Please help me…
I’ve been thinking a lot about this and would love some input and insight from this wonderful community.
I’ve owned my Lorier Falcon III for almost a year and I absolutely adore it. I love the design, the specs, the comfort, and the vibe it gives off. It is my true GADA—I’ve worn it snorkeling, exploring caves, in the office, in casual social settings, and at formal events. I often look at my Falcon and think, “why shouldn’t it be this watch for the rest of my life?”
As much as I love it, I also can’t help acknowledging that it is something of a Rolex Explorer homage. When I look at my Lorier, I sometimes think, “would I like for this to be an Explorer someday?” I think some of it has to do with specs and build quality—the Lorier is excellent, but a 9-series Miyota will never compete with a Rolex movement (and the price difference reflects that, obviously). But another part of it comes from a desire to own an iconic watch—perhaps the truest form of the “sports” watch—from one of the industry’s most prestigious brands.
On the other hand, there’s lots about the Explorer that I don’t love. I’m not a fan of the massive taper on the new bracelet down to 14mm at the clasp. The case design, while small, is a bit thick and bubbly. I also really love how the Lorier flat-link bracelet fully articulates compared to the rigidity of Rolex’s oyster links.
Unfortunately, this conflict in my mind sometimes takes away from my day-to-day enjoyment of the Falcon. I can feel like it’s just a placeholder, or that it’s not an iconic watch that I could be proud to own the way I might feel about an Explorer. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s the way I sometimes feel.
Anyway, I guess the question is whether I should lean into my ultimate desire for an Explorer (even though it’s not like I think the Explorer is perfect), even if that sometimes makes me feel less attached to my beloved Falcon.
I feel like an idiot writing this out, but watch collecting has never been a logical pursuit I suppose!
Interested in all things watches!
I have been thinking about this a lot! I'm with you.
As someone who also aspires to own an Explorer I, there is no substitute. But as you said, there are things about the current reference you don’t like. Would you consider an older reference (and better price)?
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the Falcon so much. It sounds like you haven’t thought of it as a placeholder so the watch is truly great at what it offers. I owned one briefly and may revisit it.
Keep wearing the Falcon until you are sure there’s an Explorer to your liking. Or never buy the Explorer. This is the struggle we have as watch enthusiasts!
This paragraph from your post tells me that an Explorer would not be a good purchase for yourself. When a watch costs as much as an Explorer, you should love every detail of it. If you don't, I'd look at different options.
"On the other hand, there’s lots about the Explorer that I don’t love. I’m not a fan of the massive taper on the new bracelet down to 14mm at the clasp. The case design, while small, is a bit thick and bubbly. I also really love how the Lorier flat-link bracelet fully articulates compared to the rigidity of Rolex’s oyster links."
I'm going to say this and am gonna catch some heat. IDC, it's how I feel.
The design of the Lorier Falcon IS what the Explorer should have been.
Yes, the Falcon is a bit of an homage, but not so much so that it's not it's own thing.
From what you've typed out, most of the allure of owning the Explorer is the prestige of it, the iconic nature of the watch.
If true, maybe the Falcon is enough.
I was offered a new 36mm Explorer by my AD during the height of the craziness. I turned it down because I wouldn’t ever wear it due to the bracelet.
I already have the older 114270 or more accurately, my wife has one (now). The older model feels more substantial due the wider bracelet. It’s not well lumed, though. If you can find an older version, give it a try.
I’m far from being in the minority saying this, but the Explorer is my favorite watch. I’m lucky enough to own a the 36mm 124270, and have no problem admitting that I nearly purchased the Falcon instead (and often still consider getting one).
That said, I totally understand what you’re saying/where you’re coming from. Despite its haters, there is no denying that Rolex is on another level when it comes to quality of build, finishing, and QC. I like the 124270 and will probably own it forever, but I would not call it a perfect watch, let alone a perfect Explorer. The 19mm lug width and strap hostile design that Rolex seems to have incorporated into nearly every watch in their lineup are small but important knocks against the modern Explorer. The current design also strays in many noteworthy ways from the classic/vintage 36mm models; including traits that the Falcon holds much truer to.
If I were you, I would absolutely still be considering the Explorer, and encourage you to check one out (if you haven’t already) to see how you feel about it in-person. I’d also seriously recommend you try to find a vintage 36mm Explorer for comparison. You may find that the Lorier has been exactly the watch you wanted all along.
If nothing else, I’d wait until watches and wonders of this year to see if Rolex makes any changes (though I rather doubt it considering how recently the 36mm Explorer was relaunched).
Some final asides, I personally enjoy the narrow bracelet taper. It’s very comfortable and doesn’t look/feel out of place at all. You’re quite right that the watch itself is a bit “fat” for its size though.
It sounds like the Falcon has been serving you very well, irrespective of any other watch that exists. Just appreciate the Falcon for what it is.
For myself, I had to own an Explorer to get rid of the mystery. Homages and replacements never did it for me (despite all of them being very good watches).
Now that I own one, the mystery is gone and I can enjoy my other watches in peace.
It's a nice watch, and all of my other watches are also nice.
