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bobznew · 3 March 2014, 12:33 PM

As some of you know I'm contemplating my first Rolex purchase. I've been reading up, studying, and learning. The models I keep coming back to are the Submariner Date, GMT-Master II, Explorer II and Explorer I.

I went to my local AD in Atlanta today and tried on the Explorer II (both white and black dials), Explorer I, GMT-Master II, and Submariner Date. (All in stainless). I was expecting to be more impressed with the Exp. II models than I was. The 216570 was honestly the watch I figured would be my favorite. But I was underwhelmed with both EXP II models. And they even had some pre-owned Exp II models (16570), so I saw them too.

Nothing looked and felt as good as the Sub Date (116610). I know it sounds strange to say, but it felt and looked more "like a Rolex" than any of the others (with the exception of the Explorer I, which was actually very nice). Even the GMT-II Master (which I was really excited to try on as well) was a bit of a let-down. The bezel seemed a little bit "busy" to me.

The funny thing is, when I told the salesman what models I wanted to see, he dutifully pulled them all out for me, but after I tried on 1-2 models, he made the following comment:

"Mr. Bobznew, if I could give you a bit of unsolicited advice, it would be this: Close your eyes and go with the Submariner. My experience has shown me that people who choose other models over the Sub are generally more apt to regret their decision later than are people who chose the Sub over other models."

I thought that was very bold of him to speak like that. But I can't see any flaws in his reasoning from my personal standpoint, because I think if I went with anything else other than the Sub, I WOULD have regrets.

If the Exp. I had a Date model, it would be a very tough decision. That's a good looking watch. But I can't rate it higher than the 116610 in my mind right now. I just keep going back to that model over and over again in my mind. It just feels and looks like what I would "expect" a Rolex to feel and look like.

I have to confess, I left the store feeling a bit frustrated that I was so underwhelmed by the other models.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Tools · 3 March 2014, 12:36 PM

If only one model appealed to everybody, they would only need to make that one model..

cop414 · 3 March 2014, 12:39 PM

Bob I believe what you're experiencing here is what we call "singing to you" which I do believe should make your decision an easy one. Sounds like the Submariner would be your winner.

jjnd08 · 3 March 2014, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cop414

Bob I believe what you're experiencing here is what we call "singing to you" which I do believe should make your decision an easy one. Sounds like the Submariner would be your winner.

Bingo! I think everyone on here has been surprised in a good way and a bad way with a certain model once they tried it on.

bobznew · 3 March 2014, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cop414

Bob I believe what you're experiencing here is what we call "singing to you" which I do believe should make your decision an easy one. Sounds like the Submariner would be your winner.

Yeah, the 116610 is definitely a Pavarotti.

But I have to admit, the more I think about it, the more I'm remembering how stunning that blue dial on the YM was. And I'm not even a big fan of the YM, but that blue dial is a game changer.

cop414 · 3 March 2014, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobznew

Yeah, the 116610 is definitely a Pavarotti.

But I have to admit, the more I think about it, the more I'm remembering how stunning that blue dial on the YM was. And I'm not even a big fan of the YM, but that blue dial is a game changer.

I'll bet you a beer on this, if you get the Sub you'll get the YM later to go with it and vice versa.

bobznew · 3 March 2014, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cop414

I'll bet you a beer on this, if you get the Sub you'll get the YM later to go with it and vice versa.

It is thoughts like this that make me wish I had just stayed content with my Seiko...

jctrolex · 3 March 2014, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobznew

It is thoughts like this that make me wish I had just stayed content with my Seiko...

Guess what I just bought a Seiko SARB035 from Japan. It never ends no matter what you got.

Welcome to the asylum.

springer · 3 March 2014, 12:42 PM

You have to go with what is best for you. I'd have to admit that I am also underwhelmed by the newer models except for the Explorer II and the blue-dialed Yacht Master.

bobznew · 3 March 2014, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by springer

You have to go with what is best for you. I'd have to admit that I am also underwhelmed by the newer models except for the Explorer II and the blue-dialed Yacht Master.

The 116622 YM with the blue dial was also a big surprise to me. I had previously glossed over all the YM models, until I saw that amazing blue dial today...

AbsolutelyROLEX! · 3 March 2014, 12:45 PM

sub, its the hottest model along the blnr right now.
You could get 2 ?

Old Expat Beast · 3 March 2014, 01:10 PM

Yep, I'm underwhelmed by all new models except the Milgauss GV.

iazrollie · 3 March 2014, 01:15 PM

I think salesperson was telling you to go with the safest bet. But, get what sings to you; not the safe bet in the clerk's eye.

Mystro · 3 March 2014, 01:17 PM

X2

Quote:

Originally Posted by iazrollie

i think salesperson was telling you to go with the safest bet. But, get what sings to you; not the safe bet in the clerk's eye.

kilyung · 3 March 2014, 01:21 PM

This is one of the several reasons to get more than one Rolex.

hehedavid · 3 March 2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilyung

This is one of the several reasons to get more than one Rolex.

or... go for YG, WG, and RG.

