Follow Up to First Watch Purchase

[watchnerd5]

First of all thank you all for your suggestions to my previous post earlier this week. I've narrowed down my selections to a lightly used OP39 or a 2000's produced 16570 Explorer II Polar which both seem to be in my budget of slightly under $4k, well I'm holding out for that price anyway.

Please give me some advice on why a 15-17 year old Explorer II is a reasonable consideration compared to a 1-2yr old OP39 for the same price. Colleagues keep telling me the Explorer II is best bang for buck option at my price point with the added gmt and date, but I'm concerned with the watch being 15-17 years old when I could get a much newer OP39 although with no date or gmt complication. Ugh the struggles of deciding...please add any advice you can give me!

Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mjclark32]

Go with what you like more. I have an OP and love it, but if I liked the exp more I wouldn't hesitate to get an older one. Great value and very easy to send into RSC/independent and have it back looking like new.
And just because, pictures:

[cop414]

Great advice above, keep in mind though that with the Explorer that you're looking at to calculate into your budget the cost of a service if it hasn't had one lately, an additional 750.00 or so. Probably a bit less from an independent. Good luck and a warm TRF welcome!

[karmatp]

If that was my price range, I would buy a new Omega SMP or a IWC Mark XVIII.

Don't buy the little writing on the dial, buy the right watch that will serve you well for your lifestyle within your price range.

[dr35mm]

It all comes down to preference, always keep in mind that Explorer II with service will work just as good as day 1. OP is a great option as well. Please consider as well an Exp 1, you can find some great examples out there and it's an amazing watch. Either way, can't go wrong here. Welcome to TRF, you came to the right place, enjoy your watch!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[slide13]

Unless you can find a recently serviced ExpII or can budget the additional money for one, I'd go OP. It's a great model, super clean and classic, and if you find one that is 1-2 years old you'll get a good 7-10 years before it needs a service probably.

My ultimate advice though....step back from your budget, decide what model Rolex you like the best, and then work toward making that happen even if it means waiting and saving a little longer.

[DramaTurtle]

Newer is better and you really can't go wrong with the OP in any consideration really...

Blue with lime for me followed by grape then rhodium.

[c41006]

Nothing wrong with a 15 year old Rolex as long as it gets serviced.

[DCheeta]

As others have pointed out, when watches get serviced they replace any old or worn parts of the movement. If you find an old Explorer that you love, don't let its age sway your decision. Just have it serviced and it will be just like a new watch.

[Jaycnyp]

Originally Posted by dr35mm

It all comes down to preference, always keep in mind that Explorer II with service will work just as good as day 1. OP is a great option as well. Please consider as well an Exp 1, you can find some great examples out there and it's an amazing watch. Either way, can't go wrong here. Welcome to TRF, you came to the right place, enjoy your watch!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by slide13

Unless you can find a recently serviced ExpII or can budget the additional money for one, I'd go OP. It's a great model, super clean and classic, and if you find one that is 1-2 years old you'll get a good 7-10 years before it needs a service probably.

My ultimate advice though....step back from your budget, decide what model Rolex you like the best, and then work toward making that happen even if it means waiting and saving a little longer.

I agree with both of these completely! Also, make sure you try on all of the models that you are considering. I went in to pick up my black 116520 Daytona that came in and I walked out with my 214270 Explorer which wasn't even on my radar.

[dr35mm]

Originally Posted by Jaycnyp

I agree with both of these completely! Also, make sure you try on all of the models that you are considering. I went in to pick up my black 116520 Daytona that came in and I walked out with my 214270 Explorer which wasn't even on my radar.

Exp 1 is such a cool watch, understated, simplicity driven and makes you question if you need anything else. A 214270 and a 114060 have been on the back of my head for a while now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[coleburns]

Originally Posted by karmatp

If that was my price range, I would buy a new Omega SMP or a IWC Mark XVIII.

Don't buy the little writing on the dial, buy the right watch that will serve you well for your lifestyle within your price range.

+1 on 2nd paragraph

[brandrea]

Both are great options although I tend to lean toward buying new.

With used Rolex, I'd want it overhauled and that costs money no matter how you slice it.