The Explorer I (ONE) Non-Enigma

[Atlanta]

After reading David's informative thread on the Explorer II Enigma - I would like to start a discussion on the Explorer I.

A few things perplex me about this watch:

1. Many people say they love the watch, but not many people seem to own one or praise it as their primary watch.

2. There is really no chatter on the boards. Pictures (aside from a dial shot here and there) are tough to find and many Explorer I questions go unanswered or get "I am not sure" responses.

3. There essentially is no used market. Scanning the FS boards will leave you high & dry. One listed and sold within 24 hours last week and that is the only one that has appeared for months.

4. The Explorer I & II do not resemble each other at all. The Explorer II is a 'GMT Lite' watch with the 4th hand and date functions added. No other 'II' watch has totally changed gears (maybe YMII?)

Please share your thoughts on owning, or wanting to own, this watch. Why does this simple, beautiful watch seem to be overlooked?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Atlanta

After reading David's informative thread on the Explorer II Enigma - I would like to start a discussion on the Explorer I.

A few things perplex me about this watch:

1. Many people say they love the watch, but not many people seem to own one or praise it as their primary watch.

2. There is really no chatter on the boards. Pictures (aside from a dial shot here and there) are tough to find and many Explorer I questions go unanswered or get "I am not sure" responses.

3. There essentially is no used market. Scanning the FS boards will leave you high & dry. One listed and sold within 24 hours last week and that is the only one that has appeared for months.

4. The Explorer I & II do not resemble each other at all. The Explorer II is a 'GMT Lite' watch with the 4th hand. No other 'II' watch has totally changed gears (maybe YMII?)

Please share your thoughts on owning, or wanting to own, this watch. Why does this simple, beautiful watch seem to be overlooked?

Jim,
I love the simplicity, looks, and history of the Exp 1. However, I need more than just the time from a watch. The date [w/ cyclops], rotating bezel, and either a chrono or 2nd time zone function. That would leave an EXP 1 for dress and I already have a DJ for that.
Still a classic it it's own right.
dP

[GBJIV]

A couple of weeks ago we had a discussion about the 1016 Explorer 1. Padi came through with a lot of useful information - IMO the thread was awesome.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...highlight=1016

Well, I have been thinking about the Exp I ever since and really want a 1016. I think the dial and hands are so simple - it's sophisticated... And, I can't believe I am saying this - the watch to me has a retro look. As I have gotten a little older - I appreciate the retro - look of an era gone for ever as Mike would say it. Although, a New Exp 1 today has not changed much in its appearance. I don't know. Just love it.

The Date issue... I agree. Dates are preferred. But, for me... not necessary

[Tools]

Interesting perspective Jim..

1. You know that the Explorer was the original "sport" watch that all other Rolex sport models were spawned from... including the Air-King and Sub.. and the movement is still shared by those models.

2. I don't think that you see much chatter because most of the newer members of forums are just getting their "first" GMTIIc, Sub, or other recent big watch.. As far as unanswered questions... We try to always answer somebodies question here on TRF.. but sometimes we miss one or two.

3. There are not many for sale because owners tend to keep them once they have one, and they are not a favorite of the flipper.

4. I disagree with you on this one.. All the II models have a radical change from the original. The GMT II has the exclusive independent "jump" hour hand and an ability to track 3 zones that the early model did not have. The YM II is radically different and only resembles the original in name. The new DayDate II is much bigger and has a new movement from the original. Finally, the Explorer II only originally differed from the Explorer in that it had the extra hand and bezel to help "Cave Explorers" to be able to tell day from night, but now also includes the traveler friendly "jump" feature....

As far as owning one....it is on my short list, and I would rather have an Explorer than a DateJust.

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by Tools

Interesting perspective Jim..

1. You know that the Explorer was the original "sport" watch that all other Rolex sport models were spawned from... including the Air-King and Sub.. and the movement is still shared by those models.

2. I don't think that you see much chatter because most of the newer members of forums are just getting their "first" GMTIIc, Sub, or other recent big watch.. As far as unanswered questions... We try to always answer somebodies question here on TRF.. but sometimes we miss one or two.

3. There are not many for sale because owners tend to keep them once they have one, and they are not a favorite of the flipper.

