TGV, you are the ultimate Explorer of Horological History! That watch embodies who you are, and what you do! It's a reminder of what Rolex used to be, and what Tudor is trying to be! I'm so glad you've decided to continue your odyssey with the Explorer!

I just had a Tag Carrera for 10 years. Wore it every day. It went with me on all my travels and adventures. But then I jumped into a lake with it on and destroyed the movement. Cost me a lot of money to replace and I realised 50m water resistance is nothing and there are watches out there specifically for jumping into lakes. I bought a Seiko diver. This got me into collecting and now I have 10 watches. The notion of a one watch collection ended up costing me 800 quid.

@speedypaul2314

Ай бұрын

Lol that is hands down the best excuse yet...😂

I own a Sinn 556a and to me that is a proper Explorer style watch; printed indices, drilled lugs, super legibility, great 38mm size, 200m WR, great brand. I wear it on a nato on all sorts of adventures - love it.

@jonahb2149

25 күн бұрын

As a Sinn 556A owner as well, I do agree. It is a real tool watch for a real explorer. But a Rolex Explorer is still an Explorer…maybe to explore the cities just no back alleys 😅

Wearing my 124270 basically every day, to me it's the best watch in the current Rolex catalogue, the ultimate "go anywhere, do anything" watch.

Your presentations are creative and thoughtfully crafted. This one is no exception. Now I am a man approaching the age of 70. I have worn my Explorer for a large part of my life, and it has been all over the world in all manner of conditions. I can only speak for my own timepiece. It has acquired a soul, as perhaps I have as well. In the rare instances when someone in a chance encounter recognizes the Explorer, their next glance at my face is not quite the same as the first. Suddenly you have that touch of mystery about you. At this point in life, that is quite priceless.

@theoriginalaceofspades7829

Ай бұрын

You know the old saying, everyone eventually gets the face they deserve.

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

Amazing, simply amazing, you really do have the ultimate hero watch I was talking about! Thank you for sharing that, very inspiring. The very best regards, TGV

Changed the strap on my Explorer 12470 and a new honeymoon phase began to spark 🔥

@marcusherts9345

Ай бұрын

Tell us what strap? A nato?😁

@rickyhou7684

Ай бұрын

@@marcusherts9345 changed to a yellow ostrich strap and a burnt orange ostrich strap. Those 2 straps just work on it for some reason 😂. As far as nato straps go, my go to is a dark burgundy nato single line strap. Cheers Marc! 😉 🥂

@marcusherts9345

Ай бұрын

@@rickyhou7684 Nice🙌👌

@briang3598

Ай бұрын

Probably a good rule of thumb with any watch one feels is growing a bit stale for them- change up the strap/bracelet.

Hey TGV, welcome to Germany! Funfact: The Black Forest region is not only the sunniest area in Germany it´s also the one with the highest exposure to natural radioactivity. So better bring a Rolex Milgauss next time. 😅 I´m still going back to that epic video intro of yours with the Shakespeare Sonnet No. 12 read by Ian McKellen. Take care and have a great time! Klaus

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 Good to know! Thank you my friend, Best as always, T.

Thanks for taking us along not only for sharing your views but also the actual view from the top. 👍

Where else can you get a watch review, travel blog, and a history lesson all in one. “Horologically promiscuous…” Never heard it put that way, but it makes perfect sense. Thanks as always!

When TGV uploads a video I drop whatever I'm doing to watch this great chap

@MrsVanB

Ай бұрын

Me too!🤩 Love his storytelling!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

@stephengarratt8027

Ай бұрын

Certainly a Maverick in watch reviews and great content

@mohnnadmercedes8246

Ай бұрын

He good but i hope he will be less bragging about james bond things 🙄

Jeff McMahon might be the one of the most intriguing watch philosophers on KZread right now. While other KZreadrs mindlessly regurgitate specs, he actually has something interesting to say. On the Explorer 1, it is indeed one of the strongest examples of a blank slate upon which we impart our memories and essence, until it truly becomes an extension of us. Many watches out there have their own personality, but the Explorer becomes part of yours.

