The Santos can never replace the Explorer :(

Hi Ash, I'm on the other side of the Explorer experience. I picked up my first Rolex three weeks ago from my local AD. It's a 40 mm model which suits my 7.5 inch wrist very well. The connection to Ian Fleming ment a great deal in my decision to acquire this watch. I enjoy your content very much! Thank you

Going to miss the explorer but life is a journey so on we go! Hope you are enjoying the next chapter

Not the explorer!

Great video Ash and thanks for the shout out. I found the experience with Watchfinder first class. They also offered an additional £500 if I bought a watch in exchange. Like you say, you can’t keep them all, and once over the initial period of mourning, you have the new one to take the sting out. I’m sure I’ll be looking for a quote some time soon to expand my horizons.

Great info! I'm so glad I found your channel. I curate my subscriptions very carefully and your channel is one of the best I've added.

Helpful and informative share, Ash- thank you as always! And great pick up with the Santos!

Eye opening....thanks for this. Watches are funny things, i can imagine the emotion on parting with it...the emotional connection is one of the reasons i love watches....have some new connections with the santos....two very different types of watches, the tough rugged explorer and the dress watch that is the santos

Interesting. Good video Ash. Congratulations on the New watch

The Santos is a good addition. Looking forward to the long term review. Very pleased to hear you had a great buying experience especially compared to the hassle one must go through now for the Swiss Crown.

Exactly what we needed. Great video

They will try to sell for at least £6k but I understand your reasoning. Your Pepsi would go for over retail. I have 4 rolex watches but if push came to shove I would keep my 124270 Explorer and sell the rest!

Enlightening. Thanks for sharing your selling experience. I love this video! ❤

A similar experience for myself when selling a DJ41. Went smoothly and WF offer was very fair. I did opt for the postage option and pleased to report no issues. It can be hit and miss on their offers though - I’ve looked at selling a couple of other watches with them and prices have been below others.

Excellent, and I am glad you had a good experience ! I can sympathise with your sense of loss especially as shortly before you parted with the Explorer, you had hovered over the headstone of 'Ian Fleming'! ( I thought Connery wore a Rolex Submariner in the early films because I seem to remember he was 'Commander Bond' - a Naval ranking.) I think I might have difficulty in parting with my two tone version of the Explorer but my personal limit stops at 6 wristwatches - after that ONE will have to go. I absolutely loathe the reality check of selling perceived valuables. Part exchange through a retailer would be my preference but I would have to bite my lip! You did well with the sale of your Rolex Explorer and your review of the available methods is considered and thoughtful.

Thanks for sharing! I like the Fleming detour. I intend to never let go of my trusty vintage Explorer, in fact I am having it engraved.

I really like you sharing your experience and especially your reasoning and decision making paradigm. I enjoy your content immensely. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated.

Watchfinder is in fact owned by the Richemont group, who also owns Cartier, Van Cleef, Dunhill, chopard, IWC so they're probably the best 2nd hand watch retailer. Well done Ash and impeccable taste with choosing the Cartier ! My fav Rolex is the Yacht Master 2.

Thx for the story - quite interesting journey. Get going 🚀

Personally I would have given the Cartier Santos medium a good 6 mos. to a year of ownership before concluding that it's a long-term keeper and the Explorer was not. To me the Santos is not a watch to sell a 36mm Explorer for. Not to suggest that I think you're "wrong" for doing so; simply my two cents. Thanks for the video.

Thanks Ash, that's very interesting

Great purchase Ash that Cartier is lovely.

You took the tiny 35 ish mm Explorer on an interesting Adventure on its way to the worthwhile traders. Your video was a valuable share and so now you have the experience if owning that particular Rolex under the belt. You have a beautiful collection. The content of this video was good for people to know. Happy that your selling experience was a good one. You are right about certain desirable vintage Rolex watches holding their price. That was valuable information also. I have had the privilege of owning explorers all different. The only one I did not 'gel' with was the exact one you just sold ...and I was happy to take the money before it became a bigger loss. I watched your vid wherein you said you would get a Cartier, one for your wife also .... Yours looks good on you. Thanks for your honest share. Always enjoy your shows

I think it could make for a great video topic to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of every kind of selling. Like pawning, auctioning, private sale and trade-ins. They all have their own unique + and - points.

