Explorer 124270 vs ??????

[Mjschmidt]

Got the call in December 2022 for my first Rolex, the 124270 explorer I. It was a good way to cap and commemorate the year - turned 30 and first son was born. I also have a black BB58 in the collection and lately have felt like maybe trading in the explorer since both of these fill the everyday category in my collection. Thoughts on getting rid of the explorer and finding a vintage piece to diversify? Pros / cons / suggestions? Keep both and focus on next piece??

[Chadridv]

Congrats on 30 and the new baby!

I’d keep the explorer and move the Tudor. There’s no real right or wrong though. Seems like you feel they both fill the same slot so it really comes down to which you like more.

As far as getting into vintage, it’s interesting cause the Tudor is clearly a heritage vintage inspired watch and of all watches in the rolex line I think the ex 1 is probably the most true to its vintage roots.

So I don’t necessarily think you need to go in that direction either but again, it’s all a preference thing.

[HERITAGE82]

I’d say keep the Explorer if you want to move one of them. However, be mindful of the minefield that it vintage watches.

Congrats on the new baby & turning 30. I just turned 40 and had my second… children born in milestone birthday years are fun :)

[Mjschmidt]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Congrats on 30 and the new baby!

I’d keep the explorer and move the Tudor. There’s no real right or wrong though. Seems like you feel they both fill the same slot so it really comes down to which you like more.

As far as getting into vintage, it’s interesting cause the Tudor is clearly a heritage vintage inspired watch and of all watches in the rolex line I think the ex 1 is probably the most true to its vintage roots.

So I don’t necessarily think you need to go in that direction either but again, it’s all a preference thing.

Thank you! Appreciate the reply! Yeah, definitely don’t think I can go wrong. I’ve always desired a tool watch and love the heritage of both. Love that the exp is low key for a Rolex and not as flashy as others but I feel it doesn’t DO anything, though.. I.e, I actually use the bb58 to time things. Exp is just there and really pretty to look at lol. Was thinking maybe a DJ or DD to replace if I were to go vintage. Just a tough call!

[Mjschmidt]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

I’d say keep the Explorer if you want to move one of them. However, be mindful of the minefield that it vintage watches.

Congrats on the new baby & turning 30. I just turned 40 and had my second… children born in milestone birthday years are fun :)

I appreciate it, and thanks for the tips!! Yeah, I’ve heard the vintage thing can get hairy if you’re not careful. Would definitely do my due diligence before pulling the trigger.

[amphr1]

I'd highly depend on the vintage watch I got a Tudor sub and I'm done with vintage. I'm not sure I can stomach any other.

[White Collar Boy]

Congratulations on your son’s birth. I would definitely want to keep a birth-year Explorer for him. It sounds like you just want another watch, particularly something with a complication; your feeling that the Explorer doesn’t do anything sounds tendentious and impatient, acknowledging its elegance while also wanting more.

If you have to sell or trade one, I’d move the Tudor, even though I love the BB58 and have one instead of an Explorer. Just because the birth-year Explorer sounds like it could be more special in years to come. Of course, the 58 will take a hit in value, which is a shame. But then you can also buy other used watches that have also depreciated a bit.

I’d try to add instead, if viable. Vintage Longines, Tudor, IWC, or whatever? Cheaper than vintage Rolex…

[GGGMT]

Have both. And both are sick. Keep both and save up for the next acquisition.





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[CPZorro]

They are such different pieces. I’d keep both and save up for another in time. If you were to only keep one, my pick would hands down be the explorer. One of my favorite watches of all time.

[sinkholeninja]

Congrats on both milestones!

As for your question, I am perhaps biased because I own an Explorer, albeit reference 214270, and for me it's a quintessential Rolex watch with great history behind it. I also happened to own Black Bay 79220N, which never really grew on me, so if I were you I would keep the Explorer and sell the Tudor.

As someone already mentioned above, the world of vintage watches is dodgy to say the least, even (especially?) at the highest levels (read auction houses) where all kinds of shenanigans and machinations are taking place, from franken watches, to downright fakes. So, you really have to do your research and have as much confidence in the seller as possible before you decide to buy a vintage piece.

Hope all goes well

[gsroppsa]

To me, the 124270 Explorer is quite literally the perfect watch - a no fuss, no nonsense, low key "luxury" tool watch with a great pedigree behind it. The classic 36mm sizing is fantastic, and in my opinion much more beautifully proportioned relative to the previous generation 39mm model. It's absolutely the clear favourite in my collection, a worthy birth year heirloom for your newborn son. I'd keep this over the Tudor, but if circumstances allow I'd preferably keep both.

[dannyp]

Explorer I my favorite watch in the entire lineup, while the BB58 is quite attractive at a relatively svelte (for a dive watch) 39mm.

Personally, I like that the Explorer doesn't "do anything" because I'm a believer that the fewer moving parts something has, the fewer things that can go awry. In fact it's part of why I lament not buying a 114270 a decade-plus ago.

It seems that you like watches that pay tribute to vintage, without the headaches that actually come with vintage watches? If so, others to consider:

-OP 36 (even 34 for true vintage vibe) in silver dial. Has to be the silver, with the YG markers reflecting off of silver, for faded champagne hue. Could add or be Explorer replacement (finances-dependent).

-Omega Seamaster 300 1957. This would be a replacement for the Tudor most likely, as it is a very similar style and a fantastic looking watch.

-A chronograph. Obvious choice is Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch. But it's bigger, at 42mm, and the '57 is available in a couple of slightly smaller sizes.

-My personal choice if going chronograph: Zenith Chronomaster. Either the "Original" or the "Revival" models are very cool, somewhat different, and come from perhaps the world's leading developer of chronograph movements. Bonus: these are often available with substantial discounts.

-For something that's at the other end of the pricing spectrum, but still has a good vintage aesthetic (i.e. add a watch w/o breaking the bank), I've become partial to Longines.

-Finally, for a slightly dressier "doesn't really do anything" watch, maybe consider the Tudor BB S&G 36mm? Just about the only TT watch that's ever made me go "oooooh, that could be interesting..."

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum.

If I bought a watch to commemorate the birth of my son and my 30th, it’d be a keeper

Focus on the next one

[Jack T]

I’ve been through many watches, many Rolex’s over the years, my Explorer isn’t going anywhere!!

[tifosi]

In no situation can I condone selling a 36mm Explorer.