Your production quality has gone to the next level! Love the videos. Keep them coming

Anyone else relieved he is keeping the explorer

Love these type of videos TGV, very well shot and edited. Black Forest reminding me of early shooting TGV days! All best 🦖

Glad you’re keeping it mate. Enjoy your trip, safe travels.

Great video TGV. Because of your videos, the Explorer quickly became my grail watch. Last month, I finally decided to pull the trigger on a 2004 Rolex Explorer 114270 for £4550. I loved it but unfortunately, the particular watch I received had very loose end links on both 12 and 6 o'clock sides so I decided to send it back. I one day hope to get the Explorer again but for now, my trusty Seiko SARB033 is keeping me company and remains my favourite watch. Keep up the good work.

36mm with lug to lug less than 45mm, is the perfect size;)!

Thank you for the feature my old friend! Cheers, Andrew

Great video, Tristano! All those packed snippets with movie references are just mindblowing and fun!

TGV, with that intro you absolutely nailed the Explorer Theme. Awesome! 🎩

I love your videos so much! They also got me through my pandemic-depression! Thanks sooo much!

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

That makes it all worth it! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that. Best regards, TGV

Great video, as usual. Cheers, old man. Onwards and upwards - always.

I came looking to watch an old video. Lo and behold! There's a new one. Jackpot.

Content creation has never been better IMHO. What’s life? Watches are just a part of life and you bring life to watch nerds and people like me who enjoy watching the content.

Good for you TGV keep up the great work!

Easily some of the best watch content on KZread! My man, keep these coming! Would love to return back to the Black Forest, such a beautiful part of Europe!

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much, deeply appreciated. I love Germany, I really do. Onwards and ever upwards! Best regards, TGV

You have the best intros in the business please keep up the creativity ❤

Definitely enjoy a good TGV video in the morning to get the day started. This is the adult version of Saturday morning cartoons as a kid lol

Uhhhh this channel made me LOVE the explorer TGV, it’s my grail!

The reason I enjoy watching your videos so much is the effort you put into them. More than that, I feel smarter after watching them. I will say I have had to look up words you've given us. Much obliged.

TGV I totally agree with the social media aspect of the current watch culture. I always felt like I was chasing the next hype release instead of slowing down and enjoying what I had! As always great video my friend 👍🏻

I love the existential content. It seems no coincidence that you ended at the top of a literal mountian after spending the video climbing a metaphorical one. Loved the video; great views as well as an interesting viewpoint.

I like the time you upload your videos recently. I live in GMT, I'm back home from work, afternoon coffee and new Urban Gentry video!

@tomjsmith000

Ай бұрын

Where is GMT right now?

@davew1337

27 күн бұрын

@@tomjsmith000+0

Great Video! I miss my time in Germany after seeing the video! Great review as always! Best of Luck and Health on your continued journey of life!

Great genuine and out of the box thinking content! Greetings from Germany!

Thank you for the journey.

"No darling, I expect you to die!" Thanks, that one made me chuckle 😂

You actually make some really valid points in this video and it wasn’t before I watched your videos pointing out that watch “reviewers” are actually ADs that I started to truly question what I was watching. There are not many true independent watch reviewers out there and the lack of pros AND cons in watches is very noticeable. Thank you for your content and continuing to educate and throw your own opinions out there. We may not all agree with everything you say, but nor should we. That’s what brings about good conversations, healthy debates and promotes educated independent thinking like those Greek rapscallions used get up to a few years ago. Keep on being you TGV 🙏🏼👍🏼

Another great video. The 1016 will always be my favourite. It was surreal to bump into you at Zurich Airport last week and I hope your trip to Blighty was good. Great to be ‘watch checked’ by you! All the best.

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

Lovely to meet you too! Loved that Santos, I hope you are enjoying that new Squale. Hopefully we can meet again if I do another London event one day. Thank you and all the best to you too, T.

