I feel this was made for me. Wanted the 36mm but couldn't deal with the crappy bracelet, so went for the 39mm. Like the watch and the 3 6 9 layout, but felt it's bit boring. So when I saw this I knew I had to have it and bought it for my 40th. Been hiking, biking and riding motorcycle whit it and it holds up just as well as the steel one. I love it.
C‘mon people, there is NO such thing like a Rolex „toolwatch“, those times are long gone. SS, TT or gold, ALL Rolex watches are nothing more or less than jewelry 🤷♂️ Get over it. I like the TT Ex and I will get it.
Austin, brilliant vid that offers much thought. It’s simple for me, I’m quite a biggish man but like traditional sized 36mm watches….I always wanted an explorer and like two tone variants and that is my choice. We are all entitled to our opinions, views and preferences but the moment I saw that released back in April, I put my name down for it and now own the two tone version. I absolutely love the thing more than any other Rolex I own. Keep up the great work one of favourite TH-camrs!
For me, it was the only way to get an Explorer in this lifetime, retail. The prIce on the gray market for a steel one was only a couple of grand less than the retail for the Two-Tone. Another question, is why they would spend a lot of money for an AD for this watch - especially since it seems the gray market is flooded with them. I think the ADs could not sell them, had no orders for them, so they went out the back door. However, it appears the gray market is not selling them either. I love mine, absolutely stunning watch.
Rolex Explorer II ad copy in a few years... "The diamonds that now surround the bezel of the Explorer II symbolize the toughness and invaluable contribution explorers have made to the advancement of civilization over the centuries".
When the two tone Sub came out did people question it ? It’s a staple in the sub range, so,why not… I just picked my explorer SG yesterdays and it’s superb :)
@@watchsymposium steel and Gold… had it for a few days on the wrist now and the 36mm size is a winner, so so comfortable and really has a vintage vibe with the size and S&G. Think you can tell i like it :)
@@Watchthis_g Ah - got it - thanks! Enjoy it. I really like the idea of the 32xx movements. So, it's great to have a watch with one of those top-of-the-line movements.
@@watchsymposium agreed :) i also have the OP41 Green with the new movement … only the Milgauss and the AirKing doesn’t, so i expect they will get an update this year with the new movement and some new design cues.. what do you think ?
Hey Austin, I love the two tone version for what it is , but I totally agree with you , Im calling BS on that advert too and I think your example of a homage to the explorers makes way more sense , speak your mind brother we love it!
Seems obvious enough: to sell more of their popular models without flooding the market with steel models. There’s no reason for a gold Sub or platinum Daytona either. It’s not an homage to the explorers…it’s an homage to Rolex when they used to make tool watches. That’s pretty much what they do now: make homages to themselves. Can’t say I blame them…can’t say I love it either.
The fact that I’m watching this video and you speculating it’s existence says that Rolex and their mighty marketing team have achieved their objective. The very notion of selling watches is the ability to create controversy and then have enthusiasts love and hate the product. This indeed creates value. Now all Rolex have to do is discontinue the 36 two tone explorer and you can watch the price shoots up. It hasn’t been a year and the watch is already selling for $14k or more on the grey market. This is a watch that was priced $10.6k by Rolex when it was first launching 2021.
I have to laugh at all of this controversy over the TT Explorer. First my background, Rolex fan since the mid 1960s, I own three, ('83 16750, '19 TT SD and '20 114060) trained industrial Designer, retired 777 airline pilot and watch enthusiast. Do the same folks maligning Rolex's' choice of the TT Explorer ever say the same thing about the TT Submariner? NO! The Sub is as much if not more of a tool watch than the Explorer, yet virtually no one has anything negative to say about a TT Submariner let alone a solid gold one. Austin your own quote... "Precious metal in a tool watch is odd!" Seriously, listen to yourself. The Explorer One is touted as a watch that can transition many rolls and look as good hiking a trail as it is in a jacket and tie out to dinner... So in my opinion, the Explorer in TT makes way more sense that the a TT Submariner... In fact a TT explorer actually makes sense! FWIW, the GMT, a tool watch I've owned for 38 years is different, it's worn by pilots who in many cases (Pan Am, etc...) wear a jacket and tie, a uniform suit to work. In this environment, a TT watch makes perfect sense if not solid gold one. This is why my airline retirement watch is a TT Sky Dweller. Finally to those who say that Rolex is nor longer a tool watch like in the "old days" I call BS! In '83 when I got my 16750, yes it was a tool watch for me as a pilot, but also a statement symbol, and at $900 USD a sizable chunk of money. If I had wanted just a pilots tool watch/GMT I would have bought a Glycine Airman and NOT a Rolex. Same for diving, a Seiko versus a Submariner, yet all my Marine Corps friends bought Subs when they got dive certified, and used them for diving!
