Send it to Wristwatch Revival!!!!!

I always tell my friends that if you need to immediately change your straps on your $10k watch, make sure you do it over jagged rocks.

Oh Adrian, when the crystal is shattered ALWAYS pull the crown to hack the watch. The crown is not going to get broken just put it in a pocket by itself. Even if the stem does break, they are relatively cheap, Cheaper than having the movement ground to bits by sapphire shards :-D

Damn, bad news. Rolex will certainly provide the best possible service. Otherwise you know where to find me 😀

Those darn “Omega” rocks will do that everytime! 1:51

Laughed so hard at the Omega-rock!! 😂

Exact same thing happened to my 22657. Dropped on the bathroom floor and smashed - glass got into movement. Rolex repaired and serviced for £760. I also asked them not to polish and they didn’t.

Smart move Adrian. Documenting the repair makes it a necessary part of the content, therefor deductible.

Quite frankly, it will be an expensive mistake to fix but I'm 99% sure that your protective senses and worry for your kids is far more important.

This is why God created Casios and fine Swiss dress watches. You take your fine Swiss dress watch to the office and events, and you take your Casio everywhere else. A luxury sports watch is an oxymoron. This will be an expensive lesson, I'm afraid.

G-Shock is your friend.

And that is why Rolex doesn’t make tool watches. G-shock makes tool watches.

Captain Boring strikes again

This is the reason why I don’t change straps outside when with a kid …

Wristwatche revival all the way send it to him 100%

G Shock for exploring next time 😂

Bro you never change straps over hard surfaces! Never never never.

Lesson 1. Keep the watch on an oyster bracelet.

To quote “The Pontiff”…f*** me dead!

Leave it, put it in a display case, put it in your office and use it as a reminder of that camping trip and the good times with your boys. It's only a watch and every time you look at it, it'll bring back good memories.

Gee. What a SHOCK. 🧐

I find it hilarious that an Explorer vaguely designed after or half-assedly associated with some spelunking, hiking the Everest or some other dubious achievements dies on a mere pebble while it would have been another Tuesday for a G-Shock. Rolex truly are masters of marketing luxury watches for amateur hours week-end warriors. 😂

That Omega on the Rock was absolutely brilliant 🤣 🤣 🤣

Can sapphire crystal shatter? Yes. Drop it form 3 feet onto a tile or concrete floor and it most certainly can break. Make sure to pull the crown out in order for the movement to hack, thus decreasing the risk of further damage from the shards of glass. Keep in mind that a broken crystal equals a full service, as the movement needs to be taken apart and cleaned. How to reduce the risk of this happening again? Keep your $10K on the wonderful bracelet it came with, and avoid playing with 50 cent Chinese pieces of nylon. 😬 In all seriousness, I'm sorry for this but, after you service it, it will be as good as new.

Don't take expensive watches into the wilderness. Take a decent Seiko. Same happened to me with my Tag

This is why you wear a G-shock mate 😉

You’ll be okay bro, it’s just a watch. If you’re gutted it’s just because you care. Gotta have rain to appreciate the sun.

The issue was changing the strap or whatever during hiking or outdoors when you're surrounded by heavy rocks.

I take G-shock only for hiking and sports

Harsh reminder that these 'tough-as-nail', 'built-like-a-tank', 'robust', 'go-anywhere-do-anything' objects can't survive a 1m fall on a hard surface...Nonetheless I hope it get restored properly, because as outdated, fragile and expensive these watches are, we love them.

I had a "thing" happen on a weekend hike a few years ago. Since then you'll find an Invicta Pro Diver on my wrist when I'm out in the wilds 😅

Next time wear a g-shock

No! My deepest condolences.

Don't mess with it. Send it back to Rolex. Just happened to my wife's Datejust. Also needs a new dial because of the broken crystal. They are doing a full service and quoted about $1400 USD with new crystal and dial At the same time, we gave them my GMT 2 (11670 LN) for a standard service. They charged us about $900 for that. Had two watches serviced by them and they didn't over polish. Wonderful job by Rolex on both.