It’s the size. 36mm Rolex is perfect for those of us who lack overstuffed appendages. My DJ41 is truly a work of art but damned if it doesn’t look simply gargantuan on my puny 6.5” wrist. Cursed Arnie and Sly are responsible for Rolex diving headlong into the (hopefully short-lived) Uber-large watch trend. That only works on a diver or Pilots watch or G-shock, not an everyday do-it-all like the Explorer, DJ, or Day-Date. Well-done as always Mr. TGV!

You finally lost me, sir. I have watched you for many years and have learned a lot over those years. I disagree on the timeless (pure class) of the Explorer. Simple, elegant and stunning. I purchased my 114270 about a year ago and adore it. It’s the only Rolex I own. I agree with your sentiment on modern Rolex but am so happy to own the 114270. I have a large wrist but quickly grew used to the vintage size. I also have a Panerai (PAM 111) and sizes in between. I respect your opinions and like I noted, have watched and loved your videos for many years. This one with all its film clips and rather harsh take I disagree with entirely, but that’s ok. How about more videos about EDC and London? Made it out there last year and hope to go back soon. Your London videos are truly inspiring. A trip that would be made better with a trusty Explorer on one’s wrist.

Will be wearing my Explorer next week as I climb Mount Snowdon in Wales.

@laimejannister5627

28 күн бұрын

will be wearing nothing tonight as I climb the mountains on my gf's college roommate's landlady

@Amberlynn_Reid

20 күн бұрын

Will be wearing nothing as I am a part of the slave debt society created when the USA left the Gold standard

Super video thanks! Many great points here, and indeed quite literally onwards and upwards this time!

the size of the text and the placement of everything on the 1016 dial is just perfect - makes you wonder why rolex ever moved away from it! great video, TGV. Forza 👍

Totally agree TGV. People forget that watch collecting is a personal thing, buy what makes you happy and who cares what others say. Keep up the excellent work!

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Onwards and ever upwards!!! Best regards, TGV

Excellent TGV. Apart from the channel, consulting and developing products. You go, boy!!

Great video. May I ask? What magazine or book did you show with the Explorer pictures and history in? (at around 11:40 into the video). Thank You

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

I forget the issue, but it was the Revolution magazine with my first big interview, it just happened to have a special on the Explorer, I have a ton of copies as you can imagine 🤣🤣🤣🙏🙏🙏 Thank you, Best regards, TGV

@dscotp185

Ай бұрын

@@theurbangentry Thanks for the quick response. Much appreciated.

Well said, Sir. Recently picked up a 1016 from 1975 and had the sentiments toward it. Was sold within two weeks. I was obsessed until that point and learned a lesson. Great video!

I’m glad to hear that you will retain the explorer. Your love for the watch is a big part of the reason I purchase one of my own. Cool video as always. Cheers 🥂

Amazing video sir. In my two probably favourite places in the world, New York and the Black Forest. Great to see you back in the Big Apple even if it was temporary. Great musings and as always very true. Have a great week 👍

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

What can I say!?!?, pure class!! I adore Germany, I already can't wait to go back You have great taste my friend, always happy to see yo in the comments. Thank you, more NYC stuff coming soon too. Best regards, TGV

Huge fan of Nassim as a finance practitioner, loved the snippet of the person explaining the Lindy effect.

What was that Rubber strap I saw your explorer at 2:32 and where can I buy one. I need a good summer strap for my yachtmaster

@davidkerley3405

10 күн бұрын

Everest that utilizes the deployant buckle.

TGV, my friend please keep this style of videos coming. There was a particular individual that slammed your content in favor of other channels. Please don’t pay any attention as the majority absolutely love what you do my friend. Your videos are at the next level and I have learned to love watches even more and the meaning behind them and all because of what you do. Thanks you my friend for being you and putting in all this hard work so I don’t have too:-) Cheers.

