Nothing can replace time with a watch. There are no shortcuts. I question to myself when people sell a watch after six months because they didn't 'bond' with it. Of course not. You didn't really live with it. I have a 1675 that I purchased second hand in 1991. That watch was my daily for the next 25 years or so. At this point if I lost it I am not sure I would replace it as it wouldn't be MY watch anymore. There is too much lived history in it for me. The romantic in us craves that history but most of us are too impatient to earn that history. It can't be purchased and has to be lived to mean anything.
It’s the fix of consumerism - which for some is more powerful than the item being purchased. Some ppl like the feeling of spending money on themselves.
@drdesign6886 I asked myself if I could only get one watch what would it be? It's $30,000 and I have a goal to get it within the next 5 years. Since I made that goal, I don't impulsively buy affordable watches because it's a good deal or good value. I am happy with the watches I have now and excited for my grail watch in 5 years.
Yes! If I’m not constantly tracking an incoming package, it doesn’t matter what it is, something doesn’t feel right. It’s kinda embarrassing. It’s why I started to buy small stuff on Amazon at irregular intervals. If I’m not tracking something, then I’m shopping for something I don’t need at all.
@@dahak972yeah, this is something I think is not discussed enough on RUclips and in general. Buying a new watch provides a massive dopamine hit into our stressful lives and that can escalate quickly. Being able to appreciate the watches we already own is a skill we should be trying to master.
@@BosworthMcG Not to mention that the entire RUclips watch culture revolves around needing to own certain watches. And they give you the impression that it's reasonable to save for 5 years to buy a consumer item.
"I love this watch, but I don't wear it?" Answer: unfortunately you never loved this watch. You loved the idea of this watch. If you really loved it, you would NEVER be having these thoughts. Sell it, and accept the life lessons. And reflect these lessons in your life, and future content?
Since you are so new to golf, I recommend not wearing your automatics golfing. The sudden jolt of striking the ball (or ground, happens a lot) is not good for the movement. Just my 2 cents though.
@@bluemystic7501 There is a reason Rolex watches are considered family heirloom. You can wear your Rolex to the office, to the church, to the theater, golfing, wood chopping, shooting, swimming, hiking, wear it for 30 years and then your son can wear it for 30 more if he wants. These newer ones will probably prove to be even tougher than the vintage ones. There's nothing wrong with a G Shock but that's just an excuse to buy one more watch. One that you don't need.
Two things I would have wanted to realize long ago: 1. No watch will ever stay "sexy" to me forever. So don't waste money. 2. I probably could find satisfaction equally with a nice quartz. I should have ignored much of the hype for an automatic. Good video.
man, your video 5 years ago was like a love letter to your explorer and I enjoyed rewatching that video several times since. You sold everything and got your dream watch. It was a beautiful story. Then your collection went to another tier and I felt a little disappointed. Especially since I purchased an explorer as well. But I totally get it. Its an addiction and its cool to see your collection elevate over time. But man, that video was a beautiful thing! Just wanted to say that, and hope your channel (and collection) continues to evolve. Just don't ever sell the damn explorer!! hahaha
Harrison, what you are describing is the phenomenon of ‘dynamic quality’ as first explained and written about in the 1970’s by philosopher Robert M Pirsig in the book ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’. It’s well worth a read I recommend wholeheartedly.
I went through everything the author of the video talks about. I created countless illusions for myself: that these were investments, memories I would pass on to my sons, that I always needed to know the exact time, and so on. I vividly remember how I kept coming up with new reasons to love what I owned and convinced myself that it was essential. But one day, on a dusty road in the heart of Mumbai, I took off my Rolex and handed it to a stunned tuk-tuk driver. That was the moment I broke free from the illusion. Later, I gave away my entire collection to friends. It was the price I paid for my liberation. Sincerely yours, The proud owner of a $15 plastic Casio F91.
I owned a 114270 Explorer and sold it and bought a 14270 Explorer instead. Primarily because the lug holes on the 14270 are further away from the case so I can put different straps on without them getting chewed up. It's my primary watch but I also wear a Bond Seamaster Professional 300m. Like you, I have that transition period where I have to get used to switching between a 36mm or 41mm watch. They initially feel too small or too larger until my adjusts. But it only takes a few hours for me and not days.
I would recommend getting a Garmin Approach series watch, Gives you distances to the front/ centre/ rear of the greens. Can recommend what clubs to hit after it knows your distances, tracks your score, your handicap (to see when you are improving) etc. I love watches don't get me wrong - but my Garmin is solely for golf purposes and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I had lusted after the 39mm Explorer for 4 years, then I finally bought one in 2018 for just under retail. I got bored of it after a year due to it being ubiquitous and clichéd choice. Sold it in 2019 for a nice profit and moved on to other brands like IWC, Sinn, Damasko, JLC, Moser, Vacheron. Fast forward to 2024, I realised how functional an Explorer really is after owning all those other brands. Re-bought it a few months ago for the same price I bought it for back in 2018. Yes, it's the most overstated understated watch, and yes it is a bit boring, but I've learned to not attention to the other stuff and just focus on why I loved the watch in the first place. I love it more than ever now and it's in a nice rotation in my very happy 3 - 4 watch collection now.
I'm torn between 36 v 39 and curious your wrist size? I'm a 7.25 and have a Lorier 36 that is very nice but just 'seems' small to me. I'm leaning heavily to 39. Thanks!
@linksrat I have a 17/18cm wrist but it is flat, so across the wrist it measures around 58mm. I think measuring across the wrist is a more accurate measurement and gives a better idea of how the watch would sit. Since the 39mm has a 47mm lug to lug, you can measure that against your wrist.
earliest I have ever been to one of your vids! Harrision, that og vid of yours is what sparked me to buy my 114270 with rehaut and everything! its such a beautiful piece and I have zero regrets :) so thank you for influencing me haha, in the 6 months since I purchased it, my watch so far has been to Switzerland, France, the US and SInt Maarten. hoping to explore more with it in due time !
