This is an original Rolex Explorer with a DATE window!
This is an original Rolex Explorer with a DATE window! We know that the Explorer II has a date, is almost all other Rolex model under the Sun, but it was always disturbed us our favorite Rolex was missing such a simple and useful function. Often but rarely seen, this watch is an absolute dream for a large number of Rolex sports watch collectors, including at least a member of the team of Hodinkee (so buy quickly until it gets to it!).

Enable me...closing in on the 15400
I posted a few weeks ago that I was close to adding the JLC Grande Ultra Thin Duo to the collection. It's a fine watch indeed. But the Royal Oak (specifically the black dial in SS) is just on a different level, has always been on the short list and at some point, I would want to add. They are harder to come by and of course there is the price delta. Totally different watches but I'm thinking the RO would be a more versatile piece for me (usually in a suit or business casual during the week). Got the call/text from my friend at an AD that they just got one in. Music to my ears! As a repeat customer and a referral source for him, he's given me an offer that I think is quite competitive...almost too good to pass on honestly.I've tried it on in the past but as with bracelet watches, it's really tough to get a good sense/feel of the fit without sizing it properly (not that I would expect an AD to do that for me!) Pic of the RO and the ROC on my wrist below. And the RO on leather strap too w

Lume
I use my watch throughout the night to see what time it is, so lume is important. When I got this AP, was concerned the thin lume on the hands and dial would be too weak, but it has turned out to be more legible than anticipated, and more than adequate.Please share your AP lume shots...

Service now or wait?
Good morning TRF! The warranty on my GMT IIc is going to end in March of this year. There is nothing I've noticed wrong with the watch, keeps time just fine, and just a few signs of wear that I'd consider normal after almost 3 years. I'd appreciate some input/advice on sending it to RSC now to have it checked instead of waiting until it clearly needs service and the warranty is past. I agree that generally it's better not to open the case if it isn't needed, but eventually it will need service and it'll have to be opened. Another question on this if I do send it in. If there's nothing wrong mechanically will they do anything like polish or try to fix dings in the case/bracelet? There is one ding on the clasp I'd like to have fixed but I'd prefer it not be polished. I have the impression from past threads about getting work done at RSC that they will polish the watch even if asked not to, but I may be remembering this incorrectly. Thanks in advance. I've never sent a watch to RSC so thi

Chipped crystal
So I'm not sure how it happened, but my 14060M had it's crystal chipped Friday night around the 30 mark on the bezel. I think the main question everyone is going to ask is: Does it bother you? and the answer is Yes lol. I doubt it can be polished. It's chipped along the edge of the crystal. Not a scratch on the face itself. I've done endless reading on here and other places online. I'm still confused. Some people say send it away for $800 and have the full service done. Other people are claiming that it's $150 for a crystal replacement with pressure test. I called one dealer recommended to me by a friend on here and they were doubtful they could JUST replace the crystal and pressure test. What are all of your thoughts? The watch keeps amazing time. I'd be very happy to just replace the crystal and have it pressure tested as the rest of the watch is mint.Pics added: It's a lot worse in person. It's almost like a slice. I think my girlfriend's diamond pendant may have hit it. It catches