Moral of the story is when you want an explorer, you buy an explorer, if you buy explorer alternatives you don't end up with the explorer. However you need to go through all the hardships of spending money on the alternatives so at the end of your journey of acquiring the explorer it's going to be oh so sweet.
i am the other way round, knew clearly what i wanted from the start and not gonna waste my money trying to settle with alternatives so went straight to the core and got myself an Explorer 1, then got my sarb033 for fun. Love them both and they gonna stay in my collection for good.
Beautiful piece. I learned the lesson many years ago. If you don’t buy want you want initially, you will eventually. It’s cheaper in the long run not to settle.
Great video. The Explorer 214270 is a fantastic watch to wear in pretty much any occasion. I've tried both the Explorer and the Black Bay 36 and they are both fantastic. I might get the 36 in blue or the Oyster Perpetual 36 with the blue dial and the 3, 6, 9 numerals (kind of makes it look like a blue explorer). All fantastic watches that you can wear for a long time. I reckon you'll keep that Explorer of yours for quite some time? :)
Thanks, and yes, this one is a keeper. I mentioned in the first video that getting it that first day is quite underwhelming. You sit there realizing that you’re about to hand over about $6.5k USD for ... a watch. But then then it grows on you more and more, every time you put it on.
@@watchesandstuff6837 Exactly! Felt the same when I bought my "keeper". Lot of money but now it's almost been a year and I love it more and more as time passes :)
Great Video about your journey to the explorer. You got a sub. I got my 214270 last december an i take it to a trip to russia. So i can say That the explorer is the perfect watch in every situation. Greetings from germany👍
Nice! I love my E1 and currently have both 36 and 39. Been wearing the 36 for a year and the 39 kind of fell in my lap. Can only keep one and I’m torn. Did a comparison on my page and I think it made matters worse!
Great video, thank you. The Explorer 1 has always been the one for me though I love the BB36 as well. To be honest, my perfect watch would be the 214270 but in 36mm with the ceramic clasp bearings from the Tudor! The 114270 would be fine but the build quality of the BB36 is better. Damn this hobby/addiction!
The clasp here is better than the Tudor, but a different design as well. It uses a hinged hook on the first stage, where the Tudor is just friction based, so makes sense for the Tudor to use bearings there. Really though this clasp is awesome. You won’t find anything better than this on a none-dive watch. Grand Seiko really need to take note here.
Watches And Stuff ...Yes I’ve seen the hinged clasp on the Explorer but never in person. That’s good to hear it’s so good. I forgot to say, the 5mm extension would be a lifesaver for me too!
I bought a BB36, being a lover of the 114270, but lacking the courage to spend 6 grand on a watch. I absolutely fell in love with it. I recently tried on the 36mm Explorer at my local watchmaker, and was surprisingly underwhelmed in that moment, even though I had worked up the courage to make the purchase. Went out and instead bought another Tudor (Black Bay Bronze/brown bezel/dial). Thanks for the great video, the journey is real, I do identify for sure, especially with falling for the Seiko hype. And I agree with your sentiment, buy the actual watch you want, but don’t be surprised if one’s tastes change, and if the in-person experience differs from one’s expectation. Cheers!
It is an underwhelming experience for sure. You quickly realize that this thing you’ve wanted so much, this “grail”, is just a watch. But the Explorer is a slow burn. It just keeps growing on you. The BB36 is a little different. Love at first sight I think ;-) My Explorer is looking well worn now and it’s getting “character”. I love it.
Lovely watch, it's on my wish list. I've had a blue 36mm op, similar to the explorer but the hands let it down. At the moment I've got a hamilton khaki field 38mm, I'm really enjoying this watch and it could even prevent the explorer purchase.
Hehe, sorry. No sub. If I ever get another, it would probably be a vintage black dial Explorer II. Right now I’m waiting to be contacted by a guy selling a Seiko 6309 vintage 70s turtle.
Lol, misunderstood you there :-) I’m glad you liked the video and that you subbed, but there won’t be much happening here. I’m not looking for a large collection.
There is one Seiko bracelet that is really good, and that’s the Jubilee. Cheap and nasty in construction, folded end links, pressed clasp etc... but man does it wear great, an it looks good too, and, has plenty of micro adjustments. Better than the one that shipped with the GS.
Great video; I loved it. I myself have always tried substituting other watches (very nice) for this explorer. I always end up selling them because they aren’t the true explorer. I will be purchasing the watch soon if I can find it at an authorized dealer, or at a gray market dealer online. Thank you for this video it really did help me make the decision. Keep up the great work and enjoy that beautiful explorer!
