Rolex Explorer 2 History and Hunt in Tokyo, Japan

[@mikemike-hl8cw]

Shouldn’t that last watch have a SEL bracelet???

[@watchsymposium]

Oh man, good eyes! Yes, you're right a Y Serial should definitely have the SEL bracelet. And, for the record, the viewer did get a Y serial with an SEL bracelet (which you can see in the last clip when he has it on the wrist in the street). Here's what happened: The watch in the footage (with the hollow end-link bracelet) was another one that we saw in Shinjuku, and I just mixed up the footage when I was editing it. The cases looked on par in terms of the polishing...so, maybe that's part of what confused me. Anyway, sorry for the confusion!

[@ahmeteren4561]

Dear Austin, I have been watching your videos from Italy for almost a year now. Thanks to your guidance, I became acquainted with the Nakano watch market. Last week I happened to visit Tokyo and made my way to Nakano and bought a Speedmaster sapphire sandwich and a white dial seamaster 300m diver from two different shops on the 3rd floor. I would have loved to meet you in person and get to know you but would have been on a very short notice due to my travel constraints. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you writing my two lines here and express my sincere appreciation on your efforts in putting down these videos. Grazie mille!

[@watchsymposium]

Thank you for the kind message, and thanks for watching my content! Congratulations on your new pieces - that's a great, and versatile, duo!

[@naughtynightlifeasia857]

Well said 👏

[@h.google]

Stunning watch and a great price Austin. You've given this viewer/client a memorable day. Well done. 👏🏼🇬🇧 👏🏼

[@vancouvertan7712]

Good to see a new video from the man Austin. We missed you bro!

[@周庠]

Dear Austin ~ I want to thank you for filming all these informative and entertaining videos. 2 years ago I followed your advice and got a random serial 14060M at Nakano; Today I got a V serial black dial 16570 with full box papers tags from Quark at Ginza, as a celebration for our wedding anniversary, and a celebration for the Chinese Valentines Day. The 16570 is especially special because my wife and I got together in 2009, and because she’s a flight attendant, the dual time zone function can really help me keep track of what time it is for her when she’s working. I just wanted to share this with you and thank you again for making all these great watch videos, wish you all the best ~~

[@watchsymposium]

What a nice message - thank you! I'm really glad to hear that my videos helped you. It sounds like you have a couple of really nice pieces!

[@tombyl2386]

Another happy viewer Austin! The 16710 you helped me buy is amazing and I love watching these videos of viewer watch hunting

[@eric106071]

I really liked this video. Thanks for putting the photos in the video too.

[@watchsymposium]

Glad you liked it, Eric!

[@macrocosmicorbit3982]

Great to have you back !

[@jdwxflyer]

Great watch, and I like the persistence you show in these videos. Why settle when the ‘perfect’ watch is out there if you’re willing to look a little harder. Thanks Austin!

[@BAF605]

Love to go watch shopping with Austin.

[@Schubeedoobee]

great to see a new video Austin...

[@FirstLast-bi1ve]

Loved the hunt

[@albertsylvester2981]

AWESOME JOB NICE WATCH GREAT VIDEO

[@coronetmag]

Great video, Austin! Thank you!

[@greatchalla3799]

Yup….Explorer 2, black dial with newer movement would definitely tick all the boxes for a great GMT watch.

[@thatguy6111]

Amen on the uncanny valley, my 16570 from 2000 is amazing for the money.

[@ryantan5963]

Oh snap, its a good one 🎉😊

[@masonjones3780]

Welcome to watch symposium! Post more often Austin. Can you do something on the prices on the secondary market dropping in the USA

[@jdwxflyer]

I just looked at some used Rolex at a store in Orlando and the asking prices were off the charts! I mean so incredibly high that they’re dreaming (or in market denial)

[@structurescience]

Excellent!

[@sdm107]

Rolex aside, this is the best configuration of Austin. Shaved, tidy haircut.

[@jakecasper3654]

Thanks for the video. Any uncanny valley for explorer 1s?

[@DarkstarDarth]

The Mercedes’ hour hand symbol is the deal killer for me.

[@ungabungus01]

Deal maker for most. It's a signature feature

[@skimPO8]

Thank you!

[@ashleydsouza9694]

Could you do a video on vintage pieces under 400k Yen?

[@waatuw6707]

Hi, I've been watching few of your videos and those are great help. Going to Fukuoka next month to take a look at some Explorer 2s. Anyways I noticed that jpy to use conversion doesn't match up shouldn't 1070000 jpy be about $7620? Even with 10% tax free it does't come to $6225? Did you manage to get some extra haggling or how does it work? Thanks and if there's any tips for Fukuoka much obliged! Thanks for the videos!

[@watchsymposium]

Thanks for watching! The exchange rate is always changing, so that might be what's going on with the figures you're getting.

[@dannyg6592]

He found a very nice watch at a very good price. Enjoyable episode!

[@bomberbolton]

Consumer grade, great expression

[@edgarvasquez8102]

Hey Austin, great videos… I’ll be there in November and I’ll be looking to buy my first luxury watch. I really like the Omega Speedmaster, Dark Side of the Moon… what shop do you recommend for Omega watches and what do you think I should pay? Thanks in advance and keep up the great content… you are one of my favorite channels. .

[@watchsymposium]

Thanks for watching Edgar! I always say, go for the piece, not the shop. That's because two shops can price the same watch differently by hundreds or even thousands.

