New GMT decision made! A old fashion “TRF Open Box”.

[Mystro]

I wanted to do a proper “Open Box” thread like we use to do years back on TRF. This is what to expect from Thanh Takuya, one of TRF’s most respected “trusted sellers”. I have done multiple deals with Thanh and all have been flawless as he knows what we very picky watch collectors expect.
For about 6 months now a particular GMT I owned a few years back was calling to me again. I have owned many GMT models from BLRO, BLNR, CHNR. I looked at all my pics of these watches over and over for months remembering the experiences, how the watch wore, worked with my personal style and lifestyle of traveling, kids, etc…. I have
never repurchased a Rolex so this one was more analytically thought out.
I tuned out cost, hype, resale, etc…since none of those were a factor in how and why I was rebuying this GMT. So why not start the new year off on a positive note and a good old “Open Box” thread. Takuya packaging is first rate with many redundant barriers to keep water or crushing of the Rolex outer box.
FedEx overnight AM delivery.




The winner for me was the BLNR on Jubilee.
Condition: Brand new full box set with stickers.




Yes, the vibrant blue and black always looked the best to me in any lighting. I will try to go into the reasoning. The extra bling of the Jubilee bracelet is significantly easier to maintain over the PCL of the oyster. I love the oyster PCL and have it on my Daytona but for a Rolex GMT, the Jubilee seems more iconic to me. I’m coming from a place of experience, and I have lived with both on long family vacations from the beach to Disney. If you want that extra bling and don’t want to constantly stare at hairline scratches or do constant touch ups the Jubilee is the way to go. YRMV.

(Horrible winter lighting but a few wrist pics had to happen.)


Why the BLNR over the BLRO? As an owner of both, I found the colors of the BLNR more vibrant and the blue is stronger in hue. Rolex got this color spot on right from the beginning as they have not changed it over the years. The BLRO beauty or cures depending what you like is the pastels that range from purple in the blue to pink in the red. Studying my old pics of the BLRO, neither the red or blue on the ceramic bezel is quite there yet and I found the colors clashed more than complemented anything I wore. YRMV
The CHNR was gorgeous in pics with its warm rich tones.. A bit too warm for my skin tones as I prefer bright watch in SS. This is purely a personal choice as Rolex doesn’t make a bad GMT choice. These are just some observations as an owner that pointed my needs and taste back to the BLNR. I can’t wait for our winter weather to clear up so I can do some proper pics as this watch really “pops” in the sun.





As in tradition, a celebratory cigar always is enjoyed with a new Rolex on the wrist.



FYI: I am doing a separate “How to properly size a Jubilee bracelet” tutorial thread.

[worldofoyster]

congrats, lovely watch

[amh]

Amazing, congrats OP!

[fly4food84]

Awesome, looks great! I like seeing the package delivery to wrist shots.

[LAS45]

Congratulations! Beautiful photos.


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[watchwatcher]

Congrats!

Good looking watch.

[thesharkfactor]

Lovely watch, great pics, nice story. Congrats are in roder, that's a stunner.

[Eric88]

Awesome watch! I've had that same one on my wish list for quite a while. I tried on an exhibition model at my AD and that Jubilee bracelet is pretty magical. Congrats!

[fishingbear]

Great unboxing post, congratulations

[stanleyleecm]

Congrats and nice post! Hoping my AD will come through with this piece for me soon.

[swexlin]

Congrats!

I have heard and read nothing but good things about Thanh. I bookmarked his site, and if I need to go the non-AD route (and it's looking that I may need to) he's going to be high on the list!

[Nads786]

Amazing pickup! I almost bought my Sub Date from Takuya, very easy guy to work with.

I'm interested in your decision to chose the jubilee bracelet over the oyster. I've tried on the BLNR on jubliee a few times and in jewelry light it seemed a bit busy.

Do you feel that business is mitigated in natural light and blends in with the watch? I'm really interested in this piece as my second Rolex to go alongside my Sub Date.

The brushed monochromatic Sub against the shiny BLNR I think would be an awesome 1-2 punch.

[HL65]

Congrats and great pics as always!

[rmagoo57]

Congrats!! Wear it in good health!

[PMDAY]

Beautiful GMT, congratulations on your choice.

[cdmorenot]

Great post, great photos, great watch, great seller!

Congratulations.

[travisb]

Congratulations and great pics! Nice way to start 2024!

[KatGirl]

Congrats, Mystro! Beautiful GMT. Glad you get to enjoy it, again. I agree with you, about Than. He is my “go to trusted dealer”, here, as well. Nice unboxing pics. Wear it in good health.

Kat


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[EEpro]

That's a good shade of blue for sure.

Congrats

[rom33]

Mr. Mystro,

Congratulations ! Thank you for posting such good photos and sharing your story.

May I ask why you sold the original BLNR. Was it to buy the BLRO or another watch?

In your photos the jubilee bracelet looks outstanding on this watch. As does the blue on the bezel.

[harvey]

…love the post and pics!

[Burt Macklin]

What a stunner! I'm so hopeful I can obtain a GMT one day. The BLRO is my absolute grail watch, but the more I see the BLNR the more I think it's a better fit for my style. Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

[WatchTimes]

Congrats and great post!

[xwalker4]

Great thread and great watch!

[Michael1968]

Congratulations

[golden state of mind]

Congrats! what a beautiful watch and great start to the new year

[spellmanski]

Great piece - pics look amazing, Congrats

[brandrea]

Congratulations, nice pictures

[JTL31]

Your analytic thoughts are superb. Congratulations on calling this one back home! Enjoy…


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[SvenNikolai]

Good decision to choose the BLNR with Jubilee. Also my choice. Have fun with your new GMT and thank you for the great pictures!