My love affair with watches & how I have fallen for my Rolex Explorer all over again

It’s been a while since I last wore my Rolex Explorer. When I say a while, I guess it’s probably been around 6 months or so and during that time I haven’t really felt the urge to put it on, until recently.
I find that more than a little curious, not least because for many months, I was completely obsessed by the Rolex Explorer.
So I have been thinking about and trying to unpick my watch apathy regarding my Explorer in a little more detail, which is what this video is about.
______
Thank you (and sorry) to the following for my unauthorised use of your excellent video footage:
Hodinkee
ID Guy

[@hazardous401]

I am not even joking when i say i watched all of your videos multiple times, and i still play them in the background occasionally because they're so soothing and eloquent. Not a stutter, nor an unintended pause can be heard in any of them. As a young, budget-friendly watch enthusiast, i aspire to achieve this level of class in both my taste and speaking manner...well done sir.

[@kungfoochicken08]

I’m in the same position. I’m genuinely stunned he has so few subscribers. I listened to his Lange repair story last night while cooking. After the story finished, I looked down and noticed I had spent 38 minutes listening to a wealthy man having a spat about a repair on a watch that cost more than my house. I was utterly entertained the entire time. If he doesn’t have a million subscribers in a year, it’ll only be because he’s grown bored with the platform.

[@Dumbled0resArmy]

I feel the same way about my Tudor BB58!

[@michaelfierman3256]

I'm pretty sure most of us fall into what I call "the hunter gets captured by the game" syndrome. Of course we love the chase, and then there's the honeymoon ...and then.... we've all been there. But I will say this, a brief recap of my 214270 experience: I had wanted one for quite some time and my AD called me in late December 2020, so of course I feel lucky to have gotten this reference before it was discontinued...However my best friend had died only 10 days before "the call" so the whole experience was a bit ruined, but as we know, unlike other products, when they call, we buy. The point I'd like to make is that happily I've just grown to love it more as the years go by. Other watches capture my attention, but this is one that seems to grow in lustre rather than fade. Love your episodes and look forward to the next.

[@olivergibson6107]

I have the 36 explorer and have a similar relationship with it. I typically wear it with suits which since COVID has become less regular. Months can pass when I do not wear the explorer and I don't miss it or even think about it. However when I do end up putting it on ,I am reminded why I fell in love with it and spend most of the day staring at the amazing dial.

[@volvomann100]

I really like your philosophical musings and your gentle and relaxed way of communicating. It really is a calm port in a stormy sea to listen to you. Keep up the great content, I really enjoy it.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you Jake. Much appreciated.

[@Kbo513]

I’m enjoying these journal type videos. It’s the musings of a watch collector. The Rolex Explorer would be the last one to leave my collection of Rolex, JLC, Cartier, and VC. It has been interesting how I was initially focused on sports watches, but now I gravitate towards my dressier pieces like my Reverso Tribute Duoface. JLC and Cartier were never in my radar when I started, but now I want a collection of Tanks and tribute Reversos.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos… it’s funny how our tastes can alter, just by being made aware of what’s out there and how others relate to them.

[@AlexanderB.]

First of all: 3,000 subscribers after just having published 4 videos are impressive and clearly a sign your content strikes a chord with many watch enthusiasts. I own far too many watches to wear them all regularly. There are some favourites in my collection that I enjoy wearing more than others of course. Occasionally I have experienced what you describe, that is the rediscovery of the affection for a certain timepiece after not having worn it for quite some time. And these are some of the most satisfying moments for me as a watch collector.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you for sharing. Seemingly I am not alone ! 🙏

[@fendushi]

Thabks for sharing. I had a similar journey with aquiring my Explorer from the AD a few weeks ago . Im at the point where Im thinking any new watch that I add from now on will not get much wrist time.

[@yousif4646]

Of many Rolexes that I’ve bought and sold (30 something) this is the one that always stayed. When I’m fed up with watches this is one that finds its way to my wrist. And then, like you, the love is reignited.

[@flyingrocket3879]

Nice video I feel the same way about GS spring drive. I keep falling back I love.

[@devilapproved]

Love this. I've been an enthusiast off and on for many years and in complete isolation, mostly having found literally no one I have actually met or interact with that is even slightly interested in watches. If the subject comes up (rarely) I refrain from commenting at any length lest the other person's eyes begin to glaze over and I'm completely ignored thereafter. A long way of saying it's nice to see your videos which closely resemble my watch journey. Although you have much nicer watches!

