Pre-Owned 214270 MKII - Advice sought!

[cpatab2020]

Hi everyone. New to the forum and seeking advice about pre-owned 39mm 214270 MKII Explorers. Although I keep active on Watchuseek, I thought this forum’s thoughts and tips for selecting and shopping would be particularly helpful.

The Explorer would be a gift funded by my wife (plus some extra $ from me) for a milestone birthday. Quite a splurge for us. The only thing that gives me pause is the cost. Depending on the production year, box, and papers, they are going for $10k - $15k. What to do you think about the pre-owned costs of this recently discontinued version? Is a price tag of $10k and higher objectively reasonable in today’s Rolex market? Do you think it can hold it value if the bubble deflates a bit in the future?

If you think it is reasonable, do you have advice for selecting and purchasing? I’ve been on Chrono24 and there’s no shortage of places with good ratings such as Collectors1946 ($10,993 for a 2019), Watchbox ($12,950, unworn 2020; $11,450, 2019); OC Watch Guy ($12,619, 2020), and myriad others. Likewise, I've seen them on Bob’s Watches site ($12,595, 2019), and tried it on at Torneau. If there’s room for negotiation, do you have any tips?

Though not relevant, watches recently getting time on my wrist include an Omega Constellation Globemaster, a mechanical Hamilton field watchl, Seiko SLA 043, & Baltic Dual Crown.

Sorry for the lengthy first post and thanks for your time. Hope add more to this forum soon!

[cpatab2020]

I should probably just limit my request for buying and negotiating advice. Any thoughts on what would be considered “reasonable” for the 214270, at least as far as a percentage of the listed price?

Attaching photo of me trying it on at a local Torneau.

[28mm]

Just do a search in the classifieds..

I bought one here from a trusted seller and paid $10,300 for a excellent example, I think from 2020.

I did a search and there's plenty to choose from.

Love my 214270 very much. You will too!

Just ordered a Red Rubber B strap just to mix it up but it's the most comfortable Rolex I own.

[zengineer]

I would be hard pressed to call any modern Rolex a good value at today's grey market prices, regardless of whether it is discontinued or not. My 214270 is the favorite in my collection and was not AD purchased by me but by a VIP that bought it just because it was offered and then realized he didn't need it...so he just wanted his money back and I believe I paid $6200.

It's a great watch but only you can decide if it's really worth $10-12k or more. I will say I wouldn't sell mine even if it was $15k.

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[mgsooner]

I love the watch, but I got it from an AD back in 2018 before two Rolex price bumps and before the world went completely insane when it comes to "luxury" items. Would I pay $10K for it? Probably not. If I had 10K to burn I'd probably make an attempt to get a different Rolex piece (like a Datejust or even a date Sub) at retail from an AD (pause for laughter) or look at a brand like JLC.

Whether the watch is "worth" $10K is a very nebulous concept, but I personally just have a really tough time stomaching paying that much for something in which the retail price was $6500.

[cpatab2020]

Thank you for your replies. You all lucked out. It is one of those nebulous things.

I expressed interest in a GMT at a local AD, but know that will not come to fruition anytime soon or ever. Others on my shortlist included a Zenith Chronomaster, and GS SBGY007. At least for me, the Zenith is just too blingy and the GS too dressy for everyday wear. For a couple of years now, I keep coming back to the Explorer.

(I also kick myself for not buying the 39mm white Oyster Perpetual when it was offered to me by an AD a couple years ago).

I appreciate everyone’s input.


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[zengineer]

The whole Rolex world is very tough to rationalize at the moment and we all just have to decide what we are comfortable paying. I have a 39mm Explorer, a 41mm Sub, a newer Speedmaster Pro, a Grand Seiko and an incoming Dornbluth & Sohn. Five very nice watches but together their cost doesn't add up to one grey market Daytona. It doesn't mean my 5 are preferable to that Daytona because some would rather have the Daytona...but it illustrates the absurd state we are in.

The Explorer in 39mm form is a great watch. It's certainly a better value at $11,000 than a turquoise OP at $30k+.

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[zudec]

As most others would say, what's 'reasonable' is a personal stance because it depends on how you are doing financially.

