Rolex Explorer 1 (I124270 ) dilemma and advice required

Ok so lets say you get offered one today , what exactly are your concerns ? as I am not sure from reading your post really what they are.

How are you gonna use the watch, EDC ? Special occasions ?

I want this for my every day watch, not going to baby it within reason. I guess my main issue is that it a lot of money for what is essentially a time only watch…

Not really in a position to give advice, but the 124270 is my grail watch - not sure I’ll be done after I get that, but it’s certainly a big one I’m saving for. In the meantime, I’m enjoying my Seiko Sarb 033 and recently acquired Seiko Speedtimer. I wouldn’t worry too much about the 19mm because the truth is you probably won’t be swooping it out too often as the bracelet is awesome (to me)!

If you really got the itch, my advice is save the money and research the shit out of it so you know what to do.

We're watch enthusiasts. Sanity was three stops back in the road of life, bruh.

You are absolutely right, this is an insane hobby.

If homage watches won't "scratch the itch", and other GADA styled brands don't cut it, then why is price a concern? According to your post, it's the only watch that works. Don't financially hurt yourself. As I tell my wife, if you can afford it then do it.

I am the same spoke to the AD I have used for a number of years etc. I had an explorer, and sold it in 2002. But it has always left an itch. Never liked the 2. So I am thinking about scratching the 20 year itch… but was it an itch or just long term annoyance that I sold it. So to see if I still genuinely wanted the watch I spent a couple of hundred pounds on a 36mm San Martin Top Hat Crystal Explore Watch SN021-G-B. 🤯🤯🤯 Genuinely I won’t be buying the 124270, this SM has blown my mind. Quality, finishing, aesthetic it’s all there for a couple of hundred. It’s even making me reevaluate the luxury watch world it is that good.

Don't tell me, you actually bought one.

if its only money issue, thats rly up to you. Cant force you to buy if you would end up in shambles financially.

As a watch, imo its completely worth. Wears comfortably and truly is a GADA.

Also what I see as an alternative is SBGX261 (HAQ) for 1/3 of the price.

I echo our mad Polish friend's comments, above. If you're really sure this is 'the one' then all that really matters is if you feel comfortable putting the money down. Related, one of my grails for a long time was the Tudor Heritage Ranger (I actually liked that it was 41mm), and when a full-set in perfect condition became available here in Australia at $3000 (or USD$2100), I had to look at the finances; it was doable; so I did it.

I recognise the Explorer is magnitudes higher again in price, but it's the same principle. Can you absorb the cost right away, or perhaps over 2-3 months? If so, fire away. But if it's going to cause hardship, or take the best part of a year to absorb the cost, now's not the time, no matter how much you like the watch.

And if now's not the time, definitely don't go downmarket just to scratch the itch!!!

My advice? Go ahead and get it when you can, it’s a great one watch collection. You also point out the alternatives won’t scratch the itch, and that’s true as well. You’re only real concern seems to be the money. To that I would point out there’s no real reason this watch won’t last you the rest of your life, assuming you don’t decide you don’t like it. If you look at it as a lifetime purchase, it’s really not that expensive.

Yes it is a lot of money but IMHO if you are thinking that way it is possible that it could ruin the enjoyment of wearing it as you intend.

That being said I am sure you will have other watches that you can rotate in.

If you want it, get it. I did that for a Moonwatch because I could afford it, it’s my favorite watch of all time, and knew that it would be my only luxury watch ever (maybe!).

But I understand your apprehension about throwing down so much money on a time bracelet. Many homage brands are so great now that my itch for a Rolex Air King, Sub, or OP have nearly vanished. I love mine (Pagani Design PD-1692 Air-King homage, San Martin MILSUB homage) and wear them everywhere without worry of scratches, theft, or loss. Maybe give a quality Explorer homage a try. You’d only be out a couple hundred bucks max.

Having had the BB36 ( three times over..... 🙄) and since a year back owning the 124270 I would go for the latter hands down.

I think the question that you should ask yourself is if you would be happy with a substitute for the Explorer? If you feel that financially it doesn't make sense now, wait and save. Usually gettings a substitute only gets more expensive in the end. And by saving a little more usually it also adds to the sweetness once you do pull the trigger. 😉

I have been using it almost exclusively in the last year and feel that it is working with anything from around the house to the office to travels.

As a Rolex it is the most discrete and still extremely capable. But only you can decide.

Some say it is a collection killer

Has it become ‘one watch to rule them all’ or is that too much to ask for

The Explorer can fill the role of almost every watch in my watchbox, but I enjoy the variety too much to get rid of the rest at this point.

That does tend to happen, but enjoy the Explorer first. It may end being the one that rounds off your collection.

SM changed how I viewed Chinese watches

39mm Explorer owner here. If you want it and can afford it, go for it. Fit/finish/accuracy spot on and bracelet perfect. You will love it

a rolex will always hold its value. If thats the watch you like, its not a bad purchase at all and if you can afford it, then its not too expensive. It’s like putting money in the savings account. You can always put your nice watches on a very inexpensive homeowners rider, and be covered for any loss, theft, or damage. Wear and enjoy it with no worries.

You can’t go wrong with a Rolex. If you decide you don’t like it, you can sell it and maybe buy two lesser priced options?

I’d take it if you do get offered one from AD, wear it for 1 month straight even if you are still having doubts about its size. After a month put it away and see how soon you go back to it. If you don’t care for it anymore then sell it, you will very likely get whatever you put into it back at current market. 6 months down the road you still be very close to getting your money back, now… if you have it for 6 month, you likely would never sell it. It’s one that you never knew you will miss until you put it away. I have 6.5” wrist

There is no substitute to the explorer I, if you don't buy it the iych is never gonna go. But once you acquire it a new watch will be your goal/itch. It is a never ending story, sorry to bring you bad news but it is always like that.

One watch only works if you’re aren’t a watch enthusiast, before I got into this rabbit hole I hade a watch for 10 years and didn’t bat an eyelid at another watch.

Hey Ibrahim. My AD called me the other day to say he had a124279 for me after only a couple of months !. I was absolutely stunned. I just never thought it could arrive so quickly.I almost rang him to say get me an Omega AT instead😮. Sorry that ref number should be 124270. Cheers Bob.

I have pretty much given up on my ADs, they don’t seem to even respond to messages and I can’t be bothered to go in store and suck up. Any I am really happy that you got the call and enjoy in good health and do a mini review if you have the time after few days. I am also seriously considering Omega AT now.

Yep.AD's have too much power in that regard but we all know that Rolex in particular, dole out their wares as if it were the finest caviar,one egg at a time!.😕.

Go for it. No regrets! Have had mine for a year and it is the perfect grab n go. Can understand the theory behind homage. But in the end it won’t scratch the itch and you’ll either want the real thing or think that the real thing was really bad when in the end it was the homage that was bad. 🤷🏻‍♂️