A return to Rolex - 2023 SOTC

[Longhorn]

Last year I spent a year exploring AP and selling other pieces to afford that journey that include the titanium 43mm ROO Chrono, black 15500st, WG Code 11.59 chrono blue dial and trading into a RG Code 11.59 QP. After living with the pieces, I realized there was no where else I really wanted to explore with AP, and I didn't particularly enjoy always being aware of the watch that I was wearing... (if that makes sense). I decided to return to collecting Rolex that just felt like a reliable companion day-to-day that didn't occupy so much head space.

Today was a particularly special day where I re-acquired a SD43 and also got offered a 41mm DJ at my AD, and while a DJ was not something I had on my radar, it felt like a good inclusion to what had been assembled thus far.

So here it is... 12 years later in this hobby, Rolex still resonates with me the most.

[SS Oyster]

Love the 116509 Daytona blue dial and 116610LV Hulk if your collection. Beautiful.


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[jb335]

Your Daytona is properly in the centerpiece position


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[jb335]

Is that mk1 Exp 39? The T-Rex?

Either way, looks great.


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[Blanch]

Mk1 Hulk dial! Nice!

[usmc_k9_vet]

I agree that specific Daytona is awesome! Was sad to see that one discontinued.


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[the dark knight]

Beautiful collection, congrats!

You are playing at a higher level than me, but I too always end up coming back to Rolex, or watches that I find have "Rolex like qualities", mainly being reasonably sized cases and ergonomic/comfortable bracelets. A lot of Tudors (esp newer ones with T-Fit and thinner cases) and certain watches like the IWC Mark XX fit the bill for me. But ultimately nothing beats a Rolex.

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by jb335

Is that mk1 Exp 39? The T-Rex?

Either way, looks great.


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Thanks! It's a 114270. Not sure which year it is. I actually bought the watch off a friend's wrist who owns a shop. I asked to try it on and knew I had to have it.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Longhorn

(...) After living with the pieces, I realized there was no where else I really wanted to explore with AP, and I didn't particularly enjoy always being aware of the watch that I was wearing... (if that makes sense).

Congratulations on your new SD43 and DJ41. I own the former and I'm looking to add the latter at some point.

Could you please elaborate a bit more on what you mean by that:

"I didn't particularly enjoy always being aware of the watch that I was wearing... (if that makes sense)."

Is it because your APs seemed somewhat delicate to you, compared to Rolex and its feel of relative ruggedness?

[Mountain]

Great collection!

[harvey]

…welcome home!

[PT_91]

It can be very valuable to find out what you DON'T want...I wish you a lot of fun with your new "old" favorite brand!

[han_solo]

Stunning116509 Daytona blue, you got there!!

How do you feel about your explorer? I'm thinking about getting that one go. Any suggestions?

[Number3]

Lovely collection. I have to say the DJ steals the show for me, I was just immediately drawn to it.

[danwang0520]

that's a fantastic collection, are you considering to get a GMT or Sky-Dweller next?

[Eric-London]

Fabulous. It's all about what you enjoy and what you love.
Best of luck and wear in good health.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by jb335

Is that mk1 Exp 39? The T-Rex?

Either way, looks great.


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I thought the MK1 didn't have lume on the numerals? Not sure if they had TRex hands on the updated dial version.

Nice collection. All are keepers.

[HogwldFLTR]

Very nice collections!!! Congratulations!!

[rmlovett1]

Nicely done!

[bullies]

I’ve read/watched about a lot of collectors journeys and more times than not it sounds off with a “all roads lead back to Rolex” in one way or another.

Your collection looks nice, enjoy!

[1William]

Very nice.

[garyk]

Excellent group!

[stylinleems]

Great collection!!

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

I thought the MK1 didn't have lume on the numerals? Not sure if they had TRex hands on the updated dial version.

Nice collection. All are keepers.

You're correct. The numerals are painted and not lumed. Kind of odd, but I really love the proportions of the lugs, lug width and bracelet.

[watchwatcher]

Love your collection!

[tifosi]

Love that Daytona. I wish I could have two PM Rolexes.

Great collection.

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by han_solo

Stunning116509 Daytona blue, you got there!!

How do you feel about your explorer? I'm thinking about getting that one go. Any suggestions?

I oddly really only like 114270 and have not clicked with the 39mm or the current gen explorers (too tapered of bracelet). To me, the proportion are just perfect. Right now I enjoy how light it is, looks super refined but can be a knockaround watch.

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Congratulations on your new SD43 and DJ41. I own the former and I'm looking to add the latter at some point.

Could you please elaborate a bit more on what you mean by that:

"I didn't particularly enjoy always being aware of the watch that I was wearing... (if that makes sense)."

Is it because your APs seemed somewhat delicate to you, compared to Rolex and its feel of relative ruggedness?

Perceived ruggedness maybe? A dinged up Rolex, I can live with. My first Rolex was a Hulk in my 20s, and I abused the thing on nights going out to the bar, accidentally dragging it against a brick wall or falling down face first. The damage incurred was some scratches on the bezel teeth and a cracked pip. But the watch still looked class.

A scratched Royal Oak bezel from taking out the trash, well, that felt annoying. Beyond that the flashiness of the satin/polish, the individual average cost of the watches, just really occupied my head space. Just seemed like I was always aware I was wearing an AP, always catching my eye even when I didn't want to think about it. That wearing experience was not fun for me, if not exhausting. Perhaps the mundanity of a Rolex allows me to engage when I want to and be pleasantly surprised at the same time.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Longhorn

Perceived ruggedness maybe? A dinged up Rolex, I can live with. My first Rolex was a Hulk in my 20s, and I abused the thing on nights going out to the bar, accidentally dragging it against a brick wall or falling down face first. The damage incurred was some scratches on the bezel teeth and a cracked pip. But the watch still looked class.

A scratched Royal Oak bezel from taking out the trash, well, that felt annoying. Beyond that the flashiness of the satin/polish, the individual average cost of the watches, just really occupied my head space. Just seemed like I was always aware I was wearing an AP, always catching my eye even when I didn't want to think about it. That wearing experience was not fun for me, if not exhausting. Perhaps the mundanity of a Rolex allows me to engage when I want to and be pleasantly surprised at the same time.

I can totally relate to this. I had a short stint with a ROO Diver (probably the most robust of the ROs, haha) and I felt the same way. I was always super conscious that I was wearing it, treated it waaay different than my Subs. I felt it was way more delicate and treated it as such.

Now, I daily a gold Sub and I don't even think about it. Never crosses my mind to make sure my watch is protected or out of harms way.

[Longhorn]

Originally Posted by danwang0520

that's a fantastic collection, are you considering to get a GMT or Sky-Dweller next?

I'm not sure. I haven't been interested in these models to date. I did ask for a sprite or pepsi (wife hates the batman) as a next model just to have something lined up. I think I'm happy with where I'm at now until I feel less 'wet behind the ears' to wear a colored precious metal watch like a Day Date.

Maybe a detour down the vintage route like a 1680?