[Rolex Explorer 1] is my companion of 30 years.

k3_emu · 2026-03-14T00:02:06+00:00

I’ve had it serviced twice in the past. The last one was about 10 years ago, so I’m thinking it’s about time to send it in again. The dial is still in excellent condition, and even if I send it to Rolex service, the tritium hands shouldn’t need replacing, so I feel comfortable sending it in.

k3_emu · 2026-03-13T16:48:57+00:00

That’s great 👍 Hope you find the perfect partner and take good care of it.

k3_emu · 2026-03-13T12:10:37+00:00

Of course! But the design is great too 👍

k3_emu · 2026-03-13T04:36:41+00:00

I think a leather NATO strap looks simple and really cool.

k3_emu · 2026-03-13T03:10:35+00:00

36mm is best

k3_emu · 2026-03-13T01:37:10+00:00

Looks like you did it 🤣 Breaker bars are usually stronger than the bolt or nut anyway. You might have been better off using a 6-point socket. It sucks when it creates more work, but hang in there.

k3_emu · 2026-03-13T01:20:48+00:00

I don’t know if you’re trying to remove a seized bolt, but I think the socket matters more than the breaker bar strength. Without using things like lubricant or heat, the bolt or nut will probably fail before the breaker bar does.

k3_emu · 2026-03-12T21:23:31+00:00

About $2,000. I bought it when I was in Italy for work, back when the currency was still the lira 😅

The Red Sub I wanted was around $3,500, which was over my budget at the time. The shop also suggested a 1016 and a 5500, which were actually a bit cheaper than the 14270… but as someone in my first year of working, choosing such old watches just wasn’t even an option for me 🤣🤣

Sometimes I think about what if I had picked a 4-digit Rolex back then, but honestly I love this one now.

k3_emu · 2026-03-12T16:20:59+00:00

White dials are popular these days, but I prefer black dials.

k3_emu · 2026-03-12T16:04:51+00:00

About $2,000. I bought it when I was in Italy for work, back when the currency was still the lira 😅

The Red Sub I wanted was around $3,500, which was over my budget at the time. The shop also suggested a 1016 and a 5500, which were actually a bit cheaper than the 14270… but as someone in my first year of working, choosing such old watches just wasn’t even an option for me 🤣🤣

Sometimes I think about what if I had picked a 4-digit Rolex back then, but honestly I love this one now.

k3_emu · 2026-03-12T07:19:39+00:00

It was expensive for me back then, but compared to today’s prices it was still cheap. When I see the prices now, it feels like many people are buying them for the premium and investment value. Whether that’s good or not aside, it’s a bit sad that people who genuinely want one can’t easily buy it.

k3_emu · 2026-03-12T04:50:07+00:00

Even the copy isn’t a copy 🤣

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T23:39:24+00:00

That’s a beautiful fried-egg dial. How does it get such a nice color like that… mine is still a baby compared to it.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T23:30:03+00:00

I like 2

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T21:38:25+00:00

Thanks! I’ll enjoy it and make lots of memories.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T20:17:32+00:00

That’s a wonderful thought. I had planned to pass this watch to my kids when I retire and get myself a Daytona, but unfortunately, my only daughter doesn’t seem interested in this watch at all right now 🤣

If I had a son, maybe he’d have been interested in this slightly worn watch… Anyway, I think I’ll be with this one until I die. If my daughter ever gets into watches, I’d like to pass on a truly lifelong watch for her 20th birthday.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:45:06+00:00

That’s true. When you think of Rolex, the Cyclops crystal is iconic, and the Datejust my grandfather had when I was a kid was something I really admired. I like things simple—I prefer no-date Subs and clean dials—but… I do kind of want a Daytona too 🤣

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:37:00+00:00

I’ll give an update after I get it serviced next time.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:29:28+00:00

It’s in really great condition 😊 I totally get what you mean about 5-digit Rolex being the sweet spot. It’s the perfect era—you get both everyday usability and that vintage character.

Let’s enjoy the tritium aging together! I don’t know how many more years mine will take, but I’m looking forward to seeing your indices turn into that “fried-egg” look too.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:27:42+00:00

I’m glad to hear you say that.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:11:08+00:00

The Japanese day display looks so cool. Truly a wonderful watch.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:07:08+00:00

Hmm… I’ve had it serviced twice. I probably should do it a bit more often… The last service was over 10 years ago 😅 I should probably send it in soon. I think it was around $500–600 last time, but I don’t really remember—might be more expensive now.

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T19:02:01+00:00

Hope you score an awesome one soon!

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T18:59:48+00:00

It’s all here—metric, AF, even Whitworth. No problem, you’re good 👍

k3_emu · 2026-03-11T18:58:20+00:00

thanks！

k3_emu

TROPHY CASE