One-watches, collections and grails often reminds me of a quote by a certain portuguese minister: "Happiness is a state of satisfaction of the soul, an expression of total harmony between our aspirations and the realities of life. That's why i think it's simpler to achieve happiness by renouncement than by the search and satisfaction of necessities increasingly numerous and intense. The quest for happiness requires, i suppose, a continuous state of insatisfaction." Oliveira Salazar.

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

PURE CLASS!!!!!! I love this, thank you for sharing this. Best regards, TGV

@mr_watchaddict3146

Ай бұрын

And the Buddha before him.

@TheGrenadier97

Ай бұрын

Salazar worded it better.

@DaFox13

Ай бұрын

Salazar also said: “I do everything I can to be usefull, and nothing to be pleasant” Be it in watch collecting, tastes, politics, beliefs, life in general… To live, is to take a journey of growth, strive to be better, more and more faithfull to yourself. Be your own man. Gradually giving less and less credit to the childish and superfluous pleasentries sold so cheaply to the masses.

@designated_hitter_EGA

Ай бұрын

Schopenhauer’s Pendulum...

For myself this rings so true, there is no one watch to rule them all, but for my wife I bought her a ladies Rolex pink dial day date on a jubilee bracelet 21 years ago as my wedding gift to her and its the only watch she has worn everyday since. To here it is perfection, maybe its cause it Rolex, or maybe because I bought it for her, or a combo of the two. My Tudor Pelagos FXD is my Rolex explorer.

I knew you'd keep it TGV haha!! I ran across an old Patek at an estate sale the other day. The folks at the sale had no clue what it was since it was in a straw basket amongst several other old time pieces. My hands were literally shaking when I realized what it was. I did'n't hesitate to buy it. Cost less than a McDonald's Happy Meal LOL. Hopefully I can find someone who can service it.

Thanks for another great video, with beautiful locations and insight into the Explorer. Glad you’re enjoying a second honeymoon with it.

Superb intro as usual T.

Love the James Bond insert of the Explorer lit up by the lighter, brilliant!

Thank you for a great video. I was literally waiting for you to talk abkht the smaller antarctic. That watch seems more TGV than a comparison to the harmony of a opera song and a dial of a watch. Cant wait to see it !!!

Such a beautiful video, in so many ways. Cheers.

Great video! More McMahon!

A good Explorer alternative that maintains the Explorer's "hidden gem" aspect is the Seiko SJE085 1959 Alpinist re-imagining. These things were beautifully made, but flopped at retail because of how simple it looked for a $2900 Seiko; and how it came on a rather divisive bund strap. But at its heart it's a clasically sized and designed watch with almost elemental proportions. It has real heritage and a story behind it, and a "special factor" few watches have. You can pick up new examples for almost half off retail right now as of early 2024, though I doubt that will last forever as only 1959 were made. TGV had a look at it a few years ago and was quite positive.

@joaovitorfafaroncete7223

Ай бұрын

The date window sucks balls

@AdarisTempest

23 күн бұрын

​@joaovitorfafaroncete7223 In person, you find it kind of fades into the background, but is easy to read when you need it, and on the first of the month the 1 lines up perfectly with the minute track. Also the angle is surprisingly readable on the wrist. It's a great example of how a watch can give very different impressions in pictures vs in person, on wrist.

Nice ending indeed TGV. Though I was wondering…Forget the hipsters. It’s how the Explorer makes you feel when you wear it! 😎

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

👏👏👏👏👏 Thank you, onwards and ever upwards Best regards, TGV

Top drawer content as usual. Keep them coming sir. Definitely want a pam00048 now

Good choice TGV, I'm a Rolex Explorer owner myself, Ref 124270, funilly enough I sold my last Explorer thinking the same thing "Maybe I can get a cheaper alternative that gives me the same feeling and pocket the rest of the money" but the moment the Watch was sold, I had immediate regret, spent months agonizing over selling the one watch that I felt the most attached to. Long story short, bought another 124270 to replace the one sold, and I've vowed since not to sell it.