I get it and you should definitely make the request to Rolex not to polish it. However, even if they do are your memories dependent on a scratch on a watch? If you had lost the watch entirely, would you have also lost all memory or your excursion that day?

It's unfortunate that the Explorer hasn't been a true tough watch since 1989, when it transitioned from an acrylic crystal to a sapphire one. Acrylic crystals are more resistant to shattering or cracking upon impact, providing a level of durability that sapphire lacks. I wish you the best of luck with the repairs. Hopefully, the watch doesn't get overly polished, so you can preserve the memories associated with it. I doubt anyone would retrofit a modern Rolex with an acrylic crystal, but it seems like a sensible upgrade for something like an Explorer. After all, you're not using it as a dress watch; you're clearly aiming to use it like the original Explorer was intended to be used.

It looks like you had a smashing time

The same thing happened to a friend of mine: he smacked his rootbeer while working out. He promptly stopped the movement, saving it from further damage. Servicing was around €800/900 from an authorized dealer with the lab

Getting a watch polished does not remove the memories you've made with that watch.

I shattered the crystal on my Sub years ago before I knew how to care for watches properly. It needed a full overhaul as well after I tried to shaking around the broken glass to get it out 🤦‍♂️. It’s a terrible feeling… but I will say, after you get passed the expense of the repair, it feels more like part of the story of the watch for me and I feel more connected to it than ever… still, it’s a tough pill no doubt.

Hello, Adrian! This is a lesson for all, simply to take a beater watch ( a G-Shock for example) in these situations, and for sure will be more relaxing trips! And this experience for you must be one happy memory “engraved” on this watch with your family. P.S.: I have a feeling that you will repair the watch in any other place than Rolex service!😅 And I agree!

I’m sorry for your loss Adrian. I have been thinking about getting a Rolex, but hey! My Seiko is cool enough!

Do not send it to Rolex for service! They will replace parts that don’t need replacing, as you know. And they’ll overcharge you with a smile on their face.

I’ve had my submariner serviced and polished about 4 times in 45 years of continuous wear. Each the patina starts fresh and I enjoy the process again. Good luck !

Adrian, you should know better. You never change straps or take off a watch from your wrist unless on a soft surface, or sitting down close to a table.

Oh dear, I feel sorry for myself, I can really feel the pain. I wish your E2 a speedy and full recovery!

I sent a 90s Submariner to Rolex for service two years ago, the bezel was damaged, the crystal had a nick and the hands were a little rusty. They serviced the watch, replaced the bezel, crystal and hands for about £850. The service time took forever though, it was about 6 months, mind you I'm from Chile, so shipping time is longer, but still 6 freaking months. Edit: I also asked them not to polish it, and they didn't. I see there are some scratches in the dial, those will be there forever if you don't swap the dial.

This makes me appreciate my g shock square a whole lot more. Sorry and thanks for sharing

A perfect example of why I hate how ubiquitous the term “tool watch” is. It’s thrown around so much. Quartz and mineral crystals are a must for a “tool watch”.

Ah the advantages of the old rolex plastic crystals

That is a bummer but, like you said, it's a new memory. Here's to speedy repairs and returns.

Confirmation you don’t remove a Rolex bracelet to put Micky Mouse straps on.

And this is why Casio is the brand chosen by true explorers and mountaineers. Other brands are Luminox and Suunto. A famous sailor was a Rolex ambassador. When he retired from his adventures, he confessed he used a 50 dollar Casio.

OK, my opinion probably goes for nothing. Luxury watches are becoming hyper undesirable? Ive had expensive watches and got rid of them all and currently wear a 30 year old issue CWC G10. Ive seen articles on gangs stealing watches from peoples wrists and now a watch dealer from Richmond has died after being robbed. I love them but like Kate Bush said ‘what makes you special makes you dangerous’ and life is too short for that anxiety. I never felt at ease wearing an expensive watch. I have a friend who has a Brietling. It lives in a drawer. ‘Why do you not wear it?’ I asked. His answer, its a bit too flash. Please discuss!

