The Only Watch You'll Ever Need? - Why The Explorer Is My Best Rolex, 6 Month Update & Brief History
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- It's been over 6 months since I got the iconic Rolex Explorer (Ref. 114270). Today I give an update on the watch, how it has changed my perception of Rolex as a brand and how I feel towards the other Rolex watches in my collection. I also discuss a brief history of the Explorer, how it came to be and if it is the only watch you will ever need.
If you had to pick just one watch to own, what would your choice be? What is your favorite Rolex? Please share in the comments of this video.
For more information and to get your horological questions answered, join our UGWC community on the Facebook group: / instagram:
/ theurbangentrychannel
TGV's Tumblr: / tgv83
www.theurbangentry.com - Навчання та стиль
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” Leonardo Da Vinci
Then you're talking about the Oyster Perpetual, the true definition of simplicity.
Leonardo never said that.
❤
I seen this video 3 years ago, I told myself I’m need to get the explorer. 3 years later (now) I finally owned it, I can’t explain how I’m feeling but it feels damn good.
I don't support monogamous watch relationships.
I do. I have an Oyster Perpetual on my wrist as I type and I am satisfied with my monogamous relationship with my life-mate. My simple Oyster Perpetual shares all my ups and downs and I seek no other watch comfort for my many and deep spiritual and material crises. Have hope, Sir. Find a suitable watch life partner and be satisfied with its gradual ageing in line with yours. Seek priestly counsel if necessary. Best wishes to you and yours. Ali. :).
submariner master race
@@groveavenue If you have an Oyster Perpetual, the the true Everest watch, you don't need the overrated Explorer. The only difference is the shock absorbers.
@@theslapchanel lol you must be single if you're comparing watches to women. 😂
My Explorer II is the only reason I do. It is the one watch I will ever need
I went from $200-$400 watches to my Rolex Explorer 114270 as a wedding gift to myself and I've never looked back.
how is your marriage going now?
@@maidacphuc never looked back i think
hows your explorer now?plannin to get my first entry level explorer
The Rolex Explorer is the most well rounded watch made.
Only to you Thor.
It’s good to have you back in England TGV, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you sir! Same to you my friend and very glad to be back :D
Best regards,
TGV
"Explorer has the best of Rolex - value retention
at the same time not being so loud that draws attention"
Play this to a beat and you will have a rap single by TGV-2017.
Wow! What a review! The purest Rolex... I think I’ve changed my mind on what my first Rolex will be. I was saving for the Datejust but now I think I have to get an Explorer! Thanks TGV!
Total agreement from me - I actually enjoy travelling OS with it more than my Explorer II. Very easy to change the time across different zones quickly and no worries about am/pm. Because it is understated I had better peace of mind security-wise too.
Sooooooo true! I totally agree, thank you Neill, so glad you agree.
Best regards,
TGV
I definitely have the same feeling with my 1999 Explorer 1...after owning it for almost a year, I have worn it almost everyday and had stopped looking at other watches. I still lust after the 1016 Explorer, but I don’t really see myself needing it anymore. Definitely the best purchase I’ve ever made.
I have come to the realization that I will never own a high end timepiece. My time is much shorter than most of the Gentry, so I will continue to enjoy what I have. When you get to my age, you realize there are other things in life that are more important than timepieces. I always enjoy your videos.
So what brings you here?
@@Michael-4 You dont have to be into Rolex to enjoy TGV talking about watches. I would never want to own a Rolex, but I'm here as well.
You never know Tim. Many of us Rolex owners are regular blue collar people who budgeted and saved to get one. Im sure you'll own one. But I don't think any of us are trading rolexes for "other things in life that are more important". Its "Other things in life that are more important" AND Rolex. The key is to have the ability to have both.
You sound like a guy who has given up on life, lost his purpose and ambition, missed the boat.
There is a way to get it back if you want it, and it's nothing to do with owning a Rolex, it begins for you at the gym, yes you got it, at the gym, I don't care about your age, there is always something you can do to improve, when you feel better with your body you will end up having more energy, and then the knock on effect happens, get your arse off that sofa and do something, you know it makes sence.
thehomefront He sounds like a man who’s getting up there age-wise, seems pretty insane to say “get your arse off the sofa and do something”. I understand what you’re saying but couldn’t you have said it more eloquently?
