[stuartj]

Originally Posted by SLO-BOB

I truly appreciate the input, but that's kind of like saying if one really spent time at the Pelican website, one should have read the article on midyear cars and head studs. There's a LOT of info on both websites. Thanks to Tim Hanson, I did, however, read one rather unflattering review of the Explorer. I won't lie, it does influence my decision. Here's some excerpts from the summary -

"SOME PERSONAL CONCLUSIONS

The anomalies of the Rolex Explorer make it difficult to neatly summarize a personal opinion. For me, the only intriguing aspect of this watch is that a movement so lacking is basic workmanship is capable of being so accurately timed.

Ouch

In the current watch market, the poor quality of the movement--and relatively good quality of the case and dial--suggests that this watch should retail in the $600 to $800 range. To my tastes, a quartz-controlled watch would provide the functionality of this watch, do it even better, do it with better reliability, do it at an appropriate purchase price, do it at much lower routine maintenance costs, and, in most cases, provide a better piece of craftsmanship in the bargain. Obviously, for the person who wants "a Rolex" for reasons unrelated to the watch itself, this watch might be a choice.

OUCH!

For those who would insist on a mechanical watch, there are innumerable other choices in the price range of the Explorer, almost any of which would provide a movement of much better quality. There are also many watches at a quarter or less of the price of the Rolex that exhibit comparable or better workmanship and quality. In fact, I think it would be difficult to find another current production watch, at any price over a few hundred dollars, as deficient in basic workmanship of the mechanicals as the Explorer.

Get off the fence. Tell us how you really feel.

The contrast between the relatively good external appearance of the watch and the internal appearance is absolutely unparalled in my experience. I cannot think of another consumer product in which the gulf between the publicly perceived quality and the reality I saw is as broad as with the Explorer."

Yikes. Okay. I'm not saying I'm totally off the idea of a Rolex. There is a vintage Airking available that looks nice for not a lot of money. Are the vintage Rolexs good watches according to experts? What do "watch experts" think is a great watch for the price?

I think you are quoting from the Exporer 1 review by Timezone doyen Walt Odets. The most controversial thing ever to happen at Timezone, it sent Mr Odets into self banishment. Mere mention of it will start barfights in rooms all over the interweb.

The power of the Rolex brand is strong, OB1.