Please Recommend a First Rolex for me...

[Plastique999]

I have somewhat of an eclectic collection and collect pieces that are not so common. The 3 brands I have focused on are Vacheron Constantin, for its classic aesthetic elegance and heritage; Jaeger Le Coultre, for its historical pieces, iconic pieces and > 1200 movements; vintage Heuer, for its history in Chronographs and relation to historical sports and racing.





I respect Rolex but just can't see myself with a typical Sub, Explorer, GMT, Sea-Dweller, Yachtmaster, etc. There seems to be such commonality amongst the designs, and amongst the common population. I really mean no disrespect, perhaps I'm just the odd man out.

So what is left? A Cellini or Bubbleback? Perhaps a vintage Rolex?
Really trying to break into the brand.
P.s. My wife does have a Datejust II.


Sent from my 16M

[Presa canary]

Awesome collection! I'd recommend a 6263 "Newman", a 5517, or wait a bit for the wg pepsi. Can't go wrong with any of these choices.

[AK797]

Go for a Patek or Lange. Trade the VC if you have to.

[Brandon(phila)]

Your watch collection is great.
Check out the new Cellini line introduced this year.
Should be up on their website.

Or change it up with SS sport model

[GradyPhilpott]

Rolex is what it is. If the Oyster line isn't for you, then the Cellini line might have something you like.

Even vintage Rolex watches from the last 60 years have very much in common with the watches in the catalog today.

If you simply asked which Rolex for a first Rolex, a diver would be the easiest choice.

A Sub, Sub Date, Sea Dweller, or Deep Sea epitomize the Rolex Oyster Professional series and anyone who gets caught in the Rolex web will wind up with one of those in due time.

I'm really inclined to say that Rolex is not your brand.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Rolex is what it is. If the Oyster line isn't for you, then the Cellini line might have something you like.

Even vintage Rolex watches from the last 60 years have very much in common with the watches in the catalog today.

If you simply asked which Rolex for a first Rolex, a diver would be the easiest choice.

A Sub, Sub Date, Sea Dweller, or Deep Sea epitomize the Rolex Oyster Professional series and anyone who gets caught in the Rolex web will wind up with one of those in due time.

I'm really inclined to say that Rolex is not your brand.

Yeah, kinda thought the same thing, maybe Neil was right

[Boopie]

Vintage? Maybe a pre-Daytona chronograph? There are several great vintage watch websites...does anything catch your fancy?

[iazrollie]

Milgauss? Daytona?

[Time Exposure]

Seems to me Oyster is Rolex, and Cellini is Rolex trying to be what they're not. Rolex is not known for their exquisite finish, like JLC/V&C. They are known for tool watches, and have a great history in racing and diving among others.
How does Heuer's history and style interest you, but Rolex' (Oyster line) does not?

[Plastique999]

Originally Posted by Presa canary

Awesome collection! I'd recommend a 6263 "Newman", a 5517, or wait a bit for the wg pepsi. Can't go wrong with any of these choices.

Originally Posted by Time Exposure

Seems to me Oyster is Rolex, and Cellini is Rolex trying to be what they're not. Rolex is not known for their exquisite finish, like JLC/V&C. They are known for tool watches, and have a great history in racing and diving among others.
How does Heuer's history and style interest you, but Rolex' (Oyster line) does not?

Paul Newman Daytona, white step dial 6262,3, or 4 would be an absolutely historic piece. But sadly priced high at 6 figures +. It is one Rolex I'd truly like to have.

Yes I realize that the Cellini and such are not the forte of what Rolex really stands for. I guess I am trying to find a Rolex with unique character and history.



Sent from my 16M

[sea-dweller]

How about a Daytona?

[jjnd08]

Maybe you need one of Rolex's more unique choices.

BLNR - only watch with a bicolor ceramic bezel.

LVC - that sunburst is unique.

Best way is really to go to an AD and see if any sing to you when you try them on.

Maybe Rolex isn't for you if none of them do.

[Wesley Crusher]

It sounds like you're really not all that into Rolex. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wouldn't try to force something that isn't there. The Oyster watches are what Rolex is all about. Looking for something so different (Cellini or Bubbleback, like you mentioned) tells me that you want a Rolex that is as different from an Oyster as you can possibly get. To me, I wouldn't even bother at that point.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by wesley crusher

it sounds like you're really not all that into rolex. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wouldn't try to force something that isn't there. The oyster watches are what rolex is all about. Looking for something so different (cellini or bubbleback, like you mentioned) tells me that you want a rolex that is as different from an oyster as you can possibly get. To me, i wouldn't even bother at that point.

x2

[Donaldabbotjordan]

Originally Posted by wesley crusher

it sounds like you're really not all that into rolex. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wouldn't try to force something that isn't there. The oyster watches are what rolex is all about. Looking for something so different (cellini or bubbleback, like you mentioned) tells me that you want a rolex that is as different from an oyster as you can possibly get. To me, i wouldn't even bother at that point.

+1

[westsideclock]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

It sounds like you're really not all that into Rolex. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wouldn't try to force something that isn't there. The Oyster watches are what Rolex is all about. Looking for something so different (Cellini or Bubbleback, like you mentioned) tells me that you want a Rolex that is as different from an Oyster as you can possibly get. To me, I wouldn't even bother at that point.

