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Old 27 June 2018, 10:34 PM   #1
jfwund
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Considering an Explorer I - any advice on what I should be looking for?

Hello Rolex forum, I’ve been lurking for a while and finally decided to sign up and hopefully take advantage of the collective WISdom here...

I’m considering purchasing a pre-owned Explorer I (114270 most likely) and while I know to only buy from the trusted sellers on the forum, I would appreciate any other advice that you would have to offer regarding what I should be looking for or really anything about the process of buying a pre-owned Rolex.

Thanks for any advice you can share!!




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Old 28 June 2018, 06:20 AM   #2
spoilsofwar01
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Explorer 114270

Hi there, Firstly a very good choice, I've bought one recently that dates from 2005, they are readily available so don't be rushed, I held back on buying one for £3,700 and picked up a full set in a very good condition (un polished) a couple of weeks later for £3,300, be sure to post photos on the forum prior to buying and let others advise you, one thing I do feel you need to watch out for is the lugs, as they are SEL these I have found to be damaged on most pre owned ones I have seen, hold out for a full set, (box and papers) and don't be in a rush
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Old 28 June 2018, 09:11 AM   #3
bigchelis
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If you purchasing the 39mm Explorer 1 make sure it is the 2016 or newer with full lume on indices and numbers.


I was recently debating on a 2017 used Explorer 1 vs. Explorer 2 16570 and went with older Explorer 2 white dial myself.

Really wanted the Explorer 1 39mm but in person I have tried it on 3 times over past 12 months at my local AD and it just wears like a 40~41MM to me and the flat bezel is polished bright and perfect. I wish it was brushed and more tool like. Heck if the whole watch was brushed I would have purchased in a heart beat. It does look dressy and sporty at the same time though if that helps. The lume is crazy good and it has added weight over previous models that lets you know you have a serious piece on your hand.

bigC
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Old 28 June 2018, 11:42 AM   #4
Muxi
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Considering one too. Would be interested in your inputs.
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Old 28 June 2018, 11:46 AM   #5
WJGESQ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jfwund View Post
Hello Rolex forum, I’ve been lurking for a while and finally decided to sign up and hopefully take advantage of the collective WISdom here...

I’m considering purchasing a pre-owned Explorer I (114270 most likely) and while I know to only buy from the trusted sellers on the forum, I would appreciate any other advice that you would have to offer regarding what I should be looking for or really anything about the process of buying a pre-owned Rolex.

Thanks for any advice you can share!!




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Skip the I and go for the II--or go full GMT. Something that goes beyond simply telling Time.
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Old 28 June 2018, 12:08 PM   #6
Jack T
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigchelis View Post
If you purchasing the 39mm Explorer 1 make sure it is the 2016 or newer with full lume on indices and numbers.


I was recently debating on a 2017 used Explorer 1 vs. Explorer 2 16570 and went with older Explorer 2 white dial myself.

Really wanted the Explorer 1 39mm but in person I have tried it on 3 times over past 12 months at my local AD and it just wears like a 40~41MM to me and the flat bezel is polished bright and perfect. I wish it was brushed and more tool like. Heck if the whole watch was brushed I would have purchased in a heart beat. It does look dressy and sporty at the same time though if that helps. The lume is crazy good and it has added weight over previous models that lets you know you have a serious piece on your hand.

bigC
How ironic!! I have the pre-2016 model 214270, short hands and white gold numerals, and I love it.
The hands (really just the minute hand) are perfectly fine and the WG numerals add a nice touch.
It is my everyday, go to watch. Reliable, discreet and durable. Happy hunting.
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Old 28 June 2018, 12:19 PM   #7
Finslayer83
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1016’s are the best.
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Old 28 June 2018, 12:28 PM   #8
PJitz
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Skip the I and go for the II--or go full GMT. Something that goes beyond simply telling Time.
Classic TRF.

Member1: I've decided to buy this, can you help me with the process?

Member2: Don't buy that, buy this!
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Old 28 June 2018, 12:49 PM   #9
Bruins7
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Originally Posted by WJGESQ View Post
Skip the I and go for the II--or go full GMT. Something that goes beyond simply telling Time.
some of us enjoy no dates and a nice clean dial :). OP go for what you like the explorer 1 is a really cool watch!
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Old 28 June 2018, 02:05 PM   #10
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Whichever Explorer you go for, go for one that is 36mm ;)
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Old 28 June 2018, 02:59 PM   #11
dubins930
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I have the 214270, its a great watch, but I tried on a few DJ's a few days ago and I must say... 36mm feels so right.
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Old 28 June 2018, 03:52 PM   #12
Muxi
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Skip the I and go for the II--or go full GMT. Something that goes beyond simply telling Time.
I disagree. I'd get the Explorer 1 over the Explorer 2 any day.
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Old 28 June 2018, 11:35 PM   #13
bigchelis
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1016’s are the best.
Had the opportunity to see 3 of them in person last weekend. Love those things. Just the prices are super super expensive. While they are 36mm size they look a lot smaller than that. As if Rolex made the cases smaller back then.

bigC
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Old 29 June 2018, 01:01 AM   #14
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Classic TRF.

Member1: I've decided to buy this, can you help me with the process?

Member2: Don't buy that, buy this!
So true. People need to really stop this.
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Old 29 June 2018, 01:55 AM   #15
Muxi
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So true. People need to really stop this.
It would be nice to pave someone’s way towards his own journey in horology. We all go thru our own path and preferences.
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Old 29 June 2018, 02:01 AM   #16
thewheel82
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Originally Posted by bigchelis View Post
If you purchasing the 39mm Explorer 1 make sure it is the 2016 or newer with full lume on indices and numbers.


I was recently debating on a 2017 used Explorer 1 vs. Explorer 2 16570 and went with older Explorer 2 white dial myself.

Really wanted the Explorer 1 39mm but in person I have tried it on 3 times over past 12 months at my local AD and it just wears like a 40~41MM to me and the flat bezel is polished bright and perfect. I wish it was brushed and more tool like. Heck if the whole watch was brushed I would have purchased in a heart beat. It does look dressy and sporty at the same time though if that helps. The lume is crazy good and it has added weight over previous models that lets you know you have a serious piece on your hand.

bigC
I am basically debating the exact same thing. Explorer I (214270) vs Explorer II (16570 Polar). Can't make up my mind LOL.
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Old 29 June 2018, 02:02 AM   #17
kauffee
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It would be nice to pave someone’s way towards his own journey in horology. We all go thru our own path and preferences.
We should assume that if you've made it far enough to come onto an internet messageboard and state your preference for what you'd like to purchase, you're aware of the alternatives.
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Old 29 June 2018, 05:42 AM   #18
GradyPhilpott
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The 114270 is an excellent reference.

Buy from a trusted seller and you can't go wrong.
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Old 29 June 2018, 06:45 AM   #19
jfwund
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Thanks, everyone! I went to a Rolex AD today and tried on a 39mm OP and a 36mm DJ. The 39mm was absolutely fine, no problems, but the 36mm just fit better - close to perfect in terms of size. My wife was with me, and the 36mm was her preference. She likes my 36mm Nomos best of all my watches, so I'm not surprised that the 36mm Rolex was her choice.

Anyhow, I will probably be on the lookout for a 114270, though I haven't ruled out the 214270 entirely.

GradyPhilpott, that's a great photo of your Explorer. May I ask your wrist size, to help give me a little perspective?
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