Incoming: 2009 Rolex Explorer 114270
I’m starting to think I’m in the “Icons” stage of watch collecting, having just started two years ago. This icon has been on my radar for a while and with a nice company bonus, I finally made a purchase. I found a clean, late model year 114270 with B&P. Should arrive in a few days. The hunt was definitely part of the fun! Pic here is just the Chrono24 pic. I’ll take my own pics when it arrives.
Do you consider yourself in any particular “stage” of watch collecting? Vintage? Icons? Affordable tool watches? Other?
Enjoy the weekend!
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Chakatrain
New to collecting in early 2022. Fun rabbit hole :)
San Francisco
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Last active: 1 day ago
Love this! I’d be interested in the 2010 model but they’re hard to find before the 39mm were released.
Congrats 🎉. Such a classic piece.
I'm definitely in the affordable tier of collecting but the level of enjoyment is the same across whatever tier of collecting you are in.
Congrats, that's, to me, as good as it gets.
Any reason you went for the 114270 vs. the current model (besides price?) Do you think it being older will require more service? Asking because this is my grail and when I get the cash together, I'd like to buy one of the two recent 36mm models.
Congrats! An excellent choice and iconic for good reason.
I call my collecting stage simply as "admiring from afar".
Though I still look at watches, try them on, etc, I don't really feel the need to add any more. I still follow new releases and while there are some that would be nice to have, I just haven't felt compelled or tempted to buy anything.
Very nice watch!
Congrats 🎉. Such a classic piece.
I'm definitely in the affordable tier of collecting but the level of enjoyment is the same across whatever tier of collecting you are in.
I 100% agree. It’s about the enjoyment not the tier!
Congrats, that's, to me, as good as it gets.
Any reason you went for the 114270 vs. the current model (besides price?) Do you think it being older will require more service? Asking because this is my grail and when I get the cash together, I'd like to buy one of the two recent 36mm models.
There’s really not a lot different between these two. It came down, to me, that I preferred the subjective differences (I like the smaller arabic numberals, smaller hour indexes, and smaller text font on the 114270) and the slightly bigger lug to lug and bracelet (I like the 20mm lug width of the 114270 and how the bracelet tapers to 16mm, which gives it just a little bit more substance on the wrist). Those personal preferences offset the technical advantages that the 124270 clearly has. At least that’s my thinking now 😛. Could absolutely change.
So cool! Congrats! I'm just starting my journey and am in what I would call the "microbrand aspirational phase of saving up for the icons" part of my journey.
Just got the Vaer C3, which is a vintage style homage of the explorer. But that one you got is one I'm aiming for.
Congrats!
Selective stage
Love your watch, Congratulations! I am at the final stage, its called old age ! My collection is starting to shrink as I sold many years ago, cannot even remember what i did with many in my youth, and have come to appreciate many many watches, but only wear the most hassle free watch and really do not care much if others like it. I have a late 1970s No-Date Sub, it comes out on rare occasions. I only bring it up as it is an icon watch I have had for ~50 years. My go to daily is a Casio G-Shock 5000u, which is part of the Casio Square G-Shocks which have become icons as well. Why I wear it, its solar, set by the atomic clock, easy to read, will never need service. Most G-Shocks are in the spectrum of watch cost inexpensive. Always love seeing a great watch and being able to connect with an enthusiast when I come across one. When I see an iconic watch that I like, I will throw a compliment if given the chance. I never owned the explorer, but always loved it. Enjoy !
Love your watch, Congratulations! I am at the final stage, its called old age ! My collection is starting to shrink as I sold many years ago, cannot even remember what i did with many in my youth, and have come to appreciate many many watches, but only wear the most hassle free watch and really do not care much if others like it. I have a late 1970s No-Date Sub, it comes out on rare occasions. I only bring it up as it is an icon watch I have had for ~50 years. My go to daily is a Casio G-Shock 5000u, which is part of the Casio Square G-Shocks which have become icons as well. Why I wear it, its solar, set by the atomic clock, easy to read, will never need service. Most G-Shocks are in the spectrum of watch cost inexpensive. Always love seeing a great watch and being able to connect with an enthusiast when I come across one. When I see an iconic watch that I like, I will throw a compliment if given the chance. I never owned the explorer, but always loved it. Enjoy !
“I am at the final stage, it’s called old age!“. Ha! I’m in that stage, too! I love the G-Shock 5000 watches, too. I have the 5610, also with solar and setting by atomic watch. It’s my in my apocalypse collection!
I often find myself oscillating between "ooh, new and shiny" vs the allure of an iconic watch. I feel at this point for me, classic models are really begining to hold my attention in ways that they hadn't before. Whatever stage that is, I guess that's me!
After my last watch purchase? I’m in the “broke stage.”
There’s really not a lot different between these two. It came down, to me, that I preferred the subjective differences (I like the smaller arabic numberals, smaller hour indexes, and smaller text font on the 114270) and the slightly bigger lug to lug and bracelet (I like the 20mm lug width of the 114270 and how the bracelet tapers to 16mm, which gives it just a little bit more substance on the wrist). Those personal preferences offset the technical advantages that the 124270 clearly has. At least that’s my thinking now 😛. Could absolutely change.
Makes sense to me. Thanks!
Your point resonates! Iconic watches, they're iconic for a reason. It's all about that timeless appeal and the legacy they carry. It's like they've got a story to tell, and that's what makes them stand out in the crowd.
Congratulations on the Explorer, it's definetly a great watch!
I don't know if it's a stage but I definitely gravitate towards iconic watches. I have the 114270, a vintage King Seiko with a grammar of design case, an SKX, and an incoming GW-5000u.
I'm looking towards getting maybe a speedy, a GS, or a black bay in the future.
I feel like I'm basic but I like what I like, and life's too short to get things that don't resonate with you.
I like the look and size of these. I just picked up the Addiesdive version in quartz. Congrats! They are attractive watches.
I’m in the buy what I like phase as I’ve gotten my core collection sorted out. I’m generally waiting longer between purchases to really think about it and make sure it’s what I want. I’m finding myself watching prices drop for the 16570 explorer II. I think I’d like to add that next. Unless Rolex does something crazy and introduces a 40mm modern explorer II again, then I’ll be trying to get that most likely. Congrats on your new purchase! The Explorer is outstanding.
I love affordable tool or sport watches. I’m aspiring for icons.
Watch arrived a few days ago. Got the bracelet sized and have been wearing it a couple of days. What a watch. Here’s a pic of me wearing it inside my ND Miata, waiting for the rains to stop so I can drive top down again :).
I also had fun swapping out the (quite comfortable) bracelet to see how it looks on some of my other straps. Here’s what I tried out today. Wore great with a button down shirt, jeans and brown brogues worn to the office.