[@tarasmathers7423]

I, like many others I'm sure, really do appreciate the production quality, of the content you produce. The dialogue being, my absolute favorite part. I follow quite a few different channels, that specialize in watch related content. Some quite good, and some, not so much. For example, there are very few channels, that can hold my attention, from start to finish, for the duration of a 30+ minute segment. All the while, keeping me thoroughly engaged, hanging on every word. I offer my thoughts and opinions, for no other reason, than to inform you that there are, I'm certain, those of us who really do appreciate your hard work and efforts. With your eye for detail, sense of style, obvious high-level of intelligence, and eloquent narration, there's not a doubt in my mind, that this channel has the potential to be, one of the most highly respected channels, to date. A channel that the other greats follow. Best wishes....

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@ListenToPowerViolence]

Awesome video. The 369 dial is design genius.

[@martinkaplan1805]

Wonderful. And big ditto, my friend. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@Danyukon3443]

Your video was spot on as if I had written it myself.....almost scary. My Rolex 16570 was my explorer grail which I now have and over the honeymoon. I struggle to understand each day as I make my wearing decision as to what motivates the choice....very curious! Maybe Sigmund Freud would have some theory about this curious behavior! Funny.....as my collection grows the decision struggle amplifies! I also agree the anticipation and hunt sometimes is more fun than the final catch reality.

[@jamesrobert4106]

A great stance. All of your choices are excellent and don't appear to be the result of impulsive purchase. I have never sold on a watch. I bought them because they captured a moment and looking at any of them is never a disappointment.

[@austinzizzi1142]

The 114270 wasn’t for me I sold it a while back when prices went up but I thought the 39 might be better but I’ve herd similar sentiments. I have the Tudor fxd now

[@KC-bv9kf]

Lol, I can quite relate. I will need to share with my future therapist (I should get one, right?:) that I usually have 2-3 watches in my brief case when I go to work. Like you, I select them based on how I feel. Except how I feel in the morning is quite often different by that evening drive home. In between, I may change my watches depending on the activities and people I may come in contact. They are mostly covered by my sleeve, so I don’t think anyone has noticed. They each has their stories and they are for me only (although my ex almost took my 20 yo 16710 by “accident”). They are constantly on us and are witnesses to our journey. Looking forward to more videos and stories.

[@DisasterClean]

Great video. I have the same exact watch. And I bought it a few years ago like you. And coincidentally enough, I too parked it for a while favoring other watches in my collection. I remember the anticipation in purchasing it. My AD however, came through in a week! Luckily, someone else who had ordered it didn’t come through, and I got the call. The AD was an hour away, and I couldn’t get there fast enough! I wore it exclusively for two years, and then I moved on to some other watches in my collection that are a little fancier. I got it all cleaned up, and got the little scratches out of the bezel, and parked it with the idea that I might give it to my son one day. It is in pristine condition. In the past week, I started wearing it again with a newfound appreciation for its simplicity and beauty. There is something indescribable about this steel beauty. I believe it to be its proportions (which are absolutely perfect), which makes this otherwise plain watch, a stunning timepiece. And the fact that it flies under the radar. When you know, you know. And I absolutely love that! One final unrelated thought. I feel no guilt in not being able to actually wear all the watches in my collection - enough to justify having them. Some are sentimental having been passed down by relatives, or given to me by my wife. They are not going anywhere even though they will never be worn. I prefer to rationalize my collection by viewing them as little works of art, that I occasionally pull out and admire. :)

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Love that. All of it. Thanks for sharing… 🙏

[@joecarlson5418]

Sounds oh so familiar. Thrill of chase. I too went after the Exp 1, and eventually moved it to get a sub…. A year later still love the sub…. For me the perfect daily watch

[@tiffer67]

I'm not a Rolex fan, never have been in the 30+ years that watches have become a passion in my life. Back in the late 80s, early 90s the Datejust with the Jubilee strap was the go to watch for those that could afford one. The more gold in the watch the better. I always found it too gaudy & a bit crass. Although I developed a disdain for the brand then there has always been 2 models that I really like. The Oyster Perpetual, stainless steel, silver dial & the Explorer, stainless steel, black dial are the 2 that I have bought & now love. It's their understated look that I really enjoy, both watches mimic me & my character.