I have a MK 2, 214270 and it's my most worn watch in the collection (even though I have a SD, sub date, explorer 2 and a few Rolexes).

The two things I would consider are:
a) Is your wrist size more suitable for the 39 vs the 36. I can't see the prices for 39 ever dropping, but can see you either getting a current 36 from an AD or an older 114270 or 14270 at a price much lower than 10K. Personally, I think anything greater than 7 inches suits the 39 better but YMMV.

b) Do you like the matte dial vs the glossy dial. Personally, I think the matte dial is unique and Rolex hasn't released the explorer in that dial in a while.

I'm not one for buying a watch for value preservation/ gains but given it's limited production and unique aspects compared to the rest of the historical lineup - I feel like it'll be quite sought after in a few years.

[JMGoodnight369]

214270 is a great reference. Albeit the dial is a tad large. I love the matte black tho. I have one and when the sun hits it just right it has a grey hint that reminds me of the older matte dial subs. I would suggest not paying more than 11k for one. There’s no way of being able to tell you if the value will hold or what will happen with Rolex in general. Buy it because you want it and you can afford it. You could also take the 124270 route. Which from my understanding can be had at retail slightly easier than other sport models. You’d be getting your moneys worth at that point and paying less than a 214270. Just some food for thought

[TimeAZ]

In my humble opinion: Worth the mark-ups for the 214270.

If you can snag a 2020 model in the range of 10k to 12k with new warranty card in excellent condition (near-mint or unpolished), then I think it's totally worth it.

You cannot mentally compare it to the previous MSRP of 6500 for this discontinued model. That retail price is outdated and not even applicable. The new 36 model is 7200 (and wears far too small in my opinion) and with tax you are looking at nearly 7800 out-the-door, IF bought at retail (which is the new form of discount purchase in today's era).

So you're looking at paying 3000 to 4000 over retail for a piece that's technically impossible to buy at retail now (discontinued 39mm) and to me, represents one of the BEST steel sports models ever made. Period. You are getting ALL the bells and whistles of the 3132 movement, gorgeous oyster case from the datejust/daytona style, supremely comfortable and thin 11 mm thick construction, an amazing brushed oyster bracelet with awesome clasp, and a beautiful dial that is highly legible, sporty, but also elegant and fits in with black-tie attire. Comes with the sporty mercedes handset, Chromalight blue. Great history, heritage, and iconic design. It's so versatile, sophisticated, high-quality. No wonder it is often called a "collection-killer".

Basically a perfect watch. And you're paying like 50% over the retail.

A relative bargain in the pre-owned market.

[LA_LEC]

For me personally the 39mm is the Goldilocks size - not too big nor too small but just right.

In addition, it is discontinued and had a relatively limited production run (2016 - 2021) making supplies more limited than the 36mm (classic or current).

[Matt129]

Sure the prices are inflated due to the bubble and it may lose some value if/when the bubble deflates, but does it really matter? Its a milestone birthday gift from your wife, are you planning to turn around and sell it? Life is short man you have to celebrate that you have made it this far without getting hit by a bus. If it is the one you want, get it and never look back.

That is a great reference and as soon as they discontinued it and moved back to 36mm I put a 39mm on my list as a must have. You could save a couple thousand bucks by going with a MKI dial instead of a MKII but that lume on the 3-6-9 is worth the price bump to me. Its a great first Rolex and even a great one-Rolex collection. In my opinion that watch can go from sandals at the beach to black tie if needed.

My advice on negotiating is don't insult with a low ball. I am not as experienced as some on here but after having some in-depth conversations with small independent dealers I was surprised how small their margins are on some of these watches, especially at a time when their cost to purchase for re-sale is increasing. If it is a watch I really want I typically just try to get a few hundred off and everybody walks away happy. For example if it is listing at $11,250 I would try to settle around $10,800 or so and see what happens.

I have also had success by letting the seller know that if they can hit my number I will act immediately. It lets them know you aren't going to waffle on the purchase and that you won't window shop the thing for a week. Something along the lines of "I am at $10,800 on the 214270 and if you can agree to that number I will initiate the wire transfer this afternoon."

All the above is just my opinion I am sure others may disagree. Good luck and wear it in good health.

