Looking to buy a 16570 Black Explorer II..anything to watch out for?

[golden state of mind]

This would be my first pre-owned purchase and I have looked through the forums (very helpful) but just want to make sure there aren't any other gotchas

1. I've looked at the threads on 3185 vs 3186 movement and am leaning towards 3186. The forum seems pretty split on this one as the 3185 is a workhorse and the 3186 only happened to come at the very end but has some improvements. There def seems to be a premium on the 3186 but that could also be because of the rehaut?

2. I've read about whether having papers/box is important. Most prefer it or refuse to buy without it but others say buy from a trusted seller. Unfortunately I will most likely have to buy mine online without physically touching/seeing the watch in person.

3. Are there any major negatives if the watch was overhauled but not by a RSC? The seller mentioned their watchmaker performed an overhaul on the movement which included cleaning, oiling, pressure test but no parts have been replaced.

4. How much of a premium is there for an unpolished watch? the watch has been polished.

5. Price is 6500 for circa 2010 explorer with 3186 movement and rehaut engraving. Polished and comes without box and papers. Is this price reasonable?

Thanks and looking forward to the responses.

[golden state of mind]

If this should have gone to a different forum let me know. Just looking for some tips before I pull the trigger.

[Sparkle]

If you haven’t pulled the trigger yet, send me a PM with your location.

[Nikrnic]

Dont fall for the 'rare' 3186 hype and use the difference in money you'll save for the most pristine 3185 piece you can find, with B&P if possible.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[javert34]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Dont fall for the 'rare' 3186 hype and use the difference in money you'll save for the most pristine 3185 piece you can find, with B&P if possible.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

I agree. The 16570 used the 3185 for much of its life until, I believe, 2006, when they incorporated the 3186. The 3186 fixed the hour hand “wobble issue,” and incorporated a Parachrom hairspring. There may be some other differences as I do not claim to be an expert, but those are the big ones I am aware of.

I have a 16570 with a 3185 and love it. As for the “polished/unpolished” discussion, personally I wouldn’t care for one that was overdone such that it loses definition, but some is fine with me.

As for the price, given no box/papers and the fact that it sounds like it has been polished quite a bit, $6,500 seems a little high. I’m thinking you could probably grab one for a bit less, in better condition, especially if you decide that you are good with the 3185, which is a great movement.

If it’s me, I would be more concerned about condition than the 3185 vs 3186. Whatever you choose, it is a fantastic watch. Be sure to keep everyone posted when you take the plunge.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by golden state of mind

This would be my first pre-owned purchase and I have looked through the forums (very helpful) but just want to make sure there aren't any other gotchas

1. I've looked at the threads on 3185 vs 3186 movement and am leaning towards 3186. The forum seems pretty split on this one as the 3185 is a workhorse and the 3186 only happened to come at the very end but has some improvements. There def seems to be a premium on the 3186 but that could also be because of the rehaut?

Yes. And was also the last run.

2. I've read about whether having papers/box is important. Most prefer it or refuse to buy without it but others say buy from a trusted seller. Unfortunately I will most likely have to buy mine online without physically touching/seeing the watch in person.

Only matters if you care to sell for top dollar or keep more dollars on the buy. It actually presents a buying opportunity to buy the watch alone with nothing else.

3. Are there any major negatives if the watch was overhauled but not by a RSC? The seller mentioned their watchmaker performed an overhaul on the movement which included cleaning, oiling, pressure test but no parts have been replaced.

I personally don't care for the term 'overhaul' with an independent. Especially if no parts were replaced. If its an RSC restoration, then that's better.

4. How much of a premium is there for an unpolished watch? the watch has been polished.

5-10% and that's only market driven. If a polish was done right, its actually a plus on a common high volume, 10yr old Rolex.

5. Price is 6500 for circa 2010 explorer with 3186 movement and rehaut engraving. Polished and comes without box and papers. Is this price reasonable?

Its a starting point. But that's just me.

Thanks and looking forward to the responses.

[iliketime]

Own both 3185 and 3186 explorers, dont fall for the hype like the others say. There is no tremendous difference. There are 3186 Z serials without an engraved rehaut as well. Some people are just not a fan of that engraved rehaut.

[mat355]

I have one I will sell you 2001/2002 Y serial. Message me if you're interested. It's posted in the classified section.

[jbglx]

As other mentioned , go for the condition of the watch !
Box and papers are VERY important , specially if you decide to sell the watch in the years to come .
Choose a watch starting from year 2000 .
3185 or 3186 , doesn´t matter .
Stay away from watches not serviced from a RSC .

There a plenty of watches meeting these tips !

Me myself , got last june a G series black , 3186 box and papers , never serviced ,
at 6500 .

You´ll love it !