![]() |
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
![]() |
#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Denver
Posts: 10
|
Recommendations-1st Rolex
First, a little about me and my lifestyle
I live in Colorado and am very active outdoors. I travel internationally 4-6 times per year for my job. I am a former pilot in the Air Force. My current watches: Omega Speedmaster Professional (hesalite, manual) the classic Tag Heuer Link Calibre S I am considering my first Rolex and after a cruise through the Rolex site and this forum have tentatively narrowed my search to: GMT Master - Steel vs. Explorer II - Steel (White face) My thinking is that both watches are very elegant. The GMT would be practical for my travel but I have read it is easier to scratch the bracelet and may be too much bling for some tastes. The Explorer gets very high ratings as well, particularly the Polar Exp. I like this one because it would be different than my other two with its white face. It has a very simple, but effective look. I have not had time to research pricing so any tips as to the going rate on both of these watches (retail vs. what i should pay). Should I only consider new watches or does anyone feel the resale market might be the way to go? Are there any other watches that I might have missed the boat by not considering? I am open to all suggestions and thank those who respond for their opinions. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Real Name: Jason
Location: USA
Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers
Posts: 7,973
|
A pre-owned Exp II Polar. That watch is WAY undervalued (great price on the pre-owned market) and it seems as if it would suit your needs quite well
![]()
__________________
Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing ![]() Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches ![]() PLEXI IS SEXY |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: W. Stutman
Location: Motor City
Watch: TT GMT IIC
Posts: 2,223
|
Buy a pre-owned GMTIIC, can save about $2k off new, and dont worry about scratches
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: Dan
Location: USA
Watch: This N That
Posts: 34,251
|
You can either get the one someone else recommends, or you can get the one you like the most.
__________________
When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: MA
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 501
|
Exp II Polar all the way!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Toronto Canada
Watch: utalkinboutwillis
Posts: 113
|
If you like Gmt Master II ceramic, don't worry about scratches on the bracelet,can be easily polished.
__________________
M 116520 Daytona Black dial , P 16600 Sea-Dweller , U 16570 Explorer II White |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: At Home
Posts: 1,258
|
agree with gmt II ceramic. But the explorer is also nice. If you are thinking of the exp II I would wait a few months until basel for the "possible" new release. The exp I has just been updated and I think it is one of the nicest models right now. Really can't go wrong with any of these. Go with your gut....
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Steve
Location: Roll Tide
Watch: 16710 Pepsi
Posts: 1,025
|
Scratches happen. The first on a $5k watch will be upsetting but it will happen. No matter the precaution, it's inevitable.
If you cannot except this.... Buy a Timex or Casio. I'm partial to the 16710 GMT Master II/pepsi. Look at the Sub ND ; 14060m. The ultimate "Sports Watch" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Denver
Posts: 10
|
What are some good ballpark prices you guys have seen lately for each model new and used?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Carlos
Location: UK
Watch: ing YOU!
Posts: 1,121
|
Looks like you have make up your mind already ;-)
Personally, I would go for the GMT2C. ;-) Good luck and post some photos soon ;-)
__________________
16610 116400GV 116520W 00112 116710LN 16610LV 00292 116520B |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Real Name: Mitch
Location: .
Watch: 116710LN
Posts: 2,495
|
hi, i have both and i can tell you until recently (2 days ago) i would have said the GMTIIc doesnt scratch as easily as people say but it does! if you want a watch you can wear everyday then i suggest the EXPii (white) it can take a beating (as can all rolexs)
i use my exp as my beater and keep my GMT for a one day a week watch. but we cant pick the watch for you it has to be the one you love!! if you cant have them both then i would suggest the exp! just cause it can handle the everyday abuse a lot easier and it is a 'stealthy' looking rolex. either way you cant go wrong!! best of luck and post pics when you get it!
__________________
Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted John Lennon |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: Raf
Location: NJ
Watch: GMTII
Posts: 2,152
|
I think a GMTIIc would fit you to the tee.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Eric
Location: Long Beach CA USA
Watch: Rolex Explorer II
Posts: 4,102
|
Love my Exp II and I think you might too!
