p.1 #1 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
Thought I’d get the group’s thoughts since there seems to be a lot of overlap between Leica and watch enthusiasts here.
I have an opportunity to pick up either a Rolex Explorer 1 or a Leica 35mm APO.
On the Leica side, I currently have a 35mm 8-element that I absolutely love, especially on my M-A. But the APO feels like it would offer a completely different experience—modern, incredibly sharp, and probably an amazing pairing with my M11.
On the other hand, lately I’ve had an itch for a subtle, beautifully made watch that I can genuinely wear every day. I currently daily a Hamilton and also have a Daytona, but the Daytona isn’t something I always feel comfortable wearing everywhere. I like the Hamilton, but the Explorer feels like it could become the watch I reach for every day.
So that’s my dilemma: do I add a very different version of something I already love, or buy something that arguably fills a bigger gap in what I own?
Curious what you’d choose, and especially interested in hearing from anyone who owns both.
p.1 #2 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
I like watches, but I like Leica APO lenses a lot more. Monetary value be damned. I know I’ll create far more memories with that lens than I ever will with a Rolex.
I wear a simple GShock GW5000 24/7 for years and years so the appeal of wearing an expensive watch everywhere has never really been my thing. I’m more into stealth wealth, I suppose.
For me, the APO would be an easy choice. It’s something I’d use, enjoy, and make photographs with for years. That has more value to me than another expensive watch sitting on my wrist.
That said, not bad choices. Haha.
haiha607 wrote:
Thought I’d get the group’s thoughts since there seems to be a lot of overlap between Leica and watch enthusiasts here.
I have an opportunity to pick up either a Rolex Explorer 1 or a Leica 35mm APO.
On the Leica side, I currently have a 35mm 8-element that I absolutely love, especially on my M-A. But the APO feels like it would offer a completely different experience—modern, incredibly sharp, and probably an amazing pairing with my M11.
On the other hand, lately I’ve had an itch for a subtle, beautifully made watch that I can genuinely wear every day. I currently daily a Hamilton and also have a Daytona, but the Daytona isn’t something I always feel comfortable wearing everywhere. I like the Hamilton, but the Explorer feels like it could become the watch I reach for every day.
So that’s my dilemma: do I add a very different version of something I already love, or buy something that arguably fills a bigger gap in what I own?
Curious what you’d choose, and especially interested in hearing from anyone who owns both....Show more →
p.1 #5 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
Tough call, though I'm more of a watch guy than camera guy...
If you get a good deal on the watch you'll never really lose on it, though it doesn't sound like you're looking for an investment piece as much as an every day enjoyment piece. With that in mind, which do you think you'd enjoy more? Photographing life with the new lens, or looking at the watch when you're wearing it? There is a case to be made for either, but it's a totally personal one.
This is a rare case where I'd lean into making a more emotional decision than an analytical or financially based one. If you're in a place in life to be deciding between a Rolex or a new Leica lens, enjoy that moment and just do whichever makes you smile more.
Also, not sure if you're in the Kirkland I'm thinking of, but if so, check out Porcello Jewelers in Bellevue, they always have some good deals on really clean Explorers, Tudor Rangers, etc. Conner is my guy there.
As I said above, which one makes you smile more when you hold it in your hand? Buy that one.
ETA: Thought about this some more... If you buy both, you can take pictures of your new watch with your new lens.
p.1 #8 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
I can create something on a lens that arguably is more valuable and brings more joy than looking at a watch, so I would choose lens. Thats just me and this is a photography forum so dont expect an unbiased answer hah
p.1 #9 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
Omega quartz (2264.50 is my choice, gorgeous in the office and dependable when I go diving and I need a be-back timing function that my diver computer does not have) + Voigtlander lens, preferably character rather than clinical. Buy both on the used market and use the left-over money to travel someplace nice.
p.1 #10 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
Which ref Explorer? I had an OP 116000 as my only watch for years and loved it; very similar watch in both size and design. Haven’t kept up with prices but seems like the Rolex market is a little calmer than it was.
p.1 #12 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
Well, the lens is a useful tool that provides a real and valuable solution for some circumstances. The advantages an APO lens like the Leica 35 provides are measurable.
