Oysterquartz 17000 or Explorer 124270?

[Peej]

I'm looking to scratch the itch for a 36mm watch. Currently between the oystrerquartz 17000 (mark 1 dial), and the new 36mm explorer 124270. To me, both have their pros and cons.

The explorer is newer, but also more expensive. It also lacks a date complication. Would prefer to pay retail, but not too crazy from a grey.

The oysterquartz is rare, and the construction is solid (more so than most rolex sports models in my opinion. It's built like a tank). But it could be harder to service, and find a solid example with a mark 1 dial.

I think both refrences are undervalued, and still trade at reasonable prices compared to other Rolex models. I have also considered other non-Rolex watches like the iwc mark xii, 70's era Omega Dynamic, iwc golf club, and a few other off the radar picks.

Hard to choose! What doesn the forum think?

[INC]

Honestly it's a strange comparisation, as these watches are completly different.

So what can I suggest for you?

Try the Expoler in an AD, and try to find someone with an OQ and check this watch too.

After you put both on your wrist, then you will know the answer for your question.


About OQ:

First of all, it's not a hard thing to find an Oysterquartz, there are dozens listed on the mainstream auction/selling sites right now. This is the "good" part of the story. The bad part is, that approximately 95% of these watches are nothing more then the resurrection of the junkiyard craps.

The big issue is, that most of these watches have so bad conditions, that a lots of people thinks, this is the original look of an OQ: curved edges, smooth surfaced design while in contrary, these kind of look is mostly nothing more than the evidence that this watches were over and over polished in an awful way.

So to find a ~40(!) years old watch in a good condition is more than a hard thing, but for some strange reasons you still have a chance to find some good ones with the white Buckley dial. However these are the most expensive ones except the ones with the box/papers combo.

[jerseyb]

Explorer for me. Not close.

[Daniel23456]

Not a close contest… Explorer is in a different league

[douglasf13]

Split the difference with a 14270/114270.

[Peej]

A 5 digit explorer would be in the cards if it weren’t for the old Rolex bracelet. I have a 5 digit explorer II. While I love the watch and proportions, the bracelet is the only downside for me. OQ bracelet is on another level, and so is the new oyster on the 124270.

The Buckley dial is one of my favorite OQ configurations, but I’m looking for a black dial as a contrast to my polar Explorer. I’ve tried on a mark 1 Buckley OQ, but they wear too similar to each other.

[Splash]

Explorer. Timeless classic.

The other is not even in the same league.

[Litflynt912]

I’ve had many iterations of both. A good example 17000 is going to be either north of 5-6k or a beater and Rolex will charge your around 2k to bring it back to life. Ask me how I know. Lol


The 124270 is perfect if you want a newer Watch. Truly is a gada watch. That being said. If money matters you should be able to snag a well worn 114270 for around 5-5.5k if not less if you hunt them. That’ll definitely fit for daily wear.

Otherwise a 124270 at retail would be your best bet. I’ve had around 9 oysterquartz models. Love them but after a while they lose their luster because of how dated they are. Love the loud OQ tick though

[Peej]

Originally Posted by Litflynt912

I’ve had many iterations of both. A good example 17000 is going to be either north of 5-6k or a beater and Rolex will charge your around 2k to bring it back to life. Ask me how I know. Lol


The 124270 is perfect if you want a newer Watch. Truly is a gada watch. That being said. If money matters you should be able to snag a well worn 114270 for around 5-5.5k if not less if you hunt them. That’ll definitely fit for daily wear.

Otherwise a 124270 at retail would be your best bet. I’ve had around 9 oysterquartz models. Love them but after a while they lose their luster because of how dated they are. Love the loud OQ tick though

Would you say other than "loosing their luster" you've had any sugnificant issules with the OQ? And the new bracelet on the 124270 is worth the extra few grand for me. Retail or not.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Peej

A 5 digit explorer would be in the cards if it weren’t for the old Rolex bracelet. I have a 5 digit explorer II. While I love the watch and proportions, the bracelet is the only downside for me. OQ bracelet is on another level, and so is the new oyster on the 124270.

The Buckley dial is one of my favorite OQ configurations, but I’m looking for a black dial as a contrast to my polar Explorer. I’ve tried on a mark 1 Buckley OQ, but they wear too similar to each other.

Gotcha. I’m the opposite. I love how much lighter weight the older bracelets are, and the ones on my 114270 and 16570 happen to be my favorite bracelet and clasp combos of all (both of mine had solid end links.)

[Litflynt912]

Originally Posted by Peej

Would you say other than "loosing their luster" you've had any sugnificant issules with the OQ? And the new bracelet on the 124270 is worth the extra few grand for me. Retail or not.

No real issues with the OQ. I would 100% recommend an RSC visit and let them give it a once over

[INC]

Originally Posted by Peej

The Buckley dial is one of my favorite OQ configurations, but I’m looking for a black dial as a contrast to my polar Explorer.

To find a good quality black OQ MK1 is something similar to search for the Holy Grail :)

In the same time you are right, the white and the black OQ seems like two different watches, like the black looks far bigger, the white looks more like a jewelry.

[Swearengen]

17000 with white Buckley here

Originally Posted by Peej

A 5 digit explorer would be in the cards if it weren’t for the old Rolex bracelet. I have a 5 digit explorer II. While I love the watch and proportions, the bracelet is the only downside for me. OQ bracelet is on another level, and so is the new oyster on the 124270.

The Buckley dial is one of my favorite OQ configurations, but I’m looking for a black dial as a contrast to my polar Explorer. I’ve tried on a mark 1 Buckley OQ, but they wear too similar to each other.

[Swearengen]

I would add the OQ bracelet is almost indestructible

[Andad]

Or go TT for a bit of flexibility?

[INC]

[Peej]

Both are great looking OQs! I want them all.

[pk552502]

I never liked the oysterquartz. In fact, I dislike them.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by pk552502

I never liked the oysterquartz. In fact, I dislike them.

Because they are more accurate than your 16710?

[dannyboy123]

I'd go Oysterquartz all day long fam.

[zapokee]

OQ 17000 is the daily wearer for me. That's where I went when I'd already made all my watch mistakes. Including the Explorer.

Just a matter of taste, though.