I really like your choice of the Nato strap. Really flies under the radar. I knew oyster bracelets were recognizable but I didn't expect how your watch presents. Very cool. That reference was the first Rolex I ever handled. I didn't "get it" until then. Every tactile element of it is so refined. Every edge is well defined, machining so regular and precise, the sound and feeling of the clasp, the feeling of the crown when winding or setting the time, all just so refined. Enjoy it in good health.
It truly is refined. Like you described, every aspect of it is meticulously designed. It’s so simple, but has enough substance to captivate you when you look at it.
What size is your wrist? I’m in the wait list at my local AD for a Sub, Explorer 2, and a GMT. I really like this model but I feel it may be too large for my 6.7” wrist.
I have the same wrist and wear a bb41 the latest version and it has the same 50mm lug to lug and I can wear it without it being too big. Plus the explorer 2 is thinner. You’ll be fine. This is my next watch
I can’t say for sure. What do you want out of the watch? Do you want functionality or do you care more about aesthetics? My best advice is to try both on and buy whichever one makes you feel better. Be conscious of the emotions that arise when you wear each watch, and decide based off of that. This is all subjective.
Nice vid. I just got same watch - I’m a one watch guy, this black dial fits in anywher for me, the office or casual. I think it is formal enough, but I get it, it could pair nicely with a datejust, Cartier, Patek or similar.
I dig it man. Rock that watch everywhere, keep being the one watch guy. I used to only own one watch for 7 years, and it was a cheap automatic Fossil watch. I beat the crap out of it and wore it during so many significant times in my life that I can’t help but keep it.
Hey man, have a question for you. Finally got my grail watch that I actually originally had 15 years ago but was taken from me. Negotiated with the AD from $11,900 retail to $9300. After paying they accused me of fraud. So i gave them very real cash and they gave me an apology and offered a $150 refund to which I said not enough and so they offered a check for $318 for my troubles. Just curious what you think. Fair resolution? Should i have demanded more?
Okay that makes sense, I think it was a fair resolution. I mean they gave you 318 off an already discounted price to begin with. I’ve never heard of that happening ever
Great thoughts. I find myself switching between a nato and the bracelet quite often...wears well on both. Technically speaking no watch would be appropriate for black tie events as one historically should not be bothered with the time at such an occasion.
That’s very true as well, black tie events are for being present, and where it’s encouraged to lose track of time. In 2024 though I think most of us would view this attitude as antiquated, hence why we wear sports watches in formal attire.
Awesome brother...I have an EXP II Polar Dial on order from AD set to arrive soon. I prefer the stainless bracelet however. But great show there my friend.
Have you ever considered wearing an inexpensive homage backup "stunt double" of your Rolexes when you're out in more sketchy public situations... to minimize the fear of losing an expensive watch to theft?
I have, but there are a few reasons why this doesn't work at all in my opinion. 1) Wearing a homage watch that looks almost exactly like the real deal makes you just as noticeable to criminals. You assume the same amount of risk of being spotted, while reaping zero benefit. 2) My experience with homage brands got off to a really bad start. I bought a STEELDIVE 1953 over a year ago that had a faulty movement right out of the box. the date wheel was screwed up, the watch wouldn't manually wind, and something in the movement was preventing the seconds hand from tracking across the dial. Granted, this was one watch, and many other people I've spoken to love their homages, but in my personal experience it didn't work out well. 3) I think it's safer to actually buy a less expensive watch with an original design from a brand that isn't as highly coveted. Think Casio G-shock, F91W, seiko 5, Garmin, or timex. Many of those watches have their own designs and they're clearly not Rolexes. I think that's the safest option when you're in a sketchy place.
make sure your watch is covered with the sleeve of you shirt or coat .. if your wearing a watch for your self then people do not need to to see you are wearing a watch
TH-cam can place ads on any video, that doesn’t mean I as the creator get any compensation. My channel is not monetized so I’m sorry but I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t control what TH-cam does with the content on its platform
I really like your choice of the Nato strap. Really flies under the radar. I knew oyster bracelets were recognizable but I didn't expect how your watch presents. Very cool. That reference was the first Rolex I ever handled. I didn't "get it" until then. Every tactile element of it is so refined. Every edge is well defined, machining so regular and precise, the sound and feeling of the clasp, the feeling of the crown when winding or setting the time, all just so refined. Enjoy it in good health.
It truly is refined. Like you described, every aspect of it is meticulously designed. It’s so simple, but has enough substance to captivate you when you look at it.
Great video, I have Explorer 2 and the 36mm - I think they cover everything for me.
Thank you for sharing.
T.M.C
@@WornDownCrowngreat video. I’m torn between this watch and a 41dj
What size is your wrist? I’m in the wait list at my local AD for a Sub, Explorer 2, and a GMT. I really like this model but I feel it may be too large for my 6.7” wrist.
I have a 7 inch wrist, it might be a large piece for you
I have the same wrist and wear a bb41 the latest version and it has the same 50mm lug to lug and I can wear it without it being too big. Plus the explorer 2 is thinner. You’ll be fine. This is my next watch
It would be better if the music wasn’t so loud. It competes with your talking too much.
Sorry man, I’ll try to work that out in editing. I put the music at 2% volume. I think I need to max out the volume on my original video
Actually i like your choice of music and the volume level. That said we are all different.
