Rolex - Explorer 1 or Milguass
Rolex - Explorer 1 or Milguass
Author
Discussion

matt_knowles

Original Poster:

840 posts

235 months

Friday 24th May 2019
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Well, I've bought enough watches recently so I need to calm things a bit.

I am finding that I am able to rotate my 3 main ones easily and have situation for them all. I am lacking something a little more classic now though with most of my pieces being sports / tool watches.

For some time I really wanted a JLC Geophysic, but after trying one on I was left cold. It was this one which caught my attention though which obviously is pretty difficult to get - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/jaeger-lecoultre...

I know there is a world of choice out there, so I need to get checking some different brands out, but I have always been drawn to the simplicity of the Explorer 1. I recently tried one on and loved it, very timeless. Whilst trying it on, I was also drawn to the Milguass which I have long time been a fan of. Looking at the two on my wrist however, I think the explorer looks better (doesn't help that the Milguass isn't clean though.

Thoughts?







Edited by matt_knowles on Friday 24th May 16:02

Barchettaman

7,089 posts

154 months

Friday 24th May 2019
quotequote all
Thoughts? Well, you’ve mentioned that your other three are tool watches, and that you fancy something different, but the two you’re considering are both.....tool watches.

Get whatever you like.

If you’re leaning towards an Explorer 1 then consider the Longines Conquest as it (arguably) is much better value.

dazmanultra

448 posts

114 months

Friday 24th May 2019
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I wanted an Explorer I before I tried on a Seamaster Aqua Terra. Both nice watches but the extra cost of the Explorer I I didn't personally feel was justified.

matt_knowles

Original Poster:

840 posts

235 months

Friday 24th May 2019
quotequote all
Barchettaman said:
Thoughts? Well, you’ve mentioned that your other three are tool watches, and that you fancy something different, but the two you’re considering are both.....tool watches.

Get whatever you like.

If you’re leaning towards an Explorer 1 then consider the Longines Conquest as it (arguably) is much better value.
Thanks - Yeah I get your point, I was just trying to encapsulate my thoughts better. I'm essentially looking for something more classic and dressier than my current watches.

Will take a look at the Longines cheers

Barchettaman

7,089 posts

154 months

Friday 24th May 2019
quotequote all
A-ha. Well, if you’re after a dress watch, then there are a gizillion beautiful ones out there!

Oh, and apologies for mentioning the Longines Conquest- it’s just that I have my eye on one. .....

Fullook

900 posts

95 months

Friday 24th May 2019
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Of the ones you have posted, the JLC for me by a mile.

I can't get past the silly lightning styling of the seconds hand on the Milgauss, it looks to my eyes like something you'd put on a child's watch. I know lots of people love them, and I respect that, but not something I could ever recommend.

In terms of other options what about this from IWC:



Or if you're considering the Longines Conquest, why go a bit classier / dressier still and look at their Heritage Conquest:


lostkiwi

4,585 posts

146 months

Friday 24th May 2019
quotequote all
Fullook said:
Of the ones you have posted, the JLC for me by a mile.

I can't get past the silly lightning styling of the seconds hand on the Milgauss, it looks to my eyes like something you'd put on a child's watch. I know lots of people love them, and I respect that, but not something I could ever recommend.

In terms of other options what about this from IWC:



Or if you're considering the Longines Conquest, why go a bit classier / dressier still and look at their Heritage Conquest:

Totally agree on the Milgauss. That second just looks so cheap and nasty it spoils what could otherwise be a nice enough watch.

Good call on the Longines Heritage. Longines do some lovely classic pieces these days including a very nice (if cluttered) triple complication and Heritage Military.

Dicky Knee

1,090 posts

153 months

Friday 24th May 2019
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Zenith Elite for me....

Graemsay

613 posts

234 months

Saturday 25th May 2019
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The Rolex Air-King is worth considering as an alternative to the Milgauss. It's basically the same watch at a lower price point, and is one of the few sports models that is relatively easily available. It is, however, a bit more divisive.