Beautiful! Before the purchase, did you consider a Sinn 556? Also, if they made this modern version in 36mm, would you prefer that size? Only option right now is 2nd hand for that size.
Hi Jose, I have not considered the Sinn 556. I know the Explorer dial is basically monochrome, but the white gold applied indices just give it a little more life than the Sinn. The 39mm is much better than the 36. It really is perfect for me.
Glad you were finally able to acquire the Explorer. I had a 14270 last year, though it felt too small. If I am able to return to the Explorer, I will also select a 214270. Wear in good health. Btw I subbed. Cheers 👍⌚
No no. I love the 39, but upgrading from the 36 to the 39 would feel a bit silly, so I’d probably stick with the 36. I almost went for the 36 about a year ago when I was really buying and flipping watches a lot. I didn’t have all the funds for a new 214270 at that time. I’m glad I didn’t. Getting the 39 has been like taking a Valium. It’s just calmed me way down. I haven’t gotten excited about any other watches recently.
My first luxury watch was a bb58. When i choose it i had the 214270 mark two in the other hand but i choose the tudor. 1 year later, 2 weeks ago, i bought my 214270 mark two. Let me tell you, no quality comparison but that bb58... it still may have my preference....
I had the same consideration. I ordered the Explorer in about September 2019, but I was wondering whether or not to go for the BB58. Back then, and luckily for me, the BB58 was on back order, being so new and so instantly popular. The AD warned me it could take up to a year! The Rolex, on the other hand, would take 2-3 months, so I went with the Explorer. No I know personally I made the right decision for me, and if I’d bought the Tudor, it would be sold again and I’d be back saving up for the Explorer.
@@watchesandstuff6837 the explorer is the best rolex out there for me and that s a lot. But trust me. Selling the bb58 is not easy. It s a work of art. I think you d end up like me. Keeping em both
Not so much a wait list, just shipping time from Rolex is slow. That could mean they have a wait list, but my AD just said, two to three months. It arrived there after two.
I have the same Grail watch history Man. I am afraid it will look too big on me. Would you recommend for a 6,5cm wrist ? I am tall but with small wrist.
Yes, I was wondering about that. With the standard OP being bumped up to 41, what will that do to the price and availability of the Explorer 39? I don't know if the ADs are struggling to get them, but new prices in the grey market are going up.
@@watchesandstuff6837 Took me 8 months to get a new Explorer 1 39 mm. Even the OP 39 in white or blue were not available. Glad the Explorer is appreciating in the secondary mk more than retail. Great investment timepiece.
Similar journey as me. Stumbled across several Explorer like watches but non lived up to the expectations. There’s no alternative to the Rolex Explorer!
I have a Hamilton khaki as well and tried on the explorer at an AD, I did not see a £5200 watch and was underwhelmed and actually prefered the look of the Hamilton. I've got a longines spirit 40mm, it's basically a luxury version of the Hamilton.
Ok. I guess I agree a little. I think GS are at a different level in quality, but having said that, I couldn’t image not owning an SKX. Such an iconic watch, I’ll always have one.
Moral of the story is when you want an explorer, you buy an explorer, if you buy explorer alternatives you don't end up with the explorer. However you need to go through all the hardships of spending money on the alternatives so at the end of your journey of acquiring the explorer it's going to be oh so sweet.
na just wait out till you can afford the explorer. Buying alternatives just makes the watch you actually want more expensive.
i am the other way round, knew clearly what i wanted from the start and not gonna waste my money trying to settle with alternatives so went straight to the core and got myself an Explorer 1, then got my sarb033 for fun. Love them both and they gonna stay in my collection for good.
The perfect Rolex!! Amazing watch.
Agree!
Beautiful piece. I learned the lesson many years ago. If you don’t buy want you want initially, you will eventually. It’s cheaper in the long run not to settle.
The Pontiff Archie smiles with this watch
Great video. The Explorer 214270 is a fantastic watch to wear in pretty much any occasion.
I've tried both the Explorer and the Black Bay 36 and they are both fantastic. I might get the 36 in blue or the Oyster Perpetual 36 with the blue dial and the 3, 6, 9 numerals (kind of makes it look like a blue explorer). All fantastic watches that you can wear for a long time. I reckon you'll keep that Explorer of yours for quite some time? :)
Thanks, and yes, this one is a keeper. I mentioned in the first video that getting it that first day is quite underwhelming. You sit there realizing that you’re about to hand over about $6.5k USD for ... a watch. But then then it grows on you more and more, every time you put it on.
