The Explorer II - the last Rolex tool watch

[amh]

Oisin O Malley has a great video that I think will be worth your while:
- Rolex started out making rugged, reliable watches
- Over time they became a victim of their own success
- Today they are mostly jewelry

It's a relatively long video, but grab a cup off coffee and take it in. There's a lot to think about. After all the hype of recent years the meaning of Rolex itself has changed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu74jOZTB1Y

[AD337]

Great video yep — all of his videos are impressive

The only thing is I’m one of these type who are so Rolex fanboy as it gets, that I love ALL things Rolex .. I love the original old school tool watch vibes.. all of the history.. the way the brand branded and marketed itself .. I find it all fascinating… and fast forward to present day I LOVE all the hyped up steel stunners, HULK still being my favorite sports watch (steel stunner whatever) .. white Daytona a close second although I still don’t own that watch YET.. this year !!

But anyway my FAV. Rolex line by far is the daydate .. president bracelet and the incredible beauty and class of the daydate is just unmatched .. the presence and statement is undeniable.. so for me I’m just saying that’s all still very “ROLEX” in its own way as well, with tons of special history for that line just the same !

[Watchsprings]

I agree amh it was worth watching. I saw this yesterday it is a good video. He is very talented and this video has high production “B roll” footage. Not sure if I agree with all he is saying but he has many good points. I enjoyed it and give it “2 thumbs up”.

[amh]

Originally Posted by AD337

Great video yep — all of his videos are impressive

The only thing is I’m one of these type who are so Rolex fanboy as it gets, that I love ALL things Rolex .. I love the original old school tool watch vibes.. all of the history.. the way the brand branded and marketed itself .. I find it all fascinating… and fast forward to present day I LOVE all the hyped up steel stunners, HULK still being my favorite sports watch (steel stunner whatever) .. white Daytona a close second although I still don’t own that watch YET.. this year !!

But anyway my FAV. Rolex line by far is the daydate .. president bracelet and the incredible beauty and class of the daydate is just unmatched .. the presence and statement is undeniable.. so for me I’m just saying that’s all still very “ROLEX” in its own way as well, with tons of special history for that line just the same !

I'm the same way!

It's still beneficial to take a step back and view things from a different perspective.

[spellmanski]

Oisin is totally awesome.

[goldboy]

I really don't think it's a "victim of their own success" issue. But rather a victim of exponential modernization of society. All mechanical watches are completely antiquated due to technology, the only real reason to still have them around is for luxury - and so Rolex went ahead and capitalized on this.

All those brands tooting that they are still "tool watches" are just playing a mental game, they might look more like a tool watch of the past but they're certainly not still used as tools currently.

Osin's content is geared towards clicks and views just like the rest, and I think he's following a narrative here instead of looking at what has happened realistically.

[B2 Stealth]

Absolutely the best watch videos on YouTube! Artistic, historic--the presentation, the music, the architecture, he does videos like noone else!
Watched this gem early in the morning and will repeat today with a Scotch and cigar in hand.

[onyourbikes]

Originally Posted by goldboy

I really don't think it's a "victim of their own success" issue. But rather a victim of exponential modernization of society. All mechanical watches are completely antiquated due to technology, the only real reason to still have them around is for luxury - and so Rolex went ahead and capitalized on this.

All those brands tooting that they are still "tool watches" are just playing a mental game, they might look more like a tool watch of the past but they're certainly not still used as tools currently.

Osin's content is geared towards clicks and views just like the rest, and I think he's following a narrative here instead of looking at what has happened realistically.

I use my mechanical watches as a tool daily. I need dual time zone. No digital watch can display as clearly and effectively the dual times as a mechanical GMT watch.
It is the main reason I've stuck with them.

[amh]

Originally Posted by B2 Stealth

Absolutely the best watch videos on YouTube! Artistic, historic--the presentation, the music, the architecture, he does videos like noone else!
Watched this gem early in the morning and will repeat today with a Scotch and cigar in hand.

Sounds like a good idea, might need to buy myself some fresh cigars!

[kegan]

I agree with his assessment of what Rolex has become. The further they get away from the design elements of the past the less interesting they are to me. I really liked the bit about function and form where he equated the older watches with his Rickenbacker bass.

[Matt129]

Great video, I actually watched it this morning before I saw this thread.

I think to become what they are Rolex had to pivot away from watches solely as tools and offer products that had the tool watch heritage but were more appealing to the masses. If the target market for the Explorer II was spelunkers with the ability to drop $10k on a watch they would sell about 4 a year.