Austin, I’m not sure I agree with your grey market comment with the 2 tone Explorer not selling much above retail. Crono has them around $6K over retail.
We’ll, I think one could argue that Rolex watches are no longer real tool watches…not at their prices. Let’s face it, they are jewelry, simple as that. Ergo, putting gold on any of their watches makes complete sense.
the line dealing with "men and women explorers", is more telling. I think this watches size and material is rolex trying to appeal to the female market. The two tone version will not attract many men, unless they have the bone structure of a stork.
Paul Thorpe has a reveal from an AD employee video today where the guy says the TT Explorer 1 is a commercial failure. It’s the one professional model watch of 2021 that can be had by consumers. The steel professional models go to straw buyers fronting for the resale market.
Interesting - I'll definitely check that out. It might depend on the culture, because you can't find them in AD's here, and there is a grey market premium on them. So, I wouldn't call it a failure. But comparatively speaking certainly less popular than the other Professional models. I wonder if this means it will be discontinued sooner than later. And I wonder what that'll mean for it - overnight appreciation and skyrocketing prices?
Rolex was obviously trying to broaden the Explorer’s unisex appeal with the 124273 and I agree with you that the marketing blurb referencing this model as a homage to past associations with exploration seems tendentious to say the least.
Just saw this Austin - what’s interesting is that more product design/ development or advertising by Rolex will have NO impact on sales revenue at the company. You have to believe that as business people, Rolex management is actively managing their product line in the context of demand and the only lever they have in the near term (or want to deploy) is price… +10-11% price increases for professional models in ‘22 and I would expect double digit increases in ‘23…
It would take very little effort to improve the sport look of the Explorer, introducing a different dial colour as you’ve mentioned and an accent colour to promote the sport feel surly would be appropriate rather than the gold two tone. Besides any one wanting a bit of bling would be better off buying the GMT Master 2 Root Beer or Sea Dweller thats by far more substantial than a 36 mm basic time keeper.
It could just be fancy marketing speak. In fact, it probably is. But just to play devil's advocate, it also could be referencing the gold Datejust that Rolex gave Tenzing Norgay after the 1952 expedition on Everest. It was a year before the one with Edmund Hillary, and his group didn't actually reach the summit, but the experience Norgay gained was still pretty important to the expedition in 1953. I've heard claims that Norgay actually wore that Datejust up to the summit of Everest with Hillary in 1953. I don't think there are any facts to back that up, but Rolex fans would certainly want to believe it. Rolex itself has learned to stop making EXPLICIT claims that its watches went to the top of Everest, but I wouldn't put it past the brand to tell half-truths or make implications.
"the gold (...) is an homage to an invaluable legacy, that of the pioneers who field tested the Explorer..." This kind of thing sets my teeth on edge. It is high sounding yet vacuous marketing bilge. It insults the intelligence of the reader, because it assumes that he or she is going to be impressed with sickly prose and not notice that what they are claiming is utter bunkum. Imagine if car manufacturers played this game: "the leather finish of the seats is our homage to the enduring legacy of horsemen whose pioneering journeys on leather saddles proved the exquisite worth of this material..."
Austin, one more thing. What's the logic of having a 100% everose GMT Master II? Its a tool watch which is a waste of time wearing it, unless you travel different time zones: In everose at $38,000? This makes the Two-Tone Explorer rather useful, does it not?
Austin, Coming at it from the other direction how about a video explaining why Rolex decided to add a white dial to the Explorer II when they come out with the 16550. Thanks!