Hey Harrison, new sub here, but been watching your videos for awhile now. My first ever Rolex was an Explorer 39 mark I, long story how I chose it, but didn't do my research, however I ended up loving it after several months and years, won't be selling it anytime soon! Great videos btw!
For those who love wearing explorer with straps, 5 digits ref. explorer 36 and explorer 39 is the perfect explorer for that purpose. I own an explorer 39 personally and really love how it has wider gap between the case and the spring bar that makes it easier to find straps that can fit perfectly to the watch.
Great channel, thank you. In terms of first luxury watches, I got an Omega planet ocean in 2007 as I was regularly going scuba diving and my existing (Seiko, I think) dive watch broke. I wore this Omega PO daily for nearly a decade but then started to feel like it was a bit clunky. I stopped wearing it but wouldn’t get rid of it given the memories. Over the last 6 months, I considered swapping it for a Speedmaster, but after switching the bracelet to a navy leather strap, I now wear it every evening after work, I love the arrow hands, the lume, the lyre-shaped lugs which makes it feel robust yet less chunky. I’m glad I did not sell it, and I now never would. I still like the idea of getting a Speedmaster though!
My guy jogging with a Sub...you've made it man. lol. I really like your idea of attaching watches in areas in your life where it can serve a purpose. Thanks for the vid!
Love watches and love Rolexes but I'm very pleased with my Citizen NB1050-59E. Black Datejust vibes. No hate towards those with many luxury watches, but while I can easily afford it, I don't think I'd be OK with jewelry that costs much over $1k on my wrist. My "grail" watch would be an Aqua Terra teak deck but I think I'd always look at it on my wrist and think, "I should have bought another motorcycle."
This is another really good review; rather than droning on about measurements we all know, it addresses what might be the most common and important downside of our watch hobby: what to do after the honeymoon is over. I'm a big fan of both the 36mm Explorer and the IWC Mk XX. I don't own either, but I do own homages of each and the one I wear more often is the pilot watch. I really like the no-nonsense design and, yes, I like having a date complication on a daily wear watch.
My first nice watch was my TAG Heuer 2000 auto; I bought it new in ‘04. It was “my watch” from ‘04-‘17, and was on my wrist when I met my wife, when I got married, & when my two boys were born. In ‘17 I started purchasing a few other watches & have had a BB58 blue as my daily driver for the past two years. My TAG resides in my watch box now, but it’s the one watch I’d never sell!
Your "I sold all my watches to buy an Explorer" is the first video I watched of yours. It must have been just shortly after you launched your channel because I feel like I've been watching for years and years.
It's funny, the Explorer, in all of its variations through the years, has haunted just about every collector, myself included. So far I've chosen variety (in my 6 watch collection) over selling them all for the Explorer, but I've come close a few times. Owning just that one special watch like our fathers did is a romantic notion, but I think I prefer to refine and upgrade my 6 watches. One day I'll add an Explorer, likely the 40. Anyway, great vid as usual 😎👍🏼
Love the content and your love letter to your explorer! One word of caution though, might be good to edit out the frames which show your personal address in the video. Can’t be to careful!
I currently have over twenty watches and my absolute favorite is my The Citizen. Accurate to within five seconds a year, no play on the second hand and everything lines up perfectly with a perpetual calendar to boot. It’s also in Citizen’s Super Titanium. If I could only keep one watch, this would be the one. I get excited every time I see it or think about it. It’s so bad, that I’ve gotten to wearing another watch on my right wrist just so I could get some wrist time on my other watches (I only do it at home :2). It’s a terrible hobby we are in, lol. There’s no way I could only keep the one watch 😂. I think we’re all broken a little. I’ve gone to sell my unworn watches so many times I’ve lost count. I’ll pick them up and think, I can’t get rid of this! It’s a sickness that my younger family members will have to deal with. Someone will get some amazing deals when they start selling my collection, lol.
Wonderful reflections, Harrison! I’m currently “on the list” for an Explorer 40, and think it would be in rotation with my beloved white SMP300 (ebony and ivory as it were). Sometimes when my interest in a particular watch I have wanes, I notice that viewing videos about it reignites my interest. In fact, I put my SMP back on the factory bracelet after some reviewer extolled its virtues, and sure enough, I’m loving that chunky, 80’s style, non-tapering, infinitely adjustable bracelet, which nicely completes the watch. So go figure!
I’ve had a current gen 36mm Explorer since late 2021. I find I don’t reach for it as much any more, but every single time I do wear it I ask myself why I even own other watches
I am like a watch hoarder and probably have way too many by most people's standards, but I still enjoy wearing all of them and each has a purpose for me. I have two I always use for swimming. Others have different purposes. I love wearing my Reverso to the occasional polo match. I have a Norqain NHLPA watch I always wear to hockey games with my son. I know. Way to granular. Haha.
Hey man, not to be "that guy", but as a golfer myself I was told very directly by my watchmaker that he recommends not wearing any mechanical watch (we were talking about a modern reference sub) while golfing due to the shock of impacts. Good luck! Read Ben Hogans book on fundamentals.
I thought the same thing when he mentioned golf. In another video he mentions wearing a mechanical watch to "the range." I assume he means the shooting range, but maybe it was the driving range. Either way I know lots of guys do it, but I wouldn't want to subject a mechanical watch to any unnecessary shock or vibration. I even take my watch hand off the shopping cart when rolling over the nasty yellow non-slip sections of the sidewalks outside Costco.
Question for you Harrison. When you had the crystal replaced by RSC on your Explorer, did they not give you one with AR coating? My understanding is that service crystals should now have this.
