SAS Rolex Explorer II + the history of the Explorer. This Week's Watch - | TheWatchGuys.tv

[@HoperehabcenterthailandAsia]

big respect to the SAS and their bravery on behalf of the free world, I have been fortunate to have had contact with some members myself

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Big respect - always

[@BatCountryAdventures]

Wow! Great episode! I am currently wearing the 226570 Polar dial. Love the GMT function for my travels, how robust it is and how not a lot of people picks it out as a Rolex (especially since I usually have it on MN Straps). Now knowing the SAS chose this model as the commemorative piece for their members really adds to prestige of this line of watches.

[@jamesfillers7308]

American here but the sas is and always be 1 of the best

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

💪🏻

[@williamxchau]

Awesome watch, coolest thing ever. This isn’t just one of those Brietling watches or IWC watches that has the Top Gun etc insignia on it, this is something else, this watch could only be bought and was owned first hand by a proper SAS member. Cool AF is all I can say.

[@lewisatkinson7277]

What an episode! Absolutely loved it. Along with watches I also have a long-standing interest/love for special operations units, and in particular, the SAS, SBS and US SOF. Apart from being a stunning watch for me the provenance is the big winner here. What a story this must-have as those who know - know that the 22 regiment, shall we say, don't hang about. It is most certainly in a good home Damien 👍 ♠️♠️ Long may you have! Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Lewis - glad you enjoyed the episode my friend

[@stretching207]

Great video and fascinating story. Excellent to see the Explorer history and all its models summarised. Thanks!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chuksamadi6016]

Hi damian I really like the history about the rolex explorer 2 sas that's a really cool watch and I know you didn't want to give to much detail with the reference number at the back and I respect that buddy. 👍

[@VersedNJ]

Oddly I have an Omega Speedmaster Sandwich wish they used Tritium tubes. Planning in getting an Explorer II sometime this summer, Oddly I admitted to my hospital for a hip replacement, I wore my. Ball, do to the Tritium. Allows easy of seeing the time at night. I really like your review and history of the Explorer II, and all the respect to those SAS member. I was in the USAF 1977-80.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you're watching, Mike, & that you enjoyed the vid

[@eglantinefrancoisg.9243]

Great content as usual and this time your audience could deeply feel the emotional aspect of this purchase/piece. Fantastic story, please keep them coming!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks

[@martinboulden3540]

Another great Sunday video.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, mate

[@ozeskiman]

Great story Damien. Respect. A word we don't hear enough of these days. Classy watch. But i love the watch of the day..orange and blue..a real mans watch. 😅

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, Tony

[@LJScott1974]

Never been a watch fan (but love your car channel) but that fascinating. As a kid who obsessed over Bravo Two Zero I wonder what Andy McNab’s or Chris Ryan’s watches would fetch? 🤔

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chuksamadi6016]

Damian I really like your channel I give it a 10 out of 10 because you talk a lot more history about the brands and the story behind it nice one mate. 👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, Chuks

[@chuksamadi6016]

Your welcome mate.

[@nikhilmathur6042]

Very cool episode. I am usually not a huge fan of the explorer 2 but with the story and the significance behind this watch I would love to own it. What a pleasure to see I never knew Rolex still did watches like this

[@angeloferrer398]

Pure Awesomeness

[@edwardfrench945]

Really enjoyed this upload Damien and loved your respect for the SAS. Who Dares Wins. 👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it, Ed

[@cliffjames9275]

One word, respect. Thank you... 👋👋👋

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍

[@Nightfallingofthesky]

Both the watch & story behind it was amazing. Such a inspiration. Keep up the good work 👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, v kind words

[@davidnimmo9933]

Very interesting about SAS watch and the history of Rolex and the Military.I am amazed that you have only been collecting a couple of years and you have a vast knowledge on watches all ready and a fantastic collection.I find the SAS such a interesting regiment and always like to watch documentaries about them, there skills and how they get a job done the quickest way and it does not matter how hard the task will be amazing.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

I feel the same, David - I've always enjoyed watching docs about the SAS

[@Tone_Jammer]

Great episode 👍 watchfinder had one of the helicopter regiment explorer 2s recently.... Don't know if they still have it...