That sounds like my kind of sale, you got what you paid for it, and it went very smoothly. Sad to see the watch go. Would you be able to create a video regarding your fave one watch collection?

Big hug from Portugal Ash!

Ms. Ash said no his/hers Cartier watches means no more watches. Sorry Ash.

I can relate to the fear of sending your beloved/expensive watch in the post. I’ve sent a couple of watches in for a service and that is a stressful exercise until you get the confirmation that it has finally arrived. I’ve sold a few pieces via Watchfinder. Good service, although can be a little low ball on the offer price. Also, depending on the watch, they have a tendency to dramatically cut the offer price once in possession. True story, we got an offer from Watchfinder on a highly sought after colourful Rolex. Watchfinder offer was £3,500 lower than what we achieved two weeks later with another bricks and mortar dealer. Think they thought I was clueless and tried to pull a fast one. Just saying…… be careful and do your research like you said Ash. 😂

Very interesting Ash. Thank you for posting. Ultimately, I think we should purchase things because we like them - if you can retain some of your investment (leaving aside inflation etc), all the better. Would I buy a painting to display which I hate? No. Buy because you can enjoy things but don’t accept being ripped off.

Very useful video, thanks!

An interesting journey in time travel indeed...pun intended, seriously however appreciated your experience very much, I have acquired quite the watch collection myself, Timex, Citizen, and various other brands, I doubt if I would ever own a Rolex, that brand is just way outside my budget, and I think I'm more impressed with the functionality of watches more so than anything else, thanks for sharing!

Sage advice regarding the luxury watch selling process. The real issue with Rolex is that so many are seen that you begin to question the authenticity of a good number of them.

I got a 126900 Air King from the AD and sold it a few months later. Not into the Rolex aesthetic at all but I’m glad people enjoy them.

Ash, I think it’s like you’ve said in the past; that your interest in the watches you purchase are all part of your own long-term journey into watch collecting. You enjoyed your Explorer, and for you, you made the right choice at the right time to part with the Explorer for a Cartier that’ll open a whole-new chapter of enjoyment for you.

I sold my 2011 Rolex Deepsea via Watchfinder and had a very similar and satisfying experience. My sales proceeds went to a JLC Polaris Mariner Date. I too would use them again.

I think we can draw a parallel to selling a motor car,ie trade and retail price,condition,desirability,What will someone pay for the item.for me the face to face,personal visit would be the way to go.And look out for the unexpected Sellers remorse.Thanks for your candour on this vid Ash

I understand that with the feeling of loss - there are experiences connected to a watch

Interesting video, thank you. I have no intention of selling any of my watches, least of all my Explorer 36mm but I’d always thought Watchfinder would be the way to go because I’m close to their London boutique. My problem is that I also want a Santos but can’t afford one!

Glad you shared your journey. Valuable info. Thanks. One question. Why didn’t you go back to your AD and talk to them?

You did well. I do feel you could have got more on Ebay, especially when they do their 80% off selling fees every few weeks, but I guess you went for peace of mind.... the Explorer is top of my wish list for some day. It's such a versatile lovely looking watch, although I'm tempted by the older references.. having said that, getting a new one with the AD is quite attractive.... enjoy the next stage of your journey. I'm a few decades behind you, so the watches you'll sell off are looking very attractive for future me (mainly the Explorer. Not so keen on your large Rolexes to be honest)

My Explorer is my Smiths PRS-29A, while i save for the one you sold. (I actually prefer that the Smiths is manual wind - gives it a charm modern Rolex doesn't have).. The Explorer can easily be the only watch to wear in one's life.... but it's more fun to experience many watches along this journey, so enjoy ❤

Chapeau for such transparency - did you keep an eye out to see how much they sold it on for?

The Santos says more about an individual’s style and class than the Explorer ever will.. there is no question Rolex currently have excellent value retention depending on what you paid for it.

Your Cartier looks fabulous.

I had a very similar experience with watchfinder, although I exchanged for a different watch, but had a similar positive experience. I think a guide for price is to look at market value and deduct £1500 or so, which would appear to be the dealers margin.

Sorry to hear the explorer is gone, as I thought it fit and suited you the best in your collection, but to each his own. Hope you enjoy the Cartier.