[@peterjurik5030]

I am impressed by your scripts. Very well written and great delivery. Feels like you must be in the arts / performance biz, but if not, then doubly well done!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you

[@stefanivan7930]

You can be an enthusiast and enjoy the thrill of the chase at the same time! You should be happy you can afford to do so. I got an SD this year a few years early from my 40th where I was supposed to actually purchase it. However this will most probably be the only time peace of this caliber I get. I would definitely like to get others however those are far far away dreams! 🤔 Enjoy the chase and keep the videos coming!!!

[@hermles]

I have the T-Rex and was thinking of replacing it for the New one of 36mm, but finally decided to keep it.

[@anthonylake7581]

I don't imagine many will agree with me, but I think the Explorer is the best watch Rolex make. It's the simplicity of it that makes it so good.

[@yannlepantrec]

Good ideas here, I really have the same feelings in regards to collecting and have the 214270 for which I did pay a bit over retail to get it pre-owned. I do believe the chase is a good part of the pleasure. I have a core collection of around 10 popular luxury brand pieces that I wear more out of guilt of not giving them wrist time after what I spent on them. However I still try to wear and enjoy my mid tier and entry level watches and still indulge in a Chinese homage or microbrand every now and again. I like your thinking and videos. Regards from Ireland!

[@Milofchg]

I totally understand your approach to collecting. I am like you in regards to my collection. However, I started collecting one and done pieces. A Speedmaster Pro, a wearable Submariner 5513, a Explorer 14270 (which I sold for a new 2021 124270), a IWC Pilot Mark XV (my first luxury watch back in the 90’s), and a Reverso small seconds large monoface. It took me 25-30 years and so many different watches to get to this point. My collection is at a place where any of my pieces are versatile, all strap monsters, and stealth luxury. I can wear most of my watches anywhere any occasion, but I wear my Explorer 36mm 2021 95% of the since I got the call to buy summer 2021. In a way this has made me stop buying. I’m content with what I have. Now my next phase of collecting is saving for my grails which is a long term goal and a difficult first world decision to make. I’m looking into a Patek or JLC Perpetual calendar. Or a JLC or Patek Calatrava small seconds.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thanks for sharing. You have a lovely collection. In a way, I think I might increasingly be in a similar place to you, because I have certainly slowed down as far as purchasing watches is concerned and am more content with the watches I have - but perhaps that’s just until the next new release catches my eye ! The word ‘grail’ tends to accompany a significant price tag and yes, that requires a more serious conversation with oneself…

[@alanledzep1967]

Excellent post, as usual. It’s an interesting philosophical question that you pose; When you obtain something that you’ve been wanting, or searching for, why does the bloom fade so quickly?

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

What’s your take on it ?

[@alanledzep1967]

@@watchenthusiastlondon I’m not entirely sure…. People speak of the hunt being better than the catch, and that might be true. I collect vintage fragrances, and I recently purchased something I’ve been looking for for many years. I was less happy receiving it than I was finding it, if that makes sense.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

@@alanledzep1967 yep, makes perfect sense.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

❤I’ve been lusting over a Silver dial smooth bezel 36mm dateJust on an oyster bracelet. ❤ 😊😊😊😊 Excellent video, thank you and yes my feelings are as yours.

[@ashleygold6155]

I love my one watch collection: my lovely Glashütte Original SeaQ Panoramadate (stainless steel/blue) What do you think of Glashütte Original? P.S.: You are kinda right, my dear watch enthusiast, the hunt is always more exciting than the kill…

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I haven’t ever had a chance to see a Glashutte Original before… but I will look out for one from hereon. What’s your take on it ?

[@ashleygold6155]

@@watchenthusiastlondon It is truly incredible. Mine is super precise, +0,5s/day and it feels very sturdy. It has this rugged handsomeness to it, but with a flashy touch, which makes it a very good allrounder in my opinion. The highly decorated movement with a lot of jewels has a power reserve of a 100 hours, is regulated to 6 positions and is antimagnetic. I absolutely adore it, and bought quite a few straps for it, because the watch is the definition of a strap monster. Glashütte Original even has its own dial manufacture in Pforzheim, Germany. So even the dial is inhouse. Only a handful of manufactures in the world do that these days. The overall quality (movement, case, strap, dial) is on a level with Blancpain, but it is produced to 95% in Glashütte. That makes the Glashütte Original SeaQ Panoramadate the best dive watch under 15k in my opinion :) Thank you for your Videos. You are a true master of storytelling! All the best from Frankfurt, Germany

[@sskumariyer]

in my current watch collecting journey- i've managed to collect 4 timepieces; however, i'm finding out that i'm a 1 watch type of guy. it is my Datejust 36 that is always my default pick. i don't find the motivation to pick any of the others. with that Datejust on my wrist, all is right and well in the world. i think i like the thought of having a 'collection' more than rotating thru each and actually giving wrist time to all of them. to me the Datejust on jubilee = wristwatch bliss.

