Opinions please: Rolex Explorer, Vacheron Constantin FiftySix or something else?

[jailja]

Greetings all for the first time!

I Have previously purchased a Rolex Air King and a Rolex Explorer II for my boys, but now it is finally my turn (this year I have had some nice memories that I would like to commemorate). :) However, after contacting AD I was shocked to find out that pretty much all steel versions have waiting times for at least a year or so. Of course, this is no news to you all but it was a shocker for me. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed.

I wanted a robust watch that could take some beating, and I know that Rolex can really take some hits and still be ok. In addition, I didn't want anything too blingy (gold) and I would like to wear it either with a suit or jeans. And because I hope this to be my every day watch, I want a watch that works nicely with different straps (leather, steel, rubber, nato). So basically, I wanted a new sub, GMT Batman or preferably Explorer. But that would mean either second hand watch (gray market) or waiting for a few years... I really don't like either of those options. So I started to search for options and here are the brands that I have checked out:

- Panerai: nice watches, but kinda too big and bulky for me.
- IWC (Mark 18 pilot with blue dial): close, but not classy enough.
- Omega: not for me.
- Tudor: that hour hand is hideous, so no thanks.
- Sinn: very nice dive watches, but too bulky for me and pilot watches are too plain (and red is really not my colour).
- Bell&Ross vintage pilot (Blue Steel version): is cool but a bit too plain.
- Oris BC3: close, but like IWC, too plain/not classy enough.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second: nice, but too plain and not sporty enough.

So, no luck there. Until I found Vacheron Constantin FiftySix (steel version with a blue dial, no date or calendar). I Really like it, but there seems to be some grumbling about it on the forums ("entry level" VC, not an in house movement). In addition, there isn't that many reviews about that watch, so it is not that easy to form an opinion. I am also a bit worried that is the VC robust enough (in comparison, I once dropped Explorer II on the stone floor - cyclops down - and nothing happened) and how it will hold it's value (I really would like to leave the watch behind as a family heirloom).

So, dear Rolex enthusiasts, the questions:
1) Should I wait for the Explorer (it will be next year until I get the new one)?
2) Or should I pull the trigger on the Vacheron?
3) Is there some other watch that would fit the bill?

Thank you!

[burnthesehills]

Explorer II shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain. They seem to pop up now and then.

Or wait for the Explorer. A year is not that long and will give you something to look forward to. I waited 3 years to get my Sub between saving up and waiting for it to arrive. Worth the wait.

[Nikrnic]

A Vacheron is definitely a fine choice. I've been thinking about one myself.

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[Tokyo Mike]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

Explorer II shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain. They seem to pop up now and then.

Or wait for the Explorer. A year is not that long and will give you something to look forward to. I waited 3 years to get my Sub between saving up and waiting for it to arrive. Worth the wait.

He's not looking for an Explorer 2.

[Tokyo Mike]

The Explorer is the 3nd easiest to get, behind the AK and Sub. What about a Sub?

[bomb]

With the current market now, I recently realized that you can get a pretty good deal from VC. I think the fifty six is nice and if it sings to you, I think you should go for it. On another hand, if you are on the fence, I recommend you take a look at the Oversea. The blue dial on the Oversea is stunning. Also, the Oversea comes with a choice of a steel bracelet, a leather strap, and a rubber strap. So you can dress it up or dress it down depending on the occasion.


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[T3F]

I think you'll be underwhelmed after having the Fifty-Six for a few months. It's a nice watch, but I think it's rather devoid of any real character or identity, and whenever I've bought a watch that gave off a similar vibe, I've later sold it. I'd go to an Omega boutique if you haven't already and check everything out -- they have a nice range of watches for all different purposes and with totally different characters, and you might be surprised and find something you like. That being said, Blancpain and Grand Seiko are also worth exploring. The Fifty Fathoms (including the Bathyscaphe version) is a really cool, under-appreciated dive watch that sits above even the Submariner in terms of fit and finish. Grand Seiko does some absolutely bonkers stuff -- their dial work rivals anyone's, including AP, PP, etc., and the finishing is so, so good, especially at the price point. The styling is rather subdued, but there's something nice about that, and given you like the Fifty-Six and the Explorer, it should be right up your alley.

[LeftCoastBias]

I know there’s an unspoken for explorer I in a vault in San Francisco.

... you in need of a vacation?

[Ichiran]

The 56 looks good. I will get that over most Rolex.

[deozed]

Your list is a pretty wide range of price points. If you’re able to afford the VC, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying Rolex from a trusted reseller. Plenty of new full set Explorers without much of a markup. Buy what you like. If there are any lingering doubts, it likely isn’t for you. Cheers!

[Johngalt1]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

A Vacheron is definitely a fine choice. I've been thinking about one myself.

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For the love of god please get it used. They sink so fast.

[TJMike]

Get the 56. It is a lovely watch.

[Pongster]

Try the VC Overseas

[Ichiran]

There is a 40mm SS variant in blue. Boutique exclusive only.

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[SearChart]

What about Jaeger leCoultre Polaris?

[burnthesehills]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Mike

He's not looking for an Explorer 2.

I don’t see where he said that.

[AK797]

VCO or 56 blue, also look at Breguet Marine, Blue Edition esp, and Moser Pioneer.

[peterskinner]

You want a Rolex. So buy a Rolex. If you have to pay a premium, that’s not the end of the world. In the longer run, it will be more cost effective than the rivals.

[ROA]

You may want to consider the VC Overseas (simple date) in blue. And am sure you already know that it comes with the rubber and leather straps. But between the Explorer and the 56, I would choose the 56.

[afjag256]

I’d go with your first choice. You’ll find one eventually at an AD. The hunt will be fun.

[THC]

Dj 41

[beshannon]

I would really like to see the 56 in the metal

[LooseCann0n]

Blancpain fifty fathoms.

But if you want an explorer get a BNIB one. They are not much extra on the grey market.

Why settle for a watch you don’t really want. Doesn’t seem like the price is really an issue...


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[AJMarcus]

Consider the Rolex Air King , 116900. You’ll be surprised at how well it looks, feels and fits in person. Pics make it look odd. It is not. Still hard to find but they are sometimes lurking in ADs for a couple days more than their brother SS sport Rolexes. I have a 114060 and a BLRO and just picked one up at my AD. And if you later decide to flip it since it’s a Rolex you won’t take a bath like you will if you buy the other brands you are considering.

[Malak]

When Breitling was in crisis, Helmut Sinn bought the rights. It's practically a Navitimer.

https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Chronographs/903.htm

[Gladiat0r]

Put name down on a sub. No compromises. You will be very happy with the quality, strength, and versatility of the sub. I’m sure an AD can get one in a few months. It just go grey since it really is a watch worth getting. VC is great as well but the sub is a legend for a good reason

[chloebear]

Greetings Janne and welcome to the forum. Very cool that you picked up an Air-King and an Explorer II for your sons. I own both watches and strongly approve of both.

I think the Explorer shouldn't be too hard to find. I would strongly recommend getting the Explorer. In my opinion it is the ultimate GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch. As a bonus, the slightly smaller 39mm case will age very nicely. Good luck deciding. Let us know what you decide!

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by SearChart

What about Jaeger leCoultre Polaris?

This is on my short-list.

[Dsmith1974]

Sounds to me like a Rolex would fulfil your needs and not much else so just consider a grey or pre-owned.

[BlueNote]

I have a VC Overseas and love it, it’s a legitimate sports watch with a very distinctive bezel and bracelet. The VC 56 is a nice somewhat dressier watch but I don’t think of it as a sports watch. You could also consider a pre-owned sub in mint or excellent condition. They’re out there.