I'm a golfer too and I wouldn't recommend wearing it doing so. I have the new reference of the Explorer and I think it's okay to do use it while gofling. Not sure if the old one is shock proof enough.
I think the No Date sub is just a check all boxes with added utility. The Explorer is nice and simple too... tough call but the price difference is even tougher
Look into steel reef for an easy adjust link to the Explorer. Got it for the 16570 and it makes that neo vintage into a modern and perfect Rolex. Fore!!
Great topic. great video. great watch. For me, the 114270 didn't quite cut it, owned it twice, also the 214270. My own personal mainstay's are my DJ 116200 and my Mark XVI 325504, both of which I've owned now for over 12 years. SO many other watches have come and gone, but these ones still retain the magic of day one, and they'll never leave.
I’m going to be very interested to see you compare and contrast your IWC to the Explorer once you have owned it for a bit, I go back and forth on them quite a bit. I love the size and bracelet on the IWC but I am just stuck on the lume, specifically the lack of it on the numerals.
Nice video and interesting, relatable thoughts. I first saw a 14270 Explorer at an AD around 1998 or 1999 and put it on my wrist and was immediately obsessed. But I had "just" bought a DateJust two years before at an AD, I loved it, and back then I couldn't justify a second Rolex, let alone one that has such a similar look and feel to my DJ, which I still have and love (white dial, Oyster bracelet and smooth bezel, so). Still, for 25 years or so I kind of regretted not snatching that watch up! But . . . I just recently, finally, bought my 36mm Explorer, a new 124,270, and am enjoying it so much. I waited out the craziness of 2019 through 2023 and was able to get it at an AD after waiting only 10 days. In some ways I prefer the look of the 14,270 and 114,270 because of the bracelet size and, frankly, the lighter weight. They remind me of my DJ in a good way. But things change and I'm thrilled to have the latest model and movement. I'm afraid I'll never be a one watch guy. :)
Similarly in the UK, Rolex is big with people who work in the blue collar trades. The boss wears one everyday as he never gets his hands dirty now, and the sub contractors wear theirs at the weekend when they go out on Saturday night. A car dealer or estate agent may also wear one. But it isn't seen as premium anymore.
I love so many watches but for some reason I really am heavily drawn to neo vintage watches. 1970’s 80’s and early 90’s. Brands like Omega, Zenith, Rolex Tudor are at the top of my list. ❤❤❤❤
I appreciate your channel. Your thought process is very similar to mine but you've had significantly more experience with more and higher end watches. I am on the cusp of obtaining an Aquaterra which would pretty much fit the same function.
It’s horrible when a new golfer instead of having a $150 golf garmin that helps him move quicker in the course and take faster decisions chooses to have the fancy piece instead. Hope Harrison understands he should not become the problem in the golf course. Fast golf for the win
@ those are the ones that enter their score in the watch, phone or cart navigation. I just go to ball, check watch, if it 160 yds, I immediately take my 8-9 irons and shoot. No looking around or asking anyone.
I lost all the watches I owned for a speedy pro about a year in a half ago. At the time it was the watch I was obsessed about and wanted the most. Today like you I sometimes think about selling or trading for something else but like other watches I owned I never actually did get rid of it. I don’t wear it everyday as I have other watches too but I do enjoy it whenever I do wear it.
There could be a 'perfect watch'. For each category at least. The perfect chronograph for example. But the companies deliberately or otherwise don't make it. For me the perfect chronograph would be the speedmaster moonwatch, but with a date function. The perfect all rounder would be a 300m dive watch like the Rolex 16610 but with an updated bracelet AND a GMT function. It could be done by putting on a dive bezel and the 24 hour marks on the dial itself. Omega did make an old seamaster like this but never did it again in the newer lineups. Personally, I think it's good to have variety so I would always have more than one watch. But the companies know it would reduce their overall sales volume if they actually made perfect watches...
I hesitate to wear mechanical watches when golfing (or shooting) due to the potential shock damage, the Explorer should be a good reliable choice though. I will use my Hamilton Kahki field in Titanium on a leather strap as it weighs very little
124270 was my first Rolex, a year and a half ago. Still have it. My god, I've been back and forth a million times with regards to whether I should sell it to get something more eye-catching. A DJ on jubilee, for example. But I simply can not part with the perfection of the design and craftsmanship of the 124270 - to a level where it annoys me a bit. In other words: I have a watch that, to me, is so damn perfect that I can't find another to beat it. We have the same wrist size, and I also own (and love) a 2531.80 and a BB54 plus some digitals and microbrand ones. I did have a ceramic sub for a while but I couldn't see myself owning them both with regards to the sheer value held up in two no date black dial sports Rolexes.
Great video. know exactly what you mean. I have a 1016 bought new in 1990. Can and have done everything with it on...even played Ice Hockey, sometimes still do when i forget to put on the F-91W that day. Considered selling many times along the way ...but that only lasts a few seconds. :) Curious, do you wear your Sub on steel when running? I've done that with the 1016 but much prefer a NATO when wearing it for sports. Enjoyed the video .. keep'em coming.
I can't tell whether I like the proportions of the 114270 or the 124270 more. I have the latter and the quality of the bracelet is stellar but I kind of wonder whether it tapers a bit too aggressively. Then again, sometimes I'll look at the 114270 and it kinda seems like the case doesn't get enough prominence because of the wider bracelet. *shrugs*
Exactly! I feel the same way from the other side. The watch head can occasionally get lost in the bracelet, when viewed from the right angle I’m sticking with the 114270. They’re both great.
I’ve had the newer reference 22427… I absolutely love it. No one ever knows it’s a Rolex and I love that about my watch. It quietly disappears, I’ve literally had one comment on my watch where someone realized what it was.. and it was actually kind of embarrassing to be honest. I have a Seiko mod as well.. and that’s my daily primarily because I can allow it to get bashed around a lot more..
