Explorer I papers or not?

[Cynynal]

Hi all,

I've been looking for an Explorer I for over a year now, and I've finally narrowed it down to 2 choices. I've read through a few threads on the value of having papers, and while I don't think that I would sell the watch anytime soon, I'm still trying to weigh out my options. What would you pick?

Option 1: $5.4k
2003 36mm Explorer I with no papers but better condition than Option 2. It comes with a service warranty card from 2015, but I'm not sure if this is worth anything

Option 2: $6.3k
2006 36mm Explorer I with papers but it is a bit scratch up.

Cheers!

[Watch Maniac]

I always like to have papers. Some people don't even care about the papers they just want the watch it's all personal preference.

[Jack T]

I think if it has an official service warranty card issued in 2015 by Rolex Service Centre that’s good enough for me.

[Cynynal]

Originally Posted by Watch Maniac

I always like to have papers. Some people don't even care about the papers they just want the watch it's all personal preference.

Why do you personally like having the papers? Is this something that you look for in all of your watches?

[georgekart]

Let me think, better condition, cheaper and Rolex serviced in 2015 or the one with the papers in worse condition for more money? Yeah, the first one.

[Marcjvr]

Send it off to a Rolex for a service and you will get papers

[Watch Maniac]

Originally Posted by Cynynal

Why do you personally like having the papers? Is this something that you look for in all of your watches?

I just have always liked having the complete set. Just makes me sleep better at night

[Sinanamus]

Originally Posted by georgekart

Let me think, better condition, cheaper and Rolex serviced in 2015 or the one with the papers in worse condition for more money? Yeah, the first one.

I think this about does it. RSC papers are the next best thing. And condition is #1 consideration for me. So go with the first one!

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[DavidSB]

Only 3 years difference between #1 & #2.
#1 in better condition.
If #2 hasn't been serviced in a long time it will need to be so add $$$s and time away.
RSC papers should prove authenticity.
Go with #1

I have both a 1967 1016 and 214270 and the 36mm is a great size and one of my favorites.

[kieselguhr]

I would choose option #1 as it is in better condition than #2. I wouldn’t pay $1000 more for a watch that is in worse condition as I don’t care about papers. Consider that there are others who share the same sentiment and thus even if you choose to sell it in the future, you would get your money back.

[EEpro]

Isn't it possible that watch 1 was a scratched up watch before polished at that service? Anybody can rub metal until it's shiny or uniformly brushed.

Depending on the depth of scratches and whether any dings exist I'd try to negotiate watch 2 for half the price of a service ($375 off). A lot of people won't touch a watch without papers so that is why the price difference.

[TimeAZ]

I'd pick the option that corresponds to the best seller with the most trustworthy reputation.

Assuming that this is equal (or perhaps equivocal).... Then, option 1 is better in almost every way and the lack of original papers doesn't matter when you have a service certificate, which confers an equivalent sense of authenticity.

[Cynynal]

Originally Posted by EEpro

Isn't it possible that watch 1 was a scratched up watch before polished at that service? Anybody can rub metal until it's shiny or uniformly brushed.

Depending on the depth of scratches and whether any dings exist I'd try to negotiate watch 2 for half the price of a service ($375 off). A lot of people won't touch a watch without papers so that is why the price difference.

That's a great idea, I might try to negotiate a bit off #2 (although there is a ding/dent on the bezel which may make the service more expensive). But it's looking like I'll go with #1. After reflecting, I don't think that missing the original papers is a deal breaker for me or worth ~$1,000.

Thanks all!

[Ihatecheese]

Papers mean nothing once it's been serviced by Rolex. Presuming it's over the warranty period. If you are confident it's real then just save a few quid.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jack T

I think if it has an official service warranty card issued in 2015 by Rolex Service Centre that’s good enough for me.

Have to agree.

[Rolexfanboy82]

Spend a little more and get a 14270 with lugholes and Tritium dial.. 1991-1994 aprox
This Will set you back 1000-1.500 more now, but is way more collectable.

[Harry-57]

Providing the goods are genuine, I will buy on condition.

Your money, your choice.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Cynynal

Hi all,

I've been looking for an Explorer I for over a year now, and I've finally narrowed it down to 2 choices. I've read through a few threads on the value of having papers, and while I don't think that I would sell the watch anytime soon, I'm still trying to weigh out my options. What would you pick?

Option 1: $5.4k
2003 36mm Explorer I with no papers but better condition than Option 2. It comes with a service warranty card from 2015, but I'm not sure if this is worth anything

Option 2: $6.3k
2006 36mm Explorer I with papers but it is a bit scratch up.

Cheers!

Go for option 1; condition and service card trump original papers.

[VintageVagabound]

I personally like to get all my watches with papers. I can find a box and booklet any day on eBay but there is only one piece of original paper or warranty card. For me it’s just part of the collection and I prefer seeing where the watch was sold from and the date. I don’t purchase watches with the intent of resale but ask anybody with a Flat Four Kermit if they’d rather have the original warranty papers :)

[Cynynal]

Originally Posted by Rolexfanboy82

Spend a little more and get a 14270 with lugholes and Tritium dial.. 1991-1994 aprox
This Will set you back 1000-1.500 more now, but is way more collectable.

I was actually thinking about this and was looking hard for a birth year 14270, but couldn't get over the hollow end links. Do you know if these can be replaced with SEL?

[OG1982]

Service papers are the next best thing, go for option 1.

[TopDog2315]

Originally Posted by Jack T

I think if it has an official service warranty card issued in 2015 by Rolex Service Centre that’s good enough for me.

+ 1


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[harrisonkris66]

Option 1 who needs papers

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by Watch Maniac

I just have always liked having the complete set. Just makes me sleep better at night

I sleep better with a little more money in my pocket.

[Tools]

Condition is paramount.

You should never choose a poor condition watch over a good condition watch based solely on papers with the possible exception of very rare vintage pieces.

What would be the point in this?

[VintageVagabound]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I sleep better with a little more money in my pocket.

Having the complete set means more money on your wrist but again, to each their own

[kirikenz]

Are you sure that the $5.4k price is still valid? Prices on these have shot up in just the past few months. If so, especially with a recent visit to RSC, that's a good deal.

It also depends on what your definition of condition is... Chipped crystals, bracelet stretch and heavy gouges are significant, but surface scratches can be erased with a decent polish at the next service interval. If the cheaper piece is poorly polished or overpolished (lack of sharpness, crown on the clasp is a ghost, etc.) then I'd probably go for the higher priced, newer option with papers.

[Rolexfanboy82]

Originally Posted by Cynynal

I was actually thinking about this and was looking hard for a birth year 14270, but couldn't get over the hollow end links. Do you know if these can be replaced with SEL?

For me age and history is everything. All of my Rolex watches are +20 years old.
Some like new, which I fully understand and respect. But when a timepiece also has some time one it, it kind of makes sense to me. Lot of you probably think im crazy..
But hollow endlinks or solid, personally I don't get the point why one should be preferred over the other.
As you say, a birth year watch, what is cooler than that?. Everytime you look at your watch, you are reminded where you are now.
Anyway. 1993 is not my birth year. But my X-serial 14270 makes my happy every time I look at it. :)

[Rolexfanboy82]

Btw. Now when im getting a bit sentiment, this is my birth year piece.
Not getting as much love as other of my watches, but on the right occasions I love to wear it.

[drummerdunc]

I'd have no problem with option 1 in this case either.
If you trust the seller and the service warranty card is genuine then happy days.