+2. I agree that what you are looking for is not what Rolex is all about. Part of the fun of a watch that is more mass produced is that you may actually see/meet someone with the same watch as you. Rolex has a mass appeal, and they produce enough watches to meet the associated demand. Like others have said, it seems that you want a piece with more limited production. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with that. It just seems that you would likely be more content with a watch from another maker. Your collection is absolutely excellent. You could add a Cellini, but you would probably better off adding something like a PP or AP, or maybe even a Zenith El Primero.

[Degas]

Amazing collection! I'd go for the Platinum DD.

[maxbaris]

Originally Posted by Degas

Amazing collection! I'd go for the Platinum DD.

Ditto.


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[eco8gator]

Man if you don't want the common mans but want a Rolex get Platinum President. Based on what youve already spent on watches this should be affordable;)

Here is one for sale by a trusted RF member...

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=370496

I love the dial on this model.

[ghotihead2001]

i think with your taste the only choice is vintage. And from there I would look at some more esoteric choices first....A stella dial day-date would be a great addition. Maybe a Milgauss 1019, or even a very clean 5513 or 1675 (tho those are common they are perfectly executed and exude classic design and rugged sophistication IMO)....if those dont do anything for you, then move on from rolex and look at other brands...

[DCheeta]

Hmm...maybe a Cellini or a SkyDweller?

I see your point. Although we pore over the minutiae and see every detail as a huge difference, the fact is that the Rolex sport line-up is fairly homogenous. My wife thinks they're all the same watch!

As others have said, maybe Rolex just isn't for you. Nothing wrong with that!

(By the way, your collection is stunning!)

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I see your point. Although we pore over the minutiae and see every detail as a huge difference, the fact is that the Rolex sport line-up is fairly homogenous. My wife thinks they're all the same watch!

As others have said, maybe Rolex just isn't for you. Nothing wrong with that!

(By the way, your collection is stunning!)

I agree, that JLC Duometre is fantastic!

[DCheeta]

Oh, and I noticed that your Reverso has a AM/PM indicator. This watch must have been designed for cave explorers. ...sorry, Rolex joke.

[Karbo]

1665 double red !

[Roger1079]

The only new watches that really break away from that classic Rolex design would be the Yacht-Master II and the Sky-Dweller. They share the same bracelet, basic case design, and bezel design on the Sky-Dweller but are about as different as you can get from the conventional Professional line Rolex. The Sky-Dweller comes with a hefty base price tag, but it is not available in anything but different colors of gold.

If neither of those strike you as a watch you would want to wear, I agree that Rolex is likely not the brand for you. The Cellini line has some nice timepieces, but there are many other brands that already have that market covered.

[Muzz]

Cellini Prince would be your bag I think.

[Rashid.bk]

You need a Skydweller or a Daytona. You gotta understand, Rolex is kinda like Porsche, they have a design language and that's what makes them so great. They're iconic and classic in design and though they might be common, when you finally own one you'll understand why it is unique.
You have a great collection and to the masses a Rolex may seem cliche but to true watch lovers and collectors a Rolex has a special place.

You seem not be or want to be part of the "herd" but if you sit down with a Rolex and look at it with a careful eye and appreciate a genuine mechanical marvel I'm sure a Rolex will earn it's place in your collection.

Good luck.

[Plastique999]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

You need a Skydweller or a Daytona. You gotta understand, Rolex is kinda like Porsche, they have a design language and that's what makes them so great. They're iconic and classic in design and though they might be common, when you finally own one you'll understand why it is unique.

You have a great collection and to the masses a Rolex may seem cliche but to true watch lovers and collectors a Rolex has a special place.



You seem not be or want to be part of the "herd" but if you sit down with a Rolex and look at it with a careful eye and appreciate a genuine mechanical marvel I'm sure a Rolex will earn it's place in your collection.



Good luck.

That is a great analogy...I do liken the Rolex to be analogous to a 911. There are many out there, but the special ones do shine - GT3RS 4.0, CGT.
I am trying to study them more and I believe the Daytona is one that is slowly attracting me. Ironically, my wife tried on and absolutely loved a rose gold Daytona. Perhaps I should buy it for her and then steal it from her :)


Sent from my 16M

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Plastique999

That is a great analogy...I do liken the Rolex to be analogous to a 911. There are many out there, but the special ones do shine - GT3RS 4.0, CGT.
I am trying to study them more and I believe the Daytona is one that is slowly attracting me. Ironically, my wife tried on and absolutely loved a rose gold Daytona. Perhaps I should buy it for her and then steal it from her :)


Sent from my 16M

Excellent choice. They Daytona is a true and tested classic. Depending on your taste you may find it a bit heavy at first but it's very balanced from my understanding. Unfortunately this easy wear characteristic is what has made it popular with the ladies so yes your wife will like it.
Consider one on a leather strap which means you'll have to go gold but then it will be closer to what you're accustomed to with your collection.

[locutus49]

This is an insightful post. Well stated. I concur.

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

You need a Skydweller or a Daytona. You gotta understand, Rolex is kinda like Porsche, they have a design language and that's what makes them so great. They're iconic and classic in design and though they might be common, when you finally own one you'll understand why it is unique.
You have a great collection and to the masses a Rolex may seem cliche but to true watch lovers and collectors a Rolex has a special place.

You seem not be or want to be part of the "herd" but if you sit down with a Rolex and look at it with a careful eye and appreciate a genuine mechanical marvel I'm sure a Rolex will earn it's place in your collection.

Good luck.