Rolex are no longer tool watches. nobody in their right mind is going to wear a watch costing thousands for a job where it could get scratched or damaged. I'm a mechanic and Wear and old Skagen for my work; leaving my sub and datejust at home.
I think the telling line for me was: "All the way to the top of the world" - they're saying this is the height of achievement embodied in a watch - or something like that. Targeting wealthy people who think they're at the top etc. Ie luxury = achievement.
Maybe the "homage" wording is an allusion to it being a limited production run watch? It'll be done after 2-3 years thus causing fanboys to cream all over themselves trying to scoop them up with value speculation in mind?
@austin daniels, I have to agree with you, Rolex's reasoning behind the inclusion of gold sounds pretty hairbrained and ridiculous; reminds me of Mr. Peterman, Elaine's boss on Seinfeld, I could see him slopping together a line like that and thinking it would sound good to the Rolex fanboy masses like us 🤣 And yes, a white-dialed Expl I would be a dream watch, I would move Heaven and Earth to get my hands on one.
It's probably closer to 98%, the people using their Explorers as tool watches. But that's beside the point I'm trying to make in the video. (It's not clear to me that you grasp the point of the video.) Are you saying you think TT as a tribute to the Explorers of the past makes sense?
Marketing after the fact I believe... of course white would have been better but mark up is greater when you add a little gold and opens the market to females so win win ..
First off, if you think rolex is a tool watch and shouldn't have models made with gold and other precious metals because of this, and to top it off, you get offended like someone is holding you at gun point forcing you to buy it, you are straight up delusional. It always made sense to me, and it always will. It's a luxury watch brand making luxury watches. M&ms were made for the army, so the army could eat chocolate without it melting in the MRE packages, that doesnt mean its still target torwards thre army at all, coca cola was medicine, most huge companies today started as something else, just like rolex now is far, very far from a tool watch. It's a simple concept to undertand but maybe people are living in a delusional world trying to justify their luxury purchases.
I feel this was made for me. Wanted the 36mm but couldn't deal with the crappy bracelet, so went for the 39mm. Like the watch and the 3 6 9 layout, but felt it's bit boring. So when I saw this I knew I had to have it and bought it for my 40th. Been hiking, biking and riding motorcycle whit it and it holds up just as well as the steel one. I love it.
You maybe overthinking this! It's just an attractive watch to look at while you wait in the queue for the summit of Mt. Everest.
C‘mon people, there is NO such thing like a Rolex „toolwatch“, those times are long gone. SS, TT or gold, ALL Rolex watches are nothing more or less than jewelry 🤷♂️ Get over it. I like the TT Ex and I will get it.
I am with you on this.
PS It’s no more odd to have the two tone on the Explorer tool watch than it is on a submariner or sea-dweller.
It makes sense, you need a two-tone time-only watch in the catalogue, and it’s the only one.
Austin, brilliant vid that offers much thought. It’s simple for me, I’m quite a biggish man but like traditional sized 36mm watches….I always wanted an explorer and like two tone variants and that is my choice. We are all entitled to our opinions, views and preferences but the moment I saw that released back in April, I put my name down for it and now own the two tone version. I absolutely love the thing more than any other Rolex I own. Keep up the great work one of favourite TH-camrs!
For me, it was the only way to get an Explorer in this lifetime, retail. The prIce on the gray market for a steel one was only a couple of grand less than the retail for the Two-Tone. Another question, is why they would spend a lot of money for an AD for this watch - especially since it seems the gray market is flooded with them. I think the ADs could not sell them, had no orders for them, so they went out the back door. However, it appears the gray market is not selling them either. I love mine, absolutely stunning watch.
So you got the two-tone from an AD when you could have gotten it significantly below retail in the grey market?
It was a brand new offering, so no gray market for this model existed at that time. @@dd-dd2co
Rolex Explorer II ad copy in a few years... "The diamonds that now surround the bezel of the Explorer II symbolize the toughness and invaluable contribution explorers have made to the advancement of civilization over the centuries".
When the two tone Sub came out did people question it ? It’s a staple in the sub range, so,why not… I just picked my explorer SG yesterdays and it’s superb :)
SG? What's that?
