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Old 9 January 2010, 11:17 PM   #1
MAXI DIAL
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The least expensive Rolex model???

A friend of mine is thinking about buying a rolex for the first time. I suggested that he goes for the Explorer I since his budget is low. And It got me wondering. Which rolex model is the cheapest???
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Old 9 January 2010, 11:29 PM   #2
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The Air-King is the least expensive watch in the Rolex Oyster line, if I'm not mistaken. There's nothing cheap about the Air-King or the Explorer, though.

I went to the AD with the idea of buying an Air-King, but only after trying it on did I realize that it was far too small for my wrist. It's still one of my favorite styles, though.

I instead opted for the Explorer and while I was happy with my choice at the time, I could not even imagine how much I would fall in love with one watch.
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Old 9 January 2010, 11:31 PM   #3
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Old 9 January 2010, 11:39 PM   #4
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If you like the Air King but want a little larger, the Oyster Perpetual line is 36mm No-Date
brushed Oyster bracelet line a couple hundred dollars more than the Air King.

There is nothing "cheap" about a $4200 watch.
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Old 9 January 2010, 11:46 PM   #5
MAXI DIAL
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Thanks guys. You know I meant to say least expensive right? I know Rolex aint cheap.
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Old 10 January 2010, 12:08 AM   #6
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Your correct none of them are cheap!
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Old 10 January 2010, 12:24 AM   #7
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You can pick up a used older style DJ for a little over $2K.
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Old 10 January 2010, 02:02 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MAXI DIAL View Post
A friend of mine is thinking about buying a rolex for the first time. I suggested that he goes for the Explorer I since his budget is low. And It got me wondering. Which rolex model is the cheapest???
The cheapest is the one he can afford all the mens range except the chronographs movement wise are basically the same.All are now clones of the Cal 3135 with or without added complictions.So it boils down to price style , case size, or pressure rating, or whether S.steel or with precious stones or metal.
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Old 10 January 2010, 02:41 AM   #9
RolexPete32
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I like the air-king. Here are some pictures of mine + other pictures.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0232.jpg (36.4 KB, 248 views)
File Type: jpg the king.jpg (23.9 KB, 246 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0219.jpg (31.1 KB, 248 views)
File Type: jpg F1020013.jpg (50.9 KB, 247 views)
File Type: jpg F1020014.jpg (40.2 KB, 245 views)
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Old 10 January 2010, 05:29 AM   #10
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The least expensive Rolexes in this order of list price (not considering the lady's line):

Oyster Perpetual Mid-Size - US$4,100 (31mm)
Air-King - US$4,200 (34mm)
Oyster Perpetual - US$4,400 (36mm)

None of these watches have the date complication. The Air-King is often mistaken as the least expensive, but the OP Mid has it beat by $100 bucks!

Last edited by Zanuf; 10 January 2010 at 05:30 AM.. Reason: add comment
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Old 10 January 2010, 05:37 AM   #11
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Well, in terms of the least expensive, your friend's best option would be to check out the used market. Definitely the most bang per buck.
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Old 10 January 2010, 06:12 AM   #12
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At the risk of being flamed. Find a nice Tudor. My choice for first inexpensive model is a used pre-2000. Should be able to find a great deal for less the $1K. Then step up from there in future purchases/collections.
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