Are Rolex watches rugged in general?

[doyodoyodo]

Hi,

I'm newbie here and to the world of fine mechanical watches.

I was originally thinking of purchasing the Tudor Heritage Ranger but I am now considering either the Explorer I or the Air King, and I have a few questions:

1. I read somewhere that the movements in the Explorer and the Air King are basically the same, but I also recall reading somewhere that the Explorer was designed to operate in extreme environments, e.g. use oil that works in freezing conditions, etc. Is the Explorer more rugged than the Air King?

2. Is Rolex still involved in anyway in the manufacturing process of Tudor watches, or do they have completely separate factories and quality control processes?

3. How rugged are Rolex watches (and mechanical watches in general)? I always have this impression that Rolex watches are like Ferraris - fine on the road but once you hit a pot hole, that's it the suspension's gone and you get engine malfunction... For the last 16 years I've been wearing a quartz Tag Heuer divers watch and I've mountain biked, swam, showered (daily), run, skied, hiked, climbed, played golf, played tennis, etc, and the watch still runs without a hitch. Can I expect the same if I buy the Explorer, or would I need to be more sensible and show more care toward it?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Ben

[Sixshooter]

You can expect the same from the Explorer. They are very tough watches and no need to baby them.

[997.2]

explorer is a great watch, not for everyone, (not for me) try one on. I was not impressed, I do not like the 3 arabic numerals and the crown does not screw in confidently. Rolex in general are great and durable.I would check out the submariner, it's more similar to the dive watches you are used to but only 40mm, so a good size, probably smaller than your tag. the older ones (14060(m)/16610) fit better than the newer 114060 and 116610. good luck.

[AK797]

I've had around ten different luxury brands now and Rolex by far have the best combo of durability, reliability, comfort and beauty.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by AK797

I've had around ten different luxury brands now and Rolex by far have the best combo of durability, reliability, comfort and beauty.

and value retention.

[watchwatcher]

I will third Neil's and Gus's comments above.

[Old Expat Beast]

I have the TH Ranger and an Explorer (36mm, 114270). They're about as rugged as each other, I would say, but most people are likely to feel more comfortable banging up a Tudor than a Rolex. I tend to cringe a bit whenever I knock a Rolex against something hard, but with the Tudors (I also have a Heritage Chrono) it barely registers.

I also find the steel used in Tudors less prone to scratches than the 904L used by Rolex. The THR, however, is 99% brushed steel so scratches will be less noticeable anyway. Also, the lug holes in the THR make strap changes quick and easy compared to the more recent Explorers. It's a very solid watch, and since getting it regulated by Rolex/Tudor a last week ago, it hasn't lost a second.

Rolex still makes and services Tudor watches, but the movements are made by ETA. These are top grade, and modified/finished by Tudor.

[FTX I]

You will be fine with Omega & Rolex.

[Brushpup]

It's anyone's argument, but I firmly believe there isn't a better mechanical watch made.

Rugged for sure, and in the words of our old Pal JJ....You can take that to the Bank!

Lastly, Welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy your time here.

[elkaholic]

Yes, they are plenty rugged. I've seen a guy who rode a dirtbike with a TT DJ on for a few years-mud, grit, dust and constant "shock" if you'd call it that being thrown to the watch without a hitch. When he cleans it with dish soap and a soft toothbrush it looks like new today. Of course he did service it every 5-7yrs, but that's just part of the deal.

Only you can be the judge of how much abuse/scratches you will subject the watch to, and how comfortable or irritated you may or may not be when seeing all the wear on it. In thinking about that, consider the pros and cons of polished center links vs an all brushed band that is on the SS Sub, pre-ceramic GMT's and Explorers.

[second time]

The movement in your quartz Tag has no moving parts, the Exp or Airking has dozens of moving parts, some that are so small and fine you need magnification to see them properly.

Which do you think is going to take an impact best?

[landroverking]

Well here most stay in the box with stickers on.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by doyodoyodo

Hi,


1. I read somewhere that the movements in the Explorer and the Air King are basically the same, but I also recall reading somewhere that the Explorer was designed to operate in extreme environments, e.g. use oil that works in freezing conditions, etc. Is the Explorer more rugged than the Air King?