The Milgauss and Air-King use a soft iron inner case to protect the movement, and this makes the case a bit thicker and heavier. The Explorer felt more comfortable and better balanced on the wrist.

If you're looking for alternatives, the Omega Seamaster 1948 is a lovely piece, I got to try one on today and really liked it. There are a few of the centre seconds in boutiques, so you might be able to find one if you're quick. The Railmaster and De Ville Hour Vision might also be options.

The Glashütte Original Senator Excellence is a simple, time only watch. It's got a fantastic movement and is less common than a Rolex or Omega. It'll cost a little more, though.

JohnBRG

395 posts

193 months

Sunday 26th May 2019
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I would look for a birth year Datejust. Steel ones on a leather strap are very affordable and are a timeless classic.

HM-2

12,467 posts

191 months

Sunday 26th May 2019
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Graemsay said:
If you're looking for alternatives, the Omega Seamaster 1948 is a lovely piece
How about the Seamaster Aqua Terra > 15,000 Gauss? Unlike the Milgauss it's antimagnetic features come from the design of the movement rather than the case, so it doesn't feel bigger or heavier than an equivalent Aqua Terra. I'll admit that the yellow detailing is a bit love-or-hate though.

Graemsay

613 posts

234 months

Sunday 26th May 2019
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HM-2 said:
How about the Seamaster Aqua Terra > 15,000 Gauss? Unlike the Milgauss it's antimagnetic features come from the design of the movement rather than the case, so it doesn't feel bigger or heavier than an equivalent Aqua Terra. I'll admit that the yellow detailing is a bit love-or-hate though.
The Seamaster 1948, Railmaster, and Hour Vision all have the same resistance to magnetism. It's pretty standard across the Omega range, just look for a Master Chronometer.

mcpiston

297 posts

191 months

Sunday 26th May 2019
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I had your exact dilemma a few years back, went in with the intention of buying a milgauss and walked out with the explorer 1. Very comfortable to wear, nice on the wrist and goes just as well in Jean's or a suit.

mcpiston

297 posts

191 months

Sunday 26th May 2019
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Barchettaman

7,089 posts

154 months

Sunday 26th May 2019
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CONTROVERSIAL SUGGESTION INCOMING

You could get an Alpha Explorer from homage-watches-uk on eBay.co.uk, see how you get on with it, and if you end up getting the real thing then flog the Alpha on.

dvs_dave

9,040 posts

247 months

Monday 27th May 2019
quotequote all
Barchettaman said:
CONTROVERSIAL SUGGESTION INCOMING

You could get an Alpha Explorer from homage-watches-uk on eBay.co.uk, see how you get on with it, and if you end up getting the real thing then flog the Alpha on.
Convincing looking replicas. Although I presume folks like these supply the fake watch industry which just takes one of these and swaps the dial out for a bogus branded one.

AB

19,509 posts

217 months

Monday 27th May 2019
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Love the Milgauss, it's on my hit list at some point.


Pupp

12,838 posts

294 months

Monday 27th May 2019
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I want to like mine; I really do...

matt_knowles

Original Poster:

840 posts

235 months

Tuesday 28th May 2019
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Thanks for the suggestions all. I'll be busy next week having a look around and trying some on.

I'm still on the hunt for that specific JLC to see what it's like in person. It was produced in limited numbers though, so might not be the easiest to come across....even if it's just to try.

I'm not looking for anything too extravagant, but special enough to hand down to my son when he turns 18. I have another son on the way so I need to find something equally special for him too.

Thanks

matt_knowles

Original Poster:

840 posts

235 months

Friday 31st May 2019
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I'm a sucker for a blue dial. This has caught my attention.

https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us/en/watches/mas...




Edited by matt_knowles on Friday 31st May 10:20


Edited by matt_knowles on Friday 31st May 10:45