One watch to rule them all - AD visit

[cerendigit]

OP I'm not sure what are you asking, but if you want us to choose a watch out of the ones you mentioned, I would go for the 114060.

My last choice would be a 5digit sub.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by vgs

Today I went to our local AD with a close family member who has a great reputation with them. My goal was simple, go there, see how long I would need to wait for Submariner, and try to keep this inside of my price range at the end of the day. Much to my surprise, due to with whom I went there, it should not take too long.

What I did not have a chance to do was try 2 watches I actually wanted to see in person, Explorer I and black dial Explorer II.

So we went to see the nearest gray dealer, tried both watches, and that led me to a more confusing place.

I'm not set on ND Sub purchase. Explorer I is simple and amazing, but at AD prices I'm still not sold on it. Explorer II is a bit big, but GMT and date are functions I would like to have.
Used sub date, 5 digit ref is also an option in this price range. And GMT at AD pricing too, and as I understood, it's not gonna be an issue if I decide to go that way.

What helps you decide between watches? This one will mark a few big things, and I don't think I will be making another watch purchase in the next few years.

At this point, I think I would like to go new, but birth year sub to commemorate the birth of my daughter and career improvements is not the worst idea ever.

I just hope that this confusion with decision making is something we all go through, and buyer regrets are not present here too often. I mean, how sad can you be when you get a Rolex .

I own both the sub and 42mm exp11 and i am nearly never wearing the sub.. Love the 216570

[Brny11]

No matter what you get, you will probably think about the others you considered. That is why this is a addictive hobby. I would recommend setting the foundation in your first (I.e. sub) in case it is your one and only. I dream about many watches but only to add, would never replace my 116610ln in that capacity.

[vgs]

This looks like pros and cons inside my head haha.

Ongoing debate I have with myself all the time, I think only solution is to get two pieces

[dchernikoff]

I agree with the "if you see it you will know it" sentiment. The problem is, it's nearly impossible to "see" the watches theses days! At least at an AD. I didn't care for the Hulk or the Bluesey and really wanted a Skydweller, until I saw them in person on someone's wrist and tried them on, and that was when I "knew" what I wanted (Hulk). But just looking at pictures doesn't do it.

So do what you can to actually see and try them on, if you can. You may be surprised at what you end up loving...

-Dan

[Rashid.bk]

Get both, you will in the end anyway.

[vgs]

I think I will use "what if I ever buy only one" principle here, and then in the future, I might get the second Rolex.

The second one should be easier to choose when I tick some of the boxes with the first one.

And if I don't find older 16610M to try, I will go with a new one for sure.

[vgs]

Ok, had another gray dealer visit after work today.

Things are more clear now with few days to think about it. It's gonna be a submariner.

Explorer II is definitely too big, Explorer I might be a future purchase, not the first one. Its simplicity speaks to me on so many levels, it feels great on my wrist, but, to be perfectly honest I don't feel spending that kind of money on the watch so simple. I guess I'm just not there jet.

Now the only thing I need to decide is 5 or 6 digit.

5 digit is amazing, I like the date one with 4 lines of text, I like the vintage feel, size, and everything. It's amazing.

6 digit is just wow on the wrist. Much more blingy feel, almost like RO, hard to miss, I like the maxi case I must admit.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by vgs

What helps you decide between watches?

Time.

The day will come when you know what watch you want. Be patient.