I am wearing my exp40 now. Sized for my 6.5" wrist it weighs 134 grams. It tried on a 114270, it felt very comfortable on wrist, however it was too small for my preference.
What a great vidoo. I'm not much of a watch person although I have a Sea-Dweller 16600 I bought at 21 (now 43). They were $3900 then, an insurmountable sum for an E-4. I'm inspred to start wearing it again, thank you.
If anyone else is thinking of the 36mm explorer or everest then I can highly recommend the Addiesdive and Watch Dives mecaquartz equivalents. Go for the Addie if you want vintage and the WD if you want applied indices. These are the true GADA watches as there is no need to baby them, they are more robust and FAR more accurate.
Great episode. I love my 36mm Explorer and will never sell it - plan to pass it down to my son. It is one of my 3 favorite watches in my collection. When I was growing up in the 60s, men owned one watch (usually a Timex), wore it daily and got another one when it broke and couldn't be fixed. They were actual tools to tell the time. Now they are wrist jewelry - but that makes them much more fun to wear and collect. Cheers.
i owned a new 36 explorer, it was supposed to be the "be all end all". i sold it because of the strap issue, the thickness (too thick for my taste), the negative association with Rolex, and it was boring overall. i see this watch online every single day, so when i put it on my wrist it didnt feel special at all.
Yeah it's strange with watch sizes. The norm is 40mm . Now I'm at 26mm Audemars Piguet Cobra, when I go flamboyant. After a 40mm feels like a dinner plate on the wrist.
I have an explorer 39 with the white gold 3, 6 and 9. It was a Mr first Luxury watch. I’ve thought about selling it but maybe it’d be better to pass on to my son. Since buying that I have a datejust and a seamaster. I always have to make an effort to wear the explorer too
IMO, anytime you have to force yourself to wear a watch/some watches that's already too much. I feel like people buy too many watches too soon and then get confused about how they feel about that watch. Its like your car analogy, if you buy too many cars at once you cant drive em all and that point you've got way too many cars. Buy a watch and genuinely wear it for many years. That way, you're not forced to choose/change and you also build a lot of memories. Bottom line - if you have to find a reason to wear a watch you've already got too many watches.
Finally - some one sells their crap watches and settled for a decent watch. Well done So much for those collecting homage /replicas /knocks off watches
I’ve owned 3 Rolex and 2 Omega and all are no more. My only swiss watch now is a Hamilton mechanical, plus 3 Seikos. My 1996 Seiko SKX007 diver is my most prized. It’s the perfect GADA. I will never sell it.
@bkrastev I'm curious as to why the GMT function is important to you. Personally, I own a GMT and find I never use it and usually the GMT hand is not set to any specific time. I live in the U.S. and any time zones I need to know are within 2 hours of my home time so it's easy enough to do the math in my head.
@@DannyKaffee Part of my business is in Europe. Also most of my family. I live in the US. Most of the time I need to know what time it is there without thinking about it.
Try a DJ41 fluited bezzel jubilee and you might feel different. It is even After 5 years so special beautiful and comfortable … and yes I have other nice Watches ;)
Nothing can replace time with a watch. There are no shortcuts. I question to myself when people sell a watch after six months because they didn't 'bond' with it. Of course not. You didn't really live with it. I have a 1675 that I purchased second hand in 1991. That watch was my daily for the next 25 years or so. At this point if I lost it I am not sure I would replace it as it wouldn't be MY watch anymore. There is too much lived history in it for me. The romantic in us craves that history but most of us are too impatient to earn that history. It can't be purchased and has to be lived to mean anything.
Well said
It’s the fix of consumerism - which for some is more powerful than the item being purchased. Some ppl like the feeling of spending money on themselves.
@drdesign6886 I asked myself if I could only get one watch what would it be? It's $30,000 and I have a goal to get it within the next 5 years. Since I made that goal, I don't impulsively buy affordable watches because it's a good deal or good value. I am happy with the watches I have now and excited for my grail watch in 5 years.
Yes! If I’m not constantly tracking an incoming package, it doesn’t matter what it is, something doesn’t feel right. It’s kinda embarrassing. It’s why I started to buy small stuff on Amazon at irregular intervals. If I’m not tracking something, then I’m shopping for something I don’t need at all.
@@dahak972yeah, this is something I think is not discussed enough on RUclips and in general. Buying a new watch provides a massive dopamine hit into our stressful lives and that can escalate quickly. Being able to appreciate the watches we already own is a skill we should be trying to master.
@@BosworthMcG Not to mention that the entire RUclips watch culture revolves around needing to own certain watches. And they give you the impression that it's reasonable to save for 5 years to buy a consumer item.
"I love this watch, but I don't wear it?"
Answer: unfortunately you never loved this watch. You loved the idea of this watch. If you really loved it, you would NEVER be having these thoughts. Sell it, and accept the life lessons. And reflect these lessons in your life, and future content?
“One Watch to rule them all, One Watch to find them, One Watch to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien Watch Enthusiast
I'll get that engraved!
Since you are so new to golf, I recommend not wearing your automatics golfing. The sudden jolt of striking the ball (or ground, happens a lot) is not good for the movement. Just my 2 cents though.
The 3130 movement inside his Explorer will handle golfing, wood chopping, shooting... A service once a decade or so is really all it needs.
Definitely don't wear a mechanical watch while golfing. Not just for the movement, it also makes you look like a total douche! 😉
@@kresimirpleic You're 100% asking for trouble treating your watch like that.