[214270Explorer]

The 214270 at 39mm is just right for my small arm. But I have always liked a watch that was a bit larger on me.
The 39mm was not made for too many years. Something to think about.
Prices are what they are. If you want to keep it forever, a high price now may not be all that meaningful in the future.
I am happy to have my 39mm over the 36mm ones that came before and after.
Hope my input has been of value to you.

[28mm]

I've bought all the watches in my collection over the years only from AD's. The exception was the Air-King as I got a great deal and didn't want to wait and then the Explorer as it was discontinued. I didn't hesitate at all. I wanted the 39mm size, my wrist is about 6.75" and as so many seem to say, it's the most comfortable watch. I have over 12 Rolex's and while each has a special place in my heart, the 214270 is just something special in it's simplicity and usability..Glad I went for the Mark II as I love lume.

Great gift from your wife!

[Andad]

It’s a gift funded by your wife.

I stopped reading then.

Enjoy it.

Would you ever sell a gift?

[nwafboi]

Originally Posted by Andad

It’s a gift funded by your wife.

I stopped reading then.

Enjoy it.

Would you ever sell a gift?

Bless you, exactly

[winst]

Don’t discount getting a 214270 MK1 if you can get it at a really good price. At the end of December 2020, I contacted Rolex London RSC asking if I had a 2012 MK1 and sent it in for service could I have just the hands changed to MK2 - they said no, but I could have a MK2 Dial and hands put on. Costs were as follows:

Service - £550
Dial & Hand Exchange to convert to MK2 - £450

Total cost £1000. Then, I also asked if I could keep the original dial and hands once they had replaced them to which they replied by all means yes but that would add 50% to the cost of the dial and hand exchange so another £225. Costs will of course gone up since by possibly as much as 20%.

So if you could get a MK1 Explorer 214270 at a good price, if you took the RSC route, you could have the MK2 look but still have the opportunity to keep the Original MK1 Dial and Hands should the watch be more desirable and valuable with them on in the future. Seems like a no brainier to me if you could get a MK1 at a really good price.

[Gekota]

Originally Posted by winst

Don’t discount getting a 214270 MK1 if you can get it at a really good price. At the end of December 2020, I contacted Rolex London RSC asking if I had a 2012 MK1 and sent it in for service could I have just the hands changed to MK2 - they said no, but I could have a MK2 Dial and hands put on. Costs were as follows:

Service - £550
Dial & Hand Exchange to convert to MK2 - £450

Total cost £1000. Then, I also asked if I could keep the original dial and hands once they had replaced them to which they replied by all means yes but that would add 50% to the cost of the dial and hand exchange so another £225. Costs will of course gone up since by possibly as much as 20%.

So if you could get a MK1 Explorer 214270 at a good price, if you took the RSC route, you could have the MK2 look but still have the opportunity to keep the Original MK1 Dial and Hands should the watch be more desirable and valuable with them on in the future. Seems like a no brainier to me if you could get a MK1 at a really good price.

This is definitely good info, especially for those in the UK. Thanks for sharing

[winst]

Originally Posted by Gekota

This is definitely good info, especially for those in the UK. Thanks for sharing

I would think the other world wide RSC’s would have a similar policy / pricing hopefully.

[Parapraxis]

The market dictates the price, so yes it's "reasonable". It's discontinued and only a 10 year run, 5 year for the MK2. So I'd bet your money is safe.

I'll tell you one thing, once you wear this watch you'll never wear any of those other pieces again. You're definitely stepping in to the big boy leagues with the purchase. I say go for it.

[jon_jon]

Rolex secondary market is crazy and who knows in a couple years, this watch will sell in the mid or high 10k's USD. I was lucky enough to purchase mine before the craziness extended to watches like the Explorer and for it from my AD. It is a very under-stated watch without the cyclops, that doesn't scream "Look I am wearing a Rolex".

Get it if the watch is worth $10k-$12k to you and if you will get enjoyment out of owning and wearing one.

[GGGMT]

Fabulous watch. I’ve owned 114270, 214270 mk1 and 2, 124270. All amazing. Just get it and start enjoying it.

Here’s mine yesterday




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[Rick Deckard]

Simple:

Step 1: Get an Explorer Mk.1 in a complete package WITH recent RSC service for $10k plus shipping. Be happy that you got a great (discontinued) watch for a reasonable price.