I’ve never owned an Rolex , heck, I’ve never seen one in person. But there’s something about the Explorer that I’m so drawn too. If I ever purchased a Rolex it would be an Explorer
Well, I know from your line up that makes sense considering your have such good taste in watches ;-)
I hope you get to try one Paul, you will fall in love.
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry thanks T. Some day lol
@@theurbangentry Did you end up selling it??
@@theurbangentry The purest and most understated Rolex? Are you serious? The Oyster Perpetual is that.
Jammer50 the OP is a bit dressier though in my opinion but otherwise there’s very little between them
I bought the Explorer in July this year.
Was getting the Swiss citizenship and was thinking about marking this big personal event with something special.
Leaving in Zurich Switzerland, becoming Swiss, had to be a Swiss watch.
I bought it in the Rolex shop on the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich to add a bit of a story to it.
So glad I bought it.
Was my first automatic watch ever as I was never into watches before.
But, that was before I meet with the Explorer :-)
I’ve been to the Bahnhofstrasse in 2007. Congrats on your citizenship and enjoy your Rolex.
how accurate is your explorer? just got mine, it is spot on after 12 hours, maybe 1/4 sec fast if anything.
@@ScottAReid My OP 36 (3130) is 3 seconds off after 3 months running.
Explorer is a great watch and the current version is incredible. ⌚️⏱👍
So glad you agree Bob, it certainly is a capolavorro.
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Current version is rubbish! This watch needs to be a 36 the 39 is too big for this watch.
The 36mm is perfect to me. 👍🏼
I was so pleased with this video because I just added the latest Explorer to the collection a few weeks ago!
Your video played a big part in my going for it and buying an Explorer - my first Rolex and first luxury watch. It's been about 3 months and I'm just amazed at how it continues to bring me so much daily joy every time I wear it. It really hasn't faded and I imagine it will be quite some time before it begins to. It was a lot of fun to rewatch this as an owner. Thanks for such an insightful video!
I like the way you evolved with the Explorer! For me my grail is the Rolex GMT 2 Pepsi 16710
A very worthy grail my friend,
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
That is interesting. I used to lust after the GMT Master, then I bought one and sold it within a year and a half. Now the Explorer 14270 is my only Rolex. The journey is different for everyone.
--Michael
Ian Fleming, Wore a Rolex Explorer.
That it, I'm sold. That my Grail watch.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. TGV
Bravo! Lovely video once again! Because of how much love you have for the explorer, and how much you have featured it on the channel I have fallen in love and cannot wait to get one.
Just ordered mine tonight! Yes, there's something about that Explorer dial that achieves a rare beauty by subtracting design elements rather than adding them.
OMG !! TGV has become a 'one watch man'. He's looking to settle down with his explorer. :) Thanks TGV, wonderful video
Steve Bowden no such thing as settling down! 😂
Grail Rolex explorer has been for a while amazing video as always
I really feel so good about watching your videos! You know your stuff and i just love your passion! Big respect
Thank you so much sir, very much appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks a lot for this brilliant video on the Explo and all the effort you put in this channel to make it exceptional ! Keep up the fantastic work, greetings from France ! Cheers
A wonderful watch lovingly described. Thinking you might soon have to start walking us through your furniture collection. An absolute killer dresser behind you ! Cheers
Thank you PLP,
Glad you approve of the decor, I was thinking of doing a video on my clock collection if I have time.
Best regards,
TGV
Fantastic video. Why do you prefer the strap to the legendary Rolex bracelet?
Of course you make this video as I just started to realize how much I love the Explorer look. Been searching online for the past several weeks for a great affordable alternative. Still searching...
Great video! :)
“The only watch you’ll ever need after a year of waiting list”
I'm sure you're joking, but there are no waiting lists for this watch.
@@DoctorJ1337 Yes there is? Not a single Rolex dealer in my country has an Explorer in stock
@@DutchClawz The explorer in the video is the 114270 which is no longer made by Rolex and therefore does not have any waiting list. And there are an exorbitant amount of them on the grey market for reasonable prices. If you are talking about the newer 214270 then there might be a waiting list for those in your country.
@@DoctorJ1337 I can confirm, no waiting list in Italy too.
You're a legend!
Lovely video’s taken again, in wonderful environment! Rolex is my favourite for sure, that’s why my avatar is a Rolex Datejust with silver dial and light blue arabic numbers. Best wishes, stay well in England! Rob
I’ve been into watches for 20 years. With your help I am finally overcoming my prejudice against the Explorer and coming to appreciate it.
