Seeking to buy my first Rolex

[Alcibiades]

This is my first post on this forum, so please bear with me if I make any rookie mistakes. I’ve been interested in buying a Rolex for a while. I recently received a promotion and am comfortable enough financially to buy a nice watch for myself. I work in financial services and am normally in a suit or blazer (sometimes tie, sometimes no tie) M-Thurs and dress classic casually Fri-Sun.

What I want in a Rolex is a “nice” watch that can go seamlessly between suits and more casual occasions that is not too “showy” or “obvious,” yet still retains value well and is easily recognized as a nice, quality watch. In addition, I don’t really have interest in complications and such - I want a watch that will tell the time and maybe show a date. As a result, I am shying away from Submariners (very ubiquitous in my industry, seems too “showy”) and I am even hesitant about the GMT (a model that I’ve kind of dreamt about for years). I’m currently focusing on these models:

Date Just 41, likely white or silver dial, smooth bezel
Oyster Perpetual 39, Dark Rhodium
Millglaus, White Dial
Explorer 1
Explorer II, White Dial (I know this one seems out of place, but it looks cool to me)
Explorer II, Black Dial, No Date (Edit - I meant Sub no date - I know I said no subs, but it seems cool)

Which one of these do you think fit the best combination of good first investment, non-showiness, but highest quality?

Thank you. I look forward to buying many Rolexes over many years.

[returntorolex]

Exp 1

[FSUGeoff]

BLNR, its the cool watch you want. Nobody at work will care or think anything bad about it versus a Exp 1. Nobody cares about your watch, a GMT will not turn any heads in finance. Buy the watch you want. Life is short.

[mtgjr]

I like all of those options except the Milgauss. That one's just not my cup of tea. By the way, the Explorer II doesn't come without a date.

[Wcdhtwn]

Frankly I think the GMT LN is the watch you want. It does dress up better than the explorers (yes I and II) and OP, and does casual dress better than the DJ. I think it's the best, most versatile, option and the one you've "dreamt about". Go with your gut on this one. Don't let the work environment dictate your choice, especially on your first Rolex.

[RHIII]

Welcome!!

Based on what you’re looking for - I would say DJ 41 as a first pick and then Submariner (114060) - both of these can be ‘used’ interchangeably, dress or casual.


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[kauffee]

Originally Posted by FSUGeoff

BLNR, its the cool watch you want. Nobody at work will care or think anything bad about it versus a Exp 1. Nobody cares about your watch, a GMT will not turn any heads in finance. Buy the watch you want. Life is short.

This is the best advice. You dream about the GMT - buy it. Nobody will notice, especially in your industry.

[Mr bluecity]

Datejust 41 fluted bezel, rhodium dial, jubilee strap, can wear it dressed in a suit or casual, a fine looking watch in my opinion, probably because I own one !

[off]

I would just go with your heart and get the GMT, I think they look great with a suit. If you are still hesitant, go for the Datejust 41, such a nice piece in the flesh.

But be warned, eventually, it's an itch you have to scratch, and you'll end up with the GMT.

[yannis]

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

This is my first post on this forum, so please bear with me if I make any rookie mistakes. I’ve been interested in buying a Rolex for a while. I recently received a promotion and am comfortable enough financially to buy a nice watch for myself. I work in financial services and am normally in a suit or blazer (sometimes tie, sometimes no tie) M-Thurs and dress classic casually Fri-Sun.

What I want in a Rolex is a “nice” watch that can go seamlessly between suits and more casual occasions that is not too “showy” or “obvious,” yet still retains value well and is easily recognized as a nice, quality watch. In addition, I don’t really have interest in complications and such - I want a watch that will tell the time and maybe show a date. As a result, I am shying away from Submariners (very ubiquitous in my industry, seems too “showy”) and I am even hesitant about the GMT (a model that I’ve kind of dreamt about for years). I’m currently focusing on these models:

Date Just 41, likely white or silver dial, smooth bezel
Oyster Perpetual 39, Dark Rhodium
Millglaus, White Dial
Explorer 1
Explorer II, White Dial (I know this one seems out of place, but it looks cool to me)
Explorer II, Black Dial, No Date (Edit - I meant Sub no date - I know I said no subs, but it seems cool)

Which one of these do you think fit the best combination of good first investment, non-showiness, but highest quality?

Thank you. I look forward to buying many Rolexes over many years.

Welcome Αλκιβιάδη! I would have a look on the DJ41 with fluted bezel and oyster. They are awesome!

[Raypep]

My first was a DJ36 w/ a black Dial. Having a date is a non-negotiable for me. I use my watch more for date than time.

DJ's are very understated and go under the radar, I've had very few comments ever about my watch.

Regarding apparel, I wear it if I'm working out or if I'm in a suit. I except my BLNR which I'm picking up this week to be the same.