[@briandejong3443]

Hoe much dollar would a Rolex explorer 2 be from the year 2024 (new) in Japan? Thank you. Me and my wife go end of August to Tokyo

[@mimikatz]

How much did you find them?

[@reedpeterson719]

I'm planning on going to Japan in 8 months. Where do I go to get a good deal on a Rolex polar explorer 2?

[@watchsymposium]

This might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5SZe39seq-Mh7c

[@stewartlogan9894]

Austin - How is value for Day Dates in Japan these days?

[@RAJohnson713]

Prices seem a little high? Is it because the influx of buyers bc of the weak yen?

[@bomberbolton]

I agree, I think prices are adjusted to exchange rates fairly quickly. Singapore looks cheaper than some of these right now.

[@RAJohnson713]

@@bomberbolton yeah think i could get the same deal in USA from private seller

[@oddpout]

Great video, thank you! I'm a fan of the black dialed 16570 more than the white dial as well. Also sad to hear that the 16710 is on the opposite end of the uncanny canal of value 😄

[@lindapham5563]

Can you do a video about a starter watcher on oyster Perpetual?

[@watchsymposium]

I really don't view the Oyster Perpetual as a "starter watch". It's just a time only watch without any complications, which naturally makes it less expensive than anything else.

[@HalewoodHammer]

Is there room for negotiation in Japan? Or is the price the price?

[@watchsymposium]

They almost never negotiate on price.

[@janbondoc]

Hi, Where in Shinjuku did you find the watch? Name of the area and store? Thanks!

[@watchsymposium]

The store was Best, and it's on the East side when you go out of the station.

[@MV-sy4id]

Looking to buy Yach master with blue arrow or Explorer 2 black dial. What is the price difference between those two?

[@michaelfierman3256]

total 👍🏻!

[@TheFeFactor]

This is very interesting. But the question remains how would you know if the watch is authentic or not especially when there are no boxes or papers and even with the whole package the super copies do exist?

[@watchsymposium]

I wouldn't put too much stock in box and papers, because they are even easier to fake than the watch parts. Basically, you make sure everything on the watch checks out. Everything. If there are no red flags, you're likely in good stead. Also, when it comes to the preceramic models, they aren't being cloned like the new ones, so are much easier to access.

[@paolo_eh1621]

Hi Austin, Great video, I am looking for same watch - explorer 2 ref. 16570 in white or black around 6,000 CHF. I will be in Tokyo from 21 November - 1 December 2024. Any suggestions are welcome.

[@watchsymposium]

This video will help you get around Nakano. But I'd seriously consider checking out Shinjuku too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5SZe39seq-Mh7c

[@Gortrules]

Hi Austin,not long now till MyJapan trip I’ve found one of the watches I’m looking for,It’s coming in at £8000 Sterling and is in a tax free shop.my question is will it be cheaper at purchase or like the USA do they add the tax on afterwords?

[@watchsymposium]

Tourists here don't have to pay the 10% sales tax. Just make sure you take your passport with you when you buy the watch.

[@Gortrules]

@@watchsymposium so if the watch is 8k I will only have to pay 7.2k? Thanks Flor your help.

[@watchsymposium]

Something like that, yes.

[@bilalabba]

Dear Austin. Great video! How do I reach you? Travelling to Tokyo soon, it would be great to meet & purchase an Omega Speedmaster Automatic Reduced. Cheers

[@watchsymposium]

Thank you! I'm more into Rolex, but you can find my contact information in the description of my videos.

[@anthonytjandradjaja12]

Hi austin great video. In your opinion, what is the second rolex watch we should buy after the GMT master 2?

[@watchsymposium]

I'd go for a Sub or a Sea Dweller, but a lot of people would say a Datejust would give the most versatility (and they would probably be right).

[@anthonytjandradjaja12]

@@watchsymposium i will choose sub if the choice only sub or sea dweller but if the choice is sub or datejust what will you choose mr austin?

[@BrandonBerglund1]

Hello! I am in Tokyo, I’ve been searching for a Rolex and am in my last week here. Would love to talk more about which direction I should go. How can we get connected?

[@watchsymposium]

My contact information is in the description of my videos, but you're likely gone by now.

[@uruchico]

How does one arrange to go watch hunting with you in Tokyo? I will be there end of September.

[@watchsymposium]

Reach out via email - my contact info is in the description of my videos.

[@oddpout]

NEVER CLICKED SO FAST

[@culturehorse]

If an ex;lorer 2 ..an old dog.. want one w a engraved hehaut at very least ..

[@keijiazum9282]

even japanese yen is tanking is still expensive to buy rolex in japan the cheapest to buy in asia is always hong kong

[@Andy-ys8sj]

Sorry but I'm not going to pay 7500us for a 30year old watch, with hollow endlinks and a stamped clasp, you have to be heavily into rolex to burn your money like that

[@saltywet]

I'd like to replace the jubilee bracelet on my late father's vintage 36mm datejust. Do you know if Nakano Broadway or anywhere else in Tokyo that would sell just a jubilee bracelet? Or do you have any watch repair shop recommendations?

[@watchsymposium]

Good Watch in Nakano Broadway might have a bracelet, but it'd be old and expensive. The plus, it would be period correct. But what I would do is take it to RSC (Rolex Service Center) and get a new bracelet through them. It won't be period correct, but it'll be brand new and very useable (and probably cheaper than what you would find at Good Watch).