Hot tip: Wear the G-shock for golf
@@bluemystic7501 There is a reason Rolex watches are considered family heirloom. You can wear your Rolex to the office, to the church, to the theater, golfing, wood chopping, shooting, swimming, hiking, wear it for 30 years and then your son can wear it for 30 more if he wants. These newer ones will probably prove to be even tougher than the vintage ones. There's nothing wrong with a G Shock but that's just an excuse to buy one more watch. One that you don't need.
Two things I would have wanted to realize long ago:
1. No watch will ever stay "sexy" to me forever. So don't waste money.
2. I probably could find satisfaction equally with a nice quartz. I should have ignored much of the hype for an automatic.
Good video.
man, your video 5 years ago was like a love letter to your explorer and I enjoyed rewatching that video several times since. You sold everything and got your dream watch. It was a beautiful story. Then your collection went to another tier and I felt a little disappointed. Especially since I purchased an explorer as well. But I totally get it. Its an addiction and its cool to see your collection elevate over time. But man, that video was a beautiful thing! Just wanted to say that, and hope your channel (and collection) continues to evolve.
Just don't ever sell the damn explorer!! hahaha
Harrison, what you are describing is the phenomenon of ‘dynamic quality’ as first explained and written about in the 1970’s by philosopher Robert M Pirsig in the book ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’. It’s well worth a read I recommend wholeheartedly.
I went through everything the author of the video talks about. I created countless illusions for myself: that these were investments, memories I would pass on to my sons, that I always needed to know the exact time, and so on. I vividly remember how I kept coming up with new reasons to love what I owned and convinced myself that it was essential.
But one day, on a dusty road in the heart of Mumbai, I took off my Rolex and handed it to a stunned tuk-tuk driver. That was the moment I broke free from the illusion. Later, I gave away my entire collection to friends. It was the price I paid for my liberation.
Sincerely yours,
The proud owner of a $15 plastic Casio F91.
😮
Wow that's an amazing revelation. No doubt you are deeply spiritual
if only it was not a joke, would be a better story xD
I wonder if this post is real. If it is, he should have bought a $3 Skmei 1412 homage to the Casio F91-W. At least he'd have a decent backlight!
I owned a 114270 Explorer and sold it and bought a 14270 Explorer instead. Primarily because the lug holes on the 14270 are further away from the case so I can put different straps on without them getting chewed up. It's my primary watch but I also wear a Bond Seamaster Professional 300m. Like you, I have that transition period where I have to get used to switching between a 36mm or 41mm watch. They initially feel too small or too larger until my adjusts. But it only takes a few hours for me and not days.
I would recommend getting a Garmin Approach series watch, Gives you distances to the front/ centre/ rear of the greens. Can recommend what clubs to hit after it knows your distances, tracks your score, your handicap (to see when you are improving) etc.
I love watches don't get me wrong - but my Garmin is solely for golf purposes and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I had lusted after the 39mm Explorer for 4 years, then I finally bought one in 2018 for just under retail. I got bored of it after a year due to it being ubiquitous and clichéd choice. Sold it in 2019 for a nice profit and moved on to other brands like IWC, Sinn, Damasko, JLC, Moser, Vacheron. Fast forward to 2024, I realised how functional an Explorer really is after owning all those other brands. Re-bought it a few months ago for the same price I bought it for back in 2018.
Yes, it's the most overstated understated watch, and yes it is a bit boring, but I've learned to not attention to the other stuff and just focus on why I loved the watch in the first place. I love it more than ever now and it's in a nice rotation in my very happy 3 - 4 watch collection now.
I'm torn between 36 v 39 and curious your wrist size?
I'm a 7.25 and have a Lorier 36 that is very nice but just 'seems' small to me. I'm leaning heavily to 39.
Thanks!
@linksrat I have a 17/18cm wrist but it is flat, so across the wrist it measures around 58mm. I think measuring across the wrist is a more accurate measurement and gives a better idea of how the watch would sit. Since the 39mm has a 47mm lug to lug, you can measure that against your wrist.
earliest I have ever been to one of your vids! Harrision, that og vid of yours is what sparked me to buy my 114270 with rehaut and everything! its such a beautiful piece and I have zero regrets :) so thank you for influencing me haha, in the 6 months since I purchased it, my watch so far has been to Switzerland, France, the US and SInt Maarten. hoping to explore more with it in due time !
The explorer is a classic! I love my 39mm and I don't think I'd ever sell it, its just so good at everything
But I am sure you will buy another.
That 36mm Explorer is simply perfect, I would have that one and a bunch of fun microbrands.
I think the Explorer fits golf perfectly... that seconds hand looks like it has a golf ball flying around ;)
I recently sold all my watches and rebuild a new collection 😅
Hey Harrison, new sub here, but been watching your videos for awhile now. My first ever Rolex was an Explorer 39 mark I, long story how I chose it, but didn't do my research, however I ended up loving it after several months and years, won't be selling it anytime soon! Great videos btw!
For those who love wearing explorer with straps, 5 digits ref. explorer 36 and explorer 39 is the perfect explorer for that purpose. I own an explorer 39 personally and really love how it has wider gap between the case and the spring bar that makes it easier to find straps that can fit perfectly to the watch.
Great channel, thank you. In terms of first luxury watches, I got an Omega planet ocean in 2007 as I was regularly going scuba diving and my existing (Seiko, I think) dive watch broke. I wore this Omega PO daily for nearly a decade but then started to feel like it was a bit clunky. I stopped wearing it but wouldn’t get rid of it given the memories. Over the last 6 months, I considered swapping it for a Speedmaster, but after switching the bracelet to a navy leather strap, I now wear it every evening after work, I love the arrow hands, the lume, the lyre-shaped lugs which makes it feel robust yet less chunky. I’m glad I did not sell it, and I now never would. I still like the idea of getting a Speedmaster though!