-R

[Tangier11]

Another GMT Vote

[SeaDweller50]

Ex Black.

[Uhtred59]

Try them on. Dang what others think, what looks/feels good on your wrist. BTW this won't be your last job.

[Krash]

I’m about to get my first Rolex too and also work in the Financial Services industry. I really want a Submariner. I thought about a silver dial Datejust for some of the exact reasons you listed, and also came very close to getting an Explorer I too. However, I really want a submariner, and realized that I would really regret getting something instead. I’m definitely going with the Submariner and I’m not looking back. In a year or so, I’ll get the DJ.


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[Krash]

I'm getting my first Rolex too and I also work in the Financial Services industry. I really want a Submariner. However, I did consider a silver dial DateJust for some of the same reasons you listed.

I then realized that I would regret not getting what I have always wanted, so I'm definitely going with the Submariner. The beauty of this decision is that I'll probably get the DJ sometime in the future anyway, so I can have my cake and eat it too...


btw, I don't think a datejust is any less "showy" than a Submariner or GMT. If you have one of those on your wrists, they really stand out because of how beautiful they are (IMHO)...

[watchwatcher]

Sounds like the DJ41, from your description. However, try them all on and see for yourself.

[Bengal fan]

Originally Posted by Uhtred59

Try them on. Dang what others think, what looks/feels good on your wrist. BTW this won't be your last job.

Totally agree, congrats on your promotion!

[Buckeye4life]

Congrats on your promotion! I would say go with a DJ41 under your search criteria. You might be mistaken to think the GMT will be less flashy than the sub. The polished centerlinks and large bezel numerals on the GMT make it stand out.

I would say to ignore what others think and just get the watch YOU want, but I don't have to deal with your office politics and it can be tricky right around the time of a promotion, especially. Ultimately, you have to be comfortable enough to wear it and enjoy it!

[Bok88]

Exp.1. Congrats and Enjoy whatever watch you choose. You already made the right decision getting Rolex watch.

[CharmCityDK]

I went with the polar Explorer 2 because I felt like it looked the best on my wrist but also because most people don't even notice it's a Rolex. But like others have advised, definitely try them on and go with what you want. Also congratulations on your promotion.

[AEC]

1st pick: Datejust. An Oyster bracelet goes nicely with the smooth bezel, but it's nice that you would have a choice of bracelets on this watch.

2nd pick: Explorer I. The hands are cool, the proportions are sublime, and the bracelet and clasp are excellent. It flies further under the radar than a DJ.

[athom]

Explorer (14270), Imho.

[Brny11]

Fluted bezel on a DJ41 is showy, but I wouldn't recommend one without it. If it is too flashy for you, youcan go with Exp 1. I just think you might get bored with that option. I would recommend as other said, DJ41, BLNR or Sub (date or no date).

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[AK797]

Exp seems most appropriate for Alcibiades.

[dafuture]

Given what you described at the bottom I'd go with a DJ or Exp 1. The Polars are great too, if a little less dressy. I personally picked my Exp 1 as I found it to be a great all-arounder and a little different from the vast amount of Subs you'll typically see.

[riverrat]

Im in the same boat and "study" this site for new posts watches etc. You'll get so many differing answers it will boggle your mind. Go for the one you want, plain and simple! I saw a Hulk several months ago and waited for my wife to see it. She hated it on the web site but never got to see the actual product. It got sold and they're no where to be found now. So Im on the waiting list for a Batman and Hulk. If I had gone w my gut Id be happy and still just waiting on my GMT. So I suggest going with what you want and like the most, only you cn know what piece that is.

[Alcibiades]

Thanks a lot for the first thoughts. I will take a closer look at the DJ41, Exp 1 and GMTs. I like the idea of the OP39, but something about them look a tad bit plain. The DJ and Exp both seem a bit more interesting. In terms of the sportier tool watches, I think I will focus on the GMT for now - either the all black or black and blue.

[DoctorA]

Welcome to TRF
great advise from lots of people. Yet different advise. The point is you can’t go wrong with any of those watches. Try them on and go with what speaks to you the most.
SubC was my first but if I were to have only one watch, BLNR it is!

[Krash]

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

Thanks a lot for the first thoughts. I will take a closer look at the DJ41, Exp 1 and GMTs. I like the idea of the OP39, but something about them look a tad bit plain. The DJ and Exp both seem a bit more interesting. In terms of the sportier tool watches, I think I will focus on the GMT for now - either the all black or black and blue.

Yeah, if you’re concerned about your watch being too “showy,” then Exp 1 is probably the best choice. DJ41 is just as “showy” as the GMT and I mean that in a good way. It’s a beautiful thing to look at; especially in Silver. Personally, I’d go with the GMT. Who cares what other people think? GMT is as good as it gets.


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