My Rolex Explorer II is DEAD!

I broke my Rolex Explorer II.
Can sapphire crystal shatter? Brake?

[JackProzac]

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.

[alanmckinnon]

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

[RedDeadRestoration]

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

[matthewpasqua]

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

[steenfraosterbro]

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

[Unkle_B]

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.

[adamholliday]

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.

[ShambaBasher]

Lesson 1. Keep the watch on an oyster bracelet.

[thesheepsviolin]

Wristwatche revival all the way send it to him 100%

[watchmedicine]

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

[rassf]

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.

[frzmtl]

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

[kresimirpleic]

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.

[mountainjay]

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

[PPN]

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. 😂

[frederickmooney]

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.

[r.]

That Omega on the Rock was absolutely brilliant 🤣 🤣 🤣

[DenisHauser]

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

[cunawarit]

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.

[Msgt_Slim]

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 😅