@@watchsymposium steel and Gold… had it for a few days on the wrist now and the 36mm size is a winner, so so comfortable and really has a vintage vibe with the size and S&G. Think you can tell i like it :)
@@Watchthis_g Ah - got it - thanks!
Enjoy it. I really like the idea of the 32xx movements. So, it's great to have a watch with one of those top-of-the-line movements.
@@watchsymposium agreed :) i also have the OP41 Green with the new movement … only the Milgauss and the AirKing doesn’t, so i expect they will get an update this year with the new movement and some new design cues.. what do you think ?
Hey Austin, I love the two tone version for what it is , but I totally agree with you , Im calling BS on that advert too and I think your example of a homage to the explorers makes way more sense , speak your mind brother we love it!
Seems obvious enough: to sell more of their popular models without flooding the market with steel models. There’s no reason for a gold Sub or platinum Daytona either. It’s not an homage to the explorers…it’s an homage to Rolex when they used to make tool watches. That’s pretty much what they do now: make homages to themselves. Can’t say I blame them…can’t say I love it either.
Or a two tone SD. Seems crazy.
Austin's mullet has gone the way of the Datejust Turn-O-Graph.
The fact that I’m watching this video and you speculating it’s existence says that Rolex and their mighty marketing team have achieved their objective. The very notion of selling watches is the ability to create controversy and then have enthusiasts love and hate the product. This indeed creates value. Now all Rolex have to do is discontinue the 36 two tone explorer and you can watch the price shoots up. It hasn’t been a year and the watch is already selling for $14k or more on the grey market. This is a watch that was priced $10.6k by Rolex when it was first launching 2021.
I have to laugh at all of this controversy over the TT Explorer. First my background, Rolex fan since the mid 1960s, I own three, ('83 16750, '19 TT SD and '20 114060) trained industrial Designer, retired 777 airline pilot and watch enthusiast.
Do the same folks maligning Rolex's' choice of the TT Explorer ever say the same thing about the TT Submariner? NO! The Sub is as much if not more of a tool watch than the Explorer, yet virtually no one has anything negative to say about a TT Submariner let alone a solid gold one. Austin your own quote... "Precious metal in a tool watch is odd!" Seriously, listen to yourself.
The Explorer One is touted as a watch that can transition many rolls and look as good hiking a trail as it is in a jacket and tie out to dinner... So in my opinion, the Explorer in TT makes way more sense that the a TT Submariner... In fact a TT explorer actually makes sense!
FWIW, the GMT, a tool watch I've owned for 38 years is different, it's worn by pilots who in many cases (Pan Am, etc...) wear a jacket and tie, a uniform suit to work. In this environment, a TT watch makes perfect sense if not solid gold one. This is why my airline retirement watch is a TT Sky Dweller.
Finally to those who say that Rolex is nor longer a tool watch like in the "old days" I call BS! In '83 when I got my 16750, yes it was a tool watch for me as a pilot, but also a statement symbol, and at $900 USD a sizable chunk of money. If I had wanted just a pilots tool watch/GMT I would have bought a Glycine Airman and NOT a Rolex. Same for diving, a Seiko versus a Submariner, yet all my Marine Corps friends bought Subs when they got dive certified, and used them for diving!
Austin, I’m not sure I agree with your grey market comment with the 2 tone Explorer not selling much above retail. Crono has them around $6K over retail.
I dont understand why they havent made a two tone of solid gold oyster perpetual but they have made an explorer
I do like the look of the watch. The gold bezel really pops!
Watched on Paul Thorpe’s livestream yesterday, great job!
I was actually offered one, turned it down. It feels smaller than a 36 Datejust. Wasn’t for me. Digging the new hair Austin!
I own both and it is smaller.
I have a feeling after 2-3 years they will stop producing this model.
We’ll, I think one could argue that Rolex watches are no longer real tool watches…not at their prices. Let’s face it, they are jewelry, simple as that. Ergo, putting gold on any of their watches makes complete sense.
the line dealing with "men and women explorers", is more telling. I think this watches size and material is rolex trying to appeal to the female market. The two tone version will not attract many men, unless they have the bone structure of a stork.
Absolutely: "that special breed of men and WOMEN" (who go on expensive Ski trips every year).
I’m with you. White dial explorer is mandatory.