Great video, Harrison. I look forward to every one. Great perspective always
My guy jogging with a Sub...you've made it man. lol. I really like your idea of attaching watches in areas in your life where it can serve a purpose. Thanks for the vid!
Love watches and love Rolexes but I'm very pleased with my Citizen NB1050-59E. Black Datejust vibes. No hate towards those with many luxury watches, but while I can easily afford it, I don't think I'd be OK with jewelry that costs much over $1k on my wrist. My "grail" watch would be an Aqua Terra teak deck but I think I'd always look at it on my wrist and think, "I should have bought another motorcycle."
exactly same for me but switch motorcycle with cheap japanese shitbox lol
This is another really good review; rather than droning on about measurements we all know, it addresses what might be the most common and important downside of our watch hobby: what to do after the honeymoon is over. I'm a big fan of both the 36mm Explorer and the IWC Mk XX. I don't own either, but I do own homages of each and the one I wear more often is the pilot watch. I really like the no-nonsense design and, yes, I like having a date complication on a daily wear watch.
Did you make any money or even recoup what you paid for your watches?
You’re really coming into your own buddy, great work and thank you 🎉
My first nice watch was my TAG Heuer 2000 auto; I bought it new in ‘04. It was “my watch” from ‘04-‘17, and was on my wrist when I met my wife, when I got married, & when my two boys were born. In ‘17 I started purchasing a few other watches & have had a BB58 blue as my daily driver for the past two years. My TAG resides in my watch box now, but it’s the one watch I’d never sell!
Which model?
@@sergiomontes5884it’s a WK2117-1, blue sunburst dial.
Certainly improved that collection from 5 years ago!
Your "I sold all my watches to buy an Explorer" is the first video I watched of yours. It must have been just shortly after you launched your channel because I feel like I've been watching for years and years.
I'd be tempted to get a two-tone just to kick it up a notch.
It's funny, the Explorer, in all of its variations through the years, has haunted just about every collector, myself included. So far I've chosen variety (in my 6 watch collection) over selling them all for the Explorer, but I've come close a few times. Owning just that one special watch like our fathers did is a romantic notion, but I think I prefer to refine and upgrade my 6 watches. One day I'll add an Explorer, likely the 40. Anyway, great vid as usual 😎👍🏼
Love the content and your love letter to your explorer! One word of caution though, might be good to edit out the frames which show your personal address in the video. Can’t be to careful!
I currently have over twenty watches and my absolute favorite is my The Citizen. Accurate to within five seconds a year, no play on the second hand and everything lines up perfectly with a perpetual calendar to boot. It’s also in Citizen’s Super Titanium. If I could only keep one watch, this would be the one. I get excited every time I see it or think about it. It’s so bad, that I’ve gotten to wearing another watch on my right wrist just so I could get some wrist time on my other watches (I only do it at home :2).
It’s a terrible hobby we are in, lol. There’s no way I could only keep the one watch 😂. I think we’re all broken a little. I’ve gone to sell my unworn watches so many times I’ve lost count. I’ll pick them up and think, I can’t get rid of this! It’s a sickness that my younger family members will have to deal with. Someone will get some amazing deals when they start selling my collection, lol.
I'm saving for an IWC Mark XV. That will be my Explorer...38mm, highly legible, with date...a great option too
Wonderful reflections, Harrison! I’m currently “on the list” for an Explorer 40, and think it would be in rotation with my beloved white SMP300 (ebony and ivory as it were). Sometimes when my interest in a particular watch I have wanes, I notice that viewing videos about it reignites my interest. In fact, I put my SMP back on the factory bracelet after some reviewer extolled its virtues, and sure enough, I’m loving that chunky, 80’s style, non-tapering, infinitely adjustable bracelet, which nicely completes the watch. So go figure!
Could never be me. I could maaaaayyybeee have a 3 watch collection, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon
lol
I’ve had a current gen 36mm Explorer since late 2021. I find I don’t reach for it as much any more, but every single time I do wear it I ask myself why I even own other watches
I am like a watch hoarder and probably have way too many by most people's standards, but I still enjoy wearing all of them and each has a purpose for me. I have two I always use for swimming. Others have different purposes. I love wearing my Reverso to the occasional polo match. I have a Norqain NHLPA watch I always wear to hockey games with my son. I know. Way to granular. Haha.
When people are saying MAMACOO is a better option for buying a watch,I very much agree!
Hey man, not to be "that guy", but as a golfer myself I was told very directly by my watchmaker that he recommends not wearing any mechanical watch (we were talking about a modern reference sub) while golfing due to the shock of impacts. Good luck! Read Ben Hogans book on fundamentals.
I thought the same thing when he mentioned golf. In another video he mentions wearing a mechanical watch to "the range." I assume he means the shooting range, but maybe it was the driving range. Either way I know lots of guys do it, but I wouldn't want to subject a mechanical watch to any unnecessary shock or vibration. I even take my watch hand off the shopping cart when rolling over the nasty yellow non-slip sections of the sidewalks outside Costco.
Question for you Harrison. When you had the crystal replaced by RSC on your Explorer, did they not give you one with AR coating? My understanding is that service crystals should now have this.
I'm a golfer too and I wouldn't recommend wearing it doing so. I have the new reference of the Explorer and I think it's okay to do use it while gofling. Not sure if the old one is shock proof enough.
The explorer is the perfect GADA watch. You can wear it in any place, from the sea, a nice dinner and all the way up in the mountains.
I think the No Date sub is just a check all boxes with added utility. The Explorer is nice and simple too... tough call but the price difference is even tougher
I have normally worn 40 plus and lately I’m wearing and buying more vintage watches and enjoying the smaller sizes.
Ah yeah the one watch fantasy, been there done that.
Look into steel reef for an easy adjust link to the Explorer. Got it for the 16570 and it makes that neo vintage into a modern and perfect Rolex. Fore!!