[Harry-57]

Subs and GMTs, to name just two, are good solid tool watches. They aren't exactly the same as the tool watches that Rolex were making 20-30 years ago, although they don't look drastically different. A ceramic bezel and more polished surfaces has nothing to do with utility or durability. If some owners baby them, that's their choice and their business.

The aesthetic of the Explorer II is worth keeping IMO because it has a pleasingly modern retro vibe to it. But it will only look like it does for as long as Rolex think it should, despite how many threads get started or rambling, padded out, opiated, home made videos get posted. I'm glad they didn't ditch the style at the last update but if the Explorer II, or even the Explorer came with a ceramic bezel, PCLS or more PM, Rolex would still not be able to produce enough of them.

There is also a flaw in the supposition that popularity/fame ruins. It can but it doesn't always. Some brands,bands and people get along with it just fine, keep their sense of perspective, and retain their loyal base while hoovering up more followers and income. Some don't cope well with it all. Rolex seem to be coping just fine, but then again, thay have many decades of experience with popularity management.

[TheVision]

Why this video circulating around on watch forums? Is someone promoting his subscription? Saw a same thread at WuS this morning as well. And quite frankly, a $10k watch is NOT a tool watch. It becomes a piece of jewelery.
A tool watch is a $200 Seiko or GShock that can be used in pretty much all conditions without breaking the wallet.

[AJMarcus]

In general not a fan of You Tubers. Too much drama and self promotion and not enough substance. Some are better than others but it’s a lot of click bate for views and cash once they monetize. More intelligent discussion and objective information can be had on forums like TRF IMO.:

[amh]

Originally Posted by TheVision

Why this video circulating around on watch forums? Is someone promoting his subscription? Saw a same thread at WuS this morning as well. And quite frankly, a $10k watch is NOT a tool watch. It becomes a piece of jewelery.
A tool watch is a $200 Seiko or GShock that can be used in pretty much all conditions without breaking the wallet.

Probably because once you see one video YT begins to "suggest" other similar videos. I browse watch stuff all day and my YT feed is infested with other such content.

This just happened to be the best one! (I don't know Mr O Malley but he seems like a great guy)

[onyourbikes]

Originally Posted by TheVision

Why this video circulating around on watch forums? Is someone promoting his subscription? Saw a same thread at WuS this morning as well. And quite frankly, a $10k watch is NOT a tool watch. It becomes a piece of jewelery.
A tool watch is a $200 Seiko or GShock that can be used in pretty much all conditions without breaking the wallet.

Maybe, just maybe. It's because his video is ABOUT ROLEX WATCHES. Which surprise surprise, is of interest to people on a Rolex forum...
Duh.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by goldboy

I really don't think it's a "victim of their own success" issue. But rather a victim of exponential modernization of society. All mechanical watches are completely antiquated due to technology, the only real reason to still have them around is for luxury - and so Rolex went ahead and capitalized on this.

All those brands tooting that they are still "tool watches" are just playing a mental game, they might look more like a tool watch of the past but they're certainly not still used as tools currently.

Osin's content is geared towards clicks and views just like the rest, and I think he's following a narrative here instead of looking at what has happened realistically.

Very good points. Well said.

[Toproll85]

I am mixed, not on the bottom but rather on the form.

He's right, today 80% of customers buy the brand, the image, the status. While we know very well that it doesn't really mean much, you can have a nice watch, or a nice car, nice clothes, and so on, and not necessarily be so rich... even have only that. The secret of wealthy people being the secret, and the associated discretion, one will not flaunt his monumental real estate fortune, various luxury goods, to everyone... it is generally those who want to prove something with this frustration at not being one of them who have that need.

In short, another subject, but the evolution of materials and customers, do not make Rolex less devoted to its primary utility and its specificities.
They remain very capable watches, sufficiently waterproof, versatile and resistant! Gold, ceramic, or not...

On the other hand, where I agree with him (the bottom line), is that the Explo II is the last real toolwatch in the catalog. Completely in brushed steel, nothing that can break or shine...

[brandrea]

I think he’s taking a bit of heat for using some of the Princes Di footage. Looks like he apologized for that on his IG.

That said, his choreography is stellar and the quality of his videos are first rate. I’m a fan overall. He takes You Tube watch vids to a whole new level.

