Why isn't a Rolex Explorer 1 your grail watch?

[Nikrnic]

Nice piece for sure but I chose the Air King instead. As far as a grail piece goes, mine would be a platinum DD40 but not jonesing for it thankfully. hehe $$$$ maybe WG $$

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[Burlington]

It’s a great model - simple and understated.

[Muxi]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

OP39/Seiko/Casio/Timex are all awesome in their own right. But I want an F40

The F40 has another characteristic, rarity.

[rolleyme]

Its just not as desirable to me. Grail watches to me are PM watches that is a heavyhitter. Its also one that is out of reach, financially, to most people.

[red1108nyc]

Personally, I like watches with something going on the dial. The EXP look... I somehow just got bored.

[zengineer]

I like it and have one but never thought of it as a grail. It's in a category with a few other watches out there that would be a great only watch or a very versatile daily driver.

Its something very special but no more than a Speedmaster Pro, a Submariner or a JLC Master Control... all solid basic watches.

I suspect most see a grail as a high end, rare or ultra expensive watch but maybe for someone seeking that one watch for all occasions an Explorer is grail material.

[icemandl6]

I don’t understand all the dislikes of the Explorer I.
For me, the mkii 214270 Explorer I is the most perfectly sized, esthetically pleasing, versatile modern Rolex. With its fully lumed dial, it’s the only Rolex that can be used in a dressy occasion with a 100% legible dial. I find the other hotter modern Rolex models like the Submariner, GMT Master II or any other models with a rotating bezel to be too large (I’m not a fan of those huge lugs on those models).

[Rashid.bk]

Beautiful watch, it's just too many other Rolex that make me go oooooh ahhhhhh.....
Rolex are like Pokemon, gotta catch them all, problem is my wallet. ymmv

[WatchSmith]

I’m not a gold Rolex on a Mercedes steering wheel selfie kind of guy. I’ve been a Rolex man for 40 years. The Explorer I is more about who and what I am. Simple, unassuming, not trying to impress. I marvel at all the models they make but the older I get the more I like “less is more”.

[horseShu]

My Rolex grails are the GMT Master II and the SkyDweller.

With the premiums and long wait lists, I’m still chasing. Some day...


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[Sandpit]

Quite simply I need a date. Otherwise I love them.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by Triplock

I’m not a gold Rolex on a Mercedes steering wheel selfie kind of guy. I’ve been a Rolex man for 40 years. The Explorer I is more about who and what I am. Simple, unassuming, not trying to impress. I marvel at all the models they make but the older I get the more I like “less is more”.

One of the nicer Explorer pics I've seen. Makes me want it even more.

[Rafabond]

I have several Rolex, Daytona C, Pepsi C, Datejust, Submariner, 16710,16700, ... and in a collection you should never miss an Explorer 1, it is a simple clock but it has everything.

[alphasports]

Originally Posted by Triplock

I’m not a gold Rolex on a Mercedes steering wheel selfie kind of guy. I’ve been a Rolex man for 40 years. The Explorer I is more about who and what I am. Simple, unassuming, not trying to impress. I marvel at all the models they make but the older I get the more I like “less is more”.

With you bro. Love my poor, suffering, shortchanged, shorthanded, pathetic Exp Mk 1 for the "less is more" effect. Pretty much can't stand my GMT anymore, or any bezeled Rolex: been wearing them since 1985 and am done.

[Chaching]

Sorry but this particular watch doesn't "sing to me." No Date "NO WAY"

[Chadridv]

IMO the ex1 gets tons of praise on the forum. I think it’s one of the best watches around, and I’ve rarely heard it badmouthed in 4+ years of membership.

However, it’s hardly a grail for most around here for two reasons; first, the price point is excellent. Second, it’s a relatively easy watch to get, which kind of by definition is the opposite of grail.

I don’t think it gets much ‘press’ simply cause there’s not many controversies and issues surrounding the watch, compared to the Daytona’s, Sky-Ds and BLROs of the world.

[PJitz]

Probably the best option for a ‘one-watch’ in the Rolex collection, IMO. I’m sure it’s a grail for many but TRF is frequented by the watch world one-percent who own multiple expensive pieces

[TimeToWatch]

It’s just too boring and unemotional to me. Also, the higher the price point, generally the more desirable the watch and vice versa. Not many people’s grail BMW is a 320i - doesn’t discount the fact that it’s a great car.

[BDL]

For me.... it is: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=624932

[PJitz]

Originally Posted by BDL

For me.... it is: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=624932

Just read through your thread today. Congrats on finding the ‘one’ - 114270 is a ripper

[ras47]

Too small for me.
No date complication.
Too vanilla.
Explorer II is a HUGE upgrade.

[Richard Carver]

The EX1 got hot in the early Aughts and it was Daytona type frenzy for a while. Retail was 2400 and some sold as high as 5k on the forums. I'm as susceptible to 'Darling of the Day' as the next guy but I had just purchased a 1969 1600 and realized it could do everything an EX1 could do and tell me what day it was as well with a lot less flash and pretension.

Still got this one. :) Gave it an RSC service in '06...

[wrxsti]

Originally Posted by Rafabond

I have several Rolex, Daytona C, Pepsi C, Datejust, Submariner, 16710,16700, ... and in a collection you should never miss an Explorer 1, it is a simple clock but it has everything.

wise words and I totally agree!

[Manu74]

Great watch, but need a date.

[Yodel]

Because there is nothing special about it. Flies under the radar too much. Vanilla

[Innocenti]

It’s too big

[Burlington]

Not a grail for most I’m sure, but my favourite Rolex of all.

[Headshrinker]

Too plain for me. I like a date function as well.

[_speedmaster_]

Not a fan of the styling to be honest. But, to each his own.

Also, a grail to me needs to be something special. Either a limited run, PM or unique in some way. A mass produced, SS watch doesn't fit what I'd consider "grail". But, again, to each his own.

[TimeToWatch]

Originally Posted by rnordby

Hello,

I have been collecting and following Rolex watches for many years.

Over the past few years, I have chased a BLNR, a black Daytona and now a BLRO and a YG DD 40.

I am finding myself missing more and more my shorty 39mm Explorer 1 that I sold last year.

I was curious, any thoughts on why the Explorer 1 does not receive much praise or interest on this site?

Why is the Exp 1 seldom mentioned as your grail watch on our Rolexforum��

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