Very thought-provoking episode TGV. Enjoyed your thoughts. I've just cleared out my collection, and, amazingly, don't miss any I sold. Like you, I think I will eventually end up with just a few finer pieces. I've got to the place where I know what I like no I'm no longer distracted by the noise and hype you describe.

Beautiful scenery TGV!

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

Thank you my friend, Best regards, TGV

As always, enjoy your philosophical take and views on things. And wonderful to see that you are also a Ralph Waldo Emerson fan! Cheers!

A new TGV video is always makes for a good day. One that includes a Neil Breen reference made my day.

Great vid & interesting because of the points you made. I was thinking near the same thing due some personal experiences but I couldn’t put the words out until I watched this video. Thank you! I mentioned you inspired the video (rant) as well 🙌🏾 All the best T! Also, when you said “Humons” in the forest i laughed because i thought of Hugo. Then Hugo said “Humons” in the said video moments after so i put the video back to the start 😂

Great episode! Been watching since the NYC days. Explorer is a very special watch within Rolex offerings. If you still enjoy the look and wear then it’s a keeper.

The video that I thought would never come. Almost thought we were one month behind when I saw the title pop up in my notification. It is great to see you finally addressing the increasing hipsterfication of the explorer 1. It has almost become this "insider Rolex" especially within the watchtuber community, a trend I partially blame you for initiating lol.

Hey man just wanted to let you know first as I respect you as a watch guy and have been watching you for many years now and support your channel, I bought my first “luxury” watch well to me luxury to my personal finances, I bought a Tudor black bay master chronometer red bezel black gold dial with a jubilee-esx bracelet which I love, keep up with the videos they are great, be safe, stay healthy, live long and prosper !

Thanks for the excellent video TGV. I have many of the same thoughts on my Explorer and wonder if I should sell it....but for now I just need to wear it more. Cheers

Still the best intros in the biz…🎬✨

Always liked your content TGV. I saw your very first video back when I also used to live in NYC. I am blessed with a collection of nice watches, among them a speedy, a submariner, a Mark XX and a Monaco. But the one I keep going back to is my Grand Seiko SBGR253. A 70 hours power reserve 37 mm deep black dial under the radar watch with the seratsu polishing. It has been discontinued but can be found for less than half the price of an Explorer. It has become my Explorer. It is the perfect watch. A much upgraded version of the SARB033.

The YT transcript also butchered your name, but not only that, they transcribed TGV as TGB..funny that. Keep up the good work. Lovely video as always.

Welcome back to Germany, TGV! I’m glad about your decision. 👍 Best regards, Claus

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

Claus!!! There he is!!! It would not be complete without a comment from you. I adore your country, I really do. Thank you my friend, onwards, upwards and best regards as always. T.

You're right, you're not naive and Rolex is a business, a very successful one! My 214270 never ever gets noticed to my knowledge. That's exactly how I prefer it. Ridiculous prices are attached to Explorer's these days despite them being the antithesis of status and impact. However, I have a hunch that the Explorer is still Rolex's antidote to the hype and the destination for the discerning and educated! Despite the bi metal 36mm version. I still can't get my head around that one!

We can see how times are changing. In one Christmas video you said about this watch: "This is me." Oh and...willkommen in Deutschland.

Thanks TGV. This is exactly my sentiments with Rolex and I think lots of watch lovers feel this way.

I remember the videos that preceded your purchase of the explorer, borrowing one, trying it out thinking it all over - and it's like remembering a couple's early days before they started dating. It was a considered and thoughtful purchase after an initial attraction and early romance. You two belong together lmao

Great to see you in Germany! I wear my explorer because its the only one of my watches I can clearly read without my glasses.

Good move keeping your Explorer - it is iconic - sporty and classy - durable and accurate - easy to wear all day - and it "flies under the radar screen". I love my 124270 (although my favorite Explorer is the 1016). Cheers!

