Did I get the wrong one?

[dustinearley]

For years I have been pining after a Rolex. I love everything about the brand. After years of saving, I finally bought one.

I went through a reputable dealer online and bought an Explorer II polar dial 16570. It’s from 2000 (holes case, SEL) and has never been polished. The sticker is still partially present on the case back. Comes with original inner box and an outer box. For a 19 year old watch it’s nearly perfect. Yet when I first opened the box and slipped it on my wrist I didn’t feel the wow feeling.

I originally wanted a DJ36 and found some older models I liked well enough. As soon as the 126200 was announced I knew it was the one. I wanted one with a white stick dial but that watch doesn’t exist. White dial only comes with romans. So I decided to wait, rather impatiently.

In the meantime, I came to like the 16570 more and more as I researched it online and started to really like the idea of getting a white dialed Rolex that was a sports watch. On paper, it’s everything I want. In person though...

I was so excited to get it! I’ve been checking tracking every five minutes for three days. I’m worried I’ve hyped this purchase up in my mind so much that nothing will live up the the idea of owning a Rolex that I’ve created and it’s not the Explorer’s fault.

I’ve wanted this so bad for so long I should be incredibly happy but I’m just kinda disappointed.

Anyone else gone through this? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Hold on to it for a few days and see if anything changes? Wait and see if the watch I originally wanted is ever released?

Thanks in advance.

[logo]

It’s overthinking things, many of us are guilty of it. If you know a stick dial DJ is what you want, what about getting a DJ41 with a white stick dial? Sport watch dimensions, DJ aesthetics. If it’s any consolation, you do have a magnificent watch on the way - that 5 digit ExpII is on my short list.

[sickened1]

This is why i flip some of the watches I've had. If it doesn't sing to me, out it goes!

[jb335]

Buyers remorse is very common after a big purchase, especially if it is something you have been dreaming of obtaining for a while. Totally normal and not necessarily a sign you made a mistake. Give it some time. But at the end of the day, it's still just a watch, so don't have too high of expectations of a wow effect. It's not going to change your life.

[JEdwardK]

sounds like typical buyer's remorse
hopefully it goes away

it's possible that you will never get that feeling you're after, no matter the watch
it is just a material possession that's nice to look at, not something that should be the source of real joy

[Fat_ninja]

It’s like most people’s marriage. Half end up in divorce

[Anamelistic]

Good thing about majority of Rolex is you wont lose much of any on it and be able to probably roll it into the next one. Hope you find THE ONE!!!

[dustinearley]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Returning and waiting is definitely a decision I will need to sleep on.

For those who came for the wrist shot... I would post one but I need ten posts first.

[HORNBLOWER]

Give it time, it's a super watch.

[teabags001]

I’ve owned both explorer ii white and black. Honestly it’s a underwhelming watch. But it’s also meant to be. It’s understated and doesn’t scream Rolex. It’s a tool watch at its finest. And it’s also 19 years old. I get it. You should look for a new model DJ. Fluted and jubilee is very Rolex. I find my 5 digit sub underwhelming also. My DJ41 is very ROLEX. I think for your first Rolex you need to get what you want. The reason you feel the way you did is because you settled for that watch. It’s one of the few Rolex sports models that don’t scream ROLEX. Don’t settle my friend. If you want a white stick DJ36 get a NOS hidden clasp. Very nice imo. You said it yourself that this was not that watch you originally wanted. Also imo a polar explorer is a better second or third watch.


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[sillo]

Originally Posted by dustinearley

I’m worried I’ve hyped this purchase up in my mind so much that nothing will live up the the idea of owning a Rolex that I’ve created and it’s not the Explorer’s fault.

This is probably the correct answer

[chrisnov500]

try wear it for few days/weeks if you can. We all go through this same feeling when we finally get something that we wanted for so long. its a beautiful watch. On the other hand, if you know you really wanted a DJ36 or DJ41, Id just go for that instead.
Hope things are working out for ya! :)

[locutus49]

That's encouragement.

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

It’s like most people’s marriage. Half end up in divorce

[inadeje]

OP - this happens to us all, the hype and personal desire never lives up the wrist presence. However, my buyers remorse is usually short lived and I regain the love. If that makes sense.

[NeoAnderson]

The best part was journey to the goal. Not actually wearing the watch. Materials will never make you happy. Time keeps on ticking...

[Dr.Stu]

Firstly, it is a great watch (also on my short list) & the good news is that even if you decide to move it, you probably won't take much of a hit.

