Still The Best Rolex In 2024? What Makes The Explorer Classy - Ft. Seiko Alpinist & Omega Seamasters
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- Опубліковано 15 лют 2024
- Today I share part 1 of 2 videos all about the Rolex Explorer. In this episode 1, I analyze what makes the Explorer the classiest and best Rolex of all time, what made it such a compelling design, and how it inspired so many other great watches, including the most important Omega Seamasters and Seiko Alpinist watches. Even to this very day, new models from both brands still reference the foundations laid by Rolex. Case in point, the new for 2023 Seiko Alpinist (ref. SPB409) and the Omega Planet Ocean 75th Anniversary (ref. 215.30.40.20.03.002) watches. But beyond the Rolex brand's ongoing influence in terms of watch design, I delve a little deeper with a look at some of my own personal heroes, and why this particular Rolex embodies a far deeper connection to British culture of the 20th century, Hollywood stars of the Golden Age like Robert Mitchum, and pop and style icons like Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music fame. It's also the real James Bond watch and choice of 007's creator Ian Fleming himself, and was famously worn by fictional TV ad exec, the dapper Don Draper. But more importantly, what do you think? Is the Explorer still the classiest and best Rolex in 2024? Please share in the comments.
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#watchcollector #watchcollecting #omega #nivadagrenchen #seiko #strapmonster #pureclass #review - Навчання та стиль
This channel is one of the main reasons I bought this watch in 2018, and I’ve never regretted it for a second.
I stopped watching a Nico Leonard video because TGV uploaded and I’m part of the notification gang. This channel always has class quality content. 🤝
100%, Nico Leonard is a shouty pretentious idiot….TGV all the way
Two very different styles and personalities
Nico who? 😂
I used to watch Nico's videos, when he was mainly "fake watch spotting". Nico's shtick of attaching a price tag to everything is quite tiresome, now.
I watch a stupid amount of watch content. I watch Nico purely for entertainment. I watch TGV’s channel for history and education and non-biased watch opinions (which is pretty rare on YT)
Nothing better than an Urban Gnetry episode on a Friday, an insightful episode full of history one of of my favorite Rolex models, also the edit is top notch as always.
As an OG, this was vintage TGV. Well done, sir! I’ve owned a 214270 MK1 for 6+ years and truly feel that it is a perfect 1 watch collection.
RESPECTFULLY THE TERM OG NO LONGER APPLIES UNLESS YOU ARE OJS DRIVER TRYING TO OUTRUN TMZ TO GET TO A HALF DECENT ACTION MOVIE PREMIERE
TGV, after all of these years I have finally found the correct adjective for you...inspirational. Thank you for all that you do to entertain and educate.
I really enjoy TGV’s historical perspective on new popular watches. This feels like a return to the old days to me, LOVE IT!
Always a joy to watch your videos. Your intros are pure class! From a fellow Brit in NYC still enjoying his 10th year honeymoon period !
Just when I thought I had gotten the Explorer 1 off my mind… then you go and post this…
Amazing work TGV 🎉
Oh My Days... a 2 part-er on the Explorer! Immense! Such a classy watch. Quietly brilliant.
Dear Tristano,
Thanks a lot for this master class video.
A pleasure to watch for me, and a lot of work for you. Loved your editing, it is getting even better with time.
Pure class !
Best regards,
Alexandre
Another great one and I can’t wait for part II. I never owned an Explorer - but this two-tone is in my head for long as I may love it as much as the 3 R in my collection (an old Air King, a recent Sub, and a pre-vintage Daytona, two tone with Zenith caliber). I don’t know how you find the force to be able to sell yours but I admire that - my collection journey hasn’t reached this level of maturity yet. I only sold one watch I loved, because it’s price had become stupid and I couldn’t wear it because of the status symbol it had become. Thanks again for your great great work
I love depth of history you cover on your channel, pure class!
Wonderful video! Reminds me of the two part epics you did in the past. Thank you for the amazing work!