[@He11cth3r3]

All of these videos are perfect examples on why someone would want more than one watch

[@erich964]

Check out the Blancpain 50 fathoms. 45 mm and 42 mil. Best sports dive watch there is. High end movement wonderful history and they are 10K preowned. On a different level that you can wear every day.

[@neilbayley7539]

Wow great video I thought I was going mad with my watchs ⌚️ the rolex explorer is a watch I think about a lot no I haven't got one I just keep on dreaming ......thank you

[@witkidone]

You are a normal watch guy. We all do all these things over and over and over. You are a collector and also an enthusiast. Hype can’t last forever unless you constantly find new things to hype on. This is the way.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

I know, and almost bought one as my first. Just very nearly, but my lust for a Red/Black GMT Master won out. Five more Rolex plus others deep, and 16 years later this one I calling me again. The cries are real. I’m badly in the mood for something new, but his would be very redundant in my collection. Still, I can hear it singing out to me, and videos like this don’t help that. Thank you however, your content is like no other online. I rather like it.

[@perrycadue7615]

I'm in the same boat I wonder about watch winders and which clothes do with which watch which shoes which vehicle for the day but I don't have a watch Winder I heard that it was bad

[@curtisbrown7991]

Ok, I'll have to share this with my wife, maybe she will understand a little better. Well, to be honest, you made me understand myself a little better. Thanks.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I share all my videos with my wife; often, when I say things that might be construed as ‘super-geek’ she will say “oh no, really ?!” but then, it serves to help foster understanding, so… besides, I firmly believe that everyone should have a hobby that they’re embarrassed about. Welcome to mine 😉

[@rickatkins55]

Great story telling.

[@youtubecontentyoutubeconte6951]

Enjoyable channel. Four Lange’s but no Vacheron or JLC?

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I have a Reverso medium duo face small seconds 😍but no Vacheron… yet!

[@youtubecontentyoutubeconte6951]

Great choice. I think if possible everyone should add a Vacheron to a collection. I love the length of continuous history. Not only did they go through WW1, the Great Depression, WW2 and the quartz crisis but also, unlike Patek and AP, the Napoleonic wars in which the owners had to make brandy on the side to keep the watch business going.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

@@youtubecontentyoutubeconte6951 which is your favourite Vacheron Constantin watch and why ?

[@youtubecontentyoutubeconte6951]

@@watchenthusiastlondon It would be either the Historiques American 1921 or the 5300 Harmony chronograph. When Lange released the Datograph they sent a challenge to Patek who duly responded. I love that Vacheron threw their hat in the ring with the 5300. Hoodinkee has a great article on this. Both the American 1921 and the 5300 demonstrate the design philosophy of Vacheron in which if Lange is engineering prowess, Vacheron is pure theatre.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Really interesting to hear. Thank you for sharing.

[@garrisong]

I swap watches and pocket knives sometimes multiple times a day. I’ll even leave work and go home to change watches if I get that feeling of not feeling the watch I’m wearing.

[@garrisong]

Just swapped watches 😂

[@garrisong]

@@IDKline I’m an electrical engineer, sell on Amazon and eBay and mow lawns in the summer my work ethic is fine my problem is I’m greedy.

[@samnathan2709]

Funny that it’s kind of an online hobby for me too. Rarely speak to anyone in the real world about watches, unless I happen to be speaking to someone with a particularly nice one, mainly because no one that I know could care less about them! My “collection” consists of a black bay and a few g shocks, so can’t really be called one at all. But I do enjoy coveting a certain watch for a few weeks or months, thinking it’s the only one then moving on to something different without ever opening my wallet. It’s cheaper that way!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I too have a new appreciation for the type of “shopping” my wife does: where she doesn’t actually buy anything ! works really well for watches… 👍😀

[@andrewjames9963]

Pretty much the same. I have the decease ,spending hours researching a particular watch and can’t think of anything else

[@michaelbradley6488]

Truly one of my favorite watches, simple perfection.

