Am I crazy for potential wanting to sell my Rolex....I don't think I am!

To be honest, nothing about that watch even came close to tempting me to get it.  To me, it's very uninteresting.   Sorry to those who love it. If you do, that's great.  That's what makes this hobby great.  Something for everyone.

So, I mean, I'd say you aren't crazy to want to move on...though, none of your reasoning is something I would concern myself with.

You have summed up why I wouldn't consider a Rolex. Have you considered a co-axial Omega? 

OP, your use case is precisely the same as my use case. I don’t ever want any muggle to ever recognize what I have on my wrist. Yet, every time I look down, I want to see the world’s most amazing finishing and diamond polishing. 

I owned a Rolex OP41 in silver, and sold it on 3 days after acquisition, once I realized it wasn’t what I was looking for, and it’s been all GS all the time ever since. 

Get that SBGX261! It’s a killer watch!

Depending on your clientele, I absolutely do not blame you for question. If I were meeting F2F with clients still, I would not wear one either. The second question is, can you maintain it and not wear it in a professional setting? If not sell it and move on. If you bought it with an AD, you are in the CRM now, there is a good chance you get another down the road, especially if you do other business with them. 

Having neither a GS or a Rolex myself, I can only speak from an aspirational perspective. I am a big fan of simple, legible dials and dive watches. For that reason Ive aspired for some time to own an Omega SMP and this year bought a Ball Marvelight.

For some time Ive also thought to myself I may want a Rolex one day, but not being a flashy guy, the Explorer just made the most sense. Well the more I thought of it the more I figured I am intrigued by the design and its practicality. The issue with Rolex, as you said, is that the brand actually diminishes the practicality, ironically so for a simple, versatile design like the Explorer.

What Ive done instead is opted to buy an Explorer-like watch. Not a straight homage but something close. Today in fact I received my Vaer A7. Only had it a few hours so still very much infatuated, but I suspect it will last. Same 36mm, a Swiss movement, water ready, versatile, simple.

To be honest, I think even when I get the Omega I would still consider that too flashy to wear anywhere but the office or formal events. But the Vaer and my Seiko divers are a sure shot for any place, any time.

To summarize, I think its tough sometimes to separate elements you like in a watch and prioritize one over another. But if you can, then having the best of both worlds is possible. If you like the Explorer design, you can always get something like the Vaer and still enjoy that along with a Grand Seiko as your main. If youre not attached to the design and got a Rolex moreso to own a high quality watch, then a GS should be just a good a choice. Youre not crazy, just a guy that likes watches...so almost haha.

There is no reason to keep a watch that you don't like anymore at the expense of getting one that you think you'll like more.

There's nothing inherently special about a Rolex.  If you'd rather have the GS, then get it.

And here I was a couple months ago, in the London GS boutique, trying on the x261 in search of a 36/37mm watch after going absolutely nowhere with many Rolex ADs trying to get my dream watch, the explorer 1 36. Go figure.

I didnt pull the plug on the GS simply because of the lack of bracelet adjustments (im done compromising on how i wear my watches), but its a very nice piece. Overall I think it would just have been a second best, not sure id have bonded with it. 

Now im back on the Explorer hunt. Not particularly positive about it since I won't pay over retail (for a current year model, that is). 

I used to be concious of the price and brand flashing but really no one pays attention anymore besides another watch nerd :) the explorer is quiet a generic black watch on a bracelet from a non watch person. So dont over think. If u like the gs just buy it then decide later to sell one of them. I like the blue sbgx 37mm a lot too. 

When I was a partner in public accounting, I drove a Saturn or a Toyota Camry. There's nothing like saying that my fees are reasonable as when you take a client out for lunch in a modest but fully functional sedan. So I totally get that regardless of which Rolex you have on your wrist, the client will only see the crown and think you must be overcharging them if you can afford a "luxury" watch.

The name Seiko on the GS will make any non-watch geek think you have a nice modest watch.

GS is the ultimate luxury undercover watch brand. You will get respect from those that know, and you won't be telegraphing the wrong message to those that don't know.

Wise decision.