Great opening TGV. I also noticed that you coined so many phrases we take for granted as part of the watch lexicon. 👍🏽
Another great video TGV. Thankyou. Always unique content and enjoyable to watch. Much appreciated. 😊😊😊
An absolute pleasure, thank you so much, onwards and ever upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
Love the content TGV, thank you. Keep it up!
Have both a 2010 114270 and a 2023 124270 and though the 124 is slightly more legible the 114 is far more comfortable with the low profile clasp. The 114's proportion of the bracelet to the case is also more visually pleasing to my eye. This watch is pure class, form and function. And one of the few prestige watches that looks good showing its age with scuffs and scratches. The one caveat is the less than great legibilty in low light, but then my eyes aren't what they used to be.
Awesome, just came from the other popular channel that peddles watches, this one is so refreshing! Wow 😊
You can see the effort that goes in to these videos. Always look forward to the next one, thank you 👍
As a fellow Englishman I tip the rim of my top hat to you Sir and congratulate you once again on a refined, seemingly simplistic and elegant presentation. I'm new to the appreciation of your channel and to the watch collecting community although I've had a few beauty's (watches that is well and the other sort of aesthetic magnificence) in my time without having genuinely appreciated their value or historical importance. Top hole old chap and thank you for creating such splendidly captivating content.
"Top hole?!" How do you know that?
It’s bonkers that you coined all those phrases. Well done. Wait those mugs are for sale?! Never thought I would enjoy a history lesson on Rolex so much… looking forward to Part 2.
One of my favourites from the crown, too. Recently picked up the 40mm. All the best TGV.
Pure class TGV!! Superb video
There’s just something about a 36mm sized Rolex Explorer that I find quite appealing actually. I immensely enjoyed your video. Well done 🥃
👏👏👏👏 Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Love the Explorer. My favourite watch and feel lucky to have one.
Great Video as always TGV, really appreciate the independent watch content. Best in the business.
Not only is the content top notch! (As always). I'm also digging the new video format.
Great view to start the weekend. And great PHL scenes to kick off.
As always another great video.
There is not a Rolex AD near me, a few hours drive. I have taken a lesser path and I chose the Seiko 241 with the cream dial as my Explorer alternative. I did put it on a brown leather strap and it has served me very well. I did have to have it regulated after 6 months of wear and now it really keeps good time. 38 mm case size, 200 meters of water resistance, approx. 70 hours of power reserve, sapphire crystal, this simple and elegant watch fits me. I do have a few divers, but less is more.
That"s great. For me, my 37mm Longines Spirit fulfils that role. Not as a 'second best' or alternative, but simply as a solid, everyday explorer-type watch that stands on its own.
The perfect two watch collection in my mind;
Explorer 11470 & Explorer 16570.
I keep buying watchs and selling them because really I only need these two.
They cover all scenarios 👌🏻
🙏🏻 keep up the good work TGV
Always a pleasure to watch
This channel is pure class
friday night, raining outside a nice german beer and a tgv video what more can I ask for!
When is part 2 coming?! I love your videos and I love the Explorer! I’m still saving up to get one!
i couldn't agree more about the dial being the best ever. the explorer is my favorite watch of all time
If you haven't convinced yourself to keep it with that masterfully told story then nothing will. Wearing my explorer 40 today because of this. I love it. Thank you for giving me more to love in it than I already had.
Awesome video! Been wearing proudly my 214270 since 2018 - such an awesome piece
My first and only Rolex to date is an explorer. I bought the new 40mm for my 40th, and took my son with me for the AD experience. All of those elements combined means the explorer will always have a place in my heart and my collection. Pure class 👌🏼
Thanks for.a GREAT video, from a top tier creator, about a spectacular watch, with an informative educational touch!
Thank you for going to the effort of making such interesting, thoughtful, entertaining and well shot content 🙏 Thank you 🙏
I'm sitting here with my Rolex, Omega and Alpinist, seeing them in a whole new light.
