pay for my honeymoon. Mine was the smaller model with white gold numerals on dial. I don't like the new larger model. I wish they would make the smaller case size. Being small it was a good fit for me.
Do you think it’s worth buying the 36mm Explorer if I also own a Black Bay 58?
Well sir, they are both fundamentally different watches. The BB58 is a diver and the RE is a field watch, I would suggest it all comes down to your personal preference. But if these were my choices, I would happily own both.
@@TheChapsGuide I just wonder if the Explorer is that much more special than the BB to justify the price tag.
This is the Swiss army knife of watches it does it all. It's the quintessential Rolex compared to their modern blingy offerings.
36mm is the perfect size for the Explorer 1. However lets no kid ourselves, the latest version of the 36 is a lady's watch. The bracelet width and newer case design are very feminine. The older ones like the 114270 with solid endlinks looks much more manly. They are two totally different watches.
Wow I would have thought the Explorer 1 to be the last watch in your collection.. but makes sense if it’s the one you wear the least
34 to 36 are just perfect size
Had my 124270 for 13 months, loved it, but never wore it... traded for a polar explorer which is now my daily
How difficult is it to get one from an AD in your area?
Explorers are becoming much more accessible these days, perhaps the easiest of all the Rolex Professional range to find and purchase.
I got my Explorer 40 last June..... I absolutely love it..... But have worn it I think 5-6 times as the bezel is so polished as are the sides that I'm afraid of scratching it. And therefore I'm not actually enjoying it!
36 is perfection
I bought a 36mm as my grail watch a few years ago, it was just too small for me, my 23 year old daughter wears a same diameter Seiko 5....l should have got the 40mm. Got most of my money back & bought 2 Ollech & Wajs, a 40mm M1 diver which is slim enough to slip under a cuffed sleeve and a (NOS) modified 1960's diver, both ETA powered. Not sure l'd go back to Rolex, right now they are busy jumping the shark.
Should I sell my Tudor 79220n & get an explorer?
Only can answer that sir.
Classic elegance, no doubt. But there was no mention of accuracy.
Mee eens - nu op naar de Reverso
You are going for a Santos, we know :D
Darn! You sold it! I was ready to make you an offer. I wonder what you think of the Explorer 2. Could that be the next one?
Selling my 214270
Selling my 39mm. UK based
Have you measured it? The Explorer 40 is 38.5mm, and the OP 41 is 39.5mm, so its possible your 36mm explorer is wearing smaller because it is smaller.
When the Rolex aura fades out and you see it for what it is… just a watch. Time to move on ! 👍👏👏👏
Ash, 36 mm may work for your small wrist but it looks too small on anything larger than 7.5 inches. And actually, watch brands are releasing smaller watches so the current trend is definitely smaller
The only R i didn't sell for silly prices
Had the previous reference and sold it and then did nothing but regret it. Now I have the new reference and it’s not going anywhere.
Get the 114270 of you want a 36mm explorer . Cheaper and looks better with 20mm lug width
I feel the same way about my Explorer 40. I nearly passed on it but now it's the most worn as it immediately became a daily.