@@watchesandstuff6837 Exactly! Felt the same when I bought my "keeper". Lot of money but now it's almost been a year and I love it more and more as time passes :)
Which is your Keeper?
@@watchesandstuff6837 My Tudor Date Day reference M56000
Great Video about your journey to the explorer. You got a sub.
I got my 214270 last december an i take it to a trip to russia.
So i can say That the explorer is the perfect watch in every situation.
Greetings from germany👍
Greetings to you too!
Nice! I love my E1 and currently have both 36 and 39. Been wearing the 36 for a year and the 39 kind of fell in my lap. Can only keep one and I’m torn. Did a comparison on my page and I think it made matters worse!
39 for me
Great video, thank you. The Explorer 1 has always been the one for me though I love the BB36 as well. To be honest, my perfect watch would be the 214270 but in 36mm with the ceramic clasp bearings from the Tudor! The 114270 would be fine but the build quality of the BB36 is better. Damn this hobby/addiction!
The clasp here is better than the Tudor, but a different design as well. It uses a hinged hook on the first stage, where the Tudor is just friction based, so makes sense for the Tudor to use bearings there. Really though this clasp is awesome. You won’t find anything better than this on a none-dive watch. Grand Seiko really need to take note here.
Watches And Stuff ...Yes I’ve seen the hinged clasp on the Explorer but never in person. That’s good to hear it’s so good. I forgot to say, the 5mm extension would be a lifesaver for me too!
I bought a BB36, being a lover of the 114270, but lacking the courage to spend 6 grand on a watch. I absolutely fell in love with it. I recently tried on the 36mm Explorer at my local watchmaker, and was surprisingly underwhelmed in that moment, even though I had worked up the courage to make the purchase. Went out and instead bought another Tudor (Black Bay Bronze/brown bezel/dial). Thanks for the great video, the journey is real, I do identify for sure, especially with falling for the Seiko hype. And I agree with your sentiment, buy the actual watch you want, but don’t be surprised if one’s tastes change, and if the in-person experience differs from one’s expectation. Cheers!
It is an underwhelming experience for sure. You quickly realize that this thing you’ve wanted so much, this “grail”, is just a watch. But the Explorer is a slow burn. It just keeps growing on you. The BB36 is a little different. Love at first sight I think ;-) My Explorer is looking well worn now and it’s getting “character”. I love it.
Lovely watch, it's on my wish list. I've had a blue 36mm op, similar to the explorer but the hands let it down. At the moment I've got a hamilton khaki field 38mm, I'm really enjoying this watch and it could even prevent the explorer purchase.
38 is a nice size
I am nearing the end of this journey, funny that this popped up now. Got a sub from me 😉👍
Hehe, sorry. No sub. If I ever get another, it would probably be a vintage black dial Explorer II. Right now I’m waiting to be contacted by a guy selling a Seiko 6309 vintage 70s turtle.
Lol, misunderstood you there :-) I’m glad you liked the video and that you subbed, but there won’t be much happening here. I’m not looking for a large collection.
Seiko, I hear you loud and clear. I sold my Seiko’s due to the their bracelets! Always a let down...
There is one Seiko bracelet that is really good, and that’s the Jubilee. Cheap and nasty in construction, folded end links, pressed clasp etc... but man does it wear great, an it looks good too, and, has plenty of micro adjustments. Better than the one that shipped with the GS.
Great video; I loved it. I myself have always tried substituting other watches (very nice) for this explorer. I always end up selling them because they aren’t the true explorer. I will be purchasing the watch soon if I can find it at an authorized dealer, or at a gray market dealer online. Thank you for this video it really did help me make the decision. Keep up the great work and enjoy that beautiful explorer!
Buy it. I did not twicez, but the bug never went away. Two weeks ago i found it again and bought it immediately.
@@user-do8ef4np7q Thanks for the advice! Yes, it’s a high price tag; but a watch for life. I hope to find one soon.
Great video and great journey mate.... How does it wear compared to the SKX? I mean size wise?
Nothing beats plane vanilla.
Beautiful! Before the purchase, did you consider a Sinn 556? Also, if they made this modern version in 36mm, would you prefer that size? Only option right now is 2nd hand for that size.