Any scratches on the explorer 2 after you dropped it in the grail watch video?
I dropped a watch strap, thankfully I didn’t drop the watch, so no 🤣
Did this hunk once do a Hodinkee vid? I’m sure I recognise him from one of those short Hodinkee pieces.
I just ordered the green NATO strap for my polar dial
Would you recommend the Explorer or Explorer II? As a one-watch collection?
I can’t say for sure. What do you want out of the watch? Do you want functionality or do you care more about aesthetics?
My best advice is to try both on and buy whichever one makes you feel better. Be conscious of the emotions that arise when you wear each watch, and decide based off of that.
This is all subjective.
Great video! Where did you buy the rubber strap, do they offer a rubber butterfly version too? Thank you
The strap in the video is a NATO strap from Artem. They also have rubber straps with Richard-Mille style butterfly clasps. Check them out 🤙
Nice vid. I just got same watch - I’m a one watch guy, this black dial fits in anywher for me, the office or casual. I think it is formal enough, but I get it, it could pair nicely with a datejust, Cartier, Patek or similar.
I dig it man. Rock that watch everywhere, keep being the one watch guy.
I used to only own one watch for 7 years, and it was a cheap automatic Fossil watch. I beat the crap out of it and wore it during so many significant times in my life that I can’t help but keep it.
Great video. I have the same watch. I agree! Love the NATO on it. Did you get the 21-22mm size? I want to buy the same strap!!
Yes, the NATO is the 21-22mm variant. Fits perfectly 🤙 I love rocking this combo
Thanks! Ordered! Artem should give you a cut, haha 😅
@@coronetmag i know right? I’ll have to start asking at this point 😂 hope you enjoy your new strap!
between the seamaster and the explorer 2 which one do you like better
I can’t say. I liked my Seamaster for different reasons. Its gone now though
Hey man, have a question for you. Finally got my grail watch that I actually originally had 15 years ago but was taken from me. Negotiated with the AD from $11,900 retail to $9300. After paying they accused me of fraud. So i gave them very real cash and they gave me an apology and offered a $150 refund to which I said not enough and so they offered a check for $318 for my troubles. Just curious what you think. Fair resolution? Should i have demanded more?
What grail watch was this? I’m surprised an AD would give such a steep discount to begin with. 2600 dollars off is pretty huge.
I negotiated quite a bit but it’s a limited run Breitling Navitimer
Okay that makes sense, I think it was a fair resolution. I mean they gave you 318 off an already discounted price to begin with. I’ve never heard of that happening ever
@@WornDownCrown yup super weird situation with the fraud accusations. Thanks for your insight! Love the channel man! Can’t wait to see it grow!
Great vid, thinking about getting one whats your wrist size?
6.9 inches. Fits perfectly
Great thoughts. I find myself switching between a nato and the bracelet quite often...wears well on both. Technically speaking no watch would be appropriate for black tie events as one historically should not be bothered with the time at such an occasion.
That’s very true as well, black tie events are for being present, and where it’s encouraged to lose track of time.
In 2024 though I think most of us would view this attitude as antiquated, hence why we wear sports watches in formal attire.
@@WornDownCrown true. Just how many view brown shoes as appropriate formal attire.
Awesome brother...I have an EXP II Polar Dial on order from AD set to arrive soon. I prefer the stainless bracelet however. But great show there my friend.
Thank you for the detailed review!
you're very welcome!
I love mine.
Elle est super belle avec le cadran noir
Polar 2, is my daily...
Is there a watch youtuber on earth that doesn't have at least one Rolex? LOLOL.
Now that you mention it I struggle to think of one 🤣
Have you ever considered wearing an inexpensive homage backup "stunt double" of your Rolexes when you're out in more sketchy public situations... to minimize the fear of losing an expensive watch to theft?
I have, but there are a few reasons why this doesn't work at all in my opinion.
1) Wearing a homage watch that looks almost exactly like the real deal makes you just as noticeable to criminals. You assume the same amount of risk of being spotted, while reaping zero benefit.
2) My experience with homage brands got off to a really bad start. I bought a STEELDIVE 1953 over a year ago that had a faulty movement right out of the box. the date wheel was screwed up, the watch wouldn't manually wind, and something in the movement was preventing the seconds hand from tracking across the dial. Granted, this was one watch, and many other people I've spoken to love their homages, but in my personal experience it didn't work out well.
3) I think it's safer to actually buy a less expensive watch with an original design from a brand that isn't as highly coveted. Think Casio G-shock, F91W, seiko 5, Garmin, or timex. Many of those watches have their own designs and they're clearly not Rolexes. I think that's the safest option when you're in a sketchy place.
@@WornDownCrown thanks, I appreciate your thoughtful reply and I enjoy your content!
make sure your watch is covered with the sleeve of you shirt or coat .. if your wearing a watch for your self then people do not need to to see you are wearing a watch
I live in Hawaii, where wearing long sleeves is pretty impractical
40seconds comercial, no thanks, skip next
TH-cam can place ads on any video, that doesn’t mean I as the creator get any compensation. My channel is not monetized so I’m sorry but I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t control what TH-cam does with the content on its platform
You gotta shave your arms bro
I don’t have to do anything. They’re my arms.