Rebuilding the Collection….slowly

[MJ EXPLORER]

Late last year I sold my 5 watch collection (3 Rolex and 2 Omegas). I then reaquired my all-time favorite watch, the Explorer II. As much as I love the floating hands of the 216570, I went 226570 and I’m absolutely loving it. Foundation piece of my collection and my daily.

I tried a few inexpensive watches as the foil to the Explorer II but they all fell a little short. Tudor Black Bay Pro, Omega Railmaster and Seiko SLA043 (62 MAS re-issue).

I finally made a run at one that I’ve loved since it was introduced, but it was pricey (even gently used). I picked up an IWC Big Pilot 43 and couldn’t be happier. Massive wrist presence, but not too big.

Explorer II and Big Pilot…very happy. I’m going to take my time on adding a third. Just for fun, what’s a good 3rd watch in your opinion? My max budget is about $10,000.





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[CarlOver]

Something without a black dial?

[doublevanose82]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

Something without a black dial?

Agreed.

How about some gold? TT Datejust?

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by doublevanose82

Agreed.

How about some gold? TT Datejust?

A bit more than I'd like to spend, but a two tone Date-Just or Submariner would be amazing. You guys nailed pretty much the exact watches I had in mind!

In-budget short list: Panerai Submersible, Date-Just (steel)

Stretch, but doable budget (would have to save up a bit more): Date-Just (two tone), Submariner (two tone)

[WatchGuy1966]

Speedmaster
Santos
DateJust
Panerai if you love chunky watches
Seamaster SMP 300


Or just sit where you are and take a break from the search. Let it find you.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by WatchGuy1966

Or just sit where you are and take a break from the search. Let it find you.

Really great advice! That's definitely in line with taking my time to find one I really want that also fits within my small gathering.

[Guppydriver]

GO SeaQ in reed green or blue? You like big watches, and it's impressive.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

GO SeaQ in reed green or blue? You like big watches, and it's impressive.

I'll check them out A-Aron. Great Key & Peele reference. Ba-lak-ay.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

GO SeaQ in reed green or blue? You like big watches, and it's impressive.

I second this. The GO SeaQ, and GO in general, are underrated.

[brandrea]

I’d add a diver

Submariner is the obvious choice, but consider a Panerai Submersible or an Omega

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by WatchGuy1966

Speedmaster
Santos
DateJust
Panerai if you love chunky watches
Seamaster SMP 300


Or just sit where you are and take a break from the search. Let it find you.

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’d add a diver

Submariner is the obvious choice, but consider a Panerai Submersible or an Omega

I didn't want to sway the conversation, but my shortlist is a Date-Just 41 (smooth bezel and jubilee bracelet) and a Panerai Submersible!

You guys are thinking what I'm thinking. Thanks for the input!

[sski]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I didn't want to sway the conversation, but my shortlist is a Date-Just 41 (smooth bezel and jubilee bracelet) and a Panerai Submersible!

You guys are thinking what I'm thinking. Thanks for the input!

Datejust smooth bezel, Jubilee bracelet is PERFECTION; I have a blue dial with this config- albeit at 36mm. Datejust is dressy, sporty and everything in between. Can be a one and done sort of watch- it's my favorite Rolex bar none.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by sski

Datejust smooth bezel, Jubilee bracelet is PERFECTION; I have a blue dial with this config- albeit at 36mm. Datejust is dressy, sporty and everything in between. Can be a one and done sort of watch- it's my favorite Rolex bar none.

I have to agree.

[zi464]

If I were you , diver will be next.
Omega or Pam , maybe go for Pam since you owned Omega before.

[MrMercedes]

Sub Date!

[TimeAZ]

How about a Datejust on jubilee? A staple and timeless look.

[Ontime]

Great start of choices for a rebuild.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Ontime

Great start of choices for a rebuild.

Thanks! I'm really happy with these two, so not in a huge hurry for number 3. Two different non-watch friends really came strong for their love of the Big Pilot. They both said it was the most interesting watch I've owned and very different than my typical steel sports watches.

[1William]

Since you have an Explorer II I would go with a classic Date Just 41 with a fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet. I prefer the Silver/White Dial as they are color neutral and work with everything and you have two dark dial watches already. But the blue or green also work. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[mikea]

Congrats! Love the approach

[Harry-57]

If you can handle a 43mm watch, this would be a diverse and interesting addition.



In reality an impossible question to answer if I'm not you.

[travisb]

Two great watches there.

[AJMarcus]

I’d add a Speedmaster Moonwatch.

[yesnaya]

You have a ton of options: You dont have a diver, or a choronograph. You dont have any colored or light dials (both your watches have black dials).

To be honest I dont think I would add a 3rd in your situation... I think you may just have the perfect 2-watch collection. I might just get an apple watch and call it a day.

You have 2 great "all purpose" pieces... Let's say you add a diver like a sub or seamaster. When will you wear it? What occasions will it be a better fit vs the exp2 or the big pilot? How many occasions is the diver going to be the outright best choice vs how many occasions would the exp2 and pilot have been just as good?

