need advice on Rolex for my dad

[WatchGuy1337]

I was hoping you guys and gals could help us (mcl/Marie and I) with a decision we've been trying to make regarding a gift for my dad.

My dad turns 60 soon, and we'd like to get him a second Rolex to mark the occasion (so he isn't without when his current one goes in for service!). Several years ago, my mom bought him a TT DJ with Jubilee bracelet and silver dial. We would like to get him a sport model, but are not sure which. There are a million factors we've considered, but I think it boils down to these:

1. it needs to be something HE will enjoy wearing. He's not a watch enthusiast, so he won't get a kick out of wearing, say, a Sub LV just because it is "unique", collectible, etc. It needs to have aesthetic appeal. He will appreciate a unique piece a little, but the aesthetics really do trump. He will be wearing it in both casual situations and also with a shirt and tie (for work).

2. (much lower concern) one day, this will likely become one of my watches, so something I'd appreciate having is preferred (but much lower priority than #1). I currently have a black bezel GMT II, and I'm sure I'll be lucky enough to get some other models I have my eye on well before I inherit my dad's watch.

edit to add: 3. must have a date

edit to add: 4. prefer to buy new, but would consider pre-owned under the right circumstances

Some of the models we are considering include:

1. Sub LV (the "old" one, green bezel only) -- nice piece, unique, collectible, I'd love to have one; concern: will the green be a turn off for him or be less versatile as far as when he could wear it?

2. Sub 16610 -- timeless, classic, imho it's the most versatile of the sports models as far as dressing up/down, every family should have a "basic" sub; downside: not very different than my GMT II

3. Deep Sea -- unique, a statement watch for sure, I'd like to have one; concern: it's very heavy and bulky, and might not see as much wrist time as a result

4. TT Sub with blue face -- looks great, I really like it; concerns: it'd be a second TT watch, and it's very copied (by Invicta, etc.)

5. SS GMT II ceramic -- would "match" mine, one day I'd have 2 generations of the same watch, very functional (although he doesn't travel much), similar versatility as the sub; concern: has the more "blingy" bezel design, would be a duplicate in my stable one day

6. anything else someone recommends

So, this has been a long post...I'd certainly appreciate hearing your thoughts!

[RLXSTR]

I'd go with the timeless classic Stainless Steel Submariner. Perfect time piece for any occasion.

[ersnyder]

If your dad likes "uniqueness" in his watch and he doesn't mind no date, a Milgauss GV might be in order.

[zak98]

ss sub.. classic, timeless. goes to any occasion just fine too!

[SLA]

I would consider a Daytona, Milgauss, or the Seadweller (not the current Deepsea model).

[sea-dweller]

SS Sub 16610, a classic...

[mach330]

I would say SS sub as well.

[t e x]

or consider the LV has a maxi dial that may help and the fact you can dress up the watch with a black bezel insert. when it is passed on to you, than you'll have the greenie with the extra bezel insert.

[WatchGuy1337]

Thanks for the feedback so far! We considered a Milgauss GV, but the date is important to him, so I don't think that's a good option; same issue applies re: Daytona. Seadweller is an interesting idea, but I think I'd prefer to get him something new (not sure if I could find a new SD?).

Keep the suggestions coming!

[rad87gn]

I'd go for either the SS Sub Date or the TT Sub Date. Both great daily wear watches. The TT Blue Sub is just a beauty to look at. SS Sub Date is great and goes with anything and any activity. I wouldn't worry about other copies out there. Every other company out there makes a knock off. It's the real deal so who cares?

You also have maybe even a DJ Turn-o-graph, SS/Plat Yachtmaster, or Explorer II.

[Casey VP-26]

I would suggest the Sub LV, (the old one). If he is turned off with the green bezel you could replace with a black bezel until someday it does become your watch, also the LV does feature the maxi dial which is great for eyes that are growing older. Good Luck.

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by Casey VP-26

I would suggest the Sub LV, (the old one). If he is turned off with the green bezel you could replace with a black bezel until someday it does become your watch, also the LV does feature the maxi dial which is great for eyes that are growing older. Good Luck.

I agree 100% I actually wanted to post the very same sentences.

[TSW]

I'd go for a SS Sub as well!!

[moviefreak]

For him a TT Submariner Date with Blue Dial... perfect for an "experienced" person... for a younger one a 16610 Sub Date.

[buz-lh]

I think every dad should get a platinum Day Date for their 60th bday. However, if you are looking for something that would handle all occasions the GMTIIC is an awesome reference that dresses up or down.

[Art 1]

GMT2c.

[DWdrummer]

What about the all time classic Rolex, a Datejust in gold and stainless, with a jubilee bracelet and gold dial, with stick markers. The quintessential Rolex in my opinion.

[gmaines]

I would get him a Sub, it is a classic and not heavy

[kyle L]

What about a Pepsi GMT?

[mailman]

If your dad is someone who wears long sleeved shirts with cuffs to work, the Deep Sea might be a problem with that.

There isn't a wrong answer with the choices given. They're all great. I'd lean toward the LV or IIC out of the choices. Good luck

[Rags]

SS Sub. He'll love it. It's a classic & goes with everything.

[CPTL]

Any of those would do nicely. I'd also consider a 16710 with black bezel if you like the Sub. It's lighter and more comfortable, and with an added complication that he's likely to use. Not to mention it would be a nice piece to have down the road, and they're getting harder to come by.

[WatchGuy1337]

Thanks for the ongoing suggestions/opinions.

It seems that most of you are leaning toward the Sub or SubLV. The GMT idea is certainly a possibility, but as for those that suggested a Pepsi -- if I find one of those, it will be for me!

We've decided to stay away from another DJ, although there are certainly nice combinations that could complement his current DJ nicely.

[timeisfathaoftruth]

If he likes blue, then I'd go with the TT blue sub.

[icnbne]

A pepsi, or coke.. im sure he'll love it!

[Desperado]

Why didnt you consider the EXP II ?

[WatchGuy1337]

Originally Posted by Desperado

Why didnt you consider the EXP II ?

It's definitely an option to consider, but I'd have trouble buying one now when the "improved" orange hand version is expected next year.

[uracowman]

Scott,

I don't know what your price budget is, but have you considered a yachtmaster?

[WatchGuy1337]

Originally Posted by uracowman

Scott,

I don't know what your price budget is, but have you considered a yachtmaster?

Yeah, I don't know either

YM is a good option, I love the watch...but it seems to be less popular generally, and my wife and I have been considering matching YMs for our anniversary, so it would create duplication in the overall collection.

[Andad]

Take his hand gently down to the AD and let him try them all on for size.

Then make your purchase wherever you choose.

I think he might like the current Expy II.