Two year love affair with the Rolex Explorer

[BlackRose]

Today marks two years since I bought a preowned 214270 Explorer MKII in LNIB condition. I have worn it everyday since, and it’s looking better with every scratch. Luckily, I managed to get into the Explorer market before it took off. Aside from a Tudor BB58 Blue purchased earlier this year (getting so little wrist time it needs to be sold), this is my only watch. The Tudor can steal a few hours of wrist time occasionally, but that's it. The Explorer is perfect in every situation - weekend, Tshirt/jeans, business casual, or formal, it's got me covered.

I wear it virtually 24/7, removing it only for exercise and some rare occasions where direct impact or shock could be an issue. It's on the bracelet 99% of the time, but is also goes very well with a black Artem sailcloth strap.

The case dimensions, shape and fit are perfect for my 6.75" wrist. The weight and balance are spot on - it never feels top heavy or uncomfortable. The EZ link is great, legibility is excellent even in direct sunlight and the lume lasts all night.

It runs at about +4sec/day, so not quite within Rolex superlative standards. Question for the group - if I send it to Rolex before the warranty expires is regulation a free service?

I could wear only this watch forever. It's that good. But, like all of us who have a bit of a problem, I'm always looking. Perhaps something will push me toward being a two or three watch guy eventually?

Cheers and Happy Holidays

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[Rochester585]

Gorgeous!!! I want one badly. Looking at the new 36mm and I even think I might prefer the two tone

[BlackRose]

Originally Posted by Rochester585

Gorgeous!!! I want one badly. Looking at the new 36mm and I even think I might prefer the two tone

both are great options! I'd like to see them in person

[2ltdjorn]

whats the inscription mean?

[CPZorro]

What an amazing piece. Looks even better after two years! I have the urge to put mine on tomorrow!

[BlackRose]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

whats the inscription mean?

it’s in memory of my father. He died earlier this year. It’s a family thing - about the importance of persistence and hard work. PM if you want a link to a newspaper article I wrote about him - it makes the inscription make sense!

[Aircraftman]

Love mine too

Gets the most wrist time of any of my 4 watches

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by BlackRose

it’s in memory of my father. He died earlier this year. It’s a family thing - about the importance of persistence and hard work. PM if you want a link to a newspaper article I wrote about him - it makes the inscription make sense!

Love that ! Share the link with all of us .

[LA_LEC]

Fantastic watch and my current favorite as well.

[hkgary33]

Thanks for sharing this greate story! 214270 is amazing!

[BlackRose]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Love that ! Share the link with all of us .

thanks everyone

here's the link

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life...anen-made-the/

[brandrea]

Sorry to hear about your Dad OP.

The Explorer is such a great all rounder.

[1William]

Great watch.

[JayHantz]

Such a well worn watch and thank you for sharing that article you wrote, your dad sounds like an amazing man.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by BlackRose

thanks everyone

here's the link

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life...anen-made-the/

Beautiful obituary, thank you for sharing with us. My condolences on your father’s passing. I wish I could have known him, what a rich and interesting life he led. Burn the rock - such a great motto for us all.

P..S. Great Rolex Explorer, too!

[Slow Lane]

Interesting how this model has been rebounded, bought one for my 40th in 2004 and wore it pretty much every day for almost the next 15 years. At the time I did consider the Sub and GMT but rejected them as I didn't want to be too showy and get over my office skis too much at that point in my career. I loved it but it seemed to "shrink" over time the oversized watch boom happened and more formal styles seemed to take a back seat in the office environment, this seemed to reach its apex when the case size increased. So when I acquired a new Sub a few years ago I sold it back to the AD for pretty much what I paid for it, was a bit sad for sure. Do I regret? Only from the standpoint that maybe one of my daughters would have worn it, I still think the 36 is too small for a man today given the predominant styles. But who knows? When I was in high school and college we all wore discrete gold formal style (but cheap) watches, big changes in personal style have happened over my lifestyle.

[BlackRose]

Originally Posted by Slow Lane

Interesting how this model has been rebounded, bought one for my 40th in 2004 and wore it pretty much every day for almost the next 15 years. At the time I did consider the Sub and GMT but rejected them as I didn't want to be too showy and get over my office skis too much at that point in my career. I loved it but it seemed to "shrink" over time the oversized watch boom happened and more formal styles seemed to take a back seat in the office environment, this seemed to reach its apex when the case size increased. So when I acquired a new Sub a few years ago I sold it back to the AD for pretty much what I paid for it, was a bit sad for sure. Do I regret? Only from the standpoint that maybe one of my daughters would have worn it, I still think the 36 is too small for a man today given the predominant styles. But who knows? When I was in high school and college we all wore discrete gold formal style (but cheap) watches, big changes in personal style have happened over my lifestyle.

yup, fashions come and go, but a classic design will always be in style

[1665fan]

39mm is the best! Looks like you have enjoyed and awesome story!

[Calatrava r]

Do you have the right tool to remove the bracelet? Looks like there are a lot of scratches on the under sides of the lugs.

[BlackRose]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Do you have the right tool to remove the bracelet? Looks like there are a lot of scratches on the under sides of the lugs.

good call! the tool I have kind of sucks, and early on I was not particularly skilled. Doesn't bother me now since I'm not worried about resale though
cheers