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you liked it

[@albertmyers7176]

You snapped up that rubber strap good vid thanks

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Oh yes

[@MagneMikkelsen]

Fantastic video! I’m only 3 minutes in, but had to stop and comment how good this is! Cheers

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers

[@bigcus8176]

Really enjoyed the episode Damian. I’ve always been interested in war history and also enjoy military style/type watches. The ones I have indulged in are Bell & Ross watches. Nothing like this with active service, although I do hope to add a Rolex to the collection in the future.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it, Big Cus

[@josecorreia9099]

Thank you for sharing this unique watch and its history

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

You’re more than welcome

[@thesportingprofessor3011]

Your respect for this piece is really inspiring. Wonderful video!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thank you

[@simonredfearn371]

That is lovely, and great review. Keep it up...

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@aohare]

I want one!

[@mowilliams1511]

This is the one I’ve been waiting for! Great video Damien 👍🏻😊

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad to oblige

[@FrostedSeagull]

Really cool ! We too, here in the land of Oz (Australia) have the SAS. 👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Awesome

[@andrewholt3849]

Very well researched. This is my favourite Rolex. I'm afraid I'd want it without the engravings. You wouldn't be very incognito in Northern Ireland or whereever undercover with a garishly applied motto on the side and the back heavily engraved. Apparently Steve McQueen only wore 5512/ 5513 Role Submariners. It was an Olympic skier of the same era who wore the 1655 1971

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks, Andrew, very interesting

[@t2rew]

I was under the impression that Steve McQueens wife bought him that version of explorer 2 as a gift. He loved it, wore it and that's how the association was made.

[@remarkable99]

Great video, Damian... and what a fantastic watch!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers

[@pappasmurf64]

Really good review. Love the Rolex Explorer and the SAS edition just makes it very special.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

👍👍

[@squanchy9755]

That watch is so cool. I just purchased the Tudor RASP.

[@oliver1965]

Hi Damian. Really like your video. Especially your attitude + passion re those special kind of watches. I own the ExII 216570 (regular) since 1+ yr. It was my 1rst Rolex and love that one. Every day beater/robust. That started me investigate in watches and so I now also own a Pam161 from 2008. get going with your vids +what about Panerai military?

[@boombringer4078]

awesome!!

[@davidcrane7603]

Great video, great unit, and great watch. It’s interesting that the SAS chose the Explorer II overall other Rolex sports models, including the Submariner and GMT-Master II. It would be nice to know the story of how that model choice was made.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks, David. I believe you can also get a Submariner version

[@davidcrane7603]

@@TheWatchGuysTV Interesting. I haven't seen a modern SAS Submariner. I thought the last SAS Sub was the 5517 Mil-Sub.

[@WigsLtd]

Great story and history

[@Stigs722]

Never knew about this version of the explorer. Very cool indeed !!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

👍

[@raymondrichards2541]

Just watched, respect Damian

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

👍

[@mattfoss1652]

Fuck that was a cool and informative video. I never knew Rolex did special engravings for military personnel within their own factory. I have always thought of the Explorer II as the ultimate tool/military watch. You’ll never see it in precious metal. Thanks for sharing and were it in good health.🤙

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it, Matt

[@grizzlejerry2808]

Great watch, great video and great channel. Would love to watch an episode about some "cheap" Rolex watches❤👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, Jerry

[@robertstone7271]

Beautiful Damian

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks, Rob

[@ianc8357]

Good video but it wasn’t a issued watch it was available to buy if you were in the regiment

[@michaelbishop9157]

Love the case back bit question the engraving on the side just because I'm curious whether an ex service man would wear a watch with the motto featured so prominently and publicly

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

I guess they do

[@sambirtwistle]

in canada, no rolex sports watch can be had at your local AD, unless you have great timing or have a relationship.

