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Old 17 May 2016, 01:51 PM   #1
TheVTCGuy
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Why not a PM Explorer?

First-Thanks to the other thread with the concept-photoshop models, I really like some of those ideas! One that caught my eye was the TT Explorer, I thought it really looked good.

My mind wandered to the idea of a TT or AG Explorer, and immediately discounted it. The EX (and II) is a "working" watch, to be worn while climbing mountains or exploring caves; you can't have Gold in a watch like that. But then, I thought of the sub. That is a "working" watch, to be worn while diving. It comes in not only TT but AG and looks very very good. So, why not a PM Explorer?
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Old 17 May 2016, 03:34 PM   #2
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I have often wondered that myself...if it were offered, someone would buy one.

the question is, how attractive would a PM EXP2 look? the Sub & GMT offer interesting color contrasts via the bezel inserts while an Explorer II is kind of monochromatic except for the black bezel numerals.

a PM case/bracelet would definitely work on an EXP1 or an older Milgauss as those models are similar in outward appearance to traditional dress Rolexes.
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Old 17 May 2016, 04:08 PM   #3
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Good topic. My personal opinion is that why not. I bet that most people who own a rolex sport watch do not use it for its intended purpose. I myself don't use my explorer as "intended" and would not mind a dressed up version of it.

If Rolex offered it both ways I bet they would sell twice as many…It would be a good move on their end if they decided to offer a dressed up version.
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Old 17 May 2016, 04:15 PM   #4
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Yeah, at first it seems antithetical to its purpose, but then we think about all the PM Daytonas, Subs and GMTs
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Old 17 May 2016, 04:57 PM   #5
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When did the first gold Sub appear?
You would think you first need a devout and fanatical fan-base before you set a watch in gold. The watch must be shrouded in mysticism. Who in his right mind would pay quadruple the price for the same watch and double the price for the pure gold content? And that for a watch that some people already steer away from because the minute hand doesn't reach the second marks. Maybe the pre-2010 (14270) model would stand a slim chance. After all, the rose gold Yachtmaster seems to attract quite a lot of attention, so who knows!
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Old 17 May 2016, 05:01 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy View Post
First-Thanks to the other thread with the concept-photoshop models, I really like some of those ideas! One that caught my eye was the TT Explorer, I thought it really looked good.

My mind wandered to the idea of a TT or AG Explorer, and immediately discounted it. The EX (and II) is a "working" watch, to be worn while climbing mountains or exploring caves; you can't have Gold in a watch like that. But then, I thought of the sub. That is a "working" watch, to be worn while diving. It comes in not only TT but AG and looks very very good. So, why not a PM Explorer?
Why not?
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Old 17 May 2016, 09:07 PM   #7
japenney
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my thoughts would be that the explorer is a less popular seller compared to sub, gmt, daytona so it would be not worth making into a precious metal for Rolex because they would not sell enough. Same with milgauss. :)
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Old 17 May 2016, 09:09 PM   #8
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Interesting thought Paul, I agree, why not?
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Old 17 May 2016, 09:15 PM   #9
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my thoughts would be that the explorer is a less popular seller compared to sub, gmt, daytona so it would be not worth making into a precious metal for rolex because they would not sell enough. Same with milgauss. :)


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Old 17 May 2016, 09:24 PM   #10
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One of the things I love about the explorer is that there is only one option in current production. You can't "configure it". One size, one dial, one material, one bracelet, one bezel. You have to take it as it is. Other than the newly released air King, no other modern Rolex comes to mind that is similarly "rigid". That's pretty damn cool if you ask me. If you want something different, you have to buy used or NOS.
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Old 17 May 2016, 09:30 PM   #11
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Howdy,

I'm thinking a white gold Explorer II with a seal brown dial, white markers and hands, and a burnt orange 24 hour hand would be about perfect!