I was drawn in to the watch hobby/ addiction/ madness after watching tgv many years ago. Always detailed, consistent, unbiased content and not cash grabbing. I would never have gotten into watches otherwise. Thank you for everything. Fyi, no such thing as a final grail!
THREE PEOPLE JUST DIED THEIR HAIRSTYLIST AT WHITESPOT
Of the Rolex watches I’ve admired from afar, worn, and have come to own - there is something profoundly special about the quiet class the Explorer I exudes while keeping an outwardly clean, but instantly recognizable aesthetic. Deemed simply boring for some, and while I understand that p.o.v., I have always appreciated the “Less is More” approach that has been the mainstay of the Explorer 1 dynasty thus far. Great content TGV, thank you for the amazing work, as always!
"Quite class" love it and so true. Thank you my friend, stay classy.
Best regards,
TGV
amen
Hi TGV, always enjoy your videos about the Explorer. Your early videos inspired me to buy my 39mm version. It flies under the radar as you say and fits my personality so well. I will always keep mine but good luck with your decision to keep yours or not. Thank you for leading me to mine. Best regards, John
Loved the intro. Great videos as always
Another brilliant video TGV.
Unrelated but I've recently decided my next purchase will be the Lorimer Hyperion on their upcoming restock thanks to your previous review on the watch. Can't wait!
Sidenote- Loved the Blackadder excerpt. Onwards and upwards.
Great video, thank you. Been saving diligently for an explorer but recently got side-tracked by a BB 58 and I'm in love. Very much enjoy the journey regardless. Also been rocking that mug for a couple of months now 👊
Explorer is hands down the best Rolex out there. Iconic and timeless design!
Another engaging video from the man who inspired my interest in watches! Art, culture, design, history and technology. Loving Japan, I got the Alpinist reissue -only 1959 made and…”pure class” at that. Thanks TGV!
The Explorer is such an easy to grab and put on watch. You feel the class the moment you put it on. It’s somewhat magical. The Alpinist is my second favourite and the PO is a class of its own. Although I prefer the original version.
Perfect video TGV. Also always class 😊
Good evening TGV, great to see you're back with one of those OG Gentry topics. On my opinion the Explorer is the foundation where so many other designs drew inspiration from, like my Sinn 556a for example. That said, we are lucky to choose if we go with the original or if we go with a, let's say, with an alternative, for example the Tudor Ranger. Have a great evening! Best regards!
Very good point and observation. Love the Tudor suggestion too.
Have a great evening too my friend, chin chin and thank you as always, 😎🥂
Best regards right back at you!
TGV
Really enjoyed the lounginess…it’s a word now…of this video. Lovely work.
I love your channel man. You are the best.
Great episode! Got to your channel around 2016, you were a pioneer for sure! Tudor Ranger does it for me. Rocking a blue Glycine Combat Vintage for now.
You are Pure Class old boy! I have been watching for years and it just keeps getting better! On wards and upwards!
Great video and spot on why I love this watch. I finally pulled the trigger in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made from a watch perspective. I have several watches but this one gets the most wrist time no doubt. Can’t wait for part #2!
Great video as always TGV. I own the 124270 which I was able to acquire new back in 2021. I love the understated styling and simplicity. You mention British-ness regularly and I wondered what your thoughts were on Bremont and what they are now doing now that Davide Cerrato is on board?
Love this!!! Top level TGV
Great content as always!
Really liked to see the "Shaken" book featured, it is fantastic.
I first encountered it at a bar of a Michelin restaurant in Napoli where they use this book as the cocktail menu
Can't wait for more future TGV colabs with Squale and Islander. I'm loveing the designs ❤️🔥
This was incredible T. Incredible. As a fellow brit, the way you tell the history of what it means to be British through the explorer is incredible. It's, undoubtedly, one of the most significant watches ever made. As for me, my general idea of a four watch collection is junghans max bill as daily beater, navi as chrono, santos as GADA, and gold reverso as haute horology dress watch. No better statement of being British than the reverso.