I would have sold the Pepsi GMT. You have the Root Beer anyway. But you really thought for yourself before you chose the one to sell.

Very good timing (pardon the pun) for this video, I've been planning to sell my watch, a well worn used and abused GMT Master 2 Coke. Well, I just sent watchfinder all the info along with some pictures, let's see what they offer.

I sold a spring drive on Chrono 24 from Australia to the USA and its a bit of a nightmare with customs at the US end and also a Tag Heuer F1 on Ebay which was easier as the same country but hard to part with as it was my first 'proper' watch so probably best to hang on to watches you feel emotionally attached to if you don't need to sell them. The original F1 has recently been reissued in collaboration with Kith fashion brand (who ever they are) for $1500 just to make it worse!

Ah, I wish I owned a watch of such calibre. I do however own a few very nice shoes which I often sell a few to the shoe version of WatchFinder. They’re called Abbots Shoes. I similar experience to yours with the Rolex. I’d recommend them.

Ash..I’m following you because of your explorer. 😢

Great info, but can you tell me if there is going to be a Gavin and Stacy Christmas Special Bryn?

Good video. eBay commissions are around 10% or more. People rarely factor in the broker fee. And good call on staying away from Facebook marketplace. That’s no place to sell a Rolex or buy one.

As much as I love the Explorer, I’m looking forward to a two or three month review of the Santos. I honestly didn’t think much of Cartier watches but the Santos has started a rethink.

Saving up for a Cartier Santos myself.

The reality is, people will try to skin you alive especially dealers, to which you are really at the mercy of for a safer, smoother transaction.

I found that one very interesting. I always assumed Watchfinder would lowball you on price so never gave them a thought when selling watches. I've used Ebay in the past for the two times I've sold a watch - which is stressful! It's definitely worth a couple of hundred pounds to take all the agrivation away. Just as an aside - I wonder if you will experience the same "sellers remorse" that I did when I sold my Rolex GMT? I never wore that (because I was too worried about being mugged!) and also, being lucky enough to buy it at retail, I personally couldn't justify or afford to have a £20k (at the time) watch in the house. Immediately after selling I was very happy but 2 years down the road I miss that watch so much! And like you realistically will never be in a position to buy one again. The Cartier is beautiful though.

Personally I had a very different experience with Watchfinder when thinking about selling my new unworn fully stickered sports Rolex. I looked on their website for my watch and they had my exact watch for sale unworn same year etc etc absolutely identical listed at £15,000,I enquired about a valuation on mine I sent full details photographs original purchase receipt etc etc and their value of my watch was £6800.

Sold mine and bought an Explorer 2 polar dial... never wore it and my explorer 2 is now my daily

Explorer is the one to keep Ash! This is all model dependent. You would have gotten a hefty profit on the Pepsi for sure but then you couldn’t wear it. Glad you are enjoying the Santos!

Oh no! Out of all the Rolexes to keep it’s the Explorer - in my view the perfect luxury tool watch!

🎵O when the Santos comes Rolexing in🎵

Fully understand why you sold, you have a number of sought after Rolex watches (among other watches) and the Explorer has become 3rd or 4th pick just out of the Rolex collection, might as well cash in and get something that will get the wrist time. I don't own a Rolex, but i'm about 80% there on savings (I just prefer saving up for it, rather than getting myself in debt - that way, if I still want it after a couple of years of saving, I must really want it and it's not a short lived obsession like many of my on the spot purchases that I end up regretting) I am a owner of a Gold Cartier Tank 23mm, so I'm a big fan of the replacement, Mine was handed down by my Grandmother and its currently my most worn watch when it comes to smart casual attire. But when I get my Rolex Explorer, hopefully in a few months (Unless I bottle it) it will be my only Rolex in the collection, that way, when I want to wear something special it only has the Cartier (And a Omega Speedmaster) as competition as most of my other watches are a little more on the affordable side, like my latest acquisitions, a Classic Tag F1 for under £200 a month before the Kith version has come out (looks near identical), now the classics are going for £500 while the Kith Tags are going for nearly £2k - Never in my life have I seen such a rip off, in my opinion they shouldn't cost no more that the Swatch Omega's.

I am a watch dealer in Norway. If I was offered a 124270 for £5000, I would buy them all. And put the rest on credit all maxed out.

