What is the most quintessential "Rolex" model? Which one is THE icon...

[Eklipz]

For me the sub, when I think Rolex the image of the Submariner come to mind. And the
Datejust would be next.

[AK797]

I think the fluted bezel is the iconic symbol of Rolex, esp when you see the clocks represented at Wimbledon etc. And they appear on both the DJ and the flagship DD so I would say the DJ, even tho I think in the last few years the sub is probably the most desired Rolex.

[skalis]

Submariner is the most famous model from Rolex collection. But when it comes to a most iconic watch, it is the Datejust from my perspective. It was the first model, which included all technical innovations, which make Rolex a Rolex - Oyster case, perpetual rotor and date indicator displayed in window in dial. The Datejust lives from its birth up to our days and no doubt, it will last as long as Rolex itself.

[Kobayashi]

On this forum, you'll have a majority leaning towards the sub.

Rolex introduced the DJ in 1945 and became the flagship model of the company. In 1956 the DD took over as the flagship watch. The fluted bezel can be seen on various clocks at sporting events, airports, Rolex stores, etc. In terms of quintessential I believe it is the DJ. Known throughout the world to non WIS and it has the history and iconic status to go with it.

[subtona]

Im a sub guy.
I realize my choice is subjective but thats my choice:)

[pacific17]

Originally Posted by GsurgBM

President Eisenhower. And his "president" was actually a gold date just, not a DayDate.

http://www.rrauction.com/Dwight-D-Ei...lex-Watch.html

Thank you, I got them mixed up, been watching too much spy shows that mention w___rg__e.

[Bangel]

In my personal opinion, the Datejust is the model that most quintessentially represents the Rolex brand - with acknowledgment to Mick P's definition.

[luvchnl]

Growing up, I always pictured the DateJust Jubilee and the DayDate when I thought of Rolex.
So in my mind, it will always be those first, especially the DateJust.

[samson66]

This one!

[Dvenus11]

I would say day date hands down

[Brucie D]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Datejust. Since 1945 the oldest and volume selling line in Rolex history.

Agreed. The Datejust. Followed by the Submariner.




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[The Libertine]

Voted Submariner, but only because GMT was not listed!

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

Just pictured someone screaming, "HANS WILSDORF!" on a crowded street, and LMAO...

[Solo118]

I feel it is the Submariner, and then the Datejust right behind it.

Funny thing is they have many iconic watches!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Please read the Questiion correctly. You are being asked to vote on the most quintessential Rolex, not your favourite, not the most commonly seen nor the best seller. You are being asked to vote on the most quinisential which means representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

In this sense, it would be a one horse race because the 36mm Explorer released in the early fifties to commemorate the ascent of Everest is the essence of the Rolex tool watch that kick started the Rolex bandwagon.

This is more of a fact than an opinion.

Regards

Mick

No, it's opinion. Rolex was a famous inernational brand for many years before the Explorer appeared. That is fact.

[brandrea]

For me it's the DD,

[Mick P]

Chaps

I do not wish to appear grumpy but very few of you appear to understand the meaning of quintessential.

It means what captures the spirit and ethos of something.

I have stated that a 36mm Explorer is the quintessential Rolex because of its history and that it started the Rolex ball moving as a tool watch. That is what quintessential means.

You just cannot just simply retort with a bland statement such as, for instance, "I nominate the Datejust" and not even say why. Volume sales are not an indicator of quintessential and as such you have incorrectly answered the question by confusing quintessential with popularity. How on earth is the Datejust quintessential. Yes it looks good, yes it is smart, yes it is popular but it is not quintessential. It is just another Rolex watch.

Regards

Mick

[SecondAmend]

I voted "Submariner" even though my one and only Rolex is a plain Jane DJ that is my M-F, 9-5 work watch. My next Rolex will be a Sub for weekend, casual wear. And there should be a, "The brand is iconic, regardless of the model" choice.

[Old Expat Beast]

Someone has just gone on my ignore list (and its not SecondAmend).

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No, it's opinion. Rolex was a famous inernational brand for many years before the Explorer appeared. That is fact.

Yes that is correct.

However my point still stands that the 36mm Explorer is the most Quintessential watch made by Rolex.

Let us put it another way - Do you think Rolex would have taken off so fast if the 36mm Explorer had not been invented ?

Yes there were other good models around at the time, but back in the 1950's, it was the Explorer that captured the publics imagination and elevated Rolex to where it is now.

Possibly the only contender is the Sub.

Regards

Mick

[benlee]

It has to be the Sub. Instantly recognizable as Rolex. Follow by the DD.

[h999r]

Sub ...

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

I do not wish to appear grumpy but very few of you appear to understand the meaning of quintessential.

It means what captures the spirit and ethos of something.

I have stated that a 36mm Explorer is the quintessential Rolex because of its history and that it started the Rolex ball moving as a tool watch. That is what quintessential means.

You just cannot just simply retort with a bland statement such as, for instance, "I nominate the Datejust" and not even say why. Volume sales are not an indicator of quintessential and as such you have incorrectly answered the question by confusing quintessential with popularity. How on earth is the Datejust quintessential. Yes it looks good, yes it is smart, yes it is popular but it is not quintessential. It is just another Rolex watch.

Regards

Mick

No, you don't understand the meaning of quintessential and can't even spell it half the time. It means the typical, most representative or what people most associate a Rolex with in essence and purity, and most people on this forum have understood that and answered accordingly.

[ltmgeller]

Sub fo sho

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Yes that is correct.

However my point still stands that the 36mm Explorer is the most Quintessential watch made by Rolex.

Let us put it another way - Do you think Rolex would have taken off so fast if the 36mm Explorer had not been invented ?

Yes there were other good models around at the time, but back in the 1950's, it was the Explorer that captured the publics imagination and elevated Rolex to where it is now.

Possibly the only contender is the Sub.

Regards

Mick

Sean Connery, Winston Churchill, and Dwight S. Eisenhower had just as much to do with capturing the imagination of the public as the watch that Sir Edmund Hillary didn't wear when he conquered Everest did.

The Explorer is a cool watch, but without a date magnifier or fluted bezel it is hardly the quintessential Rolex.

In any event, it's a weird topic to be harping on about. Who cares?

[THC]

The Day Date by far.... It is the Ultimate Rolex.... IMHO

[Rags]

Originally Posted by SearChart

For me it's the classic 36mm two tone DateJust with jubilee bracelet and champagne dial.

I concur sir...

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by AK797

No, you don't understand the meaning of quintessential and can't even spell it half the time. It means the typical, most representative or what people most associate a Rolex with in essence and purity, and most people on this forum have understood that and answered accordingly.

To be fair, I did define quintessential in post no 52.

Anyway I am flogging a dead horse on this, so I just give up.

[hdms]

Datejust.

Sport watches were for men such as sub and explorer, so it may be quintessential for men. But looking at the entire population, we should put into consideration what women think too. And I guess they all know datejusts as compared to a sub or explorer. A lot of women wear Datejusts and only until recently did they started wearing sport watches.

[Case61]

Of course it's the sub (IMHO). But the Datejust is a close second.