Sadly I have to let my Rolex Explorer II go
I few months ago I posted here that I wanted to have the ultimate "one-watch collection" with my recently bought Rolex Explorer II. It seemed like a good way to get out of this expensive hobby.
And now sadly I have to say that I need to let my Rolex go, as in this 3 months I developed what it seems to be an allergy to this watch. Every time I wear it I get a red rash in my wrist.
Looking up for some answers in the internet, apparently Rolex Rash is a thing, and people suspect it is because of the higher amount of nickel in the 904L steel composition.
I also noticed I don't get this rash with a different stainless steel watch (316L). So as sadly as I am that I will never be an owner of a Rolex anymore, I have to let this go.
Currently I'm replacing it with a Black Bay 58 in blue, but I would love to have an alternative at least with a date, it does not need to have the GMT function.
What you all think? Which watch would be the ideal to have as a "one-watch collection" that is not a Rolex?
I love watches, vintage watches, modern watches. I'm always in the search for a perfect fit watch.
Have you tried it on a nato?
Sorry to hear that OP. There's a silver lining to the cloud, though.
Looks like used examples are listing for ~$11k on Chrono24. With that money, you could turn around and get any of the following, brand new, and given the strength of the USD against the yen, walk away with a pretty stack of cash to go with the watch as well!
SBGE283 - $6.3k on Chrono24
SBGN027 - $2.7k on Chrono24
SBGM245 - $3.7k on Chrono24
SBGE253 - $3.9k on Chrono24
SBGE201 - $3.7k on Chrono24
Personally, I'm partial to the spring drive models, so would go for one of those, and given the strength of the USD, these are all available from Japan for something like 30-40% off MSRP!!!
Yuck, I've heard of that happening. It always sucks when it does.
Honestly? With the amount of money you're likely to clear on a Explorer 2, I think you could buy two watches (not that that's actually what you want to do).
Some options.
Grand Seiko SBGE 255
Grand Seiko SBGM245
Omega AT
Longines Zulu time GMT
Cartier Santos
Sorry to hear that OP. There's a silver lining to the cloud, though.
Looks like used examples are listing for ~$11k on Chrono24. With that money, you could turn around and get any of the following, brand new, and given the strength of the USD against the yen, walk away with a pretty stack of cash to go with the watch as well!
SBGE283 - $6.3k on Chrono24
SBGN027 - $2.7k on Chrono24
SBGM245 - $3.7k on Chrono24
SBGE253 - $3.9k on Chrono24
SBGE201 - $3.7k on Chrono24
Personally, I'm partial to the spring drive models, so would go for one of those, and given the strength of the USD, these are all available from Japan for something like 30-40% off MSRP!!!
Lol, of course we go down the Grand Seiko GMT path. and I was totally thinking chrono24 for pricing. Just absurd.
Have you tried it on a nato?
It would be an alternative, but I like to wear my watches in a bracelet. My explorer is also the one with thick spring bars and I couldn't pass a nato through it because it is too close to the case.
That sucks man. I'd probably go with the obvious choice
or maybe this guy
That Seamaster is such a good pick. I'm partial to the great white version but both are such good watches.
Sad face. Aside from the rash thing, what got you about the Explorer II? If you made a list we could work with it and throw some suggestions your way.
This sucks. And it makes me afraid about owning a Rolex now, since I'm also a member of the nickel allergy club (albeit mildly, but who knows...).
On the other hand: who needs two kidneys anyway! A Day-Date it is! 🫠
Sorry to hear that, man. What a time to learn you have a nickel allergy.
I'm sorry to hear that. But let's ask the obvious, have you tried using hydrocortisone cream before you wear it? Do you like it that much and willing to try.
From personal and professional experience that should help if not solve the issue altogether, but again it all depends on how much you love the watch.
Bummer but fixable. I know how you feel because my body doesn't react well to bronze, just the way it is sometimes.
Sad face. Aside from the rash thing, what got you about the Explorer II? If you made a list we could work with it and throw some suggestions your way.
I’m more on the side of sports watches, divers specially.
I'm sorry to hear that. But let's ask the obvious, have you tried using hydrocortisone cream before you wear it? Do you like it that much and willing to try.