I own neither watches but had a similar experience. I walked into a Rolex AD seeking an OP. That's the essential for a watch collection.  But the 36 mm was too small and the 41 mm too wide (by just a tad). The lugs were hanging over.  

Then later, I tried on a GS. Wow. I'd never been attracted to them cuz my tastes are a bit wild in terms of colors and design. But I tried the Winter Snowflake and .. wow it felt great! Now I understood the attraction the hype. It was obviously a superior watch. 

IMHO, Rolex makes great solid tool watches that are overpriced due to brand prestige.  Whether that attracts you or repels is up to you. But that GS was sweet!

I totally get it. I gave my new 36mm Explorer I to my daughter this year after wearing it a month. The watch is beautiful.  My daughter has never expressed interest in a watch until the Explorer I.  I've owned a Snowflake (wish I still did!) And an SBGA463 dive watch. The SBGA463 is beautiful but not low key on the bling. I digress. Make some money on the Explorer and pick up the GS. You will be happy. 

Your rationale makes sense. Both great watches.

I’ve had both and much prefer the GS for its finishing, accuracy and stealth wealth. 
 

but what I would like to recommend is to keep the Exp 1 and buy the SBGX261, since it could be had for a low price + pretty discount + the advantageous currency rate. Once you have both, then you can truly dictate what your wrist and life would be comfortable with. 

The only real rational reason you give seems to me to be the accuracy.

The other reasons are the image and prestige of Rolex.
Sorry, but I find that such a silly reason, first of all probably 99.99% of people don't give a hoot what watch you wear, they don't even notice it.
And for those 0.01% who do notice, so what? 

Should you apologize to the world maybe because you wear a nice and expensive watch that you like and can afford? Are you not allowed to wear nice expensive shoes then too? Because, shoes do stand out immediately unlike a watch.

To me, that's a really stupid reason to get rid of a watch.  Just my opinion.

I also like M.add’s idea of “keep the Exp 1 and buy the SBGX261….” if you can. 

It‘s hard to really know till you lived with it on your wrist for few weeks/months.

Personally, I’m little strange with my collection that each brand has its unique meaning and characteristics so I buy and keep one of each brand that speaks to me….

Good news, I do not believe there is right or wrong answer. Like on a LSAT 😂.

I sold 2 Rolex’s (and a blue wave dialOmega SMP 300m!) and was, for a bit without a watch.

I wanted a refresh, and, same as you I felt that there is just way too much $ on the wrist that it became risky.

I wanted to enjoy wearing a watch again so I went on the hunt and found my new champ - SMP once again but the white dial.

Absolutely loving it - I am buying for me and no one else.

No not crazy at all. The explorer is a lovely watch and not a showy one either but if it makes you uncomfortable to wear while working then get rid and buy one more accurate and acceptable for you and your potential clients.

The GS will also be under the radar. You have to be comfortable with your choices.

I once had a girlfriend when I was 17. To say I was punching is an understatement, she went on to become a London model. She was also, shall we say open to anything in the sack and I dumped her within 2 weeks, why? She was one of the dumbest people I have ever met. Sometimes substance is more important than vanity. Although now I’m im my 50s I wish I had a time machine so I could go back a slap my younger self! Hahaha

Personally I would buy a second hand SBGX261 and keep the explorer.

If you are concerned about the image you are presenting at work (and I would fall in to the category that nobody notices anyway), maybe I wouldn't wear the GS either. Grand Seiko's while beautiful are not stealth watches, you may find the glint from all those polished surfaces get more notice than your Rolex. Maybe get something less pricey and stealthy to wear to work.

It is your money and your wrist, man. Do what pleases you.

Just make sure you won't have regrets.

The Explorer I is an odd design from my point of view, essentially a dressed up field watch. I love the size and the case design, but would much rather have a regular field watch dial and hands.

I know some people bought it as an entry-level Rolex, but didn't really connect with it. 

