Two Questions About Selling My Explorer

[tjantheman]

Hi, guys.

I’m thinking of selling my Explorer, a 214270 with the short minute hand. Actually I’ve been thinking of selling it for a while because I don’t wear it as much as I wear my other watches, and I’d like to free up some money to put towards a Day-Date.

I’m wondering two things:

1. The watches on DavidSW and similar sites...have they been polished? My Explorer was definitely not a daily wear, but it’s got some light scratches, the likes of which I don’t see on most of the watches available online. And yet the descriptions of those watches don’t seem to indicate if they’ve been polished or not. So I’m wondering if it’s likely they were polished, and either the original owner didn’t disclose that to the grey dealers, or the grey dealers haven’t disclosed it on their sites. In that same train of thought, should I service mine and have it polished before trying to sell it to a grey market dealer?

2. Anyone have any thoughts on whether now is a good time to part with a 39 mm Explorer? What’s the likely impact of new Explorer’s size on my watch’s value?

Thank you!

[Master_Grogu]

It is expected that a watch gets scratched if worn.

Are the scratches deep, and are dings present? If yes, then the value might be impacted.

Hairlines superficial scratches are easily removed by Rolex during service, and are virtually impossible to avoid. So no need to mention them. By the virtue of being a second hand watch, people know what to expect.

Regarding hypothetical price, I’d say nobody knows. Sell it if you need the money. Keep it otherwise. Are these few k really make a big difference in your life?

[tjantheman]

So it’s ethical to send it away for service, let RSC polish it, and not voluntarily tell the grey market dealer, “Hey, they polished it”?

I guess if that’s how the business works, then my next consideration would be if it’s worth it to pay the $800-$1000 for a basic service and polishing in the hope that I’ll recoup that money because the watch itself will look nicer. But maybe that’s impossible to knowing not worth trying to figure out.

[darrenho]

I'd say leave it and sell it as is. Let the next owner decide what to do with the watch. Some people prefer un-polished.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by darrenho

I'd say leave it and sell it as is. Let the next owner decide what to do with the watch. Some people prefer un-polished.

This.

Also, I think it's a great time to sell a now disco'd 39mm Explorer.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by tjantheman

2. Anyone have any thoughts on whether now is a good time to part with a 39 mm Explorer? What’s the likely impact of new Explorer’s size on my watch’s value?

Thank you!

Don't you like it any longer?
Don't you want it any longer?

What kind of detailed analysis are you looking for regarding millimeter diameter versus dollar cost?

[tjantheman]

Okay. Thank you!

Someone mentioned that Chrono24 was filling up with Explorers. I didn’t check to verify that claim, but I wondered if people were dumping their 39s en masse so that they could “upgrade” to a 36. That’s probably not the case though. It’s a big market. Some people love the 36. Some people love the 39. And dumping a 39 to get a 36 doesn’t make the 36 materialize at the AD any faster, so it’s not a great strategy.

[tjantheman]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Don't you like it any longer?
Don't you want it any longer?

What kind of detailed analysis are you looking for regarding millimeter diameter versus dollar cost?

What I meant was: the 39 was often criticized for being too big. So I wondered if the reintroduction of a 36mm case would have a negative impact on demand for the 39.

[cbalster]

The 39mm is likely to pop a little since it's discontinued. Some people were waiting at their AD for a long time for one and now they will have no choice but to relieve current owners such as yourself for your timepiece in exchange for a little bit of cash. This was the last of the 39mm Rolex offering as the OP39 was discontinued next year. You could get top dollar and should sell as is. Good luck with the sale.

[tjantheman]

Thank you!

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by tjantheman

What I meant was: the 39 was often criticized for being too big. So I wondered if the reintroduction of a 36mm case would have a negative impact on demand for the 39.

If you take a look at Chrono24 for example. You'll notice the crazy price hike everyone is asking for already.

While being "new" the 36 size is not new. One would argue the 39 is now something special and produced "less."

I don't think there is a negative impact at all on the 39. You have to keep in mind, the majority of people buying these watches are not necessarily enthusiast or hobbyist. The 36 mainly appeals to those on this forum...