So I bought the new Explorer 124270 yesterday...

[chloebear]

My amazing AD texted me the other day that they had the new Explorer in if I would like first dibs on it. I bought the 39mm Explorer from them last November and it quickly became my favorite watch.

My son and I hoped in the car and drove to look at it. I've been wanting to pick up a vintage 36mm Explorer for him for a few years. But like all steel sports models, the prices have risen precipitously. I figured this would be perfect for him because it's 36mm (his preferred size) and brand new at MSRP.

He absolutely loved it so I bought it, but he's not getting it for a few years. When we got home, my wife loved it for herself. I tried it on and absolutely loved it too!

So I'm going to take some time to compare and contrast the 36 and 39mm versions to decide what I'm going to do. If you are interested in the new Explorer but think 36 is too small, I would absolutely recommend reserving judgement until you've tried it on in person.

Also, my AD said this was the only one they'd be getting in this year. I'll post a bunch of pics soon, but if anyone has any questions between the two sizes, just let me know.

Cheers,

Mike

[WatchGuy1966]

Congratulations Mike. That is great you are gifting it to your son.

I hope he'll be ready sooner than later so you can see him enjoy it.

[whiskyrolex]

A very nice problem to have, congrats!

[brandrea]

Congratulations Mike but you have a serious problem on your hands ... you are going to need to buy another one for your wife

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations Mike but you have a serious problem on your hands ... you are going to need to buy another one for your wife

I hope she actually gets one Brian. Gives me a little more cover to pick up another one!


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by chloebear

I hope she actually gets one Brian. Gives me a little more cover to pick up another one!


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[rmags]

Looked like a good time...congratulations!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Congratulations Mike but you have a serious problem on your hands ... you are going to need to buy another one for your wife

Originally Posted by chloebear

I hope she actually gets one Brian. Gives me a little more cover to pick up another one!


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Just convince her that she wants an OP to "babysit" for your son. Then one day, he can choose which of his parents watches he loves more (or, which parent he's more willing to deprive of their watch ).

[S’portEye]

I have a feeling that another watch will be bought for your son down the road.

[Jack T]

Tough enough to have him wait for years to get this special watch, but to take him with you to purchase the piece?? Talk about a tease...

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Tough enough to have him wait for years to get this special watch, but to take him with you to purchase the piece?? Talk about a tease...

In hindsight that’s a great point!

I have to say, I’m pretty impressed he chose the Explorer. He really likes the new OP’s too. When I asked if he’d rather wait for an OP he said “I think the Explorer works better in all situations and is more classic.” I told him it would be good motivation to work hard so he could add an OP down the road!




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[jlovda]

Originally Posted by chloebear

Also, my AD said this was the only one they'd be getting in this year. I'll post a bunch of pics soon, but if anyone has any questions between the two sizes, just let me know.

Cheers,

Mike

Congratulations on your watch.

As a side note, I am thoroughly baffled that a watch dealer can stay in business getting only one of these watches in 8-9 months. Is it really just one unreserved watch to the general walk-in public?

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by jlovda

Congratulations on your watch.

As a side note, I am thoroughly baffled that a watch dealer can stay in business getting only one of these watches in 8-9 months. Is it really just one unreserved watch to the general walk-in public?

I’ve wondered the same thing. This particular AD is always spot on when they say such things. I would add that it was the store owner who said it.


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[dannyp]

Originally Posted by chloebear

Congrats on your Explorer! I don’t recall seeing a OP34, but I’ll inquire. Was there a particular one you are interested in?


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Thanks, appreciate that (though no need to make special call/trip; it's a curiosity for me at the moment). Ideally, if I went last-gen route I'd locate a white dial with either the lume sticks or black outlined 3-6-9 Explorer dial.

Originally Posted by chloebear

I’ve wondered the same thing. This particular AD is always spot on when they say such things. I would add that it was the store owner who said it.


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Well, probably stay in business by selling $7,000 DJ or $10,000 TT Exp. to everyone else who shows up looking for a 124270.

[campfire]

Congratulations.

[Brich436]

What a cool dad. He will always remember that day! My younger daughter is getting mine after I whomp on it for a few decades first.




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[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Brich436

What a cool dad. He will always remember that day! My younger daughter is getting mine after I whomp on it for a few decades first.




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That's outstanding! She'll grow up seeing that watch and associate it with you forever. And it will be good and broken in. The Explorer never goes out of style!

[101031-28]

Congratulations!

[fskywalker]

Congrats!!


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[chloebear]

This isn’t good for size comparison but it does show how dark the new glossy dial is versus the matte black on the 39.




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[Brich436]

Originally Posted by chloebear

This isn’t good for size comparison but it does show how dark the new glossy dial is versus the matte black on the 39.




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I had the matte dial on the 216570 next to my 124270 and I vastly prefer the deep black gloss dial especially with the new AR coating. The numerals and markers REALLY pop.


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[JSolution]

Lucky kid! Congrats seems like a sensible lad from the comments he stated. Nice father and son moment.

[173rdabn]

Well done. Great watch.

[dannyp]

More importantly: That's a pretty full looking case. Appears to be lots of TT and 31mm, but I can see at least a few that are bigger.

And the referral requests start in 3... 2... 1...

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by dannyp

More importantly: That's a pretty full looking case. Appears to be lots of TT and 31mm, but I can see at least a few that are bigger.

And the referral requests start in 3... 2... 1...

Loads of Date-Justs. 36mm and below. I have to say, several of them looked really good. I'm really enjoying the more classically sized of late.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by chloebear

Loads of Date-Justs. 36mm and below. I have to say, several of them looked really good. I'm really enjoying the more classically sized of late.

Likewise (I just bought the 124270, too)! Any of the last-gen OP34 (114200) left in case?

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Likewise (I just bought the 124270, too)! Any of the last-gen OP34 (114200) left in case?

Congrats on your Explorer! I don’t recall seeing a OP34, but I’ll inquire. Was there a particular one you are interested in?


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[TimeAZ]

Excellent choice and great watch for your son!!

[kieselguhr]

Congratulations! Sounds like a fun father son day too

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Congratulations! Sounds like a fun father son day too

Thank you! It was a lot of fun and I always loved the idea of he and I having the same watch. His Explorer will be a lifelong companion.

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