New 2021 Rolex Explorer 36mm 124270 - Video

[carl]

Just thought I would share this excellent YouTube video. This gentleman is just picking up his new Explorer 1. Some excellent footage. He has a fairly large wrist, and I am so glad to see a guy with that size wrist rocking the 36mm!



He also did an excellent video a few weeks ago, at a presentation of the new 2021 models at an AD in San Francisco:



Great to see the new models on someone's wrist, enjoying them in real life!

[Baco Noir]

Looks small in his hand, but not too bad on his wrist - hard to tell for sure because he has it near the wrist joint and off center in most of the shots. Looks great on his wife.

[Jamie]

I still think those look great, very refreshing!

[rw16610]

Albeit small by today's standards I feel this watch works best at the 36mm diameter.

Given the history of the model I think Rolex made the right move here.

[carl]

rw16610 agree 100%!

[rw16610]

I also like the Datejust in 36mm, it just works for that model as well in my opinion.

My take is it helps diversify the collection and further differentiate models in the collection.

carl This one seems to be calling out to you. Any plans on looking into it further?

[carl]

 rw16610 I already have myself on the list for the Explorer 1. Immediately I saw it, I did a post on Instagram. One of the sales associates at Palladio saw my post and put me on the list. When I went in later in the day to put myself on the list, he told me he had already done it when he saw my Instagram post. Talk about service!  Now, I am actually having second thoughts. Being that I already owned a 36mm Explorer 1. I am planning to wait until it comes in, then judge. I didn't have to leave a deposit, and if I decide not to take it, they will simply call the next person on the list.

Unfortunately, my history of buying a watch the second time is what giving me the most doubt. As it was with the Speedy, I bought it because I really liked all the updates and figured it would be perfect. Now, my Speedy has become my new Breitling!  Of course, with the Rolex I could get more money if I did decide to sell it. But because of the relationship I have with Palladio, I really don't want to go that route!

[rw16610]

carl Those are some really good points. I remember the original Explorer you had, vividly. You really liked the watch but did part with it for a reason.

It's impossible to say how long you'll actually end up keeping it for, especially with some of the great releases we've been seeing from other brands lately. The last thing you would want to do is sell it too soon and potentially sour that great relationship.

In a way it's a shame this has to even cross someone's mind, but many must now think of this as they sit on waiting lists.

The beauty of other brands is for the most part this isn't something you have to think of. With some models, maybe, but in general no.

With a new purchase it's yours to do as you wish, enjoy for life or sell a coupe months later after realizing it wasn't the right one.

I guess you won't truly know until it's seen in person! Still glad you went on the list and if you were to establish 2-3 watches as keepers this would indeed qualify itself for that.

[carl]

rw16610 Ha! Found some old photos taken by my friend Ian:

[rw16610]

carl I remember those! Ian is certainly missed on the forums. If I recall correctly he ended up leaving BC and going back to the UK.

Those pictures only add to the torment. The watch looks fantastic on your wrist. Given the brand history and your personal history with this model you could be in a bit of trouble here. That is, unless you see it in person and the spark is gone.

[carl]

rw16610 Yes, Ian is really missed. Both as a personal friend, and on the forums. We would get together for a couple hours every week or two for coffee, and chat about watches and life in general. When he left, he was on his way to Austria. I am pretty sure he is still there. Unfortunately, we lost touch. Anyway, really great memories!

[rw16610]

carl That Explorer would go nicely with the Breitling and Zenith Chronograph!

For the most part I know you like simplicity and stuck to no date watches. Has the Chronograph complication won you over? With a nice design the date window can be subtle and found useful.

To be honest with you, I'm all about Chronograph watches now. It's just too much fun to play around with and can be useful for cooking or other things, in addition to the bezel when there.

Appreciation for the engineering and many components that make it possible are fascinating. With several complications in your collection this one could be true to your roots. It's no easy decision, that's for sure.

[carl]

rw16610 To be honest, the chronographs are the ones I am most attracted to lately. Especially the revival models, the old Flieger models in particular. While I honestly don't use the chrono functions a lot, they are fun to play around with. They do get most wrist time. I suppose it might be a reason I am hesitating a bit on the Explorer. I have actually had my eyes on another Zenith chronograph, and have been back to the AD to see it many times: The A384 Shadow





This one is sand blasted Titanium. I love the looks of this. Would never consider it if it was a PVD or DLC coating, or a ceramic. But this is solid metal. It even has a no date movement, and the dial looks amazing, simple and symmetrical. I am really considering it, if I don't end up with the Explorer. But I have to be absolutely sure it's going to be a keeper. I can no longer afford to buy a watch without some consideration of resale value, unless I am 100% sure I will keep it. Not at that point with this one yet.

[rw16610]

carl That earns some bonus points for the Explorer, I feel. Having options is never a bad thing and although the Zenith watches are amazing, they might not be as easy to sell should the need ever arise, definitely not from a percentage of original price perspective.

If you end up feeling the Zenith is something you could see yourself keeping that's the route I would take, hands down. If you're a bit unsure yet crave that additional piece, the Explorer is the way to go.

If I had the ability to buy a Rolex from an AD at MSRP though this would be a game changer.

[carl]

 rw16610 Thanks for all your input! I have to say that during the last couple of days my focus has really shifted! IWC announce their Pilot Chronograph AMG Edition. Not only does it look stunning, but it is affiliated with AMG, a company I have long admired. I did own, at one time, a couple of Mercedes. But never an AMG, too long ago! The real attraction for me is the material titanium, and the use of carbon fiber for the dial. A good size of 43mm, it looks to have a great wrist presence. Silver subdials. I don't normally go for sapphire crystal case backs, but this one just looks so sexy, with the AMG logo and a darkened sapphire crystal.

Of course, at 12k in CAD it ain't cheap. But I have long been a fan of the Big Pilot, and could never bring myself to spend $16,500CAD on one. I still believe, although it's a great piece with an amazing 7 day movement, it is over priced. If I felt the value was there, I would likely have bought one already. But that's just my humble opinion, the watch is obviously very successful.

But I seem to be drawn more to chronograph watches over the past couple of years. I am just very thankful that the Daytona has never been a favorite of mine! I would likely be dead before I ever got one, and my AD is willing to put me on the list.

I feel like IWC has come out with a few great pieces lately. But this one really caught my eye!

And I did get to see the new Omega Seamaster 300 with the sandwich type dial the other day. I was disappointed, not in the watch itself, but the fact that it really didn't impress me like I thought it would.





Just can't wait to see it in real life! I am very close to selling my FOIS to a friend, so I am getting there with my funds!