Good to see you back in the homeland, wondered why you had a £5 in your EDC
When you dress an explorer, does not waste your time combining your clothes, because it combines with everything. That is the advantage.
Great Video as always TGV. Truly an amazing watch. Perfect for almost anyone or any situation. Just another example of how great Rolex is. Definitely on my list of watches to buy one day.
I couldn't agree more with the points of this video. After being in the watch world for some time, there's an undeniable attraction to the Explorer's understated elegance and forward functionality that has consistently wooed me to the point of no return. I MUST own this watch! This video articulated and confirmed my feelings and perceptions - thank you @The Urban Gentry!
i like my tudor ranger but one day i will get the explorer , is it winter in england?
Z-blue milgauss for me, maybe I’ll look at an explorer next
Couldn't agree more ! This watch is understated functional luxury at its finest !
Would make the perfect one watch collection ! All the best TGV :)
I luv the passion for simplicity. Keep up the good stuff👏
best intros in the business hands down
Thank you so much, very kind of you to say :D
Best regards,
TGV
That’s it. I’ve finally found the watch I really want, saving starts today.
Robert Roth already got it ?😃
I finally bought one! 3 years and the damn price rocketed.
YES! Love seeing you back in England. Welcome home :)
Very informative the pictures are an added bonus, it put everything into prospective. Thank you.
Honestly, I love the new 39mm Oyster Perpetuals. The blue or the grey dial are classic Rolex but have just enough modern flair.
Recently got the 36mm blue dial OP with 3,6,9 configuration. So it looks and wears similar to 36mm Explorer but without Mercedes hands and with blue dial! Shares a lot of the versatility and classic good looks.
Proud to own the 114270. Last you a lifetime of fun and happinessssss😁😁
Haven't seen the video yet. Just wanted to say that I got my Explorer thanks to inspiration from you and have loved every second of wearing it! Cheers.
Hi TGV - I have to agree with you on the Rolex Explorer. I was saving up for one myself but was tempted by a Cartier that I couldn't resist. So, back to saving for the Explorer. Enjoy your visit in the UK! Best Regards, John
When you are in England, you speak more with the english accent. Why don't you speak with the Italian accent when you are in Italy?
I agree 110%
I feel the same about my Explorer II (latest version)! Great job man!
TGV! great vid, glad you're enjoying the Rolex. The gold peeking out the sleeve on tha beautiful strap is a sharp look for you my friend. Classic "G"
Air King (2002). It's not too common and it's very stylish.
Love the air king! Truly an overlooked and under rated Rolex Sports model. May I also add the Rolex milgauss to the list as another overlooked and underrated Rolex Sports watches!
B King do you go swimming with your airking
My “one watch” choice, if I would ever be able to afford it, would be the Rolex Deep Sea Dweller.
A very cool choice indeed, that watch is hard as nails! Love it.
Thank you Mark,
Best regards,
TGV
Yay! Friday, cold beer, and new TGV video! Cheers :)
TGV,
I’m so glad that you decided to keep the ratrapante! I’m also very surprised to hear that your favorite Rolex is the explorer ( mine is the Rolex Cellini moonface). Once again a very interesting cool video.
The Explorer is a very nice watch! :)
The Explorer I is my grail. Until then, I have a Hamilton Khaki King (Champagne), Khaki Mechanical and an Alpinist lol.
Also, I remember that cottage from a video from a WHILE ago.
Taylor Weldon - I own a new explorer and a khaki. The khaki keeps better time and has longer power reserve. In all honesty I get the same (if not more) enjoyment from wearing the Hamilton as the Rolex.....
Jaime Clifton That’s crazy, I would never have expected to hear that. I always assumed Rolex would just blow the roof off of everything less expensive. Interesting, thank you!
Jaime Clifton I’m calling BS, which models and reference number so we can actually see the specs than random anecdotes.
Have to say you are more in your element back in the UK. Best, G
So glad to find your channel. I have always loved the look/feel of watches. I did start with invicta (but the few minimal designs they have & its was a search) now on to orient & omega. Love this channel
Oooh TGV , this watch is only one and the last one of best Rolex , it's quite, strong, durable, luxury, nothing fancy shiny ( yellow gold or platinum or diamond) it like a shadow, its has a personality unlike any ANY other Rolex watches , if i see person has yellow gold sub with gold tooth unlike someone dress like a gentleman and wearing Rolex explorer , still the explorer is ULTIMATE choice for true gentleman
Excellent comment, thank you Mohnnad for sharing that.