For what it's worth, I can now say for myself that I wasn't missing out on any thing before I got it, but it still is a very nice watch to own.
Hopefully that helps.
I'm trying to find a way to put this...
For you, the Explorer isn't perfect. You have a watch that you like in the same style. In my opinion, it might not make sense to get the Explorer if you can find the same feel elsewhere
I cannot.
The Explorer is perfect. It's flawless. It's the best of all of them and I don't want anything else. Not because it is a Rolex, but because of the inky black dial, the perfect indicies, the mercedes hands, the fine second hand, the case shape, the 36mm, and the bracelet
To be honest if i had that lorier and a connection like you share ı wouldn't buy explorer, maybe another rolex ?
This paragraph from your post tells me that an Explorer would not be a good purchase for yourself. When a watch costs as much as an Explorer, you should love every detail of it. If you don't, I'd look at different options.
"On the other hand, there’s lots about the Explorer that I don’t love. I’m not a fan of the massive taper on the new bracelet down to 14mm at the clasp. The case design, while small, is a bit thick and bubbly. I also really love how the Lorier flat-link bracelet fully articulates compared to the rigidity of Rolex’s oyster links."
^^^This. When you get into Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Longines you need to love and aspire to acquire those type pieces - if not, as Watch_Dude said, look at other options. At the end of the day, the Lorier may end up being "the watch".
Get an explorer, there is no alternative. Honestly prices are good right now pre owned and it’s not the hardest watch to get from an AD so either way you get your hands on it I don’t think you would lose money if you sell a year or two from now. But I think you will absolutely love it. I don’t own an explorer but I have a OP and an explorer Ii
^^^This. When you get into Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Longines you need to love and aspire to acquire those type pieces - if not, as Watch_Dude said, look at other options. At the end of the day, the Lorier may end up being "the watch".
Well said!
I'm going to say this and am gonna catch some heat. IDC, it's how I feel.
The design of the Lorier Falcon IS what the Explorer should have been.
Yes, the Falcon is a bit of an homage, but not so much so that it's not it's own thing.
From what you've typed out, most of the allure of owning the Explorer is the prestige of it, the iconic nature of the watch.
If true, maybe the Falcon is enough.
This is excellent, I really do feel like the Falcon captures the spirit of the Explorer in a way that the current Explorer might not. Thanks for helping me see that!
I'm trying to find a way to put this...
For you, the Explorer isn't perfect. You have a watch that you like in the same style. In my opinion, it might not make sense to get the Explorer if you can find the same feel elsewhere
I cannot.
The Explorer is perfect. It's flawless. It's the best of all of them and I don't want anything else. Not because it is a Rolex, but because of the inky black dial, the perfect indicies, the mercedes hands, the fine second hand, the case shape, the 36mm, and the bracelet
Fair enough! Everything you said about the Explorer are things I love too, especially the dial, hands, indices, and lovely polished bezel.
rolex make great watches - its just a shame they are made by rolex.
perhaps if they took the logo off the dial and sold them at 70% RRP then you might call it gada until then they are jewellery. as that may not happen i'd stick with thrashing the hell out of life with the unpretentious lorier
First of all I have to say that I don't own the Lorier Falcon but I have owned two Lorier Neptune series III and IV. This last one has the same bracelet as the S III Falcon. I do own the Rolex Explorer 36 of 2021 and own two Traska Summiteer 36mm.
I have owned the Explorer for almost three years now.
Second thing is that we tend to use the word homage so wrongly that now it seems like a derogatory term. In fact the Lorier is a true homage and tribute to three different models with its own particular take and design cues. Other watches we call homages are, in fact, direct design copies. They have little of homage. And I have to say I'm not against that at all, only that these are not true homages.
Third: The Rolex Explorer is not an explorer in the classical sense. Let me elaborate. The current Rolex Explorer is a homage of the Explorers of the past. Although it is more than capable to endure the mountains, that is not where it is going to be used just like a Range Rover is not really going to be naturally used off road. It's too expensive to replace and maintain, it has 19mm lug distance, it's very difficult to change straps specially NATOs, the 904L steel is too soft. In short, the Rolex Explorer is a luxury piece with the name of a true tool watch of the past. You can use as your GADA watch as long as you have a very good income and are able to replace it should be necessary without being a burden to your economy.
Fourth: The bracelet of the Explorer and the general wearing experience is the most comfortable of all my watches. Period. It's better than the ones of the Traska and the bracelet of the Lorier Neptune but... the difference is not that much to be honest. The most important difference is the screw down case back. The one of the Explorer allows for better breathing and less wrist fatigue, but at the end of the day, when going to adventures I take the Traska all the times.
Fifth: Like the song "we don't always get what we wanted, but sometimes we get what we need". The Explorer does not make you to be an explorer. You make the exploration and there the Lorier can be your best companion. The Explorer is a fantastic jewelry piece with a movement that can last for centuries that now explorer cities, malls, streets and current XXI century "civilized" life. However, the more than reliable, robust and easy to maintain Miyota movement Lorier, can do true exploration while being a piece to be proud of.
