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
Hey, for my info, do you mean to pull the crown out as if you were to set the time and then leave it in that position until fixed? Ty in advance, but hoping I never need to remember this ...
@@zombyoli3681 Yes, pulling the crown out to the setting position (not the quick-set date position). Getting the movement stopped is crucial. Of course, this only works with a hacking movement (I'm a big Panerai guy, so I have a few movements that would keep right on running with sapphire glass in play).
Yep. And even if the crown had to be changed, it would have been better than the damage that letting it run with all that sapphire inside probably caused.
There is no right solution. As the second hand was stuck the watch had stopped. If anything got into the movement it would also stop right away and cause no real damage My biggest issue would be scratching the dial if the hands moved under force due which is likely if the crown was pulled out fully and put in your pocket.
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.
@@Ferien7 Happened to my fiance's OP that is 1 yr old. Replacing crystal, dial, hands, bezel and crown. Full service on watch to remove any shards that may have got into the movement. It was $2000aud. They gave me the choice on replacing the bezel, dial, hands and if I wanted a polish or not.... I said just make it brand new again. It hurts the wallet either way. Atleast the mrs will be happy again.
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.
Unfortunately, manufacturers are currently offering us watches that are not suitable for their purpose. Every steel Rolex is made of the same steel. It doesn't matter if it's an Explorer or a datejust. Just look at the Submariner... I don't know anyone who would dive in it, and marketing has made it a luxury watch for a tie and shirt, which is completely out of place.
@@user-jp3vl5jx1j why false? He dropped it and it stopped working. Do you think soldiers would risk taking a heavy watch that is not completely shock resistant? In the 1950s they were tool watches, today there are better tools. Cheap watches that don’t break.
@@user-jp3vl5jx1j They’re justifying the price by suggesting that a tool function e.g. GMT hand was why they bought it in the first place. Heard someone else say they use a Daytona for timings eggs and parking 😂
Wrist watch revival is fantastic. But Red Dead Restoration does fantastic work too. He has a wayback machine and has restored Rolex watches that have been in fires 🔥 or even explosions 💥. Plus, he is on your side of the pond . Only con, is that he doesn’t talk to you through the process as Marshall does.
@@MrEliwankenobi agreed i like both of them but the chit chat with wristwatche revival is why i think content wise its the better choice but i do love em both
Clearly owner of this video is so rich he has to wear a Rolex to do actual exploring. I'm with you guys I wouldn't even wear a G-Shock to explore would wear a $10 Temu watch
If it meant to be worn an a peace of cloth it would have come with it. The Oyster would have rescued it. 🤩 Stay strong and get it repaired Son. It´s just a watch.
@@DonaldJohnTrump24not at all, all a NATO does is cause tension and strain on the spring bars, literally creating the problem you nerds love to brag about it preventing.
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.
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. 😂
For real though. And this is supposed to be the "outdoors" Rolex. The watch world really succeeded in creating one of the most out of touch with reality bubbles I've ever seen.
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.
The nato strap was fine. Fiddling around with it and swapping straps whilst standing and holding it 3 feet above the rocky ground instead of a table is what wasn’t fine. This could have happened to anyone, even with the bracelet, if they took it off to scratch their wrist or some other silly reason 🤷🏼♂️ granted, the bracelet is better to hold onto though
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.
The 1970s version of this watch would probably be fine, because it had an acrylic crystal. One consequence of when the company went from making tools to bling
@@CaptainSpud88 my daily is a rolex explorer and datejust. But I wear my g-shock whenever i go camping. i dunno but i feel a shock is more suited with that kind of environment. but i guess whatever makes you happy, you wear what you want. have a great day.
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.
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
Arrr the old scratches mean memories rubbish. Yeah I’ve climbed mountains in a certain pair of socks. They now need replacing shall I keep them for the memories. You see without those socks I can’t recall my memories. Honestly what a load of cobblers. The only refusal for polishing for my tastes is to keep the sharp edges of the 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!
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.
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.
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”.
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!
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.
It’s about the only time I wear my Apple Watch other than running so I can listen to music. I like having all trails help guide me via the trail map that’s always on without having to whip out my phone. Cheapest Apple Watch with LTE is perfect for outdoor use. Other than that I never wear my Apple watch and my Rolexes get the time they deserve.
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
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
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.
No. The watch wasn't attached to anything when it was dropped. If it was on our straps then it would have been perfectly safe, and very likely safer than when it is on the bracelet too.
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.
40 years ago was the 80’s and the G-Shock were already out and much better tool watches than those Rolex luxury watches trying to pass as sorry excuses of a tool watch.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 ?
