iwc mark xv vs rolex explorer 1

[robinsongreen68]

im a 'one watch' type of guy and want something that goes with everything from jeans and t shirt to a suit. would wear the explorer on a nato ( i dont like the hollow bracelet) and the iwc on a leather strap. i would buy used in either case and there is a price difference: the iwc seems around 1500gbp while the expy is 2000gbp.
leaving that aside, what do people think? im not worried about the 'too small, buy a panerai' comments i am not a big watch fan and will be selling my speedy pro to fund the purchase. it was a great watch but i just find the weight around my wrist too distracting. for me 36-39mm seems the perfect size.
will the iwc hold its value as well as the rolex?

 

[braised]

IWC, classic and less obvious than the rolex. MK XV is one of my favorite watches. You should be able to find one for less than 1500gbp though.

B

 

[zippyh]

Personally, I would keep the Speedy but that's not what you asked.
I have both an Explorer and XV (3 variations in fact) and of the two, would pick the Explorer.
I assume you're considering the classic black Flieger dial.

1500gbp sounds really high for a used XV on strap but I haven't followed the used market recently.

 

[singlechange]

+ 1 for IWC. With more than several years as watch collector, I have had two IWC's. Authentic watches with quality craftsmanship and design. However, most people move on to acquire more watches, so if that is the case with you, perhaps the Rolex might be a little bit easier to sell later. Be sure to do your research someplace like Timezone.com too.

 

[Elmo]

The Explorer 1 is a classic. About a month ago I bought a 1998 U serial Rolex Explorer-1 Ref: 14270. I changed the bracelet to a Hirsch Extreme rubber and now wear it all the time.

It's on the small side by todays standards but a masterpiece.

 

[DGP]

I own an IWC Mk XVI and a Rolex Explorer II (so not quite the same as you're looking at) and love both. The hollow bracelet doesn't really bother me and i actually consider this part of the Rolex charm. If buying used, though, I might look for a MK XII, as it is fitted with the less common, more refined JLC movement, vs. the MK XV's ETA base. However if I could only have one, and I didn't find 36mm too small, I'd go for the Explorer, as I just love the overall look.

 

[wmb]

I have Exp 1 as a 'one watch' and really want to buy a IWC XVI. To my eye the IWC is marginally less dressy if worn with a suit or jacket so a touch less versatile. Cant lose really...

 

[Twotone]

Both are nice, but over priced IMO. I'd go for the Omega Railmaster (mid size, no date) for under $2k street price. Coaxial movement is a step over the IWC or Rolex.

Buy it on the bracelet a wear it as a casual weekend watch. Change it to the strap and wear it as a nice dress watch.

Twotone

 

[cbird]

I have an Explorer and have come to like it even more after buying it than I did before. It is a very versatile watch, and also very tough - I never feel the need to take it off to protect it from damage. The IWC is also a fine watch, but another I'd recommend looking at is the Glashutte Original Senator Sixties, which is simple, yet definitely finer than either the Rolex or the IWC, yet in the same ballpark price range. The Glashutte has a lot of style and really has to be seen in real life to be appreciated.

 

[justindo]

I would keep the Speedy, but between the two you mentioned I'd go for the IWC, especially if you want to put the Rolex on a nato and have it be your only watch. I like the Omega Railmaster idea, though.

 

[pinchi22]

IWC, without question.

 

[highball]

Another vote for the IWC.

I also like the railmaster suggestion. I'd also consider the Seamaster Aqua Terra if youend up sticking with Omega

 

[robinsongreen68]

so the result of this thread was that i bought the rolex... a month later i am finding that it does wear a bit small on me (and i was never a fan of big watches). i guess 40/42mm is now the norm for a sports watch (ie to be worn with jeans etc which is what i wear about 90% of the time). anyway, now thinking of buying another speedy, should've listened to some of the suggestions above, but i guess you have to go there yourself to find out.

 

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by robinsongreen68

so the result of this thread was that i bought the rolex... a month later i am finding that it does wear a bit small on me (and i was never a fan of big watches). i guess 40/42mm is now the norm for a sports watch (ie to be worn with jeans etc which is what i wear about 90% of the time). anyway, now thinking of buying another speedy, should've listened to some of the suggestions above, but i guess you have to go there yourself to find out.

there are rumors on the rolex forums of a 40/41 mm explorer in the next year that will be announced at Basel 2010

 

[pabloj]

I'd say Railmaster for the movement and also consider Stowa Airman, I've recently got one and feared it would look cheap, well it doesn't!
And of course keep the Speedy.