Explorer II Quandary

[Flyguy1]

So, I have had a SeaDweller for a while now, more than a decade; on vacation in Hawaii, walked in, bought it, no big deal. I also have Breitling Colt Super-Ocean, Tag-Heuer, etc.

Thought it would be nice to have a watch with a white face, and decided on an Explorer II. Wow, what a different world now. We have a single dealer in Montana, and have been told just to drop in from time to time; yeah, not doing that. Six hours round trip. That's time I could be fishing or doing other outdoor things.

So, looks likes Bob's Watches has some 2023-24 warranted ones for ~$12K.

So, thoughts? Def don't want an unwarranted watch/chance of fugazi. And, as a FNG, I really appreciate any help.

Former interior lineman, so will need a couple of extra links, if that makes a difference.

Thanks to all.

[Schmed]

You'd think a Montana Rolex boutique would understand the vast open spaces between you and them and be understanding. Maybe put you on the list and keep in touch via text? Seems reasonable.

I bought a watch from Bob's, but you might check DavidSW and AISWatches, etc. and compare.

[Flyguy1]

They were, as Edward Abbey said, "Deaf to thunderstorms in the Mountains, but able to hear the sound of a dollar bill dropping on hotel carpet". Lots of new big money in Montana. They said Rolex prohibited lists. Even offered thousands as a deposit. Nope. Makes me want to just get get a Seamaster, but sure I'd be disappointed.

So do the sellers you mentioned come with warranties, if sold in the last 5 years? I really appreciate any help. And, if you visit here, I'll send hand-tied flies.

[Guppydriver]

Check out TRF trusted seller. I would give your AD a month or two to surprise you first though. Maybe send a weekly email with some pics of the watches you are wearing and joke about how much better the pic would be with a 226570.

You are in a position where buying from an AD saves you more than most. You could probably haggle a nearly new Polar to around 11.5k. It would be less than two years old, full kit. What is an extra grand spent more than RRP for many is two grand extra spent (minimum) for you.

When you call a trusted seller, make sure they know you "can wire the money once we hang up". It gets their attention. Let them know you will be calling some of the other TRF sellers upon hanging up as well.

They have to make a few bucks too, but sometimes they can let stuff go for a bit of a reduced margin off ask.

[texan_guy]

Unfortunately that's how it is now.

[Cauhauna]

Originally Posted by Flyguy1

They were, as Edward Abbey said, "Deaf to thunderstorms in the Mountains, but able to hear the sound of a dollar bill dropping on hotel carpet". Lots of new big money in Montana. They said Rolex prohibited lists. Even offered thousands as a deposit. Nope. Makes me want to just get get a Seamaster, but sure I'd be disappointed.

So do the sellers you mentioned come with warranties, if sold in the last 5 years? I really appreciate any help. And, if you visit here, I'll send hand-tied flies.

Yep, any trusted seller will come with warranty as long as it comes with the warranty card.

Pay:
DavidSW
Justrolexes/SDwatches
Takuya

[Bro Watch]

It is a great watch, and I believe it would be a perfect fit for you, considering your residence in Montana. Perhaps you could try contacting other authorized dealers, even those outside your state. You may be fortunate enough to find one that has the watch in stock and is willing to ship it to you.

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[KatGirl]

As mentioned, Just call our trusted sellers here. I’ve used Takuya. Than is great to work with. Tell them you want as new a one that they can find, and they will overnight it to you. No worries, at all.


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[CarlOver]

Get it, I think you will like it a lot. This is my favorite modern Rolex looks great on brown oiled leather too.

[csaltphoto]

OK, I'll be the first to say it. Skip Bob's watches. Stick to the trusted sellers here. They can get you that watch without much markup. Just be super clear on what you want. You want new with stickers? It's definitely possible.

I've spent a lot of time in Montana and life is way too short to spend that kind of time driving for no guarantee of a watch. And as other people have mentioned there is lots of new money there. Surprised the AD is in Billings and not Bozeman.