Subdial are good for selling watches!

A have come to the conclusion if you buy a watch that you love and want and not one to impress others or for trend specific reasons. You’ll keep it and cherish it.

Stainless steel sports Rolex are the watches that hold their value. Rolex are NOT freely available at AD - that’s total tosh. A Cartier will bleed money unless you’ve bought used. The video is somewhat patronising.

I would not have sold that reference, I had a Santos and sold it, the Explorer is 10x the watch but to each his own

Congrats Ash! The Cartier Santos is a wise, mature and elegant step towards Chaps Nirvana... 🇧🇷

Once I’ve sold a Tag Heuer that I didn’t wear anymore and I regret it deeply because of the memories I’ve built wearing it and because it had been a present. I won’t be selling my Explorer, not only I wear it a lot, it was a present too from the same person and I’m not making the same mistake.

You did well for getting almost what you paid! Will you buy a Rolex Day-Date at some point?

I am interested in the Pepsi you have if you ever consider selling .

So how much did Watchfinder sell your watch for? Were you curious enough to check?

This made me think about the concept of handing down expensive watches to family members. It would actually be a burden to them! A less expensive cherished and regularly worn watch would be much more suitable. There are much better ways to give to them financially.

Selling things right now to purchase something else at the moment. Not a watch though. I think I might be done buying watches. Cheers Ron

Yes, the Explorer !

Part of collecting is to accept letting it go. 👍

I sold my unworn Omega Seamaster last year to Watchfinder, lost 2k, worst purchase I’ve ever made, horrible watch and even worse depreciation.

Explorer > Cartier Santos

Congratulations Ash enjoy your Cartier! I hope you keep your DateJust. Tastes change over time. Regards, Starlight

The Santos doesn't have lume, has worse accuracy, scratches way too easily, doesn't have micro-adjustments, no screw-down crown, clasp isn't as secure, harder to accurately tell the time with Roman numerals and its square shape, has a useless blue cabochon and shorter 42 hours power reserve. It's also cheaper and with much worse resale value. On the other hand, the Explorer 36mm doesn't have quick strap change, quick bracelet resizing, but smaller feeling, and is more expensive to buy and serviced.

Watchfinder made at least two grand out of that transaction!

Personally, I would have sold the Pepsi given a) you have the Rootbeer b) the new Pepsi for a middle aged gent doesnt feel appropriate....a vintage piece would be more in keeping plus a good profit to bank.

How much did they sell it for

Modern rolex except Daytona steal white dial black ceramic and Pepsi will retail under

You'll get tears in your eyes, if you ever sell your Santos😂. Lost over 20% on a 2022 blue dial in very good condition. In the beginning of 2022 it was almost impossible to purchase the blue dial. Beautiful watch, but reducing my Collection the Rolexes would be the last to sell. Enjoy your Santos. Not nearly as accurate as a Rolex.

Ive never believed a rolex makes money unless its rare .

Dude! Are you nuts😂 I will never path with my Explorer. But whatever floats your boat 😊

I’d have bought this watch from you Ash - for the price you were seeking. Let me know if you are thinking of selling your other ones. P

The worth of your watch is what someone is willing to pay for it. Also people are not banging down your front door to buy your watch!

Let me know when you sell the next one - I will buy it 😂

Think they're selling your watch now for 7000 GBP :O

Selling watches is a pain. Its fine when your upgrading at a dealer but then when you want out its a pain. Too many scammers these days. Sending a watch for service or sale via Royal Mail is a big risk since the insurance isnt work the paper its written upon.

You take the money from the buyer then give them the watch. Is that what you did.

Now way would I send a Rolex watch via Royal Mail - no way at all - the most untrusted brand currently in the UK at the moment....on hang on...United Utilities etc.

Nobody buy Rolex anymore

I love your channel but I do think you made a massive mistake selling your Explorer to buy a Cartier , I do like the Cartier, but the Explorer is one of the greatest watches ever

You would have been better to keep The Explorer and buy The Santos. They are different watches, and what you did was a step down.

Sorry, faux pas chap!!!

THE EXPLORER IS FAR SUPERIOR TO THE AWFUL SANTOS , YOU HAVE MADE AN ERROR OF JUDGEMENT !!