Best Rolex under 10K?

[jyaki]

A friend of mine is looking to buy his first luxury watch. He wants to keep it under $10,000 USD. Which model would you suggest for him? Thanks!

[brandrea]

There are a wide variety to choose from.

I’m mostly into the professional watches from Rolex and if the world is your oyster, I’d go with the Submariner. It may take a while to get this reference though.

The Explorer would also be another good option.

[Inthesticks]

Tough question to answer.

The most logical answer would be the Sub date, a perfect daily that lands right around 10k with tax. The challenge would be getting that watch at MSRP with no prior purchase history.

If you friend is willing to be patient, the Sub is the perfect target.

If your friend wants it right now, the OP 39s and 41's are great dailies that can be had under 10k on the secondary market.

The OP39 was discontinued, so that would be used. However there are some really nice versions (white dial and rhodium dial are my personal favorites)

The OP41 can be bought new on the gray market for under 10k.

[Ale aka Fuciliere]

To me, in the perfect world it would be the Submariner no date….in the real world I’d say the 36 mm Explorer, well below 10 K for a tool watch icon which is just perfect, every day for every use.

[amphr1]

Explorer 40. I haven't taken it off since I got it and it hasn't missed 1 second of accuracy.

But if you want the most recognized Rolex, I'd say a DJ. Everyone will know it's a Rolex. And it can be a one and done.

The Explorer is more for watch geeks imho.

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[CKLinLA]

First should be one of the classics.
So i think a DJ would be perfect.

If he wants a more sport/tool look model, Explorer or maybe older Sub.


... and Explorer 16550 could be right if he likes that look.

[Calatrava r]

A DJ with the smooth bezel and oyster bracelet is a good first watch.

[43Airking]

I think what you are going to wind up with are, suggestions for all the watches that are under $10K. I think they will all be good suggestions too. I love my Airking - the colors on the dial are excellent and different from any other Rolex - the 40MM is a perfect fit for my wrist. I can wear it when I’m traveling and to client meetings and it does not scream ROLEX - which at times for me is appreciated.

[Agamemnon]

124060

[kieselguhr]

[996marty]

Has to be a sub

[georgew]

Originally Posted by jyaki

A friend of mine is looking to buy his first luxury watch. He wants to keep it under $10,000 USD. Which model would you suggest for him? Thanks!

A little more info about your friend would help, like will it be a daily, or for special or dressy occasions, more sporty,....or 1 size fits all (a daily for every occasion). If he is firm in spending under $10k out the door, that does limit some options. As others have suggested, a DJ, OP, Explorer, or sub (the 124060 msrp is $9,100 - or go used).

[Agamemnon]

Live

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

A DJ with the smooth bezel and oyster bracelet is a good first watch.

This!




(I may be biased, this was my first Rolex)

[Krash]

Originally Posted by 996marty

Has to be a sub

Yes, and it’s not even close.


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[Tuzz313]

I think 36 mm DJ is the move. If you stick with stainless steel all and no diamonds all models are under 10 k. I find it very versatile . Classic Rolex lots of dials/bracelet/bezel combos available.

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[Ontime]

There are plenty of great options available, some popular choices within that price range to me are, Submariner, Omega Seamaster, and Tag Heuer Carrera.

[TimeAZ]

Dj36

[Avs Fan]

Easy...16600 seadweller if used is an option.

[Jasb]

Sub no date from an AD is as hard to get as any of em. I’ve been waiting for a while….good luck.

[Gearjockey]

A lot of third-party, asking for friends requests here lately.
I usually just ask myself what I would suggest for my friend, but it never hurts to get everyone else’s opinion and start a discussion.
So my suggestion is a sub-date, since he’s going to end up with one anyway. Why not do it now?

[Gerry62]

Originally Posted by Avs Fan

Easy...16600 seadweller if used is an option.

[enjoythemusic]

Sub

[Radbloke]

Originally Posted by Avs Fan

Easy...16600 seadweller if used is an option.

This guy knows what's up. You can pick up very tidy late model SEL no-hole 16600s all day, with box and papers, well under 10k. That's your play if you don't want/can't get a sub at retail.

[GGGMT]

If your friend wants to be like everybody else (including me), a sub. If he wants to step out, march to a bit of a different drummer, explore one either 36, 39, 40. And if he wants to be well under $10,000, tell him not to forget about looking at tutor.




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[youneswatches]

A Sub would be the one.

[KY..]

New Air-King

[travisb]

Tough to beat a classic Sub.

[RFC]

2 liner 14060

[Jackie Daytona]

I guess it depends on what they want out of the watch.

Submariner for sure for the classic diver

Datejust for the perfect all rounder

My personal thoughts would be Exp. II as you get a date function, and GMT function and it still lands just under $10k. More features for the money.