4. I disagree with you on this one.. All the II models have a radical change from the original. The GMT II has the exclusive independent "jump" hour hand and an ability to track 3 zones that the early model did not have. The YM II is radically different and only resembles the original in name. The new DayDate II is much bigger and has a new movement from the original. Finally, the Explorer II only originally differed from the Explorer in that it had the extra hand and bezel to help "Cave Explorers" to be able to tell day from night, but now also includes the traveler friendly "jump" feature....

As far as owning one....it is on my short list, and I would rather have an Explorer than a DateJust.

Larry & all - thanks for the great insight! No offense intended on the unanswered question item; I was referring to a few specific questions I had asked about the bracelets.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Atlanta

Larry & all - thanks for the great insight! No offense intended on the unanswered question item; I was referring to a few specific questions I had asked about the bracelets.

I don't usually take offense at stuff, nor do I intentially try to offend..

When I read and answer stuff it's usually with a cold and analytical scientific examination of the facts....

........well, that is except for the stuff I just make up..

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by GBJIV

A couple of weeks ago we had a discussion about the 1016 Explorer 1. Padi came through with a lot of useful information - IMO the thread was awesome.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...highlight=1016

Well, I have been thinking about the Exp I ever since and really want a 1016. I think the dial and hands are so simple - it's sophisticated... And, I can't believe I am saying this - the watch to me has a retro look. As I have gotten a little older - I appreciate the retro - look of an era gone for ever as Mike would say it. Although, a New Exp 1 today has not changed much in its appearance. I don't know. Just love it.

The Date issue... I agree. Dates are preferred. But, for me... not necessary

This one is getting a ton of wrist time lately... Mk II Vantage, which is a 39mm 1016 homage -with date-.

Matte dial, solid bracelet and solid end links. My AD has an Exp I in the window - I was really surprised by how small it looked...

[sea-dweller]

Great discussion. I've owned my Explorer 1 since 2004 (Y series) and it is one of the Rolexes in my collection which I vow to keep forever. It's virtues lies in it's simplicity and understated elegance. I call it my 'stealth' Rolex and have worn it with everything from a tux, to shorts and a t-shirt. I have taken with me on various trips across the US and into Asia and Europe. It is not immediately and obviously recognized as a Rolex, which is another virtue. It is also my most accurate Rolex. It has also served as my 'back-up' watch on some international business trips (I usually take my GMT II and my Explorer 1) when I leave my GMT II in my hotel room safe and take the Explorer 1 with me into town. It is also incredibly comfortable and fits under all shirt sleeves. All in all, a great timepiece without all of the glitz of some timepieces.

[Jimbits76]

I love the explorer one.

If I had the money and a GMTII Pepsi...it would be right here with me.

It's understated and cool!

J

[sea-dweller]

It should also be noted that the Explorer 1 enjoyed somewhat of a (albeit brief) resurgence in Asia around 2003-2005 (particularly in Hong Kong and Japan and possibly other places as well). They were hard to come by in Asia during that time and a premium was being paid for them, from what I understand. I was on a business trip in Hong Kong in March, 2005 and saw an BNIB Explorer 1 at an AD, and the asking price was $39,000 HKD (from what I recall) which is equivalent to around $5,000 US.

[adr]

I got the explorer I in 2006, it was the 1st time I saw it at AD since 1998.
During 1998, the explorer I is chill hot, AD keep mention no stock & high premium in Asia market. Maybe at that time, the trend & hype 36mm ?
It was my 1st Rolex since 2006 ( I don't want to dig those sad stories )

1. I just wanted something simple, not "so blink", black dial, & innocent yet not too extreme sporty.
Most of all I just love the arabic 369 stuff.
Since 1998, I have not seen anyone wearing exp 1.
This amaze me, I don't know why ?
It's still my 1st choice because I will not bump to anyone wearing the same model.

2. Less demand maybe.

3. I am keeping mine.

2007, I bought my wife a Black Arabic 76030 as her wedding gift.
She loves it & I am happy.

[DSJ]

Nice thread, Jim, and thanks for advising me of its entrance into TRF. I too love the Explorer, and would consider one some day. I think it would be a perfect watch for my wife when she's not wearing her Lady DJ, too.