The Rolex is also a tool that tells time. However, it provides no advantages over other time telling solution. In fact no mechanical watch makes sense in functional analysis. It is more complex and expensive, less accurate and reliable, requires more work and maintenance. Functional, there are much better solutions on all counts. Think about it, I don't know of any other tool where we would even consider buying a solution that is so uncompetative.
That said, I have a nice collection of expensive mechanical watches. But, like you I have a Hamilton Khaki (quartz) as my every day no hassle,reliable, affordable watch.
Watches are not logical. They are emotional. Given that just choose the thing that gives you the biggest emotional reward.
p.1 #14 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
1bwana1 wrote:
However, it provides no advantages over other ... solution. In fact no mechanical ... makes sense in functional analysis. It is more complex and expensive, less accurate and reliable, requires more work and maintenance. Functional, there are much better solutions on all counts. Think about it, I don't know of any other tool where we would even consider buying a solution that is so uncompetative.
Took the "watch" out of this ... to see how it reads. Bring anything to mind for anyone.
p.1 #15 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
RustyBug wrote:
Took the "watch" out of this ... to see how it reads. Bring anything to mind for anyone.
Manual transmission ICE sports cars vs EVs? Musical Instruments vs Synthesizers/AI? Charcoal and wood chunks vs a a pellet smoker? etc etc
I get what you're saying but the analogy doesn't really hold. There is value to the more manual, but engaging process of creating things..a lot of the value is the actual friction and challenge. That is different than the passive experience of owning a watch.
p.1 #16 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
haiha607 wrote:
Thought I’d get the group’s thoughts since there seems to be a lot of overlap between Leica and watch enthusiasts here.
I have an opportunity to pick up either a Rolex Explorer 1 or a Leica 35mm APO.
On the Leica side, I currently have a 35mm 8-element that I absolutely love, especially on my M-A. But the APO feels like it would offer a completely different experience—modern, incredibly sharp, and probably an amazing pairing with my M11.
On the other hand, lately I’ve had an itch for a subtle, beautifully made watch that I can genuinely wear every day. I currently daily a Hamilton and also have a Daytona, but the Daytona isn’t something I always feel comfortable wearing everywhere. I like the Hamilton, but the Explorer feels like it could become the watch I reach for every day.
So that’s my dilemma: do I add a very different version of something I already love, or buy something that arguably fills a bigger gap in what I own?
Curious what you’d choose, and especially interested in hearing from anyone who owns both....Show more →
I feel like the answer is already in your wording You've already got a lens that you absolutely love, but you've got a watch that you only like to reach for. Sounds like the new watch would bring you more smiles, so I say the watch.
p.1 #18 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
Thanks, everyone, for all the perspective and wisdom here. I’m new to Fred Miranda, and I’ve been genuinely blown away by how thoughtful everyone has been. and how much respect there is for differing opinions.
I made up my mind: I’m going with the 35mm APO over the Explorer.
As much as I’d love the watch, I realized it’s ultimately something that only I get to enjoy. The lens feels different. I’m even more motivated to get out and photograph my kids while they’re still little, and those photos are something I’ll be able to share with my family for years to come.
Maybe one day I’ll have both. But for now, the hunt begins for a solid used 35 APO!
p.1 #19 · Rolex Explorer 1 or Leica 35mm APO: upgrade something I already love, or fill a gap I actually have?
You can always get a less expensive decent mechanical to scratch the itch! I usually recommend looking at Christopher Ward; I own a couple of them and the finish is excellent for the money.
You've already got a lens that you absolutely love, but you've got a watch that you only like to reach for. Sounds like the new watch would bring you more smiles, so I say the watch. 