Explorer 36mm is iconic and remains an all time classic. It would be a shame to let it go. Good luck.

Another great video, thank you. IMO, Explorer has to stay, let the Tudor go….DJ for more formal and Explorer for recreational settings, they don’t clash. Another subscriber from Sydney!

My 3 Watch collection: 1) Omega Speedmaster moon watch 2) Yellow Gold Rolex DayDate presidential, 36, Fluted bezel , Silver dial 3) Patek Phillipe 5196P

My 3 watch Collection: Rolex Explorer II, Rolex Explorer I, and Cartier Vendrome Jumbo (Paris Edition). There is absolutely no way that I would trade away my Explorer I for a Datejust.

If we are talking about price, then the Santos is very expensive considering the movement inside (compared to the Explorer). I agree about the DateJust, but: if you need a Rolex that is flying under the radar, then it can only be the Explorer.

Very tough decision!! Honestly I'd probably just hold firm with where I'm at if those were my three watches! But it's a very tough choice. I'd probably drop the Cartier personally since a DJ would provide some overlap there, but the Cartier is a beautiful watch.

Respectfully sub is more generic than explorer being the most popular watch in the world. You see so many of those in the wild you start to wonder how many of those are real.

My trio is; Credor Signo, Longines Ultra-Chron and a Piaget Altiplano. The Credor for smart-casual daily, Longines more as a sporty daily and a solid gold Piaget as a dresspiece for special occasions

I think the way the watch market has gone in recent years brands like Rolex are not wearable for me anymore. I bought a Rolex Datejust about 15 years ago but I sold it a few years back because I realised it had become a burden. I now have a very modest two piece collection: A Longines Conquest Heritage (35mm) and Tissot PRX quartz. I wear them without care, and for me that is how watches should be worn...

Ash seems like a nice guy: cheerful, informative & pleasant. But does he really have all his financials sorted? Because seeing him now hanging by his figurative finger-nails for dear economic life, starving & subsisting on grasses and weeds on a narrow road-side verge does not bode well at all for future happiness.

You have a nice collection. While I have a Rolex and a Cartier in my collection. I have the Bulova’s “My Way” watch from the Frank Sinatra collection along with other Bulova watches. If Bulova was good enough for Frank they are good enough for me!

2:35 "And a Santier de Cartos medium"

Love that watch collections are such a personal journey. Not many other 'possessions' can reflect our life journey such as a good timepiece.... interestingly enough, marking the times. I agree that the Explorer 1 in its current reference 124270 may not provide the best value at it's price point. However, I own a 2000's 114270 (my #1) which I purchased along side my 124270 and still own and wear (daily) the older reference. LOVE it as my daily GADA piece. I moved on from the newer model and it is no longer in my collection. The older reference is perfect for me. #2 watch for me is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. However, in black, it doesn't complement my other watches (notably my Explorer) as much as I would like. So... have the white dial version on order and on the way (hopefully next week) from the Omega boutique. Both of the above watches hold a personal story behind each and that is also important to me. #3 timepiece has not been purchased yet. BUT I believe this may be the Cartier Santos Galbee in the XL size. It has always seemed a bit more utilitarian than newer offerings from Cartier (with the fully square bezel) but still has the slightly dressier refinement for my third watch. Another possibility may be the Omega Constellation in all steel w silver dial in 39mm (I actually kind of like that this watch doesn't get much love, I don't see it around much where I live). I intend my third piece will be slightly more dressy to round things out. There are my top three, FOR NOW. I'm sure #3 will be a journey I will enjoy in the coming year. Cheers all!

My most unpretentious watch for which I get the most compliments is The Casio G-Shock , Multi band 6, Tough Solar . Other than the 3-watch collection which I have mentioned.

From the title and before actually watching the video, those are three watches I thought I would choose for myself (with a 6.5” wrist). I also love the blue DJ. The DJ model you have Ash has the super case with the more square lugs. I think this makes it wear larger than the current DJ which has gone back to slimmer lugs. The BB54 is 37mm but because of the dive bezel the dial is small and it wears smallest of three he has. If you had to twist my arm I would sell the Tudor because he will still get quite a bit back for it and he can buy it again or a classic Submariner in the future. The 54 is a very sweet watch with nice proportions. Don’t sell any and especially not the Explorer!😂

Hey, Ashe. I'm a bit torn by this mental exercise. On the one hand, I'm a fan of the Explorer 1. It fits my aesthetic, and I think it better fits the idea I have of the brand: a tool of equal luxury and robustness. None of the other Tudor or Rolex watches have really caught my eye. On the other hand, your thought process does make sense: exchanging Rolex for Rolex, the value proposition, etc. The review of each individual watch was also helpful. Despite my personal tastes, I must concede this Tudor would have more functionality, and the Cartier has a certain "x" factor to it, something that makes it unique. I must also concede this viewer is coming from a different place in terms of tastes and collection size. Only three watches? Ha, I can only imagine! If it were me, I'd move along the Tudor, but your logic makes sense. Cheers.