[G.J]

What I really like about my ExplorerI is the clean dial..



How can you not love a beauty like this...

[1000 ft]

The "ONE" is surely my next Rolo. I love the simple and super readable dial... It's clear, classy and discreet... I just love it...


And last but not least you can find a 2nd hand one for a nice price.. Except for the vintage's of course ...

[Incurable]

I've had mine since 2001. Bought it long before I knew about TRF. Good thing, I may have allowed myself to be swayed had it been the reverse. I love mine and doubt I'll ever part with it. With this watch, it's not about quantity. The devil's truly in the details...

[Tools]

I think that the Explorer dial is one of the best looks ever for a watch face.....

[Marrk]

What a terrific thread!

I am almost sorry that I found it . . . because now my jones for an Expy I is increased all the more! My old price list has it at almost $5,000. I _really_ wish they were selling this a little bit cheaper.

[BlackpoolRolexCoaste]

Originally Posted by Tools

I think that the Explorer dial is one of the best looks ever for a watch face.....

agree nd intend to make it my next (third) Rolex!

[sbakar]

Really like the clean face, but could they have added a date complication? It may have been more popular if it had the date, no?

SNB

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by sbakar

Really like the clean face, but could they have added a date complication? It may have been more popular if it had the date, no?

SNB

I am always surprised to see how many TRF-ers feel the date function is so necessary. Some would even have it on the Daytona, which, with sub-dials and pushers, is complicated enough. I don't share that view. Also, in the case of Rolex, the cyclops effectively obscures one-third of the dial.

Sorry to be contrary on this. But the beauty of the Expy I is due in large part to its simple elegance. No?

[Incurable]

Originally Posted by Marrk

I am always surprised to see how many TRF-ers feel the date function is so necessary. Some would even have it on the Daytona, which, with sub-dials and pushers, is complicated enough. I don't share that view. Also, in the case of Rolex, the cyclops effectively obscures one-third of the dial.

Sorry to be contrary on this. But the beauty of the Expy I is due in large part to its simple elegance. No?

I agree... This watch embodies a less complicated era (for me) where a watch simply tells you the time, nothing else. The Explorer does it with class. The 3-6-9 dial is extremely legible and is one of its strengths, IMO. Even under darkened conditions, I can still read this watch where I can't on my busier GMTII. I think you have to 'get' the Explorer to appreciate it...
Hey I made a pun

[sea-dweller]

Great point and I have always wondered that myself (the date equation).

Originally Posted by sbakar

Really like the clean face, but could they have added a date complication? It may have been more popular if it had the date, no?

SNB

[marshallr47]

I think the Explorer is simple and beautiful. Thanks for the photos guys.

[Z-Sub]

I think an ideal explorer one would be one with a date

[Tortoise]

Expy1 is a great understated watch.

I was on holiday in Rome last weekend, and whilst travelling on the subway I clocked a GMT II wearing businessman trying to get a closer look at my Expy1 as I held on to the grab-rail. He presumably noticed the familiar Oyster bracelet, but was trying to work out what the watch was.

For a watch that has sold in such high numbers over the years, you see amazingly few of them on the street - so you do feel quite exclusive as a wearer of the 1.

[GradyPhilpott]

I am absolutely in love with my Explorer.

We were made for each other.

I just wish I had realized what a perfect match we are before I bought all those other watches.

I named mine Shirley and we share secrets and sing love songs to one another throughout the day.

I'm being released from the hospital in a few days.

Seriously, though, if you don't own one you can only guess how an owner feels about his Explorer. There really is no enigma, only inexperience.

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

There really is no enigma, only inexperience.

Hence, the non-enigma.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Atlanta

Hence, the non-enigma.

Let me rephrase that.

"I wholeheartedly concur! There really is no enigma, only inexperience."

[SLS]

I own an Exp II Black dial & would love a 1016. Two entirely separtate pieces IMO. A few years back the Exp was a highly sought after piece because of a Japanese Singer who wore one....that trend seems to have subsided, but regardless the Exp is a very versatile watch that I would like to own someday.
~Scott

[cody p]

i've said it before, and i'll say it again: it's the archetypal sports watch.