Great topic. great video. great watch. For me, the 114270 didn't quite cut it, owned it twice, also the 214270. My own personal mainstay's are my DJ 116200 and my Mark XVI 325504, both of which I've owned now for over 12 years. SO many other watches have come and gone, but these ones still retain the magic of day one, and they'll never leave.
I’m going to be very interested to see you compare and contrast your IWC to the Explorer once you have owned it for a bit, I go back and forth on them quite a bit. I love the size and bracelet on the IWC but I am just stuck on the lume, specifically the lack of it on the numerals.
Lume on the IWC Does lack quite a bit, no doubt about it. i should be able to discuss that in a review soon
Nice video and interesting, relatable thoughts. I first saw a 14270 Explorer at an AD around 1998 or 1999 and put it on my wrist and was immediately obsessed. But I had "just" bought a DateJust two years before at an AD, I loved it, and back then I couldn't justify a second Rolex, let alone one that has such a similar look and feel to my DJ, which I still have and love (white dial, Oyster bracelet and smooth bezel, so). Still, for 25 years or so I kind of regretted not snatching that watch up!
But . . . I just recently, finally, bought my 36mm Explorer, a new 124,270, and am enjoying it so much. I waited out the craziness of 2019 through 2023 and was able to get it at an AD after waiting only 10 days. In some ways I prefer the look of the 14,270 and 114,270 because of the bracelet size and, frankly, the lighter weight. They remind me of my DJ in a good way. But things change and I'm thrilled to have the latest model and movement. I'm afraid I'll never be a one watch guy. :)
Good words. Many true. Get going 🚀
Similarly in the UK, Rolex is big with people who work in the blue collar trades. The boss wears one everyday as he never gets his hands dirty now, and the sub contractors wear theirs at the weekend when they go out on Saturday night. A car dealer or estate agent may also wear one. But it isn't seen as premium anymore.
I love so many watches but for some reason I really am heavily drawn to neo vintage watches. 1970’s 80’s and early 90’s. Brands like Omega, Zenith, Rolex Tudor are at the top of my list. ❤❤❤❤
Same here. I love the 5 digit Rolex models. The modern ones are too shiny and chunky for me.
I appreciate your channel. Your thought process is very similar to mine but you've had significantly more experience with more and higher end watches. I am on the cusp of obtaining an Aquaterra which would pretty much fit the same function.
I used to only collecting luxury watches, such as PP, Rolex, Zenith, Cartier, Omega, Montblanc, GS, etc, but now I like micro brands’.
It’s horrible when a new golfer instead of having a $150 golf garmin that helps him move quicker in the course and take faster decisions chooses to have the fancy piece instead. Hope Harrison understands he should not become the problem in the golf course. Fast golf for the win
I'm an avid golfer and play a lot and in my experience, the slowest golfers are those that use technology. They fanny about so much.
@ those are the ones that enter their score in the watch, phone or cart navigation. I just go to ball, check watch, if it 160 yds, I immediately take my 8-9 irons and shoot. No looking around or asking anyone.
I disagree completely. A Garmin does not make a fast golfer and not wearing a Garmin does not make a slow golfer.
Rolex + golf? Perhaps this is the problem? I wonder why many people make this connection?
I lost all the watches I owned for a speedy pro about a year in a half ago. At the time it was the watch I was obsessed about and wanted the most. Today like you I sometimes think about selling or trading for something else but like other watches I owned I never actually did get rid of it. I don’t wear it everyday as I have other watches too but I do enjoy it whenever I do wear it.
the acquiring of the thing is more fun than the owning of it.
The Explorer is a wonderful watch. Don't feel bad if you sell it, though. It's such a ubiquitous staple that you could get it again.
There could be a 'perfect watch'. For each category at least. The perfect chronograph for example. But the companies deliberately or otherwise don't make it.
For me the perfect chronograph would be the speedmaster moonwatch, but with a date function.
The perfect all rounder would be a 300m dive watch like the Rolex 16610 but with an updated bracelet AND a GMT function. It could be done by putting on a dive bezel and the 24 hour marks on the dial itself.
Omega did make an old seamaster like this but never did it again in the newer lineups.
Personally, I think it's good to have variety so I would always have more than one watch. But the companies know it would reduce their overall sales volume if they actually made perfect watches...
I hesitate to wear mechanical watches when golfing (or shooting) due to the potential shock damage, the Explorer should be a good reliable choice though. I will use my Hamilton Kahki field in Titanium on a leather strap as it weighs very little
Would say my 114060 from 2017 is my perfect watch. Sure a lot of nice watches out there, but this is the one for me.
124270 was my first Rolex, a year and a half ago. Still have it. My god, I've been back and forth a million times with regards to whether I should sell it to get something more eye-catching. A DJ on jubilee, for example. But I simply can not part with the perfection of the design and craftsmanship of the 124270 - to a level where it annoys me a bit. In other words: I have a watch that, to me, is so damn perfect that I can't find another to beat it. We have the same wrist size, and I also own (and love) a 2531.80 and a BB54 plus some digitals and microbrand ones. I did have a ceramic sub for a while but I couldn't see myself owning them both with regards to the sheer value held up in two no date black dial sports Rolexes.
Great video. know exactly what you mean. I have a 1016 bought new in 1990. Can and have done everything with it on...even played Ice Hockey, sometimes still do when i forget to put on the F-91W that day. Considered selling many times along the way ...but that only lasts a few seconds. :) Curious, do you wear your Sub on steel when running? I've done that with the 1016 but much prefer a NATO when wearing it for sports. Enjoyed the video .. keep'em coming.