[@fabienponchard2220]

I am lucky enough to own some great watches but I got to admit that the explorer is probably the most confortable watch and the lines are so sexy but i still try to wear all of them and appreciat my entire collection. My favorite is still the explorer

[@akcoop]

The Explorer is very basic, plain, and boring yet so damn gorgeous! Cant wait to get one

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

😂💯

[@Sandbag1300]

Your wrist time will gravitate to the best made watch you own that is easy to read and use.

[@seanparks1629]

This is a great video. It is quite cathartic for me to know that there are others out there in the world that do the same things as I do. I need to show it to my wife because, as Americans, we always find that Brits sound much smarter 😅. She finds things I do, such as changing watches during the day, to be quite odd.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Completely agree - it is indeed good to know we are not alone ! 🤗

[@MIZRAIM1906]

How long was the wait for your explorer from the day you got on the list till the day you purchased?

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Can’t recall precisely, but it was the best part of a year…

[@VMIyanks04]

Thank you for sharing. I’m having the exact same thoughts. I’ve wanted the Moonwatch for years and now that I actually have it, I want the Explorer. My dilemma is that because I have a milestone moment coming next year, I really think that may be the only opportunity in my life to purchase a new Rolex given the used market (I have time to wait for it to be available at the retail price). I can’t afford both watches so I’d have to trade/sell the Moonwatch. Im hopeful that I could buy a used Moonwatch later which is much cheaper than a used Explorer. Any advice you’d have would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I’m afraid I can’t provide an answer. Not a good one anyway. Only you can really answer this question. I always try to listen to and go with my gut feeling. Whenever I’ve ignored it, I have regretted it. Good luck 👍

[@VMIyanks04]

@@watchenthusiastlondon That’s great advice! Thank you!

[@structurescience]

That was fantastic!

[@markgiles8527]

I’ve contacted two ADs through the Internet and have received emails stating that there wasn’t any in stock. Not sure if they would have put me on any waiting list. Can purchase one on the grey market a few thousand over retail. Funny business but I guess this is part of the Rolex plan.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

🤷‍♂️

[@DavidWilliams-zn2nc]

In my experience, you have to physically introduce yourself, then go through the bullshit game. If you’re lucky, you’ll use an AD you can trust ( they are few & far between), & they will put you on “the list”, for which you could quite literally be waiting for years! I now only use one AD, which I have a very good relationship with, and have purchased two Rolex’s and other brands over the last 3 years. Haven’t heard from the other independent AD’s which I registered with some 3 years ago! Choose your dealer well !!!!

[@h.l6344]

Great video 👍 .. The Rolex 214270 mark 2 is also my very first luxury watch, and I absolutely love it. I will never sell it as it's the perfect timepiece for any occasion 👌 There's not much to say, but we all go on our own journey of collecting watches in end you go back to the Explorer as a one piece collection can just sell all the other watches and be happy with the Explorer 🤣 ... I am trying to sell my BB58 navy 😩

[@pamjeankay5681]

I own an explorer 39 ,but I wear I my Steinhart ocean one most the time,why? I don’t really know! I own 27 great watches,crazy,& yet I mostly wear my Steinhart!!! Can’t explain it!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Is it the same reason why people aspire to have a sitting room “for best”? which seldom gets used ?

[@DecemberNames]

I absolutely loved this video! The positive vibes were contagious, and I found myself smiling and feeling inspired throughout the entire thing. The editing was fantastic, and the message was so uplifting. It's the perfect pick-me-up for anyone who needs a little boost of positivity in their day. Highly recommend! 'I outsourced this feedback to AI'

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Haha

[@garyd599]

This watch is a collection killer.

[@monwhooperinvasive8064]

Oh you... i missed the narration.

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

The only thing I know is that when I put on my Rolex Explorer it makes me happy, and I smile. 😊

[@structurescience]

Love this. It's exactly how I feel about my sub.

[@dwahab]

The 124270 is much better. It’s the legit Explorer.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

That’s the ever ongoing 36mm v 39mm discourse… but personally, I prefer the larger 39mm

[@jameslin12171]

39 👍

[@smokeybear69]

39mm is the perfect size for my wrist.

[@Youy0u3010]

39 is the one!