Hi Jose, I have not considered the Sinn 556. I know the Explorer dial is basically monochrome, but the white gold applied indices just give it a little more life than the Sinn. The 39mm is much better than the 36. It really is perfect for me.
How long was the wait from the ad?
About two and a half months
other reviews said that the cristal have a lot of reflections ... what do you think about it ?
A little bit, but more than anything else - fingerprints and smudges! Watches with flat crystals pick up fingerprints.
My Rolex with the new movement have kept better time than my newer omegas. Just my experience with them. Still a decent watch.
Hi Could i ask why the motivation to get rid of the longines ? thx
poor dial, mediocre bracelet. looks nice from a distance, not so nice close up.
Very nice video, keep up the good work!
Thanks, but don’t expect too many. It’s difficult to get excited about other watches these days :-)
is this one a keeper ?
Yes. 6 months now :-)
Glad you were finally able to acquire the Explorer. I had a 14270 last year, though it felt too small. If I am able to return to the Explorer, I will also select a 214270. Wear in good health. Btw I subbed. Cheers 👍⌚
I think I would have been happy with the last version of the Explorer in 36. Solid watch.
@@watchesandstuff6837 Second thoughts re 39mm?
No no. I love the 39, but upgrading from the 36 to the 39 would feel a bit silly, so I’d probably stick with the 36. I almost went for the 36 about a year ago when I was really buying and flipping watches a lot. I didn’t have all the funds for a new 214270 at that time. I’m glad I didn’t. Getting the 39 has been like taking a Valium. It’s just calmed me way down. I haven’t gotten excited about any other watches recently.
My first luxury watch was a bb58. When i choose it i had the 214270 mark two in the other hand but i choose the tudor. 1 year later, 2 weeks ago, i bought my 214270 mark two. Let me tell you, no quality comparison but that bb58... it still may have my preference....
I had the same consideration. I ordered the Explorer in about September 2019, but I was wondering whether or not to go for the BB58. Back then, and luckily for me, the BB58 was on back order, being so new and so instantly popular. The AD warned me it could take up to a year! The Rolex, on the other hand, would take 2-3 months, so I went with the Explorer. No I know personally I made the right decision for me, and if I’d bought the Tudor, it would be sold again and I’d be back saving up for the Explorer.
@@watchesandstuff6837 the explorer is the best rolex out there for me and that s a lot. But trust me. Selling the bb58 is not easy. It s a work of art. I think you d end up like me. Keeping em both
curious if you had a waitlist or your AD had it in stock?
Not so much a wait list, just shipping time from Rolex is slow. That could mean they have a wait list, but my AD just said, two to three months. It arrived there after two.
I have the same Grail watch history Man. I am afraid it will look too big on me. Would you recommend for a 6,5cm wrist ? I am tall but with small wrist.
Yes, should be fine.
The watch I’ve always wanted but 36mm or 39mm is just too small for me. So love my Planet Ocean and 2 Panerais.
It does not wear like a 39. It looks bigger than my bb58, a lot bigger trust me...
Great sports model. Sole survivor at 39 mm for sports model. Able to maintain it's value in the secondary mkt.
Yes, I was wondering about that. With the standard OP being bumped up to 41, what will that do to the price and availability of the Explorer 39? I don't know if the ADs are struggling to get them, but new prices in the grey market are going up.
@@watchesandstuff6837 Took me 8 months to get a new Explorer 1 39 mm. Even the OP 39 in white or blue were not available. Glad the Explorer is appreciating in the secondary mk more than retail. Great investment timepiece.
Similar journey as me. Stumbled across several Explorer like watches but non lived up to the expectations. There’s no alternative to the Rolex Explorer!
I’m starting to think the same.
Nice watch but my Hami Khaki auto 38mm and my Citizen Ray Mears remake stopped me from getting the Rolex Explorer.
I have a Hamilton khaki as well and tried on the explorer at an AD, I did not see a £5200 watch and was underwhelmed and actually prefered the look of the Hamilton. I've got a longines spirit 40mm, it's basically a luxury version of the Hamilton.
Prefer the mk1
You’re on your own :-)
I might be in the minority, but I owed a 36mm Rolex explorer for a year and that watch did nothing for me. I think I worn it twice and then sold it.
somehow seiko's design is much better than grand seiko....
How do you mean?
@@watchesandstuff6837 I mean they did too good jobs on Seiko which diminishes the value of Grand Seiko
Ok. I guess I agree a little. I think GS are at a different level in quality, but having said that, I couldn’t image not owning an SKX. Such an iconic watch, I’ll always have one.