Paul Thorpe has a reveal from an AD employee video today where the guy says the TT Explorer 1 is a commercial failure. It’s the one professional model watch of 2021 that can be had by consumers. The steel professional models go to straw buyers fronting for the resale market.
Interesting - I'll definitely check that out. It might depend on the culture, because you can't find them in AD's here, and there is a grey market premium on them. So, I wouldn't call it a failure. But comparatively speaking certainly less popular than the other Professional models.
I wonder if this means it will be discontinued sooner than later. And I wonder what that'll mean for it - overnight appreciation and skyrocketing prices?
124273, my absolute dream watch! I wish I could afford one.
I really like it and I really love the bling, but to each their own!!!
Good video Austin! Fair point! A white dial in stainless would have been the way to go! I like your take on this.
Rolex was obviously trying to broaden the Explorer’s unisex appeal with the 124273 and I agree with you that the marketing blurb referencing this model as a homage to past associations with exploration seems tendentious to say the least.
Your sarcasm is soo funny. But seriously we get your point.
You are totally on point! White would have been more appropriate. A two tone homage?! It makes no sense. Lame Rolex.
Going back to 36mm was a bigger mistake than the Rolesor. IMHO
Just saw this Austin - what’s interesting is that more product design/ development or advertising by Rolex will have NO impact on sales revenue at the company. You have to believe that as business people, Rolex management is actively managing their product line in the context of demand and the only lever they have in the near term (or want to deploy) is price…
+10-11% price increases for professional models in ‘22 and I would expect double digit increases in ‘23…
It would take very little effort to improve the sport look of the Explorer, introducing a different dial colour as you’ve mentioned and an accent colour to promote the sport feel surly would be appropriate rather than the gold two tone. Besides any one wanting a bit of bling would be better off buying the GMT Master 2 Root Beer or Sea Dweller thats by far more substantial than a 36 mm basic time keeper.
Honestly that’s what I thought they’d do…white dial all the way.
It could just be fancy marketing speak. In fact, it probably is. But just to play devil's advocate, it also could be referencing the gold Datejust that Rolex gave Tenzing Norgay after the 1952 expedition on Everest. It was a year before the one with Edmund Hillary, and his group didn't actually reach the summit, but the experience Norgay gained was still pretty important to the expedition in 1953. I've heard claims that Norgay actually wore that Datejust up to the summit of Everest with Hillary in 1953. I don't think there are any facts to back that up, but Rolex fans would certainly want to believe it. Rolex itself has learned to stop making EXPLICIT claims that its watches went to the top of Everest, but I wouldn't put it past the brand to tell half-truths or make implications.
"the gold (...) is an homage to an invaluable legacy, that of the pioneers who field tested the Explorer..."
This kind of thing sets my teeth on edge. It is high sounding yet vacuous marketing bilge. It insults the intelligence of the reader, because it assumes that he or she is going to be impressed with sickly prose and not notice that what they are claiming is utter bunkum. Imagine if car manufacturers played this game: "the leather finish of the seats is our homage to the enduring legacy of horsemen whose pioneering journeys on leather saddles proved the exquisite worth of this material..."
The original Explorer Rolex of 1951-1960 was two-tone yellow gold and silver though sir.
I completely agree with you! And that would be on top of my wish list!👍🏼
Austin, one more thing. What's the logic of having a 100% everose GMT Master II? Its a tool watch which is a waste of time wearing it, unless you travel different time zones: In everose at $38,000? This makes the Two-Tone Explorer rather useful, does it not?
I heard that ADs are having hard time selling Rolex Explorer 36mm (both steel & two tones)
Maybe a white gold version with the ice blue dial on explorer would be cool
Just a white dial on steel won’t allow Rolex to charge more, which I would guess is part of the reason behind the TT Xplorer
Two tone Explorer is just a cash 💰 grab! But where is the outrage for the two tone Sea dweller or god forbid solid gold Submariner??
There was a golf explorer for the Canadian market in the 1950’s
Austin,
Coming at it from the other direction how about a video explaining why Rolex decided to add a white dial to the Explorer II when they come out with the 16550. Thanks!
