Sell Explorer II for a JLC Hometime?

[david2]

Hi Everyone!

I currently own a Rolex Explorer II with the white dial that I have had for 5 years. I am thinking about selling the Rolex to get a JLC Master Hometime. I am not a watch collector but am a watch lover and thus only own one nice watch at a time. I would also need the proceeds from the sale of the Rolex to put towards the purchase of the JLC. I should also say that I wear my watches 24/7 (but not in the shower).

The JLC Master Hometime has the cal. 975 movement which is supposed to be their version of the Rolex 3186 as found in my Explorer II. It has a 50m water resistance rating but this is acceptable for my lifestyle. I have been "spoiled" by the Rolex for 5 years now. Have had absolutely no problems at all. Do you think this makes sense?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Sincerely,

David

[gazp]

No , nice watch but you will miss your Rolex and it will cost you you go back to Rolex

[kilyung]

I loved my Hometime and it's a phenomenal watch. The bracelet is awesome!

[capote]

I think the JLC MC Hometime is stunning. But with the limited WR and leather strap I wouldn't go with it for my only watch.

Edit: I changed my mind, go for it

[Bmonroy17]

JLC is a step up in my book. I did the same thing over a year ago ,sold an Exp. II for a JLC Reverso Squadra. I have enjoyed my JLC a lot since then. Both are great watches though, either way you cant go wrong. If its your only watch, i would stay with the Exp.

[Art 1]

Personally, I don't care for JLC.

[StuartG]

I have both of those watches. I think the JLC is a finer timepiece, but if I could only keep one it would be the EXPII for its sportier look. The Hometime (mine's on a strap) looks more formal, and I wear more casual looking watches these days.

[Lanfor]

I would sell it for one

[DD GT3 RD]

I want a master calendar and was debating selling my explorer 2 for it.
I do think Jlc is a nicer/ finer time piece

[Elementa]

I love the JLC but I don't care for the bracelet in the photo above. My choice would be on leather.

[z0mghenry]

I couldn't own a JLC as an only watch. They are nice as a dressy watch but don't fill the spot for sporty tool watch imo.

[ndsleep612]

I would keep the Explorer 2 and forget about the JLC. A while back I was serious about picking up a JLC watch but realized that they only got 1 service center in the US.

When you try to get in touch with JLC's so-called concierge on their website it took them about 1 month to answer my most basic questions about the watch and servicing questions if at all. The worst part was the lack of sympathy from JLC in general.

There are a handful of official Rolex Service Centers in the US that you can walk into to get your watch serviced and know that it's in good hands.

With JLC it's like sending the watch into a black hole hoping for good results. If you do a search on the JLC forums, you'll find mixed results of collectors with faulty brand new watches that cost 5-figures. Those collectors end up selling their brand new JLCs at a loss and end up with Rolex.

JLC servicing costs are alot higher than Rolex on average. It seems that they focus mainly on the top 1% (ie. Baron Rothschild) rather than your typical watch collector. If you think 2-4 weeks is long for a routine servicing, how would you feel about 2-4 months easily with JLC?

The more complicated a watch gets, the more headaches you develop. Sometimes life is much better with a simpler watch.

[r0lexguy]

I sold my Submariner Anniversary edition and lost a bundle to buy what appeared to be a great deal on a JLC Master Compressor. At the time I already own a great 1977 5512 complete set so I didn't think I'd miss it much. Don't get me wrong... I love the JLC especially with my custom shark skin double red stitching leather band, but there's something weird about once you go Rolex nothing else matters. It becomes a part of your DNA and the ticking flows within your veins.

So do I regret my decision? Sort of. Why? Because the JLC MC rarely gets wrist time now. As a matter of fact I recently bought a 1983 16660 as my daily beater.

If you already love your Explorer and there's nothing wrong with it...I recommend keeping it. A Rolex is a Rolex, there's no substitution. If you're buying the JLC Home Time because you want it and tired of Rolex then do it. Don't buy it out of curiosity or based on someone else's recommendation.