My initial thought was to say that the Santos should go since I am not a big fan of it. However, your logic makes sense in switching a Rolex for a Rolex. I own an Explorer but not a DateJust. Tudor, Cartier and Rolex is a rounded collection. The Santos offers the ability to easily swap out the bracelet for a strap to make it more formal. The Rolex is very diverse in its use and the Tudor is the rugged daily wearer.

❤ the new haircut, looks really tidy. Great advice too.

For me the 3 essential watches are 1. Patek Calatrava 3537J to go to concerts, restaurants, receptions, etc. (or similar Patek in yellow gold), 2. Cartier Santos large in stainless steel to wear every day (being SS doesn't scratch as easily as gold) and 3. Polar or Garmin smartwatch to do yoga, sail, swim, etc.

Great advice

Great advice Ash. Brand balance and diversity maintained 👍

Always entertaining, Ash.

Wow, what a collection! A dress watch (Santos), sports (Tudor) and everyday (Explorer) makes for a perfect 3-watch collection. With a Datejust coming in, to me that would take the part of the dress watch, so it would replace the Santos. That said, all are out of my budget, so I'll just imagine and live vicariously through the idea of this collection.

I’d go: Explorer 36, Yachtmaster 37mm instead of Black Bay 54, and Datejust 36. 😅 My current collection: Explorer 36 two tone as my everyday piece, Yachtmaster 37 in rhodium as my sports/ dressy piece & a DateJust 36 on a fluted bezel and jubilee as my dress/ sporty piece. I have a 7.25 inch wrist. I prefer smaller watches.

I would add a Casio - probably a W86 or F91W. The F91W is £10, a design icon and perfect for moments when you might scuff your watch up.

Hi Ash. I appreciate your videos. I recently bought a used but still pretty Cartier Tank 2413. I inherited a Rolex datejust from my late father last year. And I just gave myself a Tudor BB58 as a gift to myself because I graduated from the university as a conflict mediator. I believe these 3 brands are all iconic, versatile, unique and can be enjoyed and appreciated over a lifetime. Cheers from Morten

The three for me. Datejust 36 fluted, on my wrist right now for everyday. 20 pound casio digital for any time I'm forced to go to any major UK city these days. Vacheron overseas full gold blue dial, for special occasions and assuming my current lottery ticket plays out in the same way the previous thirty haven't. Failing that, a second hand daydate or vach patrimony would do for for me.

For me my 3 watch collection is: - Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm - Omega Speedy Moon 42mm - New Tag Heuer Carrera Chrono Calibre 02 Gray dial 42mm

Every gent should own a JLC

I always love your videos, especially because you don't correct the video when slip of the tongue 😊

Good video ❤

I agree about replacing the Explorer with the DateJust 36. They are somewhat similar.

There is too much overlap of the Datejust and the Cartier. Let the Cartier go. My 3 watch collection is my Birth year Datejust, my 214270 Explorer 39 and my 16713 Rootbeer GMT. Then again my collection is much larger than 3 because watch collecting is a disease I’m fully in the grips of.

What a great topic! I feel your advice is spot on considering what the gentleman is working with, even if my 3 would be completely different. He made a very important point in his question; that is that for a watch nut tastes and preferences change over time. I think you should do this topic annually, where you list YOUR current top 3 watches whether in your collection or not

Enjoyed that but for your information spinel is not an artificial sapphire -- they are two different gemstones. But the spinel on the Santos is indeed synthetic.

I’d keep the Explorer. Thats the most iconic in his collection. I’d let the Santos go for the Datejust. Besides, my ethos only trade a Rolex for a Rolex. 🥂

Us Ozzie’s follow too ! Dave 36mm DJ is a good choice, Current three watches are 👌🏻

Funny you do this video I am planning on the new tudor black bay black released this year / explorer ii polaris gmt and cartier santos

I'd keep those three and cancel the order on the datejust.😂 If you must have the datejust, wave the expolorer goodbye. You can always replace it with a Grand Seiko if you really miss that look.

I'm quite happy with orient-seiko-citizen-casio, did you explore these brands ?

I have a Nomos Club Campus 36 in green, a Casio G-Shock 5600, and a Lip Churchill T18. If I were to buy a Swiss watch, it would either be a Longines heritage sector dial or a vintage Omega de ville.

For him, I think the Santos and the DJ are too similar in their dressy do it all every day ability. His collection is actually better the way it is if you ask me.