You hit the nail on the head with the white dial explore
White dial Explorer...what a dream
Rolex are no longer tool watches. nobody in their right mind is going to wear a watch costing thousands for a job where it could get scratched or damaged. I'm a mechanic and Wear and old Skagen for my work; leaving my sub and datejust at home.
It’s not like you can drill a screw with this “TOOL” watch. Gold is fine and I love it on the Exploerer.
A white dial Explorer would be FIRE!!
They will release a 41mm soon to compliment 36mm
I think the telling line for me was: "All the way to the top of the world" - they're saying this is the height of achievement embodied in a watch - or something like that. Targeting wealthy people who think they're at the top etc. Ie luxury = achievement.
I actually saw a woman wearing one of these and it looked better than the two tone Daytona does on an elegant female.
Good review Austin.
i have the steel version and i would like to get this one just to interchange the dial and hands and make a modern 1016
I'm sure they have the white dial on standby already waiting for the right time to release it. Maybe it'll be a white gold version... hm?
I like my logic more.. but I'm too lazy to type it again. Think i posted it over at b&j.
Love the slicked back look!
would love to see a 36mm white dial explorer on a jubilee, stainless steel of course
124273 The finest rolex there is⚓️💙
Gold is antimicrobial! Gold is durable! They stated it’s unisex.
It earned the right to be made in Rolesor
Seen these in AD shop windows in the U.K. at normal retail price.
Spot on..👍
The logic is to make more money, they sell the gold 5 times more expensive with the name of "rolesor"
It’s a top secret special gold mix.😜 Love your SMP300 btw.✌🏽
I’d love to see Rolex do a solid gold Explorer.
That would've been a lot better looking.
Crappy homage Austin,i really like the white dial you mocked up👍🏻
if Rolex wants women buyers for the Explorer, they should make full everose gold jubilee bracelet Explorer 36mm
Maybe the "homage" wording is an allusion to it being a limited production run watch? It'll be done after 2-3 years thus causing fanboys to cream all over themselves trying to scoop them up with value speculation in mind?
@austin daniels, I have to agree with you, Rolex's reasoning behind the inclusion of gold sounds pretty hairbrained and ridiculous; reminds me of Mr. Peterman, Elaine's boss on Seinfeld, I could see him slopping together a line like that and thinking it would sound good to the Rolex fanboy masses like us 🤣 And yes, a white-dialed Expl I would be a dream watch, I would move Heaven and Earth to get my hands on one.
Good vid Austin but for Gods sake pronounce homage the correct way!! It’s offensive to every English speaker worldwide (well other than the states).
90% of people with explorer watches aren't using them as a tool watch. You like you sit in a chair all day.
It's probably closer to 98%, the people using their Explorers as tool watches. But that's beside the point I'm trying to make in the video. (It's not clear to me that you grasp the point of the video.) Are you saying you think TT as a tribute to the Explorers of the past makes sense?
Marketing after the fact I believe... of course white would have been better but mark up is greater when you add a little gold and opens the market to females so win win ..
so dumb to have a controversy on this.
Not a controversy. It's a critique of the TT Explorer. Anyway, this should keep your panties in a bunch: th-cam.com/video/qyDQl5gGz6I/w-d-xo.html
For women
buddy your sound is really low.
Titanium!!!
scratch magnet
First off, if you think rolex is a tool watch and shouldn't have models made with gold and other precious metals because of this, and to top it off, you get offended like someone is holding you at gun point forcing you to buy it, you are straight up delusional. It always made sense to me, and it always will. It's a luxury watch brand making luxury watches. M&ms were made for the army, so the army could eat chocolate without it melting in the MRE packages, that doesnt mean its still target torwards thre army at all, coca cola was medicine, most huge companies today started as something else, just like rolex now is far, very far from a tool watch. It's a simple concept to undertand but maybe people are living in a delusional world trying to justify their luxury purchases.
Great watch for a woman. 100 %
What happens to ur hair. 😕 hope this is a 2020 rerun.🙏
Definitely a chhhwhite one ☝🏼
Pretentious level getting higher, exploring the pretentious and coffee world wealy wealy goood
Dog... it's pronounced "oh-mahj"
Please get to the point.
Hunter green dial explorer!!!
Phird