This felt like a OG episode.
Always illuminating TGV !
My first and only Rolex a SeaDweller from 1994 is very much my idea of quintessential wrist watch. Can be worn with anything but tails and tie and sturdy enough to withstand a midnight plunge, i would still choose it over the explorer to this day. And one more thing ... the stache suits you 😉
Great episode TGV
Fantastic content as always sir!
Brilliant video, TGV.👍
As an average American, I can appreciate fine craftsmanship like the Rolex Explorer even if high-end watches are out of my budget. My grandfather won and later lost a Rolex on a dice roll which accurately sums up a lot of his life. For that reason the brand reminds me of him. The Explorer has a dial matching my hometown area code, represents enduring family memories that no price tag can match.
We all splurge on some luxuries, whether a nice car or the latest tech gadget, but a $10,000 watch is hard to justify when many still struggle to afford necessities. I hope to one day be able to afford an Explorer to honor my grandfather's memory. However, even as I find career success, I don't want to lose perspective or compassion for those less fortunate.
Owning luxuries doesn't preclude giving back. If possible, I will consider donating to charity alongside such a meaningful, if extravagant, purchase. More than projecting status, I want my grandfather's watch to represent values like family bonds and community caring.
As an average Brit, I’m reminded of a quote by Clement Attlee:
“Charity is a cold grey loveless thing. If a rich man wants to help the poor, he should pay his taxes gladly, not dole out money at a whim.”
We have a fairly high tax rate here, and a welfare state, which I think is in contrast with the American system. Once I’m done paying my taxes, what’s left is mine. I’ll definitely be getting myself one of these little beauties one day.
It demonstrates a lot of community spirit on your part that you still feel the need to contribute after you’ve paid your due, but I get that we have slightly different cultures.
@derdummeasi You missed the last part of what I wrote, chief, or you just enjoy taking things out of context so you can virtue signal on the internet?
He's not some Southern Belle and you need to jump in and defend his honour. Christ.
Respectfully.
I comprehend both viewpoints. The majority of my tax money is spent on funding proxy wars, while the general public is left to deal with the consequences of widespread pharmaceutical abuse on the streets. There undoubtedly comes a time when one must acknowledge that, despite the overall tragedy of life, there is no justification for denying oneself the things one desires and is capable of obtaining. I reside in a university town where everyone would recognize a Rolex, but if I wore a JLC Reverso, they would be unaware of its value. The Explorer's understated elegance appeals to me, but the crown will inevitably attract the attention of those who are desperate or envious.
@@VIVsVeiws yup - of all the Rolexes, this has to be one of the stealthiest. Plus it’s just so classy.
I’m glad secondary market prices have collapsed - it’s becoming much safer to wear these again. I wouldn’t give a second thought to wearing an explorer out and about anymore.
If I find a 39mm for 6000k out the door I'll snag that right away. I've been looking at this 1 watch for 4 years now and have far more than enough to pull the trigger
Great video. Considering pulling the trigger on the Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 38mm soon. Thanks, TGV.
I can't recommend that brand enough. I am sure you will love it. Let me know how it goes.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Great video as always.
A closer look at inner battle of two different views of class fighting for dominance in urban gentry format represented by the Rolex explorer as a centrepiece. Bravo 👏. Might have read too much in between the lines though. Thank for the video. Always a pleasure.
it's really good content. l have not seen such a good watch related video for a long time
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
Best regards,
TGV
Dear Tristano, the one thing I envy more than your exquisite watch collection, is your editing style.
Another good video, cheers. I think you should keep that Explorer. As you know, the ebbs and flows of watch collecting and the "what I like" are an impossibly moving target. Also, cheers to Moyer for supporting your channel. As a native Hoosier, I love that they are giving something back to the watch community.
Nice to see the 2-tone getting a favorable mention. I’ve developed a real attachment to mine, a special piece.