@JackoWillMakeLives-loveu

Ай бұрын

It’s just the Rolex name you like. Nothing wrong with that, we are all susceptible to manipulation.

@angelo4670

Ай бұрын

Or perhaps he just loves his watch.​@@JackoWillMakeLives-loveu

@nicholas802

Ай бұрын

​@@JackoWillMakeLives-loveuok karen

Another great video TGV, thank you It is great to see on the black forest again, maybe another epic Hanhart collaboration?! 😊 Kind regards

Great video, as always. I am now in month 2 of my Explorer 124270 ownership and I'm quite smitten.

Great review TGV, you create the best and most evocative intros I’ve seen on KZread. You talk a lot of sense, quite a rarity these days.

Glad you’re keeping it. And regardless of anything Rolex related, it is an amazing watch.

I have often thought of this. A watch that I would be known for. Something that defines my style and personality. It's a heck of a thing for us watch lovers.

I really enjoy your take on watches

Brilliant Dissemination as always!

Ah, me...when that Nivada Grenchen appeared on the screen, pretty much everything you seemed to be building up to suddenly crystallized for me: that's a watch to accompany you as you beat your own path, rather than preoccupy yourself with its tales of paths already beaten. Some watches get widely known for their swashbuckling history (Explorer), while others are slightly less-known but nonetheless stand on their own (Alpinist, my preference), but something like that NG? That's simply a good watch requiring you to bring your own story, however seemingly minor or momentous. Not to knock the Explorer at all, but I think the watch has possibly been infused with more "meaning" than might be healthy. Damned good presentation, again, T.

We get a Le Samourai AND Neil Breen reference, bravo sir!

TGV you are extremely clever! This was a fun one!

I know I'll never be able to afford an Explorer, so I've been looking for alternatives. Unfortunately the best alternatives seem to be sold out. The best ones I've seen are the Lorier Falcon III, and the Smiths PRS-25 Everest.

One thing that happened with Explorer's popularity is that there are now homages that offer some variation to the design, and some of them are awesome in their own right (I have a brown dial 36 mm Baltany, it's biggest flaw is that it looks so tasteful I keep wanting to eat it).

@tactofu

Ай бұрын

That new baltany looks amazing! I snagged a smith's everest awhile ago, or else that brown dial baltany would be on it's way to me!

@angelo4670

Ай бұрын

I’ve been admiring that Baltany for weeks now. Love the Explorer design but will never be able to afford one. I’ve never been able to allow myself to purchase one of the Chinese homage watches.

@TheGrenadier97

Ай бұрын

Baltany makes two good homages of modern references, and in both i think they made something more proper than the "real deal": lumed numerals. Recently they came up with a sweet 36mm vintage reference homage that i'm definitely getting. The trio are a fantastic example of how to homage correctly in my opinion.

@user-ep5ck4mj4x

Ай бұрын

Why buy homage when you can get the real deal? Baltany is still not Rolex.

How Nietzschean! Hiking to the top of a German mountain to reinforce the connection you have with a timepiece.... Truly "the highest formula of affirmation". Keep it up TGV, its this stuff that keeps us coming back!

Could I make a suggestion? Could you do a video on the psychology of collecting. So many of the themes you explore come back to this compulsion. Love the channel. And love your thoughtful take on this hobby.

@theurbangentry

Ай бұрын

I love that idea. But in all honesty, I pale in comparison to the great Jeffrey McMahon, he is the undisputed master of such types of watch analysis, but I will certainly consider having a go when inspiration strike or I have made enough notes. Thank you so much for the kind words, it really inspires me. Best regards, TGV

@johnneville403

Ай бұрын

@@theurbangentry Thank you so much for your reply! I think there's something genuinely interesting about the compulsive nature of any kind of collecting. It goes beyond need, desire, or enthusiasm. Collectors of all kinds are fascinating beasts.

Its such a classic piece, but I just have a hard time justifying the price for a explorer.