I could not agree more.
Best regards,
TGV
I agree 100%! I’ve never owned a more versatile quality watch...hunted wearing it, deep sea fishing with it, wearing with a bespoke suit today.
Fantastic to hear! Thank you for sharing that, very cool.
Best regards,
TGV
Congratulations! In-depth comments and High-end comparisons.
A really honest, poetic review of the Explorer from across the Irish Sea. Great vid Tristano, Sláinte Mo Chara 🙏
Space Dweller = GRAIL
I really gotta get a black turtleneck and grey blazer.
Josh Gates find our own style!
Josh Gates It’s very Steve McQueen-esque.
Was thinking that myself as I was watching this today! LOL
Could not agree more! I don't want to listen about exit watches though😁... We need more of your videos! Welcome to UK my friend!
Great job TGV, your videos are just impressive and amazing keep it up!!
Best Regards,
Samuel.
Thank you so much Samuel, that means a great deal to me to hear that and makes all the time I spend on them worth it.
Best regards,
TGV
Car with no options...
Lighter , faster , cheaper , less to go wrong...easier to phix.
My grail! One day... 😍
A very worthy grail my friend, I hope it becomes a reality for you.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks TGV!
Also, welcome back to England! Hope you enjoy your time here!
You are the best! continue and thanks for the video.
So glad you're keeping that chrono. I legit yelled disbelief at the screen when you mentioned selling it.
*This may be your best video.*
its a stunner isnt it. really genuine but eloquent
The only watch you'll ever need...
is a SEIKO.
;D
Haha, I think it is the only brand you could ever need IMO.
Thank you Luca,
Best regards,
TGV
Hahaha...Seiko..connecting people...TGV, how about poor man Explorer, Seiko Alpinist? I still love this watch. Period.
Luca Simoncini my MM300 is the only watch I will ever need.
A poor man's explorer would be the Sinn 556i (www.watchbuys.com/store/pc/Sinn-556-I-on-Strap-p731.htm )
I Love Seiko watches. I have a few. Very solid and have a great feel
I just found your channel and I gotta say I love it. I had always wanted a good watch and was about to buy a Mvmt watch but then I found one of your videos explaining that there were so many more great beautiful authentic watches for half the price. That led to me purchasing my first Invicta automatic watch. I am now fascinated by watches and enjoy hearing you talk about them with so much passion. I cant wait to purchase another. Thank you.
Wow, what great video! I got my Explorer (2016 model) same time as yourself, never tire looking at it and appreciating its elegant simplicity and masterfully balanced design. It is understated yet exudes quality, my first and possibly only mechanical watch.
Opinions on the IWC Le Petit Prince chronograph? got massively positive feedback on the UGWC but its still quite a lot of money.
I love it, but I have yet to see one in the flesh so I can not honestly say.
Regardless, all the IWCs I have tried have always been amazing quality.
I would certainly consider it if I wanted a luxury Pilots watch.
Let me know how it goes,
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
is that a rifle bag in the background?
Being in England I pretty much guarantee you it is in fact a shotgun bag
Welcome back to the UK Sir, and welcome to the colder weather :D
The Explorer is a very understated wristwatch but the more you look at it the more it draws you in. That said, I'm a simple man so for the one wristwatch only, it would have to be a Submariner, absolutely love the subs :D
Thanks for another great video TGV, stay warm my friend.
Chris
Cornwall, UK
Always good to be back!
Datejust
For a similar look and a fraction of the price you can get a Sarg 009 ;)
Very very true, I actually suggest
ed it in my "affordable alternatives" of the Explorer video a long time ago.
Great minds obviously ;-)
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I have the Sarg009 but I still lust after the explorer. I enjoy the Seiko but I won’t be satisfied until I have the explorer.
The explorer is my favorite Rolex too but I can't justify spending 5 K on a watch right now.
Sarg is discontinued, the price is shooting through the roof, not the best value prop anymore
Tired Of The Expected True, but it will completely satisfy the itch of the true enthusiast!
Excellent Video, Good to see your back on English Soil.. I think your Rolex Trio is Perfect, & the Explorer finishes so well!! Enjoy your time back! BMJ ENGLAND 🇬🇧
I agree with you 100%.......I can live with the Explorer as the only watch at any time. Good video!!!