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: James
Location: UK
Watch: Tissot
Posts: 1,454
|
GMT Pepsi would be my choice.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: Joe
Location: Northville, MI,US
Watch: Smstr 600m BigBlue
Posts: 412
|
Go with the GMT IIC. The scratches are no worse than on other bracelets. It also isn't as blingy as many have suggested. In some lighting conditions it adds to the watch. In others, one can barely notice the brush/polished.
If you've waited this long- go with the GMT. ![]()
__________________
RedwinGV |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 33
|
First Rolex coming up for me as well. Was thinking Sub C until I started hanging around here and doing a lot of research. I've always worn dive watches (and used them while diving even - gasp). But the GMT just struck me as my perfect watch. Thought long & hard about finding a good Pepsi (iconic & lots of history & Magnum PI wore one which would make me at least 1/1,000th as studly as Tom Seleck right?
![]() ![]() ![]() [/rant] |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: Barry
Location: california
Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI
Posts: 1,289
|
wait for the Polar Explorer II that is coming out this year!!!!!
__________________
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Earth
Watch: 116610
Posts: 3,455
|
exp II
__________________
NEVER ARGUE WITH AN IDIOT. FIRST THEY WILL DRAG YOU DOWN TO THEIR LEVEL. THEN, THEY WILL BEAT YOU WITH EXPERIENCE. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Watch: All of them
Posts: 193
|
Both watches are great but the GMT II Pepsi/Coke dial have so much character and they can take a beating. Believe me I have tried and the one I have keeps on ticking.
Post a picture once you make your choice and buy it.
__________________
Rolex 16710, 116520, 116610LV - Cartier W20073X8, W31077U2 and W20098D6 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Real Name: Sandro
Location: Canada
Watch: Rolex/GS
Posts: 4,412
|
GMTIIC.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: John
Location: MS & LA
Watch: Rolex Day-Date II
Posts: 1,084
|
Both are very nice. I'd go for the GMTIIC just because I like the looks more. Regarding the EXPII, there's lots of speculation that it will be updated, so you might want to wait to see what happens at Basel, if you go this route.
![]()
__________________
- John >>> Rolex & Porsche Owner/Enthusiast <<< |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Alexandria, VA
Watch: GMT-2C & TT DJ
Posts: 110
|
I have had my GMT2c for a little over 2 years and love the watch. If you are worried about the bracelet have it brushed if not use a cape cod cloth on the PCL's every 2 or 3 months and they stay looking like new.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Malaysia
Watch: SM300+14060M
Posts: 2,012
|
GMTII white is better looking...
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: W. Stutman
Location: Motor City
Watch: TT GMT IIC
Posts: 2,223
|
new GMTIIC is close to $8000 new with taxes at AD, a pre-owned one is around $5.5K on trf
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Gary
Location: Bozeman, MT
Watch: 126508 Paul Newman
Posts: 7,826
|
I would go with the Explorer II. If you buy from one of the trusted sellers on here you can probably get a LNIB for 4500 - 4800. Buying from a trusted seller on here saves you a lot of money and the watch is essentially new. I bought my Explorer II (Black dial) from a trusted seller on here in that range and the watch looked brand new. The previous owner wore it twice and decided to go with a different watch.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,223
|
You can't go wrong with either of those watches.........
![]() If you expect to spend time in the desert, sand, or mud, then the Exp II is likely the better choice.. The rotating bezels don't do well in those environments......... ![]()
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Jack Daniels Land
Watch: me drink Guinness!
Posts: 373
|
Save yourself some money and go with either Snow White or an older model (non ceramic) Gmt II. Good luck!
Sent from my Evo using Tapatalk. Excuse my brevity. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: US
Watch: 1680 Red & 16622
Posts: 2,449
|
I'd go for a used GMT Pepsi with the extra Coke and Black inserts on the side - 3 different looks with 1 watch! That is probably my next watch.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: Tommy
Location: Seoul, Korea
Watch: 116520 Black
Posts: 337
|
Another vote for Exp II :)
__________________
Everything happens for a reason. But some things just happen. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Dennis
Location: Bay Area - 925
Posts: 40,018
|
Either would be fine for your needs!
__________________
TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007) |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.