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1976 Rolex Explorer II; where to now?

1K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  JoT 
#1 ·
Greetings. I am thinking of replacing my venerable Rolex Explorer II, model 1655, bought in London in 1976, with a new Explorer - though I think the face-markings on the old model are preferable. Having just found out how valuable the older watches can be, I may hang on to it - or welcome a new owner who will give it a good home. I am wondering how best to do the latter and helpful comments would be greatly appreciated.

So far, dealers have given me estimates ranging from £5,000 to£17,000 subject to condition. Great. So I'm back where I started. That said, my sense is that on a good day a dealer might pay £10,000. I have no idea how much an individual would part with. As I live in Suffolk, UK, the nearer to base it is, the better.

The old watch has been great, a real battle-cruiser that can tell a tale or two as well as the time. It's done plenty of travelling, including to some dodgy parts of the world where sun-cream is at the bottom of the list when considering your health and well-being. So condition is fair, I suppose. But if a watch is going well at age 43 years, and after a major service by Rolex in Geneva in 2010 costing £860, condition might also be considered 'good'. Original box available.

As I said, helpful comments would be welcomed. Many thanks.
 
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#3 ·
There was a Rolex Explorer 6150 circa 1953 at an auction in Suffolk just last wednesday at Lockdales , don't know if you are familiar with them ?
Their estimate was 12-15K which is quite surprising for them as they normally put low come and get me type estimates on their lots .
It fetched 9K plus comm

I would keep it and save up for the explorer 2 , I would imagine if you sold it you'd only regret it later , and it's only going to increase in value , probably at a faster rate than a modern piece too.
Just my opinion of course
 
#5 ·
In my view the Rolex Explorer II model 1655 is a masterpiece - and as it has been your sturdy wrist companion for so many years, surely you can't be serious about selling it?

Of course, the Explorer II is still a true classic even in today's iteration, and I wonder if you couldn't build up sufficient funds to acquire a new one in due course without having to selling the one you already have.

:)
 
#6 ·
Many thanks for your replies. The balance and clasp were replaced as part of the 2010 service. On checking further, it looks like the watch is a 1973 model.

I can't find a facility for posting pics.

I spoke to Mappin and Webb about ordering a new Explorer II and they say that there could be a 6-12 month wait because Rolex may be introducing a new model Explorer II at a watch fair/exhibition/watch trade fair, (presumably held in UK and/or Europe/Bsael) in the next 2/3 weeks. (If so, no doubt there will be a price increase; current UK cost is £6250.)

Has anyone heard similar?
 
#7 ·
I'd service it and keep it but I doubt there will be substantive updates at Basel-world 2019. They are probably just putting you off until the yearly price rise kicks in. Look elsewhere for a current model explorer, they aren't as rare as AD's like to make out often making it to window displays (where they sell quickly though).
 
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