I see the logic in your advice but I wouldn’t let the Explorer go. It’s a much more do-everything watch than even the Santos. For me, I’d for for the Explorer and add in a chronograph (Omega Speedmaster is the most obvious but the IWC Portuguiser is another sexy option) and a GMT (I’d got for the Longines Zulu Time which looks sporty and ticks the Black Bay niche too but you could go for a Grand Seiko instead). That gives you three different brands. If you want a Cartier, ditch the GMT option and the Santos and go for a Tank Must instead (ie the quartz one so that you also have a variety of movements)

Hi Ash, the watch that Sir Edmund Hilary wore to the summit of Everest was a Smiths and has been donated to the Science Museum in Knightsbridge, by the family. It is in the horology section. Rolex, did capitalize on this and used the event for great marketing for The Explorer, which is a really great watch and would be my choice. Smiths still exist and actually produce an ‘Everest’ field watch in small quantities. Nice video as usual and very pleased with the choices.

100% agree

Tough choice ...I think the explorer and date just are both outstanding. I think it depends on your personality and which suits your style the best.

I agree but I also don’t like having multiple of the same brand in a small collection.

I happen to agree with your decision re: these three timepieces, Ash. The Rolex Explorer, while a beautiful watch, is just too generic-looking for my tastes. -To my mind, it doesn't even look like a Rolex. Unless I win a lottery, I'm going to be sticking with my two watch collection, which consists of a Rolex Datejust in steel and gold on a jubilee bracelet with a black dial, which I bought 16 years ago, and the vintage Omega in a 14k gold case, dated to 1953, which I inherited from my maternal grandfather. I personally don't feel the need for a third watch, although I have to admit that I am admiring your new Cartier.

A three watch collection must contain a proper dress watch. That must be precious metal. Then you have to have a super tough beater / beta watch. Then a travel watch. So 1. Moser in gold 2. Pelagos 42. 3. G Shock with interchangeable two time zones.

Thanks

I would have skipped the DJ and stayed with the current trio. The Santos and the DJ is the most overlapping. The Santos is the dressier and most versatile hands down. But if I had to sell one off it would be the BB54.

Agree with your suggestion here. In watch world must consider brands like: jlc, iwc, ... Omega

I gotta disagree Ash... imo he should flog the Tudor and keep the Santos and Explorer. But you're spot on about the fluted bezel/blue dial/jubilee DateJust. It's a ripper!

I would also sell the explorer. He already has a casual wear watch with a black dial in the Tudor and there is some redundancy with the Explorer. And the Datejust brings a little more refinement. The Cartier with the white dial and Roman numerals brings a different look as a dress watch.

I have a santos, Explorer and a Speedmaster. If I want something for the water I’ll just use the explorer or put on one of my Seiko divers. I personally wouldn’t replace the explorer with a DJ. Not needed with Santos Already IMO.

For *most* people, if one has Tudor BB54, Cartier Santos and the 3rd is between a DateJust and an Explorer, the DJ would be the one should go, since the Santos is more than taking its place as the dressier everyday option.

I own 3 Rolexes - Explorer 2 Polar, Explorer 1, and Submariner. I love them all. 16:26

One diver One pilot chrono One GMT, that's my choice 😉, and no Rolex btw. 😁

My three watch collection would be:- 1) Cartier Santos ADLC Black 1a) G-Shock MRG-B5000B-1DR DLC 2) Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 18k Sedna Gold 2a) Rolex GMT Master 2 "Rootbeer" 3) Grand Seiko Snowflake Spring Drive 3a) Grand Seiko Tentagraph On the wrist... A.Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down Rose Gold

I just go w a 10+ watch collection ….😂

I have 41mm datejust steel & gold & 16610 submariner 😊 & others .

We have similar taste, so I’m wondering if you’ve ever considered a pre-owned Patek Calatrava? I’ve been shopping for one lately and I’m at about 80% likely to follow through.

Not bad and same 3 brands as are in my triplet: Tudor Black Bay 58 black Rolex Datejust 16234 silver dial with roman numerals Cartier Tank Must large solarbeat

I just buy whatever Ash buys.

I would sell the Santos, for a three watch collection if he want to have a datejust. Tudor as a beater, Explorer as a daily and datejust as a dressy. If he wants to keep the Santos, sell the Explorer. Cheers from Brazil

I always thought the Subby was a bit over the top, but the Black Bay is right on the money. I don’t have any practical use for the Cartier, but for someone who needs the perfect watch for a formal dinner, yup. But as regards the DateJust - yes, it’s the archetypal Rolex, but by the same token it’s been copied so frequently it’s nearly corny, while there’s only one Explorer, so for a one-and-done, that’s what I’d go for. But while I’m here: Omega was the official watch of the Royal Navy, which makes it the perfect watch for Bond. Furthermore, Princess Diana bought one for William - a 36 mm. 300 dive watch which he still wears, and which apparently isn’t made any more, so it may become a collector’s item. Given your military background, your knowledge of things Bond, and your respect for the Royals, I’m surprised that you’ve never added an Omega to your collection. If I ever win the lottery I’ll buy one ASAP. Heritage aside, they have more PIZZAZZ than either Omega or Cartier, at least to my way of thinking. Any thoughts? Maybe it just didn’t occur to you to think about the Constellation instead of the Cartier? The Constellation is GORGEOUS. It would have looked perfect on Macron’s wrist at the D-Day commemoration.

