Explorer Prices

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JBZ
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Explorer Prices

Post by JBZ » Tue Oct 06, 2020 6:44 am

I watch Rolex prices fairly regularly (because I enjoy torturing myself). For a long time, even with the recent madness, five digit Explorer II's and five and six digit 36mm Explorers have remained comparatively affordable.

However, just in the past couple of months, I've noticed a large increase in the asking price for the 36mm Explorer. And five digit Explorer II's have been creeping up for awhile.

So I guess the point of this post is that it's become incredibly difficult to buy a decent condition sports Rolex of any kind for less than $5,000, and it's probably closer to $5,500.

Even four and five digit Datejusts in decent condition have been moving up recently. I wonder if this is a temporary bump or if things are just going to keep trending upward.
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Chocodove
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by Chocodove » Tue Oct 06, 2020 6:49 am

Agreed, I follow pretty closely as well and it’s getting even worse. Pretty strong rumors of the Explorer being revamped (and upsized) next year and that caused the current version to go up, so I guess the 36mm variants are following. Even the older 39mm T-Rex version is creeping up to msrp on the used market now.
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JBZ
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by JBZ » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:19 am

This is demonstrative.

Jacek Kozubek of Tropical Watches was selling a 2004 114270 back in August - he listed it at $4,750. No box, no papers.

He's currently selling a 2002 114270, no boxes and no papers and in what looks like comparable cosmetic condition - listed at $5,950.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=748717

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=767710
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matt.wu
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by matt.wu » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:38 am

Selling watches is all about riding the hype wave (kinda like stocks). People aren't usually perfectly logical.
:htfu:

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blkgsl
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by blkgsl » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:44 am

matt.wu wrote:Selling watches is all about riding the hype wave (kinda like stocks). People aren't usually perfectly logical.
Yep. And like many stocks, the “all boats rise” and FOMO syndromes are at play, and work off of each other.

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tmw
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by tmw » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:45 am

Explorer - whether 36 or 39 - prices have been skyrocketing - to the point I am considering selling on of my 214270. It is just going under its own rolex craze. Dont get me wrong, the Explorer is a great watch, but technically, the new ones are far better than the 36mm. But the 36mm just wears right.

These are headed for 6K+ easily.

GMTs and Subs are also continuing to skyrocket, with no end in sight.

The vintage craze is irrational exuberance (I remember the omega ploprof, 1000m, big blue all went through this around 2010 - then came back down to reality). There, is no way to just explain it easily. There used to be a few vintage rolex dealers. Now there are a ton - and they are skyrocketing each new piece from the previous. They are listing these prices because people are willing to go that high for the "perfect" vintage piece. And it seems that even polishing or over polishing, chipped crystals, relumed hands "to match" have become "acceptable."
Stan, don’t you know the first law of physics? Anything that’s fun costs at least eight dollars”
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“To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman

I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

- Jimmy Buffett

JBZ
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by JBZ » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:46 am

matt.wu wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:38 am
Selling watches is all about riding the hype wave (kinda like stocks). People aren't usually perfectly logical.
Definitely true. There's a reason for the hugely inflated prices on the new 41mm subs. I was just surprised to see the prices go up so rapidly on a fairly standard model that's been around for years and for which there is no shortage. And it's 36mm, which isn't exactly in style right now for most people

I'm both happy and sad to see the increase in the 16570's. Happy because I own a black dialed version. Sad because I'd love to pick up a polar to go with it, but it's just out of my reach.
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by JBZ » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:54 am

tmw wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:45 am
The vintage craze is irrational exuberance (I remember the omega ploprof, 1000m, big blue all went through this around 2010 - then came back down to reality). There, is no way to just explain it easily. There used to be a few vintage rolex dealers. Now there are a ton - and they are skyrocketing each new piece from the previous. They are listing these prices because people are willing to go that high for the "perfect" vintage piece. And it seems that even polishing or over polishing, chipped crystals, relumed hands "to match" have become "acceptable."
The vintage market for desirable pieces seems to become more of a minefield every year. With the increase in the number of dealers (many of whom lack any real expertise), the astronomical increase in prices, and the relative dearth of pristine, original models that people really want, there's a lot of room for shenanigans. There's a big thread over in the vintage section of TRF right now about a rare 1675 that was sold as having an original dial when the dial was clearly relumed. Which, on the one hand, sounds silly, but on the other is probably a difference of several thousand dollars.
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BlueSky
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by BlueSky » Tue Oct 06, 2020 7:59 am

Am I mistaken that when I joined (4 years ago), Exp II prices were in the $3500, or lower, range?

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tmw
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by tmw » Tue Oct 06, 2020 8:12 am

The other part of this equation, is all rolex sport models are near impossible to get new. So the vintage prices are going up to match the "list prices" in some cases, or the grey market prices in other cases.

The 14060 vintage is almost the price of the new. Sub and GMT prices are ridiculous. I think I paid around 4K for my Kermit. Now, it would cost 15K almost independent of condition.

This is a combination of rolex limiting stock, grey market dealers getting the sport models (and having to also buy the crap rolexs (lol - datejusts) in some instances), more and more used rolex stores both virtual and brick and mortar, and people just wanting to buy rolex. Its riding the wave as others have said above.