Nice. A poor man's alternative might be the Sinn 556I.
I so nearly got one myself!
EXCELLENT suggestion, thank you sir.
Best regards,
TGV
Anyone else rather have an Alpanist or is it just me?
I probably prefer my alpinist, but it’s not like I could’ve afforded an explorer instead....
I’m watching this while wearing my Alpinist and thinking these watches have a lot in common. The black would be much more versatile though for dress.
Bruce Butterfield just you
It's just you
Great vid TGV, as always. The absolute perfect two piece gentleman's collection is a Rolex Explorer, and a Reverso Grand Date. Those two pieces together is perfection.
I currently own a new GMT Master 2 and I love it! It just puts a massive smile on my face every day that I put it on! I really want an Explorer though, and think it might be my next purchase! The Explorer is such a perfect watch and like you said, it will work with anything!
The one I like the most is the Daytona Chronograph. It's complications are useful for my tasks and it looks elegant doing them.
For me its between the Milgauss and the old Airking (ref 5500 or 14000). I think those are also understated and have the same characteristics as this explorer. However, at 36mm this one is hard to beat. Great video good sir!
Great video. As a newer member of the Rolex owner family, I can appreciate your comments regarding how owning a Rolex shifts the love/hate feeling to love and admiration. I avoided the brand for perceived ubiquity for a long time. My first Rolex was a Polar Explorer II, 40MM. That watch made me ponder exiting collecting. But then I saw a Coke GMT Master II and that was it--I traded for it. But like you, I baby it for want of preserving its value, which tells me it's not my exit watch necessarily, and I like a banger-wear in all circumstances watch. Divers are my first and foremost love thanks to Jacques Cousteau. I think I will own an Explorer II again, this time though I may get the Black faced 42 because I want the orange hand. Also the Explorer II was introduced in 1971, my birth year. The Steve Mcqueen is on the grail list for sure based on its born-on date. You can't hate Rolex once you own one and wear it. Accurate, tough, timeless.
Best video I've ever seen on the Explorer. Sums it up perfectly. Welcome back to England.
I am glad you kept the Dudey & S Index mobile in your collection. I wish more chronograph watches these days had the sort of dial arrangement as yours does. If I don't see another video by you before Christmas, I hope you, and your family have a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year.
Love the explorer - but also the milgauss- that blue dial with the green around the edge ... sooo gorgeous. Although if I could only have one watch it would be the 1603 datejust with engine turned bezel on a shiny jubilee circa 1972 .... it's the watch I wear everyday and goes with everything - subtle but very stylish.
Wonderful video about a wonderful watch. I purchased an Explorer 1016 new in 1986 (jubilee bracelet) as my first entre into watches that were not black plastic and did not require batteries (although I did have in the drawer an early 1970's Accutron Spaceview - still a battery watch, but certainly not plastic). My Explorer was my only watch for perhaps the next 10 years before I purchased an Omega Seamaster, 38mm midsize (black face - not James Bond blue), followed by a Breitling Blackbird and later a Maurice Lacroix Cinq Aguilles. My latest foray is a Bremont MBII (orange barrel with bracelet). But back to the Explorer. A few years ago I had the Rolex serviced and gave it to my daughter for Christmas. When she took it to have the bracelet sized and told the repairman she got it from her Dad, he asked, "don't you have any brothers? Lucky girl!" Thanks for posting these. I am enjoying them greatly and have subscribed.
Great review and some interesting information.
I’m new to the watch hobby and would love an explorer eventually. I recently purchased a Seiko sarb033 which is a great value for money watch and similar look to the explorer I think. Will definitely be buying an Explorer one day.
This is my favorite too! for all the reasons you mentioned.
TGV, glad to see you flying again! For me it would be the modern day 36/34mm Oyster Perpetuals. Love the bracelets on those. Tudor Black Bay 36 runner-up... fun fact: James Bond wore an oyster perpetual 34mm in Carte Blanche.
Thank you Alberto :D
Very cool to hear about Carte Blanche, I have never read it, I might just have to now!
Best regards,
TGV
I’m sat here drooling over your 14270 wearing a 5513 with ghost bezel. I love my 5513 but I need an everyday watch that still keeps the adventurous spirit of the 5513. You eloquent and well put together thoughts have made my mind up that the 14270 is the watch that fits the bill. Thank you for putting this video out there.
drooling through the whole video. one of my grail watches.