[@scal2712]

Well said, great video and I would happily shake your hand if we meet! I'll show you one of my watches that I think you would be interested in seeing.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scal2712]

@@TheWatchGuysTV My unit is in the final stages of getting custom Tudors commissioned and I cannot wait!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

@@scal2712 Fantastic - I'd love to hear about those when they are delivered

[@scal2712]

@@TheCarGuysTV A month and counting.......

[@christianfloehr]

Thank you again for sharing this. I always learn something and the more I know, the more I want these watches! Can you tell something about the values of these rarer models? Thanks!!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks, Christian. I think you’re looking at £30-40k depending on the model

[@christianfloehr]

TheWatchGuys So what would you guys buy for let’s say max 30-50k€. A vintage Rolex? Submariner? Daytona? Or a Snoopy? Thinking about as an investment as well as a watch to wear on Sundays...

[@tomwreford6624]

Nice! Didn’t even know these were a thing!

[@Smitlors]

Lovely watch great episode Damien ex military myself.. never got offered a Rolex though 😂 not a real one anyway!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you liked it, Jim

[@Smitlors]

@@TheCarGuysTV I also agree the SAS are the coolest unit in the world!

[@OilBaron]

Norgay wore an oyster perpetual. Explorer came after the expedition

[@luoxindi5933]

Amazing piece!!

[@craigrobertson7938]

A great era for UK. A prime minister who didn’t negotiate and the sas backing her up.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

The best

[@craigrobertson7938]

How we could do with BaronessThatcher now. The era under Churchill was pretty special although well before my time.

[@Richspjones]

Very interesting and a fascinating watch. Couple of questions; did yours see active service and what style NATO strap did the SAS members use? I’ve had my Polar since 2011 and love it

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

It most definitely didn’t see active service, as an SAS serviceman wouldn’t wear anything with identifying markings on it. I’m afraid I’m not sure what style of NATO was on it

[@Richspjones]

@@TheWatchGuysTV Yes, not for active service, I should have worked that out; the quote "Don't tell them your name, Pike" springs to mind! Orange and grey stripe on a black NATO would look pretty good.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Sure would

[@zer0875]

Are you aiming to find and purchase 56mm IWC big pilot worn by Lufftwaffe pilots during ww2?

[@TheCarGuysTV]

I've had a look, but not gone for one

[@adjat4810]

😅 Unboxovision. Keep up the great videos!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Thanks! Will do!

[@1993Turbo36]

Loved the story so much I bought my own 216570, albeit the Black Dial. You are a danger to my wallet.

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Sorry :)

[@jonathanland2218]

It would be the Special Ground Service without the Royal Air Force! Who Cares Who Wins!

[@jamiemorris5177]

Do you guys use watch winders or just manually wind just when you use them Always get a lot of conflicting use them don’t use them

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

You should only really use a winder if you’ve got a few self-winding watches that you want to rotate wearing semi regularly . Otherwise you’re just wearing parts unnecessarily

[@jamiemorris5177]

TheWatchGuys Thanks

[@Nasoelegans]

in it self, a fairly unremarkable watch. You can pick them up quite easily at your local dealer." What????

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Explorers are not that hard to obtain.

[@seanwright2340]

That watch should go to the family of that member....shame that it is out in the market!

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

The soldier has already sold it for their familiy’s benefit

[@watchcertificate]

Nice video ! But have seen this one ? @

[@watchcertificate]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nF6uZ2aHaNamr5Y

[@platypushatstand]

My favourite Rolex and definitively your best video so far and provenance is everything. I am also from the same generation as you and have a deep respect for UK Special Forces having read a lot of books about the history of the SAS. This weblink: www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=327534 details the Rolex Submariner’s issued to ‘COMEX’ commercial divers and one of the diver’s military history as a C.O.D. diver for the Royal Navy, prior to joining COMEX.

[@eglantinefrancoisg.9243]

Great content as usual and this time your audience could deeply feel the emotional aspect of this purchase/piece. Fantastic story, please keep them coming!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheWatchGuysTV]

Cheers, dude - glad you enjoyed it. I had great fun making this one

[@eglantinefrancoisg.9243]

I guess you’ll also have great fun wearing this incredible piece! Enjoy mate! 🥂