I owned a Tudor chrono panda for 2 years now and I still love it & proud of it!

this is the reason why you wear a beaterwatch like a gshock or seiko when out in nature ☝️ i would never wear my explorer I climbing.. not even hiking

LOL OMEGA on the rock hahaha priceless. Also sorry for the E2, what a crock of bad luck

"omega" on the rock. Hilarious. It took a moment to realize what was going on there. 😂

That very weird. that crystal should be strong enough to take that impact of dropping it. Maybe temperature was a factor too.

Just picked up a black dial (2 year wait AD) - love it. You should replace with a black - has more of a 70s / classic vibe than the white! Hopefully you have watch insurance lol.

Ohh shit! That new "service" crystal will keep you up at night. We know you Adrian! LOL

Keep your luxury watches for nice dinners, meetings and anything else delicate. Everything else slap a G shock on

That may happen to everyone. I always said that it is just a watch. It's always better to break such things than yourself. Keep us posted on the repair

BS

126710 service quoted as 950 with everything in. However mine was running slow and covered under warranty - returned within 3 weeks. Very positive experience, apart from the initial fault

No one cares

1- safest place for a watch to be is on the wrist; 2- it’s better to keep Rolexes on their original bracelets, for even the older ones are wonderful works of engineering and extremely durable and secure; 3- Don’t kid us as if you didn’t have plenty of money, it’s not like it’s going to break the bank to have it fixed. All that said, I hope it’s fixed soon.

Anyone who says “Oh it’s just a watch” doesn’t know the connection that can form with a watch.

Sorry to hear this. I did just comment just a few videos ago that rolex is not a sports watch. It is marketed as one and that’s about it

After watch this, any outdoor activity I'll just wear a G shock for it.

The positive is you can now wear your omega seamster which looks great on the great 70 30 B and J!

How badly was the rock damaged? In EU it's 850 eur for the gmt service without extra parts.

The Omega Rock! Bloody genius! Coming to a boutique near you soon 😂

Did the watch slip off the nato strap? Could this have been saved if it was on the stock bracelet?

Rolex telling you to never mess up perfection…

Just having my 2013 Explorer II serviced for the first time since purchasing new. It’s running well but the service inspection report says the oil has dried up and some parts are starting to wear. The cost for the full service here in Dubai through the dealer will be £825, including some parts.

Sorry to hear about the mishap. My old and trusted Orient Mako XL had a similar fall onto a rock while climbing in the Taurus Mountains. The crystal survived, just had a chip on the surface probably because it was mineral, not sapphire which is more prone to shattering. Though it made no sense I took the opportunity to replace it with an AR coated sapphire and it looks great ! I only wear my G-Shock GG-1000 when I go on the mountains now !

Sorry about the damage. That sucks. To be fair, these damn watches are always expensive. I just dropped $1k on getting my Brosnan Seamaster serviced. Just the nature of the beast.

Really sorry that happened to you Adrian! I can completely commiserate with you. A similar thing happened to me with my new Speedy, didn’t break the crystal, but I dropped my caseback directly onto the movement and it stopped the movement. I was sad for weeks until I got it back from Omega and it was during the holidays. Luckily it was covered and was fixed within 3 weeks. You’ll be okay once you get it back and you’ll be relieved and it’ll be just another story to tell about your amazing personal watch journey. Cheers mate!

Ah, yes. The premium sapphire crystal that won’t scratch, but will not only fail to protect your watch, but damage it so much worse when it shatters into a million microscopic pieces.

I feel you. It isn't an explorer, but I killed my BB58 in a motorcycle crash a couple weeks ago. The watch and bracelet were so chewed up it isn't worth fixing. I couldn't imagine if it were a Rolex.