[richardlo]

Bobs watches is safe and legit. They just charge extra because they are grey. If you are willing to put in the work you can save some money, if you have the money and value your time then Bob is a good place to get what you want quick.

[Brehski]

I’m not a huge fan of going grey for brand new pieces. I’ve purchased 6 Rolex’s in the past few years from ADs and it’s a bit more satisfying getting it directly from the AD and having my name on the warranty. I’ve had several bad experiences with purchasing grey for a Kermit. Patience is key, a gentle text once a month is good, once a week is overboard. I’d wait a few months and mention any timeline for milestones like promotions, birthday, anniversary etc. purchase history also helps.

[brandrea]

The price delta on this model isn’t all that significant IMO. I’d go gray and be done with it. Lots of greats trusted sellers here on our forum and you’ll have it next day

[travisb]

Originally Posted by brandrea

The price delta on this model isn’t all that significant IMO. I’d go gray and be done with it. Lots of greats trusted sellers here on our forum and you’ll have it next day

100%.
OP, you could be enjoying it by the weekend.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by Flyguy1

So, I have had a SeaDweller for a while now, more than a decade; on vacation in Hawaii, walked in, bought it, no big deal. I also have Breitling Colt Super-Ocean, Tag-Heuer, etc.

Thought it would be nice to have a watch with a white face, and decided on an Explorer II. Wow, what a different world now. We have a single dealer in Montana, and have been told just to drop in from time to time; yeah, not doing that. Six hours round trip. That's time I could be fishing or doing other outdoor things.

So, looks likes Bob's Watches has some 2023-24 warranted ones for ~$12K.

So, thoughts? Def don't want an unwarranted watch/chance of fugazi. And, as a FNG, I really appreciate any help.

Former interior lineman, so will need a couple of extra links, if that makes a difference.

Thanks to all.

The Billing’s Montana AD is great and has a beautiful store with a white dial Explorer II on display right now. Some good restaurants around there too. It’s worth the drive and they always take good care of me.

They have to follow the rules set by Rolex and they can’t take a deposit on a Rolex from someone who hasn’t visited the store in person. Once you are a customer, they can better accommodate.

It’s a different game than 10 years ago. Dealers have to walk a tight rope or they lose their AD status. Which is what happened to the Missoula AD just a couple years ago. They lost their AD status for not following the Rules set by Rolex. You don’t have to like it, but if you want a polar, I would make the drive

[1William]

Great watch choice and one of my favorites. I would look at the last generation, as I prefer the hands on that model to the other. It will also save you some money and I will jump on the band wagon and say Trusted Seller all the way. There is not much of a difference once you include taxes. There is not a bad model choice with this if you go pre-owned or new. The Trusted Sellers can also add a few links if needed. Find the watch you want on a Trusted Sellers site and call up and introduce yourself. Have a respectful conversation and get all the information you need. Make a reasonable offer and pay for your watch and have it tomorrow by lunch. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[watchwatcher]

Life is short, my friend. If you're going to treat yourself, treat yourself.

[Nads786]

I would wait a month or two to see if the AD comes through otherwise go grey. I bought a Submariner from Jason at Impossible Watches and the service was outstanding.

[Flyguy1]

Thanks much to all. I'll let you know what happens.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by 1William

Great watch choice and one of my favorites. I would look at the last generation, as I prefer the hands on that model to the other. It will also save you some money and I will jump on the band wagon and say Trusted Seller all the way. There is not much of a difference once you include taxes. There is not a bad model choice with this if you go pre-owned or new. The Trusted Sellers can also add a few links if needed. Find the watch you want on a Trusted Sellers site and call up and introduce yourself. Have a respectful conversation and get all the information you need. Make a reasonable offer and pay for your watch and have it tomorrow by lunch. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

OP wouldn't pay taxes from an AD. There is a more of a net grey premium for him than most. I'd give it a few months fist bugging an AD. I've seen plenty of incomings of 226570's, it's not like the secondary price is going to shoot up.

[Flyguy1]

Found a CPO for $11,150. Looks brand new, and of course, recently serviced. Life is short.