Out of curiosity, had you had the chance to ever try one on at all before you bought one online? Several years ago I absolutely fell in love with a Zenith El Primero Captain Winsor annual calendar (from the pix) & was convinced it was the perfect watch for me. Almost ordered one online 10 times, but waited until I had the chance to try one on. Good thing, because as soon as I saw it on my wrist, I knew it just didn't look the way I thought it would. I didn't buy it & haven't looked at that model again since.

I'll never buy a watch without either having it on my wrist or having a liberal return policy so I can get a look at it how it actually looks/wears on me before I decide.

[Rado63]

That's a pretty cool reference, and at almost 20 years old getting into the vintage category. Decision is up to you. Something great about the hobby, is that you can buy, sell, trade, or keep them. Enjoy the watch for a while,you could have purchased something else and may not be able to sell it with out a great loss. I think you are fortunate to be getting an older piece, and you can continue to move up to more modern pieces.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by dustinearley

In the meantime, I came to like the 16570 more and more as I researched it online and started to really like the idea of getting a white dialed Rolex that was a sports watch. On paper, it’s everything I want. In person though...

I am glad you did your homework before buying. You did your research by reading articles, watching videos, and based on the information gathered finally decided on a reference. You missed a pivotal step.

Trying it on.

Unless you live in ruralville, you have no excuse to stop by a physical store and try it on first. No I am not referring to a Rolex AD because they often don’t have anything unless you’re a steady customer. I am referring to all the “evil” grey dealers who often have brick and mortar locations and have a high probability of having what you were researching.

A good example stateside is Tourneau (not a gray but have an extensive preowned selection). Don’t buy from them. The prices for their preowned stock is absurd. But do try before you buy from your watch seller guy.

Also keep in mind that a lot of watch material you are reading online is written by a fellow watch enthusiast who may have a widely varied taste in comparison to yours but is gifted at articulating his thoughts enough to compel you.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by dustinearley

For years I have been pining after a Rolex. I love everything about the brand. After years of saving, I finally bought one.

I went through a reputable dealer online and bought an Explorer II polar dial 16570. It’s from 2000 (holes case, SEL) and has never been polished. The sticker is still partially present on the case back. Comes with original inner box and an outer box. For a 19 year old watch it’s nearly perfect. Yet when I first opened the box and slipped it on my wrist I didn’t feel the wow feeling.

I originally wanted a DJ36 and found some older models I liked well enough. As soon as the 126200 was announced I knew it was the one. I wanted one with a white stick dial but that watch doesn’t exist. White dial only comes with romans. So I decided to wait, rather impatiently.

In the meantime, I came to like the 16570 more and more as I researched it online and started to really like the idea of getting a white dialed Rolex that was a sports watch. On paper, it’s everything I want. In person though...

I was so excited to get it! I’ve been checking tracking every five minutes for three days. I’m worried I’ve hyped this purchase up in my mind so much that nothing will live up the the idea of owning a Rolex that I’ve created and it’s not the Explorer’s fault.

I’ve wanted this so bad for so long I should be incredibly happy but I’m just kinda disappointed.

Anyone else gone through this? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Hold on to it for a few days and see if anything changes? Wait and see if the watch I originally wanted is ever released?

Thanks in advance.

See, there you go.
It happens all the time whenever one settles and goes that'll do, especially where luxury items are concerned.
Every time without fail.

You were never even after a sports watch in the first instance

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Rado63

That's a pretty cool reference, and at almost 20 years old getting into the vintage category. Decision is up to you. Something great about the hobby, is that you can buy, sell, trade, or keep them. Enjoy the watch for a while,you could have purchased something else and may not be able to sell it with out a great loss. I think you are fortunate to be getting an older piece, and you can continue to move up to more modern pieces.

Good point

[gmtln]

I have been through similar experience to you and have learnt the hard way to always buy the watch you REALLY want.

I always wanted a GMT LN but when I couldn't find one in an AD, impatiently, I opted for an Omega Seamaster PO GMT instead, which was a big mistake.
Couldn't get on with the watch as the thickness was too much and flipped it for a loss and ultimately bought the GMT LN in the end.

I've also learnt that if a watch doesn't sing to you then it's probably time to trade it in, it's unlikely you will fall in love with it in a "few days".
With the Omega PO GMT, I tried to convince myself to like the thickness but ultimately I couldn't.

My suggestion would be to maybe have a look at a 116234 white stick dial.