Step 2: Wear it for a couple of years and enjoy it.

Step 3: When it's time for another service - if you like it - have them change the dial/hands to Mk.2. Alternatively, if you don't like the watch anymore, sell it for probably not less than what you bought it for.

You'll enjoy a great watch in the "classic" style for a couple of years, and then still have the option to upgrade it to Mk.2 or to a different watch.

Remember, they don't make'em anymore.

;)

[cpatab2020]

All -- I can't thank you enough for your continued advice. Unlike watchuseek, I can't click "like" in response to each post, so please know that I appreciate the time you took to respond, and to respond very thoughtfully.

My wrist is somewhere between 6.75" and 7." I tried on the 124270 (for the 2nd time) at a local AD a few days ago and my initial reaction remained the same--a bit too small. While the MKII probably wears larger than 39mm would suggest, it shouldn't overwhelm my wrist, and it may wear similar to my Globemaster. And while at the AD, I tried on the GMT again. Beautiful. I'm sure I'd be delighted to see it on my wrist, but the Explorer flies under the radar and I'd be less self-conscious about it (a "me" problem.)

TimeAZ - thank you for helping rationalize the value. Indeed the market and "real" values have changed. And with it, the sticker shock has worn off.
Matt129 - good tips for the negotiation. I'm a reasonable person and hope I can work with a reasonable seller.

Winst -- Interesting strategy for the MK1. That's a new angle for me to consider. I would probably push my luck and ask them throw in the 124270's movement (great reserve).

Thanks again! I'll be sure to post when I take the next big step.

[cpatab2020]

For reference, my 39mm Omega fits as shown in to photo. Although I tried on a pre-owned Explorer for only a couple of minutes, I don’t don’t think my opinions on its proportions will change. At least I hope not! Will share second photo when forum allows.

[cpatab2020]

Good evening all. I am happy to report that I am now a proud owner of a 214270 MKII! Thank you for your helpful guidance and suggestions. It gave me the confidence to move ahead. Photos attached! And brief question -- on the bracelet photo, is the sticker an original, or something added by a previous owner?

I found the 39mm Explorer has a greater presence on my wrist in terms of size/appearance than I expected. I attribute it to the size of the 3-6-9 and the lack of diving bezel. It threw me off at first, but it looks absolutely "right." I am also impressed by its overall fit and finish. The level of polish, bracelet matte dial, prominent gold numbers, lume, etc. leaves no doubt it is a luxury product. Now I just need to fine tune the fit to make it perfect. That will be fun....

With respect to the purchase, I settled on Collectors1946 out of Huntington, NY, based on the price ($10.9k) and year of production (2020). Box and papers included. It cost $800 less and was a year newer than a large competitor's offering. The warranty identified the original seller--Oriental Watch Co Ltd, Hong Kong and what I assume was the previous owner (I assume).

My only negative was the purchasing process. I'm sure I'll be critiqued for writing this, but while I went into it knowing I should not expect an AD experience, I still found myself disappointed in Collectors1946-Huntington's level of attention, responsiveness, and my overall feeling about the purchase. I think they need to focus on their responsiveness, sending purchased watches on time, proactively notifying customers of delays, filling customer requests (forgot to resize bracelet, delayed invoice/wiring instructions), etc. Hopefully my experience was an anomaly. But it is equally likely that an $11k sale for them is not worth fussing over. Rant over....

[tike71]

Originally Posted by cpatab2020

And brief question -- on the bracelet photo, is the sticker an original, or something added by a previous owner?

Those are original stickers.

[cpatab2020]

Thanks, Tike71.


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[martinoflion]

I as well am deeply in love with the 214270. I’m a lurker in this forum tbh but it seems like prices have tamed and come down a bit. I’ve been lurking classified and found a few but now I’m skeptical of getting scammed!

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by martinoflion

I as well am deeply in love with the 214270. I’m a lurker in this forum tbh but it seems like prices have tamed and come down a bit. I’ve been lurking classified and found a few but now I’m skeptical of getting scammed!

214270 mk2 is close to perfect watch. No worries about getting scammed. Just buy for. One of the 4-5 greats here. Easy peasy. And yes prices of softening.


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