Some people like to switch it up and want variety. And for them that's the fun part. If that's what you are looking for, you have a ton of options. But if you are not necessarily looking for variety, and thinking that maybe 2 watches is not enough, I say get an apple watch.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by yesnaya

You have a ton of options: You dont have a diver, or a choronograph. You dont have any colored or light dials (both your watches have black dials).

To be honest I dont think I would add a 3rd in your situation... I think you may just have the perfect 2-watch collection. I might just get an apple watch and call it a day.

You have 2 great "all purpose" pieces... Let's say you add a diver like a sub or seamaster. When will you wear it? What occasions will it be a better fit vs the exp2 or the big pilot? How many occasions is the diver going to be the outright best choice vs how many occasions would the exp2 and pilot have been just as good?

Some people like to switch it up and want variety. And for them that's the fun part. If that's what you are looking for, you have a ton of options. But if you are not necessarily looking for variety, and thinking that maybe 2 watches is not enough, I say get an apple watch.

Great post! I’m going to take my time on watch #3. Likely won’t be until next year.

Ironically I couldn’t even decide on a fitness watch. I was between the Apple Watch and a Garmin and picked the Garmin. I thought it would have better heart rate tracking. It might, but it’s really not intuitive at all.

I’m doing the whole Peter Attia zone 2 workout plan.




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[vesnyder]

Some good options. I agree with the Datejust, but how about the new Tudor GMT with the opaline dial. It has the white dial (which your collection needs), and the GMT complication. I just got it about a month ago and love it.

[watchwatcher]

Well...because of your user name, I'm going to suggest the new 40mm Exp.

Although as I think of it, it's actually pretty spot on.

[Kenny G]

I’m sure it’s been posted in previous posts but which specific references did you have and sell OP?

Without knowing that, my first pick (if sticking with Rolex) would be a DJ of your favourite configuration followed by a sub of your favourite configuration. I lean toward the DJ only because the Ex2 is a larger case and would pair excellent with a DJ for more formal occasions…and the DJ can easily be dressed down even if it’s the fluted/jube combo.

It’s funny that you mentioned that you like the floating hands of the 216570…I feel the same for some reason…it’s just kind of neat, but most others in general prefer the updates of the 226570 and point out the “flaw” in that the black on the floating hands doesn’t match the black of the dial.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by Kenny G

I’m sure it’s been posted in previous posts but which specific references did you have and sell OP?

Without knowing that, my first pick (if sticking with Rolex) would be a DJ of your favourite configuration followed by a sub of your favourite configuration. I lean toward the DJ only because the Ex2 is a larger case and would pair excellent with a DJ for more formal occasions…and the DJ can easily be dressed down even if it’s the fluted/jube combo.

It’s funny that you mentioned that you like the floating hands of the 216570…I feel the same for some reason…it’s just kind of neat, but most others in general prefer the updates of the 226570 and point out the “flaw” in that the black on the floating hands doesn’t match the black of the dial.

Originally Posted by Kenny G

I’m sure it’s been posted in previous posts but which specific references did you have and sell OP?

Without knowing that, my first pick (if sticking with Rolex) would be a DJ of your favourite configuration followed by a sub of your favourite configuration. I lean toward the DJ only because the Ex2 is a larger case and would pair excellent with a DJ for more formal occasions…and the DJ can easily be dressed down even if it’s the fluted/jube combo.

It’s funny that you mentioned that you like the floating hands of the 216570…I feel the same for some reason…it’s just kind of neat, but most others in general prefer the updates of the 226570 and point out the “flaw” in that the black on the floating hands doesn’t match the black of the dial.

The legibility is definitely better on the newer E2, but the floating hands were super cool and reminded me of the rubber coating we put on our dog tags in the Army to keep them from making so much noise.

Date-Just is the leading candidate at the moment, for all of the reasons you mentioned. I’m on the list for one at BC Clark in Oklahoma City. Also down for a two tone Sub, but the DJ seems more realistic.

Here’s the collection before I blew it up and started over:


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[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

The legibility is definitely better on the newer E2, but the floating hands were super cool and reminded me of the rubber coating we put on our dog tags in the Army to keep them from making so much noise.

Date-Just is the leading candidate at the moment, for all of the reasons you mentioned. I’m on the list for one at BC Clark in Oklahoma City. Also down for a two tone Sub, but the DJ seems more realistic.

Here’s the collection before I blew it up and started over:


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That’s a neat perspective on the floating hands….I’m sure the rubber was black (like the paint on the hands) but more importantly it would have allowed you to be more “invisible” which is exactly what the the floating hands are meant to be…very cool.

I would agree with the blowing up of the collection you had….perhaps minus the Ex1 TT as I think that will be discontinued soon and will become a collectors piece.

Interestingly, you had a number of very conservatively sized pieces in that collection….it looks like you’re going much bigger now…any reason for that?

A TT sub would be great too but a DJ is just such a great watch if you’re not bound to the sports watch hype.