2. Is Rolex still involved in anyway in the manufacturing process of Tudor watches, or do they have completely separate factories and quality control processes?

3. How rugged are Rolex watches (and mechanical watches in general)? I always have this impression that Rolex watches are like Ferraris - fine on the road but once you hit a pot hole, that's it the suspension's gone and you get engine malfunction...

Ben

1. Yes, they use the same movement. Yes, you can use lighter oil in the movement for sub-freezing weather.. neither is "more rugged". The Explorer however is a 36mm watch (now 39mm) while the Air King is a 34 mm model

2. All Tudor watches are made by Rolex and always have been; not sure where you are going with this ? They are located at the same address in Switzerland.

3. Mechanical watches are very rugged but they have their limits. Rolex is known for making some of the more rugged mechanical watches out there..

[2106]

Explorer will hold up better IMO, but will you be comfortable 'knocking' the watch around...

[GradyPhilpott]

All Rolex Oysters are tough, but some are tougher than others.

The Explorer is a great watch that is as versatile as any watch ever made when it comes to dressing up or down.

I really love my 114270 and I'm as awed by it every time I wear it as I was on the first day I tried it on.

I'm also inclined more toward the 36mm 114270 than I am the 39mm 214270, but that's a matter of taste.

[jshepard]

If I rolled off the side of a mountain, my explorer 1 would still be ticking while I would not. (Disclaimer: previous statement has not yet been tested). However, I've read in other posts that you can't drop it on the bathroom floor, but so far I've only seen that apply to other models, not yet the Explorer.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SALTY]

Originally Posted by Tools

3. Mechanical watches are very rugged but they have their limits. Rolex is known for making some of the more rugged mechanical watches out there..

I have an Explorer I (39mm 214270) and cannot say enough good about this go-to; do-it-all piece but, to the point off your thread, I agree with just about everything Larry says generally but suggest you especially be guided by his point numbered 3. above.

The G-Shocks and their ilk are rugged watches. There are other rugged watches with mechanical movements, such as the Seiko 7S26 varieties such as the Black or Orange Monsters but we are here to talk Rolex (and Tudor). In that vein The shock absorbing, the lack of a date complication and the lack of a rotating bezel incline me towards the Explorer I when i think of rugged.

Did I mention that it is also that, IMO, the Explorer I is a go-to; do-it-all piece well suited to formal or the casual or the rugged things to be done in life?

Happy hunting!

[brandrea]

They'll stand up to just about anything.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by doyodoyodo

Hi,

I

3. How rugged are Rolex watches (and mechanical watches in general)? I always have this impression that Rolex watches are like Ferraris - fine on the road but once you hit a pot hole, that's it the suspension's gone and you get engine malfunction... For the last 16 years I've been wearing a quartz Tag Heuer divers watch and I've mountain biked, swam, showered (daily), run, skied, hiked, climbed, played golf, played tennis, etc, and the watch still runs without a hitch. Can I expect the same if I buy the Explorer, or would I need to be more sensible and show more care toward it?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Ben

Are Rolex watches rugged in general,absolutely not, reading the hundreds of posts on forum lately.They must only be looked at in there boxes with special Rolex certified high power magnifying glasses,if dared to put on the wrist full watch protection must be worn.But the protection material must confirm to the latest COSC standard and must be superlative certified as not to scratch the delicate 904L SS or gold.And despite all oyster watches are rated to 100m W/R minimum they must in no circumstances placed anywhere near any liquid including water.Night time you must have a special Rolex bed made from the finest materials known to man.Must be lined with the finest silk and specially padded with the finest softest Pashmina as not to scratch the 904L S.steel or gold .And must have a built in winder to gently rock the Rolex watches to sleep and keep its heart ticking at a constant 28800BPH off the wrist if you dare to wear. Or if watch stops most have forgotten what the winding crown is for so special winder is a must.Plus winder must have the added feature of thermostatically heat humidity and air conditioned controlled to the COSC standard.Bed/winder must be fully Programmed to lull the Rolex to sleep when off the wrist with soothing ticking and whale sounds to help it drift into a place of peace and Rolex tranquility. PS If on wrist must use watch protection as noted above



But in the real world any oyster Rolex is one of the toughest watches made to today and anything your body can take a Rolex will take more.

