Struggling with my first Rolex decision

[face5535]

Hey guys, I have a problem... Looks like the bug has bitten me. I have NEVER been a Rolex guy... literally at all. I think it was because I never really looked into them?

Always like Breitling watches and the style of them... like almost everything with age and knowledge comes change...

I have decided for my first high/higher end watch I will be looking into a Rolex!!

I think I have narrowed it down to the following:

Explorer II (White)
Sub
GMT

Being very new to the watch game, IMO the Sub and GMT look very similar. Something about the "iconicness" of the Sub yells buy me.

I do think I like the XII best though? I want a do all well versed watch that I can wear in many different occasions. I personally think that it would serve me well.

My grail watch has now become the Daytona... and I will have one, just not for a while.I could likely buy all three listed up top for the price of the Daytona:) (Only because I want the slate dial and finding one/having it put in would run me another 1500-2K or so... I think).

Anyway, can you guys tell me the pros and cons of the original three I mentioned and why you would recommend one over the others?

Thanks much gents!
Bobby

[ref1655]

don't struggle...just go with your inner voice.

[patrickjb]

I'm a Breitling turned Rolex guy. I appreciate what other brands offer, but to your point - there's nothing like a Rolex.

I had a similar debate internally, for my first Rolex. I ended up with the Polar Explorer II 42mm. I think it was an easier transition to go from a big Navitimer, to a "smaller" watch. Having said that, the Exp. II wears big, and even though I have big wrists I notice it.

I didn't go with the the other two because that big orange hand and clean face were screaming at me every time I went to the AD.

At the end of the day, it's you're money - and a substantial amount of it. Try them all on enough times, and go with the one you love,

Good luck!

[westsideclock]

GMT is a great watch, and you can't go wrong with either style. Rolex actually describes the LN as a watch for any occasion, but I like the BLNR like most on the site. The sub is the sub, probably the most iconic sport watch of all time. My thought is that you can wear it with anything, truly anything. Both the GMT and Sub are great dressed up, but the Sub is perfect with shorts and a t-shirt as well. I really think there is a misconception with sport Rolex. People ask is it dressy enough, my answer is yes, all Rolex's are dressy enough. It is the other direction where there could be an issue, is the watch casual enough. Most Rolex models are, but some don't go as well as others in a casual situation. All the watches that you mention do. I have never been a fan of the Explorer II, but that is just preference. I think the Explorer I is a stunner though. The most simple, yet amazing design. Rolex got it right with that watch, especially the new model. Hope this helps. Again just my opinion.

[And1dre]

Originally Posted by ref1655

don't struggle...just go with your inner voice.

Couldn't agree more.

[sensui]

All great choices.. Gut initial feeling would be the best advice IMO. I'd tend toward the GMT or Explorer 2 if it were me for functionality since few of us utilize the water resistance of sub's.

[japenney]

Seems like you want the explorer 2 polar. I would go with that. A big advantage of tbe exp 2 is you won't see many in the wild so you can feel unique. When i had my sub i felt like everyone had one. One potential con i can think of is slightly worse resale value compared to sub and GMT. To overcome this issue you Should purchase from a trusted seller for around 6000$ or a bit less. You will never lose money this way if you go to sell. Good luck and go with the polar. Its the one you want .

[Paul_I]

Originally Posted by face5535

Always like Breitling watches and the style of them...

Just messing :P Welcome to the forum.

[Thailawson]

Sounds like you already decided on the sub.

The real debate is date or no date?

[LuminousMaximus]

you can thank me later...

[face5535]

Thanks guys all good thoughts!!

[summerjack]

Just buy one, it wont be your last.

[HoosierRolexFan]

The same bug bit me about a month ago.
Result:
New EXP II (black dial) for everyday & knocking around the farm,
New GMT BLNR - for travel & a little dressier.
New SubC - ND (for the clean face) is arriving next week from Takuya.

It's been a busy (& expensive month), but they are all beautiful!

Then to top it off, yesterday, Takuya showed me a picture of his personal Patek 5164A - AHHHHHH, it is SO incredibly gorgeous!!! I have contacted Peter from TRF who has one for sale - what to do, what to do!?!?!?

And the new Daytona (black dial) will surely end up in my stable when it is finally available.

I know that does not help, but I feel your pain!!

Have you spent much time trying them on? They really do feel differently on the wrist & that might be the difference?

Good luck!

[KBM]

My rule is: when in doubt, go for the diver.

[mrchrisx69]

Gmt

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[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by face5535

...I do think I like the XII best though...

Hi Bobby. You make it very easy for us to answer the question, since you've already answered it yourself.

Get the Explorer II, it's your favorite and it is a spectacular watch! You'll add a Sub some day later anyway...and a Daytona.

For motivation:

[T01]

Sub

[kangajack]

Exp II. Flys under the radar a bit, but the finishing and bracelet are beautiful.



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[ilovewatchestoo]

the exp II is growing on me more and more. Get that it's quite awesome and don't see as often in the wild or replicated. Although I really do love my SubC.

[superstarmar]

GMT BLNR or Sub C date ...
Gotta have a date complication with cyclops ...
I think a black dial Rolex sport watch would be
a lot more versatile than a white face ... I'm not
really an explorer 2 fan but I do think it's a nice
reference. I just don't see me ever getting one .
There are other more appealing Rolex references to me
than the explorer 1 or 2 ...

[HauteHorlogerie]

Pros and Cons are more subjective..go with your heart man! :) you said XII then go for it! You'll love it.

[cwieb]

You cannot make a wrong choice... I would say go with Explorer II then add a black dial daytona to compliment it later on!

[CRM114]

Gmt.

[1William]

Sub-C ND