Rolex Explorer

[Berto]

I'm very interested in a 36mm Explorer, (not a II). Rolex has gone to a 39mm this year, I believe. There seem to be quite a few used 36mm's for sale, Ebay, etc... They seem to range $3k and up. What are the inherent risks of buying used, outside the obvious? What should I look for? Is it common to ask to bring the watch to an authorized dealer to examine it? Thanks.

[GradyPhilpott]

The old adage here is to buy the seller first.

This means that you should make sure that your seller is honest and has a track record to prove it.

There are such sellers on this forum with references available.

[Mr. K]

Box and papers do not make the watch authentic, but it does show the owner cared enough to keep them. Plan for a $500 service just to be safe.

[Mr. K]

Oh and the 36mm explorer. Great choice!

[Caraptor]

FYI, you can still find these new, too if your budget allows.

[f16570]

Great looking classic watch, I would search a deal on new one.

[josh6262]

Where ever you buy it make sure you have an open 7 or 10 day return policy. Open meaning that you can return it, as long as it has not been worn, for any reason you want. Then just take it to an authorized Dealer and make sure it's 100% real and in good running order. Many dealers of second hand watches will put tags on the watch that you cannot remove if you want to return it with the time framed allowed. Any dealer that will not give you a open return policy doesn't deserve your business.

[watchandbb]

I just picked this 1016 last week, year 74/75,come with a nato strap, running fast 3+ min/day, so plan to send it for a good service

good luck in your search
do post pic to share when you found it

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by watchandbb

I just picked this 1016 last week, year 74/75,come with a nato strap, running fast 3+ min/day, so plan to send it for a good service

good luck in your search
do post pic to share when you found it

Now that's a clasic.

[zidaneong]

Originally Posted by watchandbb

I just picked this 1016 last week, year 74/75,come with a nato strap, running fast 3+ min/day, so plan to send it for a good service

good luck in your search
do post pic to share when you found it

That is really a classic. :)

[rolexsweep]

last time i was in store, they still had 36mm models... i think if you look hard enough you might be lucky to find a bnib.

[vukotab]

Some six months age, there WAS 36mm Explorer in my AD, so I think it`s quite possible to find NIB one.
And that`s perfect choice, IMHO, but 39mm is also a winner.

[dddrees]

Besides this forum, you could always call ADs within your area to see if any have them.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Berto

I'm very interested in a 36mm Explorer, (not a II). Rolex has gone to a 39mm this year, I believe. There seem to be quite a few used 36mm's for sale, Ebay, etc... They seem to range $3k and up. What are the inherent risks of buying used, outside the obvious? What should I look for? Is it common to ask to bring the watch to an authorized dealer to examine it? Thanks.

Buying pre-owned puts some responsibility on the buyer to learn a little bit about the product. The better your seller is, the less you have to learn. You may want to pay a higher price for this security. The "key" for me is to have a quality owner tell me that the watch is "all stock, original Rolex". Whatever the condition, I want to know that no one has added aftermarket stuff to the watch-- diamonds, dials, bracelets, etc. Sapphire crystals started coming out for Rolex in the early 90's. Some sellers have modified older acrylic-crystal models to accept sapphire, and this isn't a good thing.

The Explorer is a great Rolex to have, but they weren't made in the quantities that Datejusts were. Finding one may take a little longer.