INCOMING - Explorer I on Oysterflex

[Chadridv]

Like most here, I put a lot of thought into which watches to buy and as always I have a lot to say about this watch. I'll keep this brief for now and post my deep thoughts below the pics.

I will say, if you know me at all, you know it was only a matter of time before I played around with the bracelet. I have a couple everest bands on deck, and of course the bracelet is great... but man, this watch looks right at home on oysterflex.

I do need to add a HUGE thanks Rick (Investr) for helping me out with this! Very very appreciated brother.

Enjoy the pics and if you're interested in my thoughts on the watch read below...












So the 214270 Explorer I has always been a watch I admired. It's hard not to like it. The design is simple but not boring, rugged yet somehow elegant. It's not huge or small, however it has a pretty slim profile. It has the perfect amount of wrist presence. If you're a tinkerer like me, this watch is a dream come true. It looks amazing on leather straps, rubber straps, of course oyster bracelet and jubilee as well. The price point is excellent (relatively speaking).

It's been brought into my stable as a daily driver, but even more than that a watch I can bond with. A watch I can truly own, and not a watch that owns me.

Let me explain...

I've owned some nice watches. Dozens and dozens of watches have gone through my hands, ranging in value from $50 to almost $40k. I'm not a wealthy guy. I'm lucky to be where I'm at, but by no means am I rich or make a ton of money. In all my years of serious collecting, my watch collection has probably always reflected that of a wealthier person lol. I've been lucky in watch selection and have owned quite a few that appreciated A LOT. I've also sold a couple way too early, and simply made the wrong choices numerous times.

All that said, I've always felt financially responsible (allowing for some loss in my collections value) but the truth is, things like value retention and demand play a role in which watches I select. The most important thing to me is to buy a watch I love. I always make choices allowing for value loss but of course hoping for appreciation. I'm not going to get into the "investment" conversation and maybe I'm not explaining this well cause that's not my point. What I'm trying to say is that perhaps for all those reasons, no matter how hard I try watches at a certain price point simply can not be my daily drivers.

Rewind a couple months, I bought a Gshock. Since getting it, I think it's been the watch I've worn most. Side note: I have a 1 year old and 3 year old. They are beautiful destructive little creatures haha. When being truly in the moment with my kids I recently started to find myself distracted by my gold daytona or sky dweller. Not in a positive break for admiration, more so in a little bit of a worry about the watch.

I didn't have these feelings about my watches when it was just my son as small baby or before kids. Maybe it's because my sons a maniac lol. Maybe it's cause as my family grows I feel the need to hold myself to higher standard of financial responsibility. For whatever reason lately I've been a little apprehensive about wearing my "nicer watches" for most of my day to day lifestyle. It got me thinking about who actually owns who here?! haha.

That said, I'll always have a place in my rotation for "nicer" pieces. Trust me they're not collecting dust. But I decided I wanted a watch that I could bond with, enjoy a rugged nature of living, wear to work on location or to the park with my kids, hopefully take on adventures, embrace wear and scratches, truly let go of inhibition and go back to simple enjoyment... and most importantly truly own and not the other way around.

[wrxsti]

Love the exp on the oyster flex Chadri! My exp gets more wrist time than my blro ceramic and ceramic Daytona! It's not about what is hot or in demand it's about what sings to you on your wrist.

The exp is so clean, simple and flies under the radar. Love the pics btw!

[gordonite]

I completely agree on your thoughts,
What's the point of having watches yet we worried to wear it around. I've eyed on Explorer for years and just recently pulling the trigger to own one.

Explorer is really THE watch to own till you drop. Still has its luxury presence of Rolex yet it's very rugged. No one would notice it but you so that you won't be worried to attract unwanted attention. Those who identify it as a rolex must know Rolex.

Perfect watch to bond with!!!

[GoingPlaces]

Nice post. Love that look, crisp and clean. Well done, really goes well, near perfection. I get it. Now let's get Rolex to make and sell them!

[Helmi]

Wow, that watch looks amazing on oysterflex. Never loved the exp I but this configuration made me rethink. Congratulations and enjoy





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Instagram: @mydream_watches

[Odie-r]

Looks beautiful. Well played!

[Boothroyd]

Looks beautiful. I would love a primer on what band that is (part number). Is the clasp the one from your normal oyster bracelet?

[schoolboy]

Wow

The oyaterflex works really well with the explorer

I enjoyed reading the stuff after the pictures too

I’m trying to be a one watch guy so that I can bond with my Datejust and do everything with it

So far so good, but every now and then I do catch myself wanting other watches

I get it though, a watch that you can actually wear, not the other way around

Thanks for sharing!

[GradyPhilpott]

[bmclaurin]

Now *that* is nice!

[Dennisoul]

Looks terrific


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[fordmechanic]

Absolutely fantastic! Bravo.

[bill.76]

Looks great!


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[shaunylw]

It’s fantastic. I was going to put one i had on rubber, that looks even better.


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[Sarosh]

Oh my Chadri, that looks sublime! Super understated. Congrats bro

[Cru Jones]

Awesome pictures, looks great!!

[Flyer737]

Literally bought an Explorer in the last few months, completely sings to me too and the watch I’m wearing the most for sure, great write up and awesome pics.

I have been looking at a rubber b to achieve a similar look, I was looking at the Vulcromatic with the green detailing, although would love this setup you have, I have tried a few avenues for the OysterFlex, all have been a brick wall ��

[Lump]

Really nice on that Oysterflex. Love the shots. Enjoy.

[HogwldFLTR]

It looks nice but I really prefer it on the oyster bracelet. I'd be interested in hearing what all came in with the watch and how it was pulled together.

[henrylee]

Nice and sporty

[carlhaluss]

Well done! That Oysterflex really does suit the Explorer 1. Although I don't own a Rolex with the Oysterflex, I have tried it on, and it is certainly one of the most comfortable straps I have ever worn.

Seeing your photos, that is the only strap I would consider trying on my Explorer 1. Matter of fact, after looking at your photos again, I daresay I like it better than the Oyster Bracelet! Not something I would attempt by myself, however.

Cheers,
Carl

[SeaDweller50]

I’ve never really liked the Explorer 1 before now. Very impressive.

[DP63]

That looks super clean, and does the watch justice.

Great pics by the way, and while I'm here, what make of pen is that?

[Oldfellow]

Wow.
That looks fantastic.
I really enjoyed reading your story, and getting insight into your life and philosophy regarding watches.
I have seen many of your posts and noted your impressive collection.
I admire the people on this forum whom I have noticed are genuinely open and frank about their circumstances, and you are one of those.
I purchased an Explorer1 last year, which was my first Rolex. It is very special to me and whilst I have added to the collection since, I have to say I have just bonded to it.
Never had a thought about changing the bracelet, except maybe trying a dark brown leather strap.
Now I have seen yours, I would love to go down that track.
Maybe a bit costly though.
Cheers

[ryansoulsit]

Wow, Nice looking.

[importstunna]

Wow that looks amazing. Are those the regular end links?

[iluvrolex]

Looks awesome!

[Roleplay]

Looks great! What hardware do you need to get to achieve that combination?


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[Rashid.bk]

That looks amazing, I wonder how'd it look without the end links. I like how the YM looks with an OF and no end links.

[tyler1980]

nice... if it came like that, i would buy it immediately