Now some people tend to prefer the 5 digit rolexes.....but those tend to be people like us.
Stan, don’t you know the first law of physics? Anything that’s fun costs at least eight dollars”
-- Eric Cartman

“To absent friends, lost loves, old gods, and the season of mists; and may each and every one of us always give the devil his due.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman

I bought a cheap watch from a crazy man
Floating down canal
It doesn't use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And If I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On

- Jimmy Buffett

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Zidane
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by Zidane » Tue Oct 06, 2020 12:49 pm

Yeah, the insanity just continues.

I've thought many times about selling my collection and pocketing some profits, but I know I'd just end up wanting them back again at some point in the future and the prices would inevitably be much higher.

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by hoppyjr » Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm

I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by Chocodove » Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:44 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
the OP 41 in turquoise.
I also really like that one. Based on how the 214270 wears on me, I think the 41mm OP is too big for me though. It's a lot of dial.
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by Panerai7 » Tue Oct 06, 2020 2:57 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
OP41 is perfection for a larger wrist. I might have to get the Yellow one unless 41mm Explorer 1 comes out

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by CGSshorty » Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:07 pm

Panerai7 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
OP41 is perfection for a larger wrist. I might have to get the Yellow one unless 41mm Explorer 1 comes out
I want a yellow one, too. I don’t think I can justify the price for a watch like that, though.
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JBZ
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by JBZ » Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:47 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
I guess it depends on wrist size. I think 39mm is perfect for the Explorer. The modern Ranger is 41mm, and it’s just a little too much dial for me.
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by Panerai7 » Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:52 pm

CGSshorty wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:07 pm
Panerai7 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
OP41 is perfection for a larger wrist. I might have to get the Yellow one unless 41mm Explorer 1 comes out
I want a yellow one, too. I don’t think I can justify the price for a watch like that, though.
Not sure it’s $6K hot but I love it. Wonder what it’ll do on secondhand market.

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by ncstate1201 » Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:33 am

Panerai7 wrote:
CGSshorty wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:07 pm
Panerai7 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
OP41 is perfection for a larger wrist. I might have to get the Yellow one unless 41mm Explorer 1 comes out
I want a yellow one, too. I don’t think I can justify the price for a watch like that, though.
Not sure it’s $6K hot but I love it. Wonder what it’ll do on secondhand market.

Image
Wonder how many they will make of the unique colors...almost seems like a modern day stella...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk


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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by TSD » Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:44 am

ncstate1201 wrote:
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:33 am
Panerai7 wrote:
CGSshorty wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:07 pm
Panerai7 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
OP41 is perfection for a larger wrist. I might have to get the Yellow one unless 41mm Explorer 1 comes out
I want a yellow one, too. I don’t think I can justify the price for a watch like that, though.
Not sure it’s $6K hot but I love it. Wonder what it’ll do on secondhand market.

Image
Wonder how many they will make of the unique colors...almost seems like a modern day stella...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
I remember reading somewhere Stella dial Day-Dates and DJs were produced/intended for the Middle East market. Assume new OP dial colors are widely available.

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by toxicavenger » Tue Jan 19, 2021 8:22 am

TSD wrote:
Tue Jan 19, 2021 4:44 am
ncstate1201 wrote:
Tue Jan 19, 2021 3:33 am
Panerai7 wrote:
CGSshorty wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:07 pm
Panerai7 wrote:
hoppyjr wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 1:39 pm
I love the 214270 (v2.0) but a 41mm version would be a must have for me.

In my perfect world I’d have the new Sub 41, Explorer 41, and the OP 41 in turquoise.
OP41 is perfection for a larger wrist. I might have to get the Yellow one unless 41mm Explorer 1 comes out
I want a yellow one, too. I don’t think I can justify the price for a watch like that, though.
Not sure it’s $6K hot but I love it. Wonder what it’ll do on secondhand market.

Image
Wonder how many they will make of the unique colors...almost seems like a modern day stella...

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
I remember reading somewhere Stella dial Day-Dates and DJs were produced/intended for the Middle East market. Assume new OP dial colors are widely available.
that is why rolex sued La Californienne since they thought they were stealing their vibrant colors they were about to release :stir:

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by pbj204 » Wed Mar 10, 2021 9:27 am

Panerai7 wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:52 pm


Not sure it’s $6K hot but I love it. Wonder what it’ll do on secondhand market.

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by JP Chestnut » Wed Mar 10, 2021 12:56 pm

It’s a money laundering front for some drug cartel. That’s the only explanation that makes sense.

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WatchOut63
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by WatchOut63 » Wed Mar 10, 2021 1:23 pm

I don't think I'll ever pursue another Rolex. The prices have just gotten ridiculous. I just looked up my 16220 Datejust and it's more than doubled in value. Not interested in selling it though, I'll just keep it as a reminder when things were sane in the watch world.

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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by dnslater » Wed Mar 10, 2021 1:25 pm

JP Chestnut wrote:
Wed Mar 10, 2021 12:56 pm
It’s a money laundering front for some drug cartel. That’s the only explanation that makes sense.
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Panerai7
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Re: Explorer Prices

Post by Panerai7 » Wed Mar 10, 2021 1:48 pm

pbj204 wrote:
Wed Mar 10, 2021 9:27 am
Panerai7 wrote:
Tue Oct 06, 2020 3:52 pm


Not sure it’s $6K hot but I love it. Wonder what it’ll do on secondhand market.

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That’s literally fn insane

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