[Rori]

I second my dear forum members bellow.
The good thing is that you settled for a watch that you'll be able to sell without much loos, then concentrate on the one model that really thing to you.
Love should happen at first sight not down the road. Try all references before pulling the trigger. The Datejust in my opinion is the one model one can't go wrong with when it comes to Rolex-Look or allure.

Originally Posted by NeoAnderson

The best part was journey to the goal. Not actually wearing the watch. Materials will never make you happy. Time keeps on ticking...

Originally Posted by teabags001

I’ve owned both explorer ii white and black. Honestly it’s a underwhelming watch. But it’s also meant to be. It’s understated and doesn’t scream Rolex. It’s a tool watch at its finest. And it’s also 19 years old. I get it. You should look for a new model DJ. Fluted and jubilee is very Rolex. I find my 5 digit sub underwhelming also. My DJ41 is very ROLEX. I think for your first Rolex you need to get what you want. The reason you feel the way you did is because you settled for that watch. It’s one of the few Rolex sports models that don’t scream ROLEX. Don’t settle my friend. If you want a white stick DJ36 get a NOS hidden clasp. Very nice imo. You said it yourself that this was not that watch you originally wanted. Also imo a polar explorer is a better second or third watch.


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[teabags001]

Originally Posted by dustinearley

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Returning and waiting is definitely a decision I will need to sleep on.

For those who came for the wrist shot... I would post one but I need ten posts first.

DJ41 is 39.5mm so it wears actually a little smaller then the explorer ii. Imo you should try one on as it’s the perfect first Rolex that you can actually buy without the games. I would also suggest a submariner but they are hard to get at retail. A white DJ41 or 36 wont be nearly as hard.


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[dustinearley]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I am glad you did your homework before buying. You did your research by reading articles, watching videos, and based on the information gathered finally decided on a reference. You missed a pivotal step.

Trying it on.

I’m embarrassed to admit this is correct. Fatal flaw. I called around and tried to find one but gave up perhaps too soon.

After trying it on again this morning I really think it’s a beautiful piece with a fantastic history. It’s just not for me. I’ll be stopping by an AD this afternoon to remind me why I wanted a DJ36 in the first place.

Thanks again for the advice everyone.

[teabags001]

Originally Posted by dustinearley

I’m embarrassed to admit this is correct. Fatal flaw. I called around and tried to find one but gave up perhaps too soon.

After trying it on again this morning I really think it’s a beautiful piece with a fantastic history. It’s just not for me. I’ll be stopping by an AD this afternoon to remind me why I wanted a DJ36 in the first place.

Thanks again for the advice everyone.

Hope you were to able to at least look at the DJ41. You need to make sure you 100 percent want the 36. Nothing worse then getting the 36 and realizing maybe the 41 might have been a better watch for you. Take your time. The journey isn’t one that needs to be rushed.


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[mmmmp]

Originally Posted by teabags001

I’ve owned both explorer ii white and black. Honestly it’s a underwhelming watch. But it’s also meant to be. It’s understated and doesn’t scream Rolex. It’s a tool watch at its finest. And it’s also 19 years old. I get it. You should look for a new model DJ. Fluted and jubilee is very Rolex. I find my 5 digit sub underwhelming also. My DJ41 is very ROLEX. I think for your first Rolex you need to get what you want. The reason you feel the way you did is because you settled for that watch. It’s one of the few Rolex sports models that don’t scream ROLEX. Don’t settle my friend. If you want a white stick DJ36 get a NOS hidden clasp. Very nice imo. You said it yourself that this was not that watch you originally wanted. Also imo a polar explorer is a better second or third watch.


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Very insightful and accurate post. My forays into the Rolex tool / sport watches were very disappointing. I lost a fair bit of cash to finally learn: my 'ideal' Rolex has been, and always will be the Datejust.

You deserve a watch that makes you happy /smile *every* time you look at it. Never settle or compromise-life is too short. (Sorry for the cliche.)

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[Mike Jab]

Yes.

[scubadds]

Could be the wrong watch, but more likely the nature of the purchase.
When you get a new car it is easy for people to notice and make a comment.
Watches mostly go unnoticed.
How a watch looks to you and other people is different. I don’t get a wow effect when I put on an older reference sub. I wore one for 15 years and it just doesn’t jump out to me. But when I see them in other people I think they look good.
I have a newer exp ii and they for sure have a different look than other references. I would give it a try and see if you don’t begin to love it.



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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

It’s like most people’s marriage. Half end up in divorce

[AK797]

I would put it away for a couple of days and then try it on again, if you still get no wow factor then it's not for you. Your first Rolex should feel special.