The last post ended with me being made an indecent proposal by a man who I had only just met. This led to me requiring some air, so I went for a walk around AD town. As I was walking I stopped to tell random people that I had been offered a 'Rolex Explorer II 226570 black dial' by the AD man, all seventy million people I told concurred in their response, agreeing that I was luckier than Donald Trump to get offered an Explorer II 226570 by the AD and that I should buy it - and if I didn't buy it then I should check into the 'Hublot Asylum for the Horologically Insane' - it's a real thing. They couldn't believe it, this one guy was so happy for me, I think he would have paid for it if I'd asked him to- he prefers the black dial you see, low key you see. To be fair I couldn't believe it either - is it lucky to part with £8.5k for a timeteller that wasn't at the top of the list, or even directly on the list but is a great watch, or is it rotten sunnavabitch bad luck!?
You can see what happened can't you? My walk ended with me back at the AD, it was Fate by capitalist human conditioning - my signature fragrance. I was caught with my knickers down and in a twist - not where you want to be. I never had a Hans Wildorfs chance in hell.
On one hand, it was a plus as I was very keen not to get my first Rolex in the pre-owned market, (my second sure - Milgauss GV anyone) even if it was below RRP like some Datejusts and Oyster Perpetuals are at the moment. It was great to get the offer and though I could have saved a few hundred pounds on one that was a year or two old, it just wouldn't have been the same. I was in the position to buy (kind of), and so, in a measure quite drastic I handed over my plastic, stuck a pin in it, and with a glass of champagne it was done.
You see the wheelers and dealers on YouTube and they just manhandle the boxes, and I'm like kid gloves over here, treating the boxes with more care than the watch!
Let's get actual first impressions out of the way then. It's a Rolex with GMT and date function, almost as complicated as a Rolex gets. It's a rugged outdoorsman with class, a good match for me (you heard). A great pedigree and functional finesse with some clean flourishes and timeworn design features, it's a proper Rolex. I am happy after all, for now. I really like the cyclops as well, I liked it on the Seiko Daywalker aka Night Alpinist and it's even better here.
It's not all plain sailing though, or plain exploring should I say, there are three things that aren't my fave on the face of it. The first is forgivable as it is about function. I like Rolexes with the crown logo at 12, it's classy and well balanced but I get that on this and the divers it is a functionality and usability thing - lume and clear markers in all conditions. It is the Explorer after all. SecondeSeconde, I'm not the biggest fan of the mercedes hand, no big deal. And finally, is it just me that thinks the orange Explorer text should be on the bottom half of the dial like the Submariner and others. All this said, I still am a big fan of the watch - it is a legendary timepiece. And quite importantly one that I would wear on the daily, it's not in your face like a green dial sky-dweller/pepsi on a jubilee might be.
Imgs: Goldsmiths
There you have it, I'm a reluctant Rolex owner and I kind of love it. For those of you who are somewhat familiar with my journey (those who aren't, have a look will ya). It's a major milestone for me, horologically it means something, but more so as a consumer - it is a unique disease this horologically conspicuous consumption. I am lost in the sauce as they say. I am still a bit unsure about it to be honest - return it says the little voice in my head. It will change you, you'll become a snob. But I don't intend to let it change me, I will still buy and wear watches of all backgrounds and contintue to appreciate the value as well as the prestige.
Oh yea and then a few days after my record purchase I receive an email from the Lady AD, I am cordially invited to the Rolex Exhibition 2024 in AD Town next month. They are ruthless aren't they.
Yours Exploringly,
Alvin
P.S. Some more photos...cis why not!
It is a big watch, the lug to lug is around 50mm, which is my limit, but it wears pretty well and I actually need a link putting back in I think, they took three out and then adjusted. It does have the extra bit aka the 'easylink comfort extension link' which helps. I'm hoping the skinny wrist doesn't get skinner, which I am proactive about, having started weight training a bit but I can't seem to keep injury free - getting old over here... pros and cons I guess!!