[@thomasmygind2971]

I'm the lucky owner of the 39 AND the new 36...and can, after a lot pondering and testing, honestly conclude that they are BOTH THE VERY BEST OF THE TWO❤️‍🔥

[@ytaky]

Never owned a Rolex, probably never will. But i'm happy with my two dress, one diver. Beautiful Collection you have! The Explorer's take the Crown..

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you. Rolex is so good it’s almost boring…

[@PhilippWolfbeisz-hx6tq]

Dear watch enthusiast, if you look at a lot of food or food related content (cooking shows on TV etc.), you get hungry. Probably it's the same with watches: Because your are interested in watches yoou look at a lot of watch related content (videos, reviews, images and so). Then you see a watch which you like and focus on it and in the end make a purchase (giving you lots of dopamine, aka a honeymoon period). And the cycle repeats. I tried to put my hobby to another level by purchasing a DIY watch building kit and assembled the watch. Equipped with a Seiko caliber it's not high horology but something I am proud of. Something I tell myself is to tell myself: "You have got a lot of watches, surely you have got every watch you will ever need and have reached your goal. Why buy any more?"

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Well, that’s the best bit of watch psychology I’ve heard ! I think you have a point. And you might be right. I just bought a Casio yesterday, because I thought it would be fun to have and use… and also, as I joked with my sons, to abate my wish to buy other much more costly watches instead. Ditto with the more pricey Christopher Ward ‘The Twelve’ which I have on order. It’s a work in progress and a bit of an experiment. Will percolate on it and see what happens next… ps I still really really want an FP Journe !

[@PhilippWolfbeisz-hx6tq]

Keep in mind what's really important in life: your wife, your sons, your home and your friends among other things! I believe it's important to be happy with what you've got. Nonetheless there is nothing wrong with wanting an F.P. Journe, but that doesn't mean you need to get it now. I know it is kind of an itch; why not take a look at your collection and "rediscover" the watches you've already got. Being happing is about looking closely (what you've got). Keep up the great work! @@watchenthusiastlondon

[@anthonyperry3699]

The struggle is real.

[@Island606]

The only problem with the Explorer is the fact that it makes the rest of your collection completely redundant.

[@jongoodman7563]

If the same can’t be said for Lange, then that’s your answer. It’s a dinner plate.

[@vincentbull]

I was looking for a job, then I found a job......... We've all been there 🎸⌚️

[@jayphive2468]

Scarcity breeds obsession

[@revoltoff]

Thid video states everything that is wrong and why some Rolex models have seen a drop of 30%, the grey/black whatever you want to call it market actually sells many models under retail. In the end only the true masterpieces will have value, all these sort of mass produced ''boring'' watches with 0 intrinsic value will go down the drain revealing their true value. #myopinion.

[@puccini4530]

Correct. The Rolex craze is somewhat akin to tulip mania in 17th Cent. Holland. It's about perceived social approval. The watches are excellent, but hugely overpriced for what they are. They are mass-produced to a high standard, but they are not high horology, so their value is mostly in their perceived status. Interestingly, the value of that perception only goes so far, because real 'players' consider Rolex to be very ordinary. They are (say) the BMW of the watch world; and as you see on the streets, when the office junior rolls up in his used but well-polished BMW 3 series, the boss heads off to the Audi dealership. That office junior can finance himself into a 3 series, but he can't get into his boss's Country Club, and his well-heeled boss can't buy himself into the best London clubs or open an accounts at Hoare's bank. Those who can generally fly well below the radar. People want what they can't have. When buyers or sellers talk about 'investment value' they are deluding themselves. Unless bought at scale quantity, the amounts of money involved are insignificant. Such profits are are subject to inflation, although provided fashion or 'the bubble' don't work against hoarding, they are probably better than cash in the bank. But pendulums do swing; who could have imagined that superb English brown furniture would drop to 20% of its previous value, or that long cased clocks would drop by 50%? Rolex make about a million watches each year. Their place in the market is driven between the ears of impressionable wannabes, and marketing experts. They are very good, mass-produced products, but their exclusivity is a long way short of the finest watch making. Rolex won't mind that at all, because the brilliance of their proposition is that it a goal that so many aspirants CAN achieve. And they are doing their highly profitable business at scale - SO clever.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

You make very good points. And social media will only continue to enhance the perceived value of watches like Rolex…

[@revoltoff]