Hello, have you ever considered omega among watch brands? Such as diver 300 or constellation? What is your opinion about quartz? It would be great if I could get your opinion. Thanks

I would take an Explorer (40mm) or Explorer II over a Date Just any day of the week. But given that this is a 36mm Explorer, I agree with the advice given, the 36 wears too small.

I agree with you on the datejust/explorer thoughts. What are your plans with the GMT and Submariner?

I would get rid of the Cartier and Tudor. Make the explorer your EDC watch and the date just as your dress watch. IMO.

Hey Ash, what do you think of the 36mm Explorer 2-tone? That's one I really like the look of and it's one of the only Rolex models I have any interest in

Tudor is okay, they make a good beater (mine's a BB58). Rolex is... well, it's Rolex. But Cartier is more jeweller than watchmaker, at least that's how it feels to me - I'd prefer spending that kind of money on a bit more horology, and a dress watch comes on a leather strap, in my book. But I too would release the Explorer from that collection, and for the reasons you gave. Since I got my Tudor (5 year back) I hardly wear my Explorer II and I'm considering moving it on.

should i get a submariner 124060 for my 5.8inch wrist as i've always wanted one, or should i get a bb58 and a santos dumont in 2 tone? feels like i wont be happy with the bb58 as the sub is always been the goal

Cartier de santos or santos de Cartier? Or even sartier de cantos? 😂

No pocket watch?

At 2:36 - A Santié de Cartos??? Is that a new Ali Express clone?

Omega Speedmaster, Rolex Submariner No Date, Cartier Santos Medium

More holidays than Alan Wicker.

I would get rid of the Tudor: If you have a Rolex already you feel underdressed with a Tudor. I had one incident: I had y Tudor on when I was running into an old friend on the street, He had a Patek and I had the Tudor. I felt that the Tudor was not representing me despite it was an excellent watch. Then I sold my Tudor. Because I had so many Rolex in my collection, I started to wear them also in casual situations.

Remember to add “for you’.

You have to try the old Explorer. I agree with you that the new reference is a small watch. Since it entered the collection the 114270 has become indispensable and has made me consider reducing the collection considerably. I also have a Sub, a DJ36 and an OP41.

And, most importantly, remember that perfectly acceptable quartz replacements are available from Aliexpress. Not only will you save a fortune but they will be infinitely more accurate...

Replace Tudor with omega..probably a neo vintage speedy from the early 90s

I disagree. But it depends on the DJ that you buy. Option 1: DJ with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet: sell the Cartier Option 2: DJ with domed bezel and oyster bracelet: sell the Explorer, or better still, don’t buy the DJ. Option 3: Don’t sell any, just save for a few more months.

If money is the concern, it will have to be the Exp. He’s gonna take a beating on the others. If it’s diversity, then I’d vote to lose the Tudor. Nothing the Tudor can do as a sport watch that the Exp can’t.

The Explorer was the watch you should be wearing in your camp not a Santos.

I disagree. I would let the Cartier go while there is a market for it. 1. Rolex is timeless. Cartier is retro. There will always be demand for Rolex. Cartier was dead for years but recently enjoyed a resurgence. Imo the clock is ticking on the Cartier resurgence, and it will be dead soon. 2. The Datejust can do double duty as a dress and every day piece. Cartier is mostly a dress piece. 3. Keeping the Explorer gives the collection a theme. It says, this gentleman likes the Rolex design language. But the DJ and Explorer are different enough to avoid overlap. Put another way, it is more harmonious to have 2 Rolex’s and a Tudor, than to have 3 different brands.

The Explorer leaves me cold. I agree with your picks 💯 The BB54 is a perfect everyday beater.

I would let the Santos go if I really had to let go of one watch.

Rolex Date Just 41 Blue, Black Bay 41 Burgundy, Grand Seiko Snowflake. Perfect three watch collection

Only 3 watches what type of watch are you definitely not getting , for myself I would exclude a dress watch.

Tudor and Rolex in a 3 watch collection? I’d consider that pretty pointless but, to each their own sir.

You'll regret letting the explorer go....why dont you hold on for a little, save some more cash and then get the DJ

A rolex and a cheap Rolex in the collection....

No real tool watch or sports watch? No interesting collector classic? Nothing out of the mainstream? No pilot watch?

Drop the Explorer, other than its "history" there's nothing special about it. My 3 watch would be Submariner date, Tank LC, then smartwatch Apple or Garmin. Thanks for the vid!