14 watches. 27 years. Collection complete

[willski]

This is no doubt one of the best threads I've ever read.

Great story behind the collection and as to the real achievements - massive respect.

[toomuchtalk]

Rolex advert...

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Rolex advert...

And one we took later...

[kultschar]

I hear a lot lately of Rolex not really being a "Tool" watch however both agree and disagree depending on the model

Does glossy Ceramic really make the Submariner less a tool watch then the Subs 20 years ago? How many ceramic inserts have really honestly been shattered??? I would say the bracelet etc is more solid and time will tell on that front.

GMTs certainly been "blinged" unfortunatley.

I guess that leaves us with the Explorer II prob resulting in being the more "Tool" watch which is made today by Rolex. I guess thats prob why it is number uno on your list Steve!

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by kultschar

I hear a lot lately of Rolex not really being a "Tool" watch however both agree and disagree depending on the model

Does glossy Ceramic really make the Submariner less a tool watch then the Subs 20 years ago? How many ceramic inserts have really honestly been shattered??? I would say the bracelet etc is more solid and time will tell on that front.

GMTs certainly been "blinged" unfortunatley.

I guess that leaves us with the Explorer II prob resulting in being the more "Tool" watch which is made today by Rolex. I guess thats prob why it is number uno on your list Steve!

Hah! Agree completely. The new explorers are better watches. And truth be told the ceramic bezels are better..
And the hew subs better too.
My only point is that the new explorers are too big. They stand bigger on the wrist and are more prone to Knicks.
Less is more.
But in terms of technical ability the new ones are better;
But I like Tennyson.
"We are not that strength that in old days moved earth and heaven...

[kultschar]

I guess that also brings us on to the GMT. Ok it's got polished links, does that make it less a tool watch if one doesn't give a crap about scratches?? Surely tool does not = looks

Interesting subject really.

I actually prefer the 42mm Exp II. Very visible (not sure if this was the main reason for size increase or just to put something bigger and bow to the current trend). Judging by the fact they have not super sized the sub and Daytona it's prob due to visibility / legibility (though most people don't use them for exploring lol)

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by kultschar

I guess that also brings us on to the GMT. Ok it's got polished links, does that make it less a tool watch if one doesn't give a crap about scratches?? Surely tool does not = looks

Interesting subject really.

I actually prefer the 42mm Exp II. Very visible (not sure if this was the main reason for size increase or just to put something bigger and bow to the current trend). Judging by the fact they have not super sized the sub and Daytona it's prob due to visibility / legibility (though most people don't use them for exploring lol)

I think as long as you don't mind scratching the centre links, then it's just as good as it ever was. Actually better, better movement etc...

The explorer 2 white dial is far more readable than the previous one...as a tool watch the new explorers are far better than the previous ones..

I think one of main issues is nostalgia....

We like the old ones because they were the rolexs we saw as kids...young men...
and we harp to those days..
the boxes were better and you got wallets and little anchors...depth tables etc....

So it goes on and we debate...

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

I think as long as you don't mind scratching the centre links, then it's just as good as it ever was. Actually better, better movement etc...

The explorer 2 white dial is far more readable than the previous one...as a tool watch the new explorers are far better than the previous ones..

I think one of main issues is nostalgia....

We like the old ones because they were the rolexs we saw as kids...young men...
and we harp to those days..
the boxes were better and you got wallets and little anchors...depth tables etc....

So it goes on and we debate...

Nostalgia...

[toomuchtalk]

Thanks!

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Thanks!

No, sir...thank YOU.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

No, sir...thank YOU.

New tie!

[try714]

It a addiction, just like women.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by try714

It a addiction, just like women.

or worse?

[cedargrove]

Can't believe I only stumbled on this thread today. Glad I did. Awesome. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

Can't believe I only stumbled on this thread today. Glad I did. Awesome. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[DreambreaX]

LOL at this thread

[DCheeta]

Daaaamn, I love that PP! (the watch) That is the ultimate dress watch. Goes great with the tie, too.

Please tell me that's not how you dress at the South Pole!

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

Daaaamn, I love that PP! (the watch) That is the ultimate dress watch. Goes great with the tie, too.

Please tell me that's not how you dress at the South Pole!

First time I have worn a shirt with it! That's six months.. and first tie on in over a year!
The watch feels awesome with a shirt and tie..and not a bad tie at that..

Think a shirt and tie would be pretty cool at the pole..

[CWIN]

I originally took a look at this thread the day you started it, Steve...read through the initial posts and figured it wasn't worth my time. Noticed it was back tonight so I decided to give it a read and all I can say is WOW. Epic thread. Thanks for sharing your collection and your experiences with us. You make me want to do more with my life and buy an Explorer II!

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by CWIN

I originally took a look at this thread the day you started it, Steve...read through the initial posts and figured it wasn't worth my time. Noticed it was back tonight so I decided to give it a read and all I can say is WOW. Epic thread. Thanks for sharing your collection and your experiences with us. You make me want to do more with my life and buy an Explorer II!

Wow, thanks..
Explorer 2; great watch...

[93 Turbo]

Great post Steve, some of your comments and pics reminded me of a few things:

Dual time-zone (TZ) watches take the guess work out of TZ calculation especially when your fatigued. As you said one less thing to calculate/worry about.

Worked with a Russian AN-12 off East Africa. Yes all the crew attended the same flight crew training centre. It's mandatory to have a lit cigarette when doing any and all works in and around the aircraft.

If only Rolex made a world timer in the same vein as the EXP II 42. That is not in precious metal like their recent dual TZ watches.

All the best Jules

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by 93 Turbo

Great post Steve, some of your comments and pics reminded me of a few things:

Dual time-zone (TZ) watches take the guess work out of TZ calculation especially when your fatigued. As you said one less thing to calculate/worry about.

Worked with a Russian AN-12 off East Africa. Yes all the crew attended the same flight crew training centre. It's mandatory to have a lit cigarette when doing any and all works in and around the aircraft.

If only Rolex made a world timer in the same vein as the EXP II 42. That is not in precious metal like their recent dual TZ watches.

All the best Jules

Know what you mean about smoking and planes. The last time on flew on a Ilyushin 76, the load master checked the cargo-barrels of aviation fuel- whilst smoking; then stubbed it out on the floor..

[toomuchtalk]

And the view from the bomb aimers position over the Drake passage en route for Antarctica..

[Mauiguy]

Add me to the list of those who were absolutely delighted by this thread. When anyone asks; what's a tool watch, or for that matter, what kind of people Rolex watches were *really* designed for, I'll have this to show them!

Thanks Steve!

[HogwldFLTR]

Glad to hear it was total BS. I suspect he must be expediting about somewhere or other. I hope he hasn't fallen into a crevasse.

[Beef]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Glad to hear it was total BS. I suspect he must be expediting about somewhere or other. I hope he hasn't fallen into a crevasse.

Indeed! We are getting back to same old. Hopefully the crevasse will spit him out!

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by Beef

Indeed! We are getting back to same old. Hopefully the crevasse will spit him out!

I hope so too, and when it does spit him out his Explorer II will be unharmed and running perfectly.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I hope so too, and when it does spit him out his Explorer II will be unharmed and running perfectly.

Hey!

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by Beef

Indeed! We are getting back to same old. Hopefully the crevasse will spit him out!

Been spat out by the crevasse....

[A.Sharp]

I am surprised but glad this thread is still going. Love the Patek!!!