Awesome INTRO man !
This is the only way I know I could have digested a video about Rolex.
I brought the Big 40mm Explorer last year. Absolutely love it. Stays under the cuff & under the radar...
Superb episode 👍
The best Rolex is my favorite Rolex. Forever and always, the Sky-Dweller! It is so superbly unique and special! Thanks, TGV! Excellent way to start the weekend! Onward and upward, my friend!
A brilliant, informative & entertaining episode. And the 36mm Explorer is a brilliant, iconic watch. I've always wanted one and am proud to own and wear a 124270. It is timeless, sporty and classy. And the easiest analog watch to quickly and accurately tell the time with. Cheers!
Perfect blend of elegance and utility imo. Youre videos over the years have made it my true grail watch. Seiko needs learn some watches don’t need a date window, it ruins the dial symmetry in my opinion. Those are just my opinions on things. Thanks again for the videos TGV!
Another excellent video.
Great episode. Wild to consider just how much has changed - with the world of watches and the channel, too - in the time since you picked up the Explorer. Even with its crazy price these days, I can't put the Explorer out of my mind. Bah!
Are you doing a video about that Omega? I'd love to see it!
Currently weighing up my first Rolex purchase between the OP and 40mm Explorer so your video is perfectly timed as an impartial source. My only concern is the black dial, as my BBPro and Seamaster 300.
A great video essay. Just so you know, I coined the term "watch monster" as in this strap is a real watch monster. 😀
This is the video you were talking about when you kindly wrote back on Instagram. Thank you. Stunning content as always.
I think you know my feelings on this one! We bought our Explorers very close together I remember - I think you’d regret moving it on!
I’m ordering that olive rubber strap, looks great.
Couldn't make out where he got that strap. ____ Club? Thx
Hi TVG, great video as always! Speaking of the Explorer, a friend of mine is making his own watch in China. One of their most popular models take inspiration from the Explorer, I mentioned you to them, he would love to send his watches for you to review. Cheers, Xuan
Almost forgot about the Lorier Falcon - thanks for reminding me! Great fun video once more, TGV 🧡
ps. just discovered the Astra - even better! Will you review it? Cheers!
AD called me right before Christmas! I got my 36mm explorer and I love it! 2 years of waiting
Cracking video 👍👍
I love the look of the two tone! What do you think of the 1959 Alpinist? I have thought getting that one as an explorer alternative.
Woah - seriously TGV, did you initiate the ‘wrist check’ (tm)? Chapeau sir.
It's been on my list for a while. I think it will stay there. It's a goal of mine to be able to get an explorer for my 30th. Been enjoying your content for years.
Bought my Explorer 1 new in 1979 for approximately $700. In 1997 I sent it to Rolex NY for servicing $300. Shortly after that, still in 1997, I was strapped and sold my Explorer for $1200. Damn. Still miss that watch!
The Hugo show my favorite!
As usual tgv, top video, can't say I've ever thought about the explorer, you see I'm not really a rolex fan, although I do like and would probably like to own a Milgaus, (green/blue) dial, maybe you could do a video and history on that model.... I have to say that it's taken me until now to watch this video, without sounding ungrateful and all, it just seems to be the same thing these last couple of videos..... they are great quality videos with a lot of thought gone into them, I just wish you'd step out of your comfort zone....
So superbly written, produced and presented.
Some excellent snippets included as well.
I agree with every point sir.
Talk Bally Ho!
Well met old boy. Keep those jerry BMW's and Mercs honest.
From an Aussie subscriber.
Gold just doesn't fit to Explorers spirit, in my humble opinion. If man wants still minimalistic but fancy Rolex - there is OP.
Thanks for another great video!
Hey TGV,good to see about a "not so hyped" rolex,i have a question do you know about the brand favre leuba? I would love to see your opinion about it.Greetings from Greece.
I am wearing 36 mm explorer (124270) on my 7ish inch wrist. Absolutely classy and elegant. ❤