@@watchenthusiastlondon Don't think so, the turning point is here IMO I would sell unless you truly love the watch, once watches go out of style again (for the mainstream) like they did in 1990-2005 or so, the watch values will fall down hard again, all supply and demand, You can get this watch a 39 explorer for around 7k euros now on the grey market. A couple months ago it was 9k+ so 2k drop in a couple months and it drops every single day. There is no intrinsic value, not even gold or silver, the movement costs at most 500 bucks to manufacture and the case and band around the same, the real value of the watch including overhead is around 2000 and that's also the bottom price. You a. lange costs x10 that to make and everything including overhead, it won't drop as much.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I don’t disagree with the points you’re making. However, I personally don’t really regard my watches as investments, per se so I’m less concerned about value dropping. I just love them. The flip side is that I do absolutely tell myself that if, one day, my sons who inherit these timepieces decide to sell them because they want the money, then I do want to believe that they will retain some level of value, ideally what I paid for them. I suppose it’s also true to say, from my perspective, that I’m far less inclined to buy a watch that will immediately depreciate in value and not recover, the moment I leave the boutique. Actually, I would go so far as to say that if I believed the value would drop straightaway following purchase, I would limit the spend on the watch to a few hundred pounds only. Does that stance make me a watch investor ? I think not. But it’s a consideration that I pay heed to..

[@revoltoff]

@@watchenthusiastlondon Imo you are not an investor but you are not a true enthusiast either, a true enthusiast does not care if he buys something and he completely consumes it and the value goes to 0. If your rolex would be worth 0 tomorrow, would you still like it as much? For 90% who of the people who own them the answer is a definite no. The issue is that unlike even something like a fast car, you got nothing intrinsic on it, a fast car at least can well... go fast... and maybe the seats massage you or whatever, watches don't posses the same quality of intrinsic value because really wearing any 100 euro watch if the rolex would be that same 100 euro today regardless of what one paid for it, that's jus profit for the maker and seller, then it would most likely not provide the same hapiness or extra utility for again, 90% of people. Even art that is a one off is better in this way because well, it's a 1 of 1. This is why in the future most likely the only watches that will truly hold value are very limited ones and 1 of 1's.

[@alexgreen8179]

We are all the same 😂

[@galatians22122]

You got scammed, you paid way too much for a name A NAME! Grand Seiko makes Rolex look like Timex

[@rcromehobbies9242]

Maybe a Different Perspective. Buy a Casio G-Shock and tell us what do you feel. Hearing you speak is like reading a book.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I have a CasiOak… love it !

[@Dr_LK]

You have a Lange and your wife wouldn’t let you spend 1000 over retail? Should be peanuts for you...😅

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

It’s really not about the money, per se… and it doesn’t matter how wealthy you are - aren’t there moments where you can afford to do something but you know you’re paying over the odds if you do ? There are likely to be circumstances like that for many people. And in those circumstances, do you still make the purchase, regardless ?

[@austinzizzi1142]

I’d be tempted to brush the bezel

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Nooooooooo

[@edelmar17]

Time would take care of that naturally.

[@_sr]

Yeah.. I don’t prefer 39 and 40 explorers. Design is not loyal to the original 53 explorers which are 36 mm. The og size. For me the explorer will allways be 36. But still, it is an explorer👍🏻

[@zogzog1063]

A Rolex is an embarrassment. It is inaccurate (it is a timepiece right?), behind even the most basic quartz watch. But the thing that gets me the most is the overdone dial script. Nobody needs a haiku on the dial. But worse is the script itself. First up is the word 'chronometer': This implies accuracy. It is not accurate. But In particular is the word 'superlative'. Again inaccurate, but this is egregious because of the self-aggrandizement.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I can only assume you’ve had a bad experience. Sorry to hear. Mine keeps pretty good time, actually…

[@Warringkoo]

Easy answer. You're a shopaholic

[@rgraham-ncal]

Had one for 20 years. Ugliest watch I ever had, and no real redeeming factor. Just boring... If I hadn't inherited it from my dad I wouldn't have worn it at all

[@redazi1]

And size 39 is small

[@redazi1]

All watchs meant to tell time so why so many if one can do it all

[@redazi1]

You paid over 10000 and now you cane have Them for way less . Very good investment.for collection you go with sport models

[@redazi1]

Too expensive for a watch with no date

[@redazi1]

Worst collection ever ,sell all that garbage and get you to sports Rolex models and forget about watches