[regnant]

What makes Rolex different than other premium SWISS MADE watches is Rolex as nicely said here is tool watches.
For instance :You can scuba dive with your watch and same particular watch can be worn under suit or dress.
If you are finicky then you can buy a couple of Rolex watches to fit the job or what you are dealing with.
I don't remember name of the mountaineer but one guy wore his Exlporer II during his climb and despite his tough job his watch never let him down and he had his watch grind against rugged rocks. The watch picked only a few scratches
You would not do this on other Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe,Vacheron Constantin, Breguet models

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by padi56

Are Rolex watches rugged in general,absolutely not, reading the hundreds of posts on forum lately.They must only be looked at in there boxes with special Rolex certified high power magnifying glasses,if dared to put on the wrist full watch protection must be worn.But the protection material must confirm to the latest COSC standard and must be superlative certified as not to scratch the delicate 904L SS or gold.And despite all oyster watches are rated to 100m W/R minimum they must in no circumstances placed anywhere near any liquid including water.Night time you must have a special Rolex bed made from the finest materials known to man.Must be lined with the finest silk and specially padded with the finest softest Pashmina as not to scratch the 904L S.steel or gold .And must have a built in winder to gently rock the Rolex watches to sleep and keep its heart ticking at a constant 28800BPH off the wrist if you dare to wear. Or if watch stops most have forgotten what the winding crown is for so special winder is a must.Plus winder must have the added feature of thermostatically heat humidity and air conditioned controlled to the COSC standard.Bed/winder must be fully Programmed to lull the Rolex to sleep when off the wrist with soothing ticking and whale sounds to help it drift into a place of peace and Rolex tranquility. PS If on wrist must use watch protection as noted above

But in the real world any oyster Rolex is one of the toughest watches made to today and anything your body can take a Rolex will take more.

[springbar]

Originally Posted by doyodoyodo

3. How rugged are Rolex watches (and mechanical watches in general)? I always have this impression that Rolex watches are like Ferraris - fine on the road but once you hit a pot hole, that's it the suspension's gone and you get engine malfunction... For the last 16 years I've been wearing a quartz Tag Heuer divers watch and I've mountain biked, swam, showered (daily), run, skied, hiked, climbed, played golf, played tennis, etc, and the watch still runs without a hitch. Can I expect the same if I buy the Explorer, or would I need to be more sensible and show more care toward it?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Ben

Mechanical watches are generally pretty tough but their weakness is drops onto hard surfaces. Drop an Explorer three feet onto a tile floor and it may quit running and/or shatter the sapphire crystal.

Showering, running, hiking, golf, etc. is no problem. Rock climbing will scratch the hell out of the case and bracelet, but that's about all. Knock it off the bathroom sink and you may need to send it in for service.

[Nycturbovr6]

Welcome to the forum.

[Choo Yao Chuen]

Rolex is the most rugged luxury brand watch IMHO.

[Doug T]

WELCOME! The Rolex line be assured are "built like a truck". They will take almost anything you can dish out!

[swils8610]

Ask Jocke! Ever seen a pic of his work watch?

[rmfnla]

They are rugged but they are not perfect:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=71661

[fishingbear]

Rolex watches are the probably the toughest watches made.
They are built like little tanks strapped to your arm, anything your arm can take any Rolex will be more than fine.

[sunnyd]

It's not safe to wear your Rolex in any environment or scenario.

[locutus49]

I owned a two tone (gold and steel) Datejust for 20 years in the Army, and wore it 24/7 (never took it off, even at night). It was 10 years before it needed its first servicing, and another 7 years before the second. It started running slower. AND this is supposedly a dress watch!!!

I have a Sub and Daytona (don't know anything about Explorers) and they seem equally rugged. And are safe to take on vacation.

The quartz watches I have owned have always had problems and usually died for some reason or another. So I stick to mechanical.

Good luck in your hunt. My only advice is to go to a good dealer and try on various models even if you intend to buy off the internet. You want to make sure you buy the model that sings to you.