Please comment: Deciding on 1st & only watch

[henrylee]

I'm gonna be different and vote black bay. It's hell of a watch for the money.

[Pavlos]

For 5.3k dollars you get a brand new OP39 pic attached. For about 6k dollars you get a brand new explorer 1. The Rolex will probably never need to be changed or up graded for life. Fresh, new not tampered with.

If you can't stretch get a new seamster base model with 2500 movement. That model has great history and good resale. New it is 3.7k dollars

[sjg22]

All very different but all great choices.

Which one, push comes to shove, do you really want? Get that one.

Or, if the watch you really want is $5,6,7k, I say hold out and keep saving, keeping an eye on eBay and sales forums for a deal.

[locutus49]

Datejust.

[ajas]

Originally Posted by mementomori1983

Our of your choices, I'd go with the 16234 DJ.

Something else to consider -- your price range puts a 16570 Explorer II within reach, if you are willing to forgo the box and papers. You get excellent value for the money: 40mm watch, sport model, date complication w/ cyclops, GMT hand. The black dial one is very versatile and would perfect for a one-Rolex collection IMO.




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Great advice. If you want with box and papers then OP 39

[wytrader]

Explorer or Speedmaster. Whatever you do: Dont Settle!!!

No point spending 3500 on a watch when the one you really want is 4200.

Agree with the explorerII suggestions, that would be my ideal choice but you didn't mention that as one of your choices, curious as to why?

[toolr]

Speedmaster Professional moonwatch

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Jaycnyp

I agree with Mike on this. My second choice would be the explorer. If you can stretch your budget a used 214270 is 4600-5000 (this would be my first choice except for your budget). I LOVE the speedmaster but wouldn't want it as a one and only.

1. Rhodium OP39
2. Explorer 214270
3. Black bay

[sea-dweller]

I'd go with a Datejust.

[encarter13]

Explorer, but not the 36mm

[levic900rr]

No date Sub

[DLRIDES]

Considering your specifications, slightly used OP 39mm.

Sports casual, swim in it, dress up, dress down,business meetings, incognito, watch for life.

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by Tiantandance

Sounds like nor of them is your favorite.
Don't buy yet.
Hold on.
Wait till you can offer your favor.

This is good advice. When you get the watch you really want you'll be happier.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by mementomori1983

Our of your choices, I'd go with the 16234 DJ.

Something else to consider -- your price range puts a 16570 Explorer II within reach, if you are willing to forgo the box and papers. You get excellent value for the money: 40mm watch, sport model, date complication w/ cyclops, GMT hand. The black dial one is very versatile and would perfect for a one-Rolex collection IMO.




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⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ Agree! Good thoughts here!

[Wcdhtwn]

If it were me:

Explorer, but I'd wait until getting a 39mm. I have big wrists though.
Omega
DJ
Tudor

[KrismanX]

Try anything on yet? That will help you most. That, and think about what functions are absolutely essential for you. This will help with the 'grass is greener' after-thoughts that may swirl around in your head. The hunt is the best part, so enjoy!

[jurowj]

I would definitely go with that 16234 white roman, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet. Classy, versatile, and timeless.

Another good option in that price range would be a 16233, champagne dial. Another timeless and classy piece. Cannot go wrong with either of these as your first and only major watch purchase for the time being

[Case61]

Lots of great thoughts swirling around in this thread. I'd like to distill a few key decision-points.

1. Don't worry too much about a few hundred bucks one way or another, or even a thousand or more. It may seem a like a lot now, but for a long-term buy like this, it won't matter that much over the long haul. What matters is you get what you want.
2. Preowned vs new/near new. While you can get a great watch that is ten or twenty years old, it comes with a risk that an expensive service or repair might might be needed. Buying new or near-new (which can be much the better deal) comes with a lot of peace of mind.
3. Sports vs more "dressier." This gets way into the subjective area, but for an all-occasions watch I don't think you can beat an OP, especially something like the new Rhodium 39. I also think the Omega SMP is absolutely the best bang for the buck in the $3-4k range.

Above all, don't sweat too much, have fun with your decision.

[904VT]

I'd also consider a late model 5 digit Explorer 2 with calibre 3186. It may take a little more saving, but quite a cool watch for someone your age and at an age where you may start to see more business travel etc.

Good luck

[toomuchtalk]

I've just got this...
And I have to say, pound for pound value for money it's amazing.....
Omega have absolutely nailed it.

[Rocco21]

Exp 36 or 39

[Chadridv]

I'd save a little more and get the 39mm Explorer I. Or as others have suggested try to get a 5 digit explorer II.

I'd personally get a 16610 Submariner, but since I know it wasn't in your prospect list. If you'd consider it that's the way I'd go.

[tommy91]

Originally Posted by mementomori1983

Our of your choices, I'd go with the 16234 DJ.

Something else to consider -- your price range puts a 16570 Explorer II within reach, if you are willing to forgo the box and papers. You get excellent value for the money: 40mm watch, sport model, date complication w/ cyclops, GMT hand. The black dial one is very versatile and would perfect for a one-Rolex collection IMO.




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This

[ejvette]

I would go with the omega or Tudor over a 20yr old Rolex

[koz123]

Go for what you like best, I would go with a Speedy.

[tmw84]

The datejust... it's the quintessential Rolex if you want to avoid the cliche Sub


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[westsideclock]

Originally Posted by levic900rr

No date Sub

I agree 14060m. If you look hard enough, you can find one in your price range. Even if not perfect, once it gets serviced, it will be. You will then have the classic Rolex in the size you are really looking for. (39.5)

[RolexNorth]

Stay away from Omega and forget Tudor. Omega has terrible resale value on the 2nd hand market. If you buy one, get it used. Tudor...........well...........I got nothing good to say about 'em.

[sensui]

I like the Speedy and Exp I out of the list for this occasion. Love the Black Bay also but I won't recommend that as an only watch over these other pieces. The OP39 is a great suggestion also by the other members....OP get busy and enjoy yourself @ the ADs trying out watches. See what fits you better in size and preference!

[OmegaJJH]

Speedmaster for me.

Such an iconic watch!