The character remains. Just like polishing a pair of military boots. The scars are in the memories and the pictures. Something you and your boys will remember forever!

Ach dinna worry Adrian. It’s an Explorer, supposed to take a good whack now and then. My 1655 took a big hit at work, smashed the acrylic and damaged a hand or two (including mine). Off to the Rolex hospital in Singapore and returned working perfectly. That was in 1990 and it’s still going strong.

Sorry for the damages to your Explorer II….After watching your video….i brought out my Explorer II and took a good look at it….it’s a beautiful timepiece….hope you get it fixed…and still maintain the “battle scars” that give your Explorer II the character you desire…

Sorry about that but I can't help thinking that these are not "tool watches" any more, they are actually luxury items and should be cared for in accordance...40 years ago maybe they were when they only cost about 1000usd Hope you'll get it fixed.

I understand your sentiment. My heart broke when I sent my 60+ years watch my late dad gave me for a movement service. That watch has a long scratch across the mineral crystal from an accident he had. The watchmaker took a liberty to break the crystal and replace it with a hardlex, polished it to perfection, just to add more service charges on it. To say I'm furious is an understatement. That watch is what my dad wear during his struggle to lift up our family's economy. Every scratch on it cause by him doing odd jobs just to survive. Its a cheap japanese watch, but its a reminder for me to never shy away doing hard work for the sake of my own family just as my dad does to ours.

Took my 5 digit sub to Rolex St James's. They did a stunning job, service, replaced bezel insert (scratches from previous owner) and clasp (coronet 'smudged' from previous polish and a new crystal (small chip on the old one). They returned the original parts and the watch came back with a light polish that I'd opted for, a service card and a snazzy green travel pouch. I wanted the watch like new, blank canvas for it to tell my story. Your repair won't be much more than a regular service which you'd need to do at some point anyway and you'll be glad.

I feel your pain. After 18 years of flawless service in all manner of conditions throughout the world (Antartica, scuba diving, rain forests, cave exploration, class 3-4 rapids, as well as renovating my home) my Explorer met its match....my kitchen floor! Crystal smashed, shards everywhere in the interior, dial scratched. The restoration would be in excess of $1,000. A Rolex technician in N.Y. fully repaired it in about 8 weeks; 2 weeks shorter if the dial was not replaced. Now I had my Explorer fully polished before being returned. But I did this to honor the watch, not my memories. To each his or her own, of course!

Any thoughts on the Paul Thorpe/Oisin O Malley drama ?

Great advert for after market straps

🤣 the Omega rock had me loling. Sorry for your loss.

Ouch… gutted for you. Hope it comes back soon

Acrylic would have defintely scratched, but may have stayed intact. Lucky the Rolex didn't bounce into the loch, that would have required a new dial too!

An Explorer Role(ex) play where a disposable Casio or Timex would have done the job.. A bitter but worthy cautionary tale.

Sad to hear. I hope it isn't as catastrophic as you fear. Likely just a tear down and clean out, with a new glass, naturally. Shouldn't be beyond salvaging, for sure. Good news within bad, I REALLY liked that racing livery B&J nato you showed. I also have a Polar Exp II which it would look great on, buuuut I also have a very similar looking Aqua Terra, which would benefit. Perfect summer strap for both!

It's just hurted, not dead. This is not a problem, just costs.

Many years ago - mid 70s a work colleague accidentally whacked the glass (probably Acrylic from what I remember) of his Rolex with a hammer, he took it to the dealer who said they'd have a look at it, a couple of weeks later he got it back- no charge. Things change.

Ouch that’s a pain please next time take a G-Shock with you

sickener - absolutely agree that you don't want those scars buffed out, seeing as they're part of the story now and it's a pretty good story BTW: you cared more about your kids than the shiny lump of metal you realise you could have buried it by the bonny banks and used that rock for its gravestone, yeah ?

the "beast of a watch" when it falls on a pebble (the pebble was suboptimal)