Rolex Explorer II

[mike9009]

Hi

Just been doing a small amount of research about a relatives watch. It is a Rolex Explorer II but has an orange second hand. Now, on various sites this particular model appears to be more valuable than 'standard' Explorers. Can someone explain why - and exactly what other features distinguish these over more standard Explorers.

Many thanks from a complete watch novice!


Mike

[andy_s]

Like this one? - the dial and hands are completely different to any other Rolex so it should be easy to tell.



Do you have a date/serial number? Is the second hand straight or does it have the blob on it like the one above?

It's a fairly unique looking Rolex, it's getting on in years so falls within 'vintage' brackets, it's relatively rare and is quite desirable; all these things added up make it attractive to collectors so people pay a lot for them - supply and demand.

I think it's the best model of Explorer, despite the non-independent 24hr hand.

Chuck up a pic so I can wring my hands and regret my poor career choices...

[mike9009]

Many thanks. What difference does the blob on second hand make?

I'll enquire about a photo, but suspect he may decline...... He is now worried he will be mugged as he wears it on a daily basis. I think he got it new in the early 1970's, if that sounds about right? Will check tomorrow.

The Only 'rough' prices i have found are on US ebay. Is that generally what they sell for?

Any decent websites to use as a resource for this?

Mike

[Trommel]

mike9009 said:

Many thanks. What difference does the blob on second hand make?

They had straight second hands for the first couple of years, then the one with the blob.

How original is it?

[andy_s]

It was made iirc from 1971 onwards, the first year or two they had a straight second hand, which is a small thing but may make a difference in value.
If it's got all the original bits and bobs and in good shape - neither too bashed up nor over-polished, then they can go quite high, esp. early ones.

But even quite worn with no bits and pieces you'd maybe be looking 10-12k and north I'd imagine, I've not looked for a while, but that sort of magnitude anyway.

[Maxf]

I think they have dropped a bit since then Andy - you seem to be able to pick one up without papers for about $10-12k now (assuming you meant £s) - papers and all of the bits and piecs adds a good chunk obviously, as does a straight seconds hand.

[mike9009]

Hi

Well it looks like the blob version. Please see pick of the actual watch below.





He has all the original documentation (in excellent condition) plus the registration document is not dealer stamped as he purchased direct from the distributor (I think he was a family friend??). Not sure what this means..

Thanks for your help!


Mike

PS I also have a rolex which I will post up later (its a bit of a thing with my in-laws and as such I got bought one when I got married) I also know nothing about mine - except it was bought secondhand and dates to about 1990. Up until I got married I wore 9.95 Casio watches!

[LukeBird]

That really is very fantastic!
The owner should definitely make sure it is insured properly.

[Miguel Alvarez]

mike9009 said:

Hi

PS I also have a rolex which I will post up later (its a bit of a thing with my in-laws and as such I got bought one when I got married) I also know nothing about mine - except it was bought secondhand and dates to about 1990. Up until I got married I wore 9.95 Casio watches!

This err family you have errr married into. Do they have any single women of the 30 age group?

[andy_s]

Well it certainly looks used, but honestly so, and perhaps better doesn't look over-polished; with all the original docs, (important for some, less so for others but at this age just a bonus), and what looks like the original bracelet(?) then you'd be probably looking at medium in the price range out of interest.

Having said all that, prices for them seem to be all over the place, but as there's no mention of selling (and what better way to keep some money for a rainy day?!) then it's all a bit academic though.

It's certainly a lovely watch and I think it's great that he's been wearing it for so long as a watch rather than it being kept in a drawer.

Thanks for the pic anyway. I'm going for a sponge to mop the saliva off the screen.

http://www.watchrecon.com/?query=1655&last_day... From Private sellers

https://www.chrono24.com/en/search/index.htm?query... Private and dealers.

Edited by andy_s on Friday 16th March 19:01

[Clivew]

mike9009 said:

He is now worried he will be mugged as he wears it on a daily basis.

Tell him not to worry. I've worn mine nearly every day since I got it in 1972.