The Rolex is a beautiful watch and very under the radar ,not many people will recognise it ,my wife wears a 41mm yacht master in steel and gold around the office and nobody gives it a second glance ,I understand the worry of it attracting the wrong attention when out and about but now adays you could get mugged for any reason, being your first as well I would definitely keep it ,later in life you will appreciate it again and have no regrets ,just by the other watch and alternate them 

You mentioned that the watch being a Rolex makes you feel conscious about wearing it in front of your clients. Was there a time when a client took notice of your watch? Did they act differently upon seeing it? How do your other colleagues feel about wearing a Rolex in your line of work?

I think you're right, only 0.01% pf people notice, but that 0.01% matters. I have a watch that looks like a sub from far away and it's only happened to me once, ever, but I did catch someone eyeing me in public one time after seeing my watch. Was it because of my watch; did they really have bad intentions? I cannot be sure, but it was enough to make me self-conscious and not want to wear that watch again.

Different lifestyles and situations also call for different outfits. That's really all there is to it. The CEO of my company lives in a posh community, drives a Ferrari, meets with other executives, etc. I've always seen him wear a luxury watch, he's almost always around other wealth. I on the other hand live in a typical middle-class community, go to parks and dive bars and hang out with average folks. Personally, I feel awkward wearing super expensive watches in most situations, even though I could afford one.

My point is, if wearing a watch makes you uncomfortable, whether your reasons are well justified or not, it's not fun to wear the watch anymore. I think holding on to a watch simply because you like it makes sense nonetheless, just wear it less often is all, or even just around your house. But if your intention is to wear something outside every day, that something should make you feel good, not awkward, is all I'm saying. So other than the obvious "it's your money, do what you like" that is a very valid reason IMO.

I've recently sold two Rolex (Air King 116900 & Submariner 124060) and replaced them with Grand Seiko. To be honest, the Air King was what I thought would be a nice nod to my father's AK from the 1960s and bought for retail four years ago. I've since realised I perhaps should have bought the Explorer that I was offered at the same time (39mm). I just haven't worn the 116900 and made a modest profit, so decided to sell and just have my Dad's. 

As for the Submariner, this was sold only a few weeks ago. It was was purchased 18months ago and after a call from an AD having forgotten I was on their wait list (when you could get on such a thing!). I wasn't planning on buying, but knew it was a sound investment.

But here's my point. 

Rolex are great and aspirational for a lot of people; myself included. But only initially. The Air King was the gateway into this world of watch enthusiasm. But the more I learn about watches, the more I have discovered what my true tastes are. And for me, it's not about the hype or flex opportunities, but more an admiration of design and craftsmanship.

Hence my love for all things (but not all models) Grand Seiko. I just happen to have been lucky enough to have made some profit on the sales of the Rolex and now feel more comfortable with the watches I own and what they say about me. People might think me mad for selling them (especially the Sub), but I now have pieces I wear far more, worry less about and have a stronger affinity to.

So a very long way of saying, do what you feel is best and reflects your true self. Personally, if you can find a way of keeping the explorer AND buy the SBGX261, that would be my perfect solution!

When I was in consulting, my partners (some of whom had much more $ than I) and I had a rule not to be conspicuously "wealthy" in front of clients.  The thought being that the CEO doesn't care, and it could alienate the regular people.  

It was to the point where my boss bought a Honda to drive to clients so they wouldn't be uncomfortable with more expensive cars.

Someone will say "who cares what they think, wear what you want", but I care what they think.  If I have to tell a Director that they have to lay off 25% of their staff, it seems tacky to roll up in a fancy car wearing a fancy watch.

My current boss thinks watches are tacky, but he collects vineyards, and I think that's tacky. :-)

To answer your question: you think you may be ‘crazy’. You could have phrased the question as: Is it more important to buy/keep what makes me happiest? 

It’s just your own personal watch journey. I don’t think you’re ’crazy’ but my opinion is worth diddly squat in this particular instance.  Of course there is the financial impact of what each watch is worth but that’s not the only value you glean - what’s the financial value of how each one makes you feel? Only you can determine that

I agree with that perspective. There are certain situations where one must be mindful of the things that can be perceived as extravagant status symbols. Sometimes I choose to wear my less conspicuous watches for that reason

There's a YouTube video discussing this very topic.

https://youtu.be/REF3GLJ6J2s

I think that you should keep/go with whatever watch YOU like more.