I can't tell whether I like the proportions of the 114270 or the 124270 more. I have the latter and the quality of the bracelet is stellar but I kind of wonder whether it tapers a bit too aggressively. Then again, sometimes I'll look at the 114270 and it kinda seems like the case doesn't get enough prominence because of the wider bracelet. *shrugs*
Exactly! I feel the same way from the other side. The watch head can occasionally get lost in the bracelet, when viewed from the right angle
I’m sticking with the 114270.
They’re both great.
@@jeremyelliott9831thats why i sold both
I’ve had the newer reference 22427… I absolutely love it. No one ever knows it’s a Rolex and I love that about my watch. It quietly disappears, I’ve literally had one comment on my watch where someone realized what it was.. and it was actually kind of embarrassing to be honest.
I have a Seiko mod as well.. and that’s my daily primarily because I can allow it to get bashed around a lot more..
Are you seeking all of these ?
How to contact you and I’m in Dublin ?
I am wearing my exp40 now. Sized for my 6.5" wrist it weighs 134 grams. It tried on a 114270, it felt very comfortable on wrist, however it was too small for my preference.
What a great vidoo. I'm not much of a watch person although I have a Sea-Dweller 16600 I bought at 21 (now 43). They were $3900 then, an insurmountable sum for an E-4. I'm inspred to start wearing it again, thank you.
Which place did you to sell them?
Craigslist
If anyone else is thinking of the 36mm explorer or everest then I can highly recommend the Addiesdive and Watch Dives mecaquartz equivalents. Go for the Addie if you want vintage and the WD if you want applied indices.
These are the true GADA watches as there is no need to baby them, they are more robust and FAR more accurate.
Great episode. I love my 36mm Explorer and will never sell it - plan to pass it down to my son. It is one of my 3 favorite watches in my collection. When I was growing up in the 60s, men owned one watch (usually a Timex), wore it daily and got another one when it broke and couldn't be fixed. They were actual tools to tell the time. Now they are wrist jewelry - but that makes them much more fun to wear and collect. Cheers.
I do exactly the same with my watches, having a sort of purpose for each one. It's a bit like cosplay, but also a lot of fun :D
Going on a run in sub? never heard that before
I did the same but kept my Speedmaster Pro Hesalite and the G-Shock for the beach. I won't need anything else.
Classic watch greetings from Germany
I prefer the air king, got a little pop of color which I like.
i owned a new 36 explorer, it was supposed to be the "be all end all". i sold it because of the strap issue, the thickness (too thick for my taste), the negative association with Rolex, and it was boring overall. i see this watch online every single day, so when i put it on my wrist it didnt feel special at all.
I see myself selling everything eventually for a 38mm Zenith Chronomaster El Primero. Definitely not anytime soon though.
@@danielgillrup9518 The bracelet on this watch is a deal breaker for me. If it had modern Rolex level bracelet quality it would be very compelling.
I have one, it's worth it
Yeah it's strange with watch sizes. The norm is 40mm . Now I'm at 26mm Audemars Piguet Cobra, when I go flamboyant. After a 40mm feels like a dinner plate on the wrist.
I have an explorer 39 with the white gold 3, 6 and 9. It was a Mr first Luxury watch. I’ve thought about selling it but maybe it’d be better to pass on to my son. Since buying that I have a datejust and a seamaster. I always have to make an effort to wear the explorer too
I-spy that Seiko wrist-shot is on the balcony at Cindy's..
IMO, anytime you have to force yourself to wear a watch/some watches that's already too much. I feel like people buy too many watches too soon and then get confused about how they feel about that watch. Its like your car analogy, if you buy too many cars at once you cant drive em all and that point you've got way too many cars. Buy a watch and genuinely wear it for many years. That way, you're not forced to choose/change and you also build a lot of memories. Bottom line - if you have to find a reason to wear a watch you've already got too many watches.
Up to you but if playing golf maybe wearing automatic watches isn't the best idea.
Torn between the 39mm explorer or the Oyster Perpetual.
first lux watch to own my 40mm is itself the GADA for me.
Finally - some one sells their crap watches and settled for a decent watch. Well done
So much for those collecting homage /replicas /knocks off watches
I feel like the Explorer fits your wrist best. Everything else looks a little too big.
I pretty much only wear the modern version of this watch daily.
114270 is the perfect watch for me, only issue? 40hour reserve, in comparison of 80 hour today's watch
The explorer is just such a boring design really a dull watch.
People crave the wanting not the having.
I'd take the Omega Speedmaster Professional over the Rolex Explorer any day of the week.
The submariner is a nice watch for a jog? I think this is a unique opinion. I could never 😂
Rolex is over hyped, that sinn and omega speed master are cooler watches imo.
I mean it's a relatively simple lookingwatch, if it wasn't a Rolex you wouldn't ever look at it. I can see why you got bored of it.
I’ve owned 3 Rolex and 2 Omega and all are no more. My only swiss watch now is a Hamilton mechanical, plus 3 Seikos. My 1996 Seiko SKX007 diver is my most prized. It’s the perfect GADA. I will never sell it.
I just need the date window and a GMT function. For me this one watch is Rolex Explorer 2.
@bkrastev I'm curious as to why the GMT function is important to you. Personally, I own a GMT and find I never use it and usually the GMT hand is not set to any specific time. I live in the U.S. and any time zones I need to know are within 2 hours of my home time so it's easy enough to do the math in my head.
@@DannyKaffee Part of my business is in Europe. Also most of my family. I live in the US. Most of the time I need to know what time it is there without thinking about it.
@@bkrastev Makes sense. Thanks.
Prob best not to show your address
😂
I have the same watch. I think the Explorer is excellent, but it is not a particularly exciting watch. I'm getting itchy feet!
Try a DJ41 fluited bezzel jubilee and you might feel different. It is even After 5 years so special beautiful and comfortable … and yes I have other nice Watches ;)
My 981 GT4 hasn’t found a replacement…..bought it new in 2015