In short, I personally thought I could use the Explorer as an explorer, but in my case there's more explorer DNA in the Traska than in the Rolex. Take that in consideration when meeting your heroes.
My two cents.
I love the idea that the current Explorer is an homage to the early Explorers, and I'll take it even one step further: The original Explorer itself is an homage. Sir Edmund didn't wear a black 3-6-9 dial on Everest. The watch we know as an Explorer is, in itself, a commemorative piece.
I love the idea that the current Explorer is an homage to the early Explorers, and I'll take it even one step further: The original Explorer itself is an homage. Sir Edmund didn't wear a black 3-6-9 dial on Everest. The watch we know as an Explorer is, in itself, a commemorative piece.
True, and even that one didn't reach the summit but was worn during phases of the expedition. The one to reach the summit seems it was the Smiths. However the Explorer 1016 had quite a lot of true tool watch nature and have been used as such by a lot of people because it was designed to be able to be used like that.
I don’t have a Falcon but I do have an Astra. Since they’re the same case I can relate to this. I put my name down for an Explorer a year ago, mainly because I wanted a watch with with dimensions of an Explorer but I couldn’t find many good alternatives. Since getting the Astra, my desire to have an Explorer has almost entirely gone away. Sure it doesn’t have the prestige or whatever, but it has similar dimensions and, in my opinion, it looks better and makes me happy every day.
Whatever will make you happy is what’s important, it I think the Falcon is a great watch on its own and there’s no need for a comparison.
I think it is a homage, rather than a clone. But if you feel that you really yearn for the Explorer then 🤷
It's a big jump from the Lorier to Rolex.
I'd consider a couple options in the middle, like a Chris Ward dune, Tudor Black Bay 36. Cheaper and dfferent enough that they are not a "homage".
Max has spoken, for me the case is closed. Big respect.
Also I have zero exp with luxury watch so I am here just for the show.
You will always lust for the Explorer, cut it short, save money long-term, and get the damn Explorer; it will continue haunting you forever.
NB. Forever is a long, long, loooooooooooong time! 😜🤪🥂🍾
It's a big jump from the Lorier to Rolex.
I'd consider a couple options in the middle, like a Chris Ward dune, Tudor Black Bay 36. Cheaper and dfferent enough that they are not a "homage".
Thanks for the comment, Max! Yep, I have a CW C63 Sealander in black 36mm. That would be my daily, but unfortunately I can’t stand the clasp on the bracelet. Will definitely look into Tudor
I would see these two complementing each other. The Explorer has moved beyond its exploring/tool watch origins and is now flashier and hugely more expensive. The Falcon is what the Explorer used to be.
There will be times/occasions/activities for which an Explorer is suitable and others where the Falcon is more suitable.
If you can afford an Explorer then register interest in a new one, if you don't get on with it you will be able to resell it without losing any money. Treat the waitlist as reflection time, a positive rather than a negative.
When I saw the explorer in the flesh I realised it’s no longer a tool watch and far too shiny and glossy - there’s so many better pieces that are better field/tool than it for less money
I’d go with the Lorier all day everyday. The Explorer is just too damn perfect. I’d own it, but never wear it except for special occasions, and that’s just not the point of an Explorer. I’d keep the Falcon, and buy an Explorer II/ Seiko diver/ Hamilton Pilot watch/ etc perhaps. The perfect 2 watch collection.
Is that you really want an Explorer or that you feel like you should want one? If you like yours and it's already got great memories attached, I say stick with it. Personally, I like the look of the Lorier better. I actually think it's a more legible, refined design.
The Lorier looks better
@hurryupandwait, proud Lorier Falcon SIII owner here, and you're definitely not alone in these thoughts and struggles about comparing the ownership of the Falcon and Explorer. At the end of the day for me, these are two very different watches that stand on their own in terms of what they each represent as sports watches, and how I ultimately feel inspired by them.
I think a lot about how ambitious it was for Lorenzo and Lauren to consider all historical sports watch designs into creating the Falcon. On the dial, the 369 numerals are iconic to Rolex, and I absolutely love the broad arrow hand design inspiration from Omega. The original construction of the case, bracelet, and movement are excellent. Lorenzo and Lauren thoughtfully and successfully created a watch that pays tribute to what we love everything about classic sports watches at a very approachable price point, and this inspires me to wear my Falcon anywhere and everywhere.
The Rolex Explorer is iconic and through and through a fantastic watch. I'm often drawn to the allure and novelty of owning one of these references one day. But I think it also represents a level of prestige that conflicts with my interest in wanting to use it as a sports watch in every sense of the word. For a watch that was designed to pay tribute to exploring and adventure, the price point alone certainly doesn't inspire me to wear it anywhere and everywhere.
I just listened to a Worn and Wound podcast about "What Tool Watches Mean to Us", and this really hit some interesting points about how I feel about the intersection of luxury goods being viewed and used as "tool watches".
https://wornandwound.com/podcasts/the-worn-wound-podcast-ep-330-what-tool-watches-mean-to-us/
Either one is a great watch. Another part of watches that’s special are the experiences you live with your watch 👍🏻