Take care,

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Old 17 May 2016, 09:33 PM   #12
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It could happen given the broader appeal Rolex seems to be aiming for, but I think they might want to keep certain models in certain metals to distinguish them, such as DD and SkyDs in PM and the Exp, Milgauss and AK in SS.
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Old 17 May 2016, 09:39 PM   #13
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I think every model except the Explorer, Expl. II and the Milgauss have had the TT treatment.
Something I've noted is how TT waxes and wanes in popularity among buyers and collectors over the years. For example, recently Daytona TT have had a lower resale value than similar SS versions.
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Old 17 May 2016, 10:43 PM   #14
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An all gold would be sweet
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Old 17 May 2016, 10:49 PM   #15
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[QUOTE=ref1655;6706631]

...the question is, how attractive would a PM EXP2 look? the Sub & GMT offer interesting color contrasts via the bezel inserts while an Explorer II is kind of monochromatic except for the black bezel numerals...
QUOTE]

Apparently it's been good enough for the Daytona and DJ.

It's an interesting situation. Since they already produce the case and the bracelet in PM, it essentially would cost them nothing to add a PM Explorer to the line. So, it wouldn't surprise me if dealer feedback is a factor. Just what a relatively capital limited AD wouldn't get too excited about, having to carry yet another modest selling model in PM.
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:05 PM   #16
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If the model is available in stainless, there is usually very....very....................very little reason to have it in PM unless u want YG or RG specifically.

Moreover Explorer has a sensibility that rises above such ego-positioning.
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:12 PM   #17
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I wouldn't buy it but then again, I'm not much of a PM guy. If they make an Explorer in PM, the Explorer II would probably make more sense. And they might as well come out with a PM Milgauss also.
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:18 PM   #18
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We obviously cannot predict the future, however, one quick look at the history (1960-1980's) of the brand the Milgauss and Explorer line have never been offered in precious metal renditions so I personally doubt we will see a modern PM version of those watches ;-(
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:30 PM   #19
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Heck, why not? I would also like to see an Explorer with a white dial.
I think that would be a stunner!
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:33 PM   #20
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I'm an Ex II fan but perhaps because it is not a huge seller (like subs and GMTs) Rolex may not see an appropriate market base?
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:36 PM   #21
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I would be all over a white dialled Explorer.

Explorer II comes with both options, so why not?
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Old 17 May 2016, 11:43 PM   #22
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That would be nice
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Old 18 May 2016, 12:34 AM   #23
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Never really gave it much thought but very good point or better yet idea
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Old 18 May 2016, 01:12 AM   #24
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I would rather have the Explorer in black ceramic.
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Old 18 May 2016, 01:35 AM   #25
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Ceramic makes sense.
As for basic models some were in TT or PM IIRC. Wasn't the Date, the OP and the OP Date offered in TT in the past?
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Old 18 May 2016, 01:52 AM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubarzy View Post
One of the things I love about the explorer is that there is only one option in current production. You can't "configure it". One size, one dial, one material, one bracelet, one bezel. You have to take it as it is. Other than the newly released air King, no other modern Rolex comes to mind that is similarly "rigid". That's pretty damn cool if you ask me. If you want something different, you have to buy used or NOS.
Quote:
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I think every model except the Explorer, Expl. II and the Milgauss have had the TT treatment.
Something I've noted is how TT waxes and wanes in popularity among buyers and collectors over the years. For example, recently Daytona TT have had a lower resale value than similar SS versions.
Let's not forget the seadweller boys!
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Old 18 May 2016, 03:03 AM   #27
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Let's not forget the seadweller boys!
Yep, you never know when you may have to do some saturation diving AND look good in a tux at the same time!
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Old 18 May 2016, 03:05 AM   #28
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Howdy,

I'm thinking a white gold Explorer II with a seal brown dial, white markers and hands, and a burnt orange 24 hour hand would be about perfect!

Take care,

Ruddiger
Let's see a digital mock up!
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Old 18 May 2016, 03:09 AM   #29
TheVTCGuy
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Why not?
Although not completely out of the question I guess, it is more to the abuse of the metals. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but Gold is a softer metal then stainless steel and scratches easier, so for a "working" watch that would be subjected to all kinds of harsh environment and treatment, a SS watch makes more sense.
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Old 18 May 2016, 10:45 AM   #30
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Let's see a digital mock up!
Howdy,

Wish that I could! Sadly, I can barely type this stuff!

Take care,

Ruddiger
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