[goldboy]

Originally Posted by onyourbikes

I use my mechanical watches as a tool daily. I need dual time zone. No digital watch can display as clearly and effectively the dual times as a mechanical GMT watch.
It is the main reason I've stuck with them.

Everyone has every timezone in the world in their front pocket via smartphone, satellite synced. It may be fun to use the mechanical GMT function on your watch but it's certainly more cumbersome, less accurate, less reliable, and less efficient (only 1 or 2 zones).

I would not categorize your use as actual tool use, but rather luxury enjoyability.

[goldboy]

Originally Posted by TheVision

Why this video circulating around on watch forums? Is someone promoting his subscription? Saw a same thread at WuS this morning as well. And quite frankly, a $10k watch is NOT a tool watch. It becomes a piece of jewelery.
A tool watch is a $200 Seiko or GShock that can be used in pretty much all conditions without breaking the wallet.

Exactly.

[DJ2020]

https://youtu.be/Eu74jOZTB1Y

Seen the above on YouTube. Being a Rolex fan for more than 40 plus years, Could this be true? I think at least partially.

[PenDelicate]

Ois is great, but his false dichotomies don't hold up to much.

"When did it stop being a watch and start being a circus?"

"You have two different fans of the brand. You have the guys who are after the diamonds, the flashy and the sparkly, the precious metal, and so on, and they really are looking for the shiniest thing they can put on their wrist to turn heads as they walk down the street. But then you have the real Rolex fans: they guys who are prouder to wear an old 5512 or 5513. These are the true Rolex fans."

At that point, I put my brain on-hold and just enjoyed the beautiful music and visuals.

[George58]

a tool watch is a watch that does more than tell the time so I think the DD is the last and oldest tool watch date and day off the week

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by PenDelicate

At that point, I put my brain on-hold and just enjoyed the beautiful music and visuals.

This is great advice when watching the video.

[onyourbikes]

Originally Posted by goldboy

Everyone has every timezone in the world in their front pocket via smartphone, satellite synced. It may be fun to use the mechanical GMT function on your watch but it's certainly more cumbersome, less accurate, less reliable, and less efficient (only 1 or 2 zones).

I would not categorize your use as actual tool use, but rather luxury enjoyability.

When I'm using the dual time zones I'm flying. My phone, which I often leave at home anyway, is buried in my bag.

So no, it's not a luxury. I need 2 time zones, gmt and local, at a glance 24/7. Whether that's when I wake up in bed, or flying in challenging conditions where the last thing I'd want to do is start messing with a phone.

And how is it less convenient? It's on my wrist, I just have to look.
By your method I would have to get my phone, if I had one and it hadn't gone flat, unlock it. Open the app. Find the time zones I want.
But please continue to tell me how to live my life. I'm sure I was just wrong when I tried other methods and found them more hassle than sticking with the basics.

[travisb]

He makes quality videos.
I've always looked at the ExpII as the ultimate outdoors / adventure watch.

[B2 Stealth]

Spot on onyourbikes! As a commercial airline pilot I may fly thru 4 time zones in one day. Often I have less than an hour between flights. It is imperative to me to wear a GMT to be able to tell multiple time-zones at a glance. I use my GMT as it was intended.
i don't have time to pull out my phone between flights. Love the utility nature of the GMT. It was important when it was developed in the 1950s and is important today. And I wear my Rolex GMT everywhere. To me it is an essential "tool" watch.

[kegan]

Originally Posted by goldboy

Everyone has every timezone in the world in their front pocket via smartphone, satellite synced. It may be fun to use the mechanical GMT function on your watch but it's certainly more cumbersome, less accurate, less reliable, and less efficient (only 1 or 2 zones).

I would not categorize your use as actual tool use, but rather luxury enjoyability.

I don’t see how a cell phone in your pocket with a battery that often dies is more reliable and more efficient than a quality mechanical watch on your wrist. Slightly more accurate, yes I’ll give you that. My gmt has been a reliable tool as an airline pilot for 23 years. Interestingly, the situation when I refer to gmt function the most I’m out of the cockpit negotiating some flight planning or scheduling legality that is all in reference to gmt (I’ve no need for more than two time zones at once) and when I’m doing this task the other stakeholders are always more than a thousand miles away which requires my cell phone to be stuck to my ear. Not a lot of fun involved either. The days I rely on this watch the most usually are not the good ones. No doubt I can do my job without a Rolex gmt but it sure makes it a lot easier.

[B2 Stealth]

Well said Kegan! I feel your pain. Succinctly stated! Cheers to aviation brotherhood!