From personal and professional experience that should help if not solve the issue altogether, but again it all depends on how much you love the watch.
I don’t love any watch that much to have to use medicine just to keep wearing it 🤣
Sorry to hear that OP. There's a silver lining to the cloud, though.
Looks like used examples are listing for ~$11k on Chrono24. With that money, you could turn around and get any of the following, brand new, and given the strength of the USD against the yen, walk away with a pretty stack of cash to go with the watch as well!
SBGE283 - $6.3k on Chrono24
SBGN027 - $2.7k on Chrono24
SBGM245 - $3.7k on Chrono24
SBGE253 - $3.9k on Chrono24
SBGE201 - $3.7k on Chrono24
Personally, I'm partial to the spring drive models, so would go for one of those, and given the strength of the USD, these are all available from Japan for something like 30-40% off MSRP!!!
another vote for the sbge283. the white dial 285 is also way gorgeous with its texturing
If you didn’t mind switching the bracelet out, you could’ve tried a Rubber B strap for your Explorer II. It’ll still look great and more comfortable too. That is, if you really wanted to keep a Rolex.
So here is the deal, it is not just the bracelet, my wrist also gets a round rash from the case back too :(
That stinks man. My wife has the same allergy. She can wear Omega though.
And all titanium watches too.
So here is the deal, it is not just the bracelet, my wrist also gets a round rash from the case back too :(
Aargh… I’m sorry to hear that.
Wow, didn't know about Rolex Rash. That's a shame, but plenty of comps out there and mine have already been stated.
Good luck on your new search for an exit!
So sorry to hear that you have this issue. The Explorer II I the only Rolex I kept in my collection. I love it! I do have an SBGA463 GS Diver for sale . It's not a GMT but I will make a great offer on it. It's Titanium so there should be no issues for you. The watch is 3 months old. Since then I was gifted a watch from my wife ... have to clear it out
If it were my watch and, I had that issue, I would coat the inside of the bracelet and the caseback with a non-reactive thermally cured phenolic coating. It wouldn't be visible when wearing the watch and it would provide a protective barrier to your skin.
While it would be reversible, it's something you'd only want to do if you were dedicated to keeping the watch for the long haul.
Sadly, I understand your issue. I’m allergic to metal. This makes the hobby difficult. There are ways around it. You can swap the band to a bund or NATO and put an invisible guard on the back. This prevents contact with your skin.
Monta Skyquest, or Formex reef GMT. Or Omega Seamaster 300M.
That sucks man. I'd probably go with the obvious choice
or maybe this guy
This Oris is great and gets a huge recommendation from me! Love it.
(Ignore the washing machine :-p)
It's really a pity... But there's nothing to do, either keep the wrist or the watch 😂
I'm suspicious, because I own an Omega AT, and as much as I try to deceive me, this is the only watch for me! It is very very rare to use another model from my collection, so I would honestly be better off selling them to everyone.
I use my AT for all situations, and I have numerous straps for it. You should honestly consider this model. The movement is superb.
I have been chasing for a new #rolex explorer II polar and sad to see that you are parting away from this one. Before you pull the trigger, try a cheap nato strap from Amazon and see if it helps.
I have changed some of my watches to nato straps because I hate my arm hair getting pulled by metal or leather and sweat combination. Nato strap has has been a savior in hot summer months and saved leather in rains.
I have been chasing for a new #rolex explorer II polar and sad to see that you are parting away from this one. Before you pull the trigger, try a cheap nato strap from Amazon and see if it helps.
I have changed some of my watches to nato straps because I hate my arm hair getting pulled by metal or leather and sweat combination. Nato strap has has been a savior in hot summer months and saved leather in rains.
It's a great watch, my favorite in my collection. Hope you get one soon.
Get a pre-904L era vintage Rolex 🤣
I love my Moonwatch more than anything, but I know that’s a watch that people either love or hate. I’d probably go with a Black Bay Pro if you’re looking for more of an exact replacement, or the Black Bay 58 Blue like you said. Both of those Tudor’s are on the top of my list. Or maybe an older Rolex before they changed to the higher nickel steel.