Ravager135 · 3 March 2014, 01:24 PM

The Submariner Date is the quintessential Rolex sports watch. Nothing else comes close. For Panerai it is the Luminor. For Breitling it is the Navitimer. If this is your first and only Rolex there is nothing wrong with the Submariner. Please do not take my comments as condescending (coupled with the fact that it was my first Rolex) but it is the safe choice. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with that. If you want a perfect example of what a Rolex is then the 116610 is the watch for you, case closed. A very similar argument could be made for the Explorer however it tends to be lost among first time Rolex buyers and later rediscovered as the most "pure" Rolex.

I like Rolex's more unusual offerings. I've owned a Milgauss GV in the past and I currently own both the Explorer and Explorer II. The salesman is correct, you'll never sell that Submariner but you may find out in time you like other models a bit more. There's nothing wrong with that.

Hairdude1 · 3 March 2014, 01:36 PM

In the end you have to listen to your gut. I personally love the GMT

tkerrmd · 3 March 2014, 01:40 PM

Sub is classic and "safe"? The new blue faced YM much bolder have to go with what suits YOUR style
Welcome

simbal · 3 March 2014, 02:06 PM

In general, if this is your first or only Rolex, SubC would be the safest bet. There are no bad choices here, good luck.

Dom · 3 March 2014, 02:18 PM

As much as you might try, this is not going to be your last Rolex. Either you buy more or you flip. I am on my third (aka beginner by TRF standards). Daytona and Sub LV (both had to make room) now GMT BLNR.

Urosfan · 3 March 2014, 02:37 PM

I agree with the majority, go with sub, esp if it's your only

Scottie · 3 March 2014, 03:14 PM

Hey Bob, what AD? I live right outside Atlanta.

bobznew · 3 March 2014, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottie

Hey Bob, what AD? I live right outside Atlanta.

Mayors at Lenox Square.

spyderco10 · 3 March 2014, 03:15 PM

There's a reason the Submariner is the best selling sports model ever.

watchwatcher · 3 March 2014, 03:19 PM

Sounds like we have a winner. Sub.

Scottie · 3 March 2014, 03:30 PM

Have you been to Tara in Buford great bunch of people.

bobznew · 3 March 2014, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottie

Have you been to Tara in Buford great bunch of people.

I haven't been there yet. I actually live in Douglasvile, which is west of ATL, so it's already a 40 min drive from my home to Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, where Mayors has stores.

Scottie · 4 March 2014, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobznew

I haven't been there yet. I actually live in Douglasvile, which is west of ATL, so it's already a 40 min drive from my home to Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, where Mayors has stores.

Yes it would be a bit of a drive but we'll worth it for sure. Just bought my Sub there and you can't ask for better customer service family service. Let me know when you go I will meet you there.

ash20 · 3 March 2014, 03:51 PM

There's definitely nothing wrong with wanting the SubC date--it's a beautiful watch with great versatility. As others have said, it's one to build a collection around. It's also a good stepping stone to trade from if your wants/desires change. You may find that you want your watch to stand out more or stand out less, or just want a variety. That's where other watches in Rolex's lineup (or PP's, AP's, etc.) apply.

Bottom line--get what you YOU want and like. The question is how long will what you have keep you content? It really depends upon your collecting desires and passion. I have a number of friends who have (and will only have) the Sub date and they are perfectly content. I'm sure my collection will forever evolve, but I enjoy it.

Good luck!

3 March 2014, 12:33 PM	#1
bobznew "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: 116610ln Posts: 84	Went to the AD this afternoon... As some of you know I'm contemplating my first Rolex purchase. I've been reading up, studying, and learning. The models I keep coming back to are the Submariner Date, GMT-Master II, Explorer II and Explorer I. I went to my local AD in Atlanta today and tried on the Explorer II (both white and black dials), Explorer I, GMT-Master II, and Submariner Date. (All in stainless). I was expecting to be more impressed with the Exp. II models than I was. The 216570 was honestly the watch I figured would be my favorite. But I was underwhelmed with both EXP II models. And they even had some pre-owned Exp II models (16570), so I saw them too. Nothing looked and felt as good as the Sub Date (116610). I know it sounds strange to say, but it felt and looked more "like a Rolex" than any of the others (with the exception of the Explorer I, which was actually very nice). Even the GMT-II Master (which I was really excited to try on as well) was a bit of a let-down. The bezel seemed a little bit "busy" to me. The funny thing is, when I told the salesman what models I wanted to see, he dutifully pulled them all out for me, but after I tried on 1-2 models, he made the following comment: "Mr. Bobznew, if I could give you a bit of unsolicited advice, it would be this: Close your eyes and go with the Submariner. My experience has shown me that people who choose other models over the Sub are generally more apt to regret their decision later than are people who chose the Sub over other models." I thought that was very bold of him to speak like that. But I can't see any flaws in his reasoning from my personal standpoint, because I think if I went with anything else other than the Sub, I WOULD have regrets. If the Exp. I had a Date model, it would be a very tough decision. That's a good looking watch. But I can't rate it higher than the 116610 in my mind right now. I just keep going back to that model over and over again in my mind. It just feels and looks like what I would "expect" a Rolex to feel and look like. I have to confess, I left the store feeling a bit frustrated that I was so underwhelmed by the other models. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

3 March 2014, 12:36 PM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	If only one model appealed to everybody, they would only need to make that one model.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

3 March 2014, 12:39 PM	#3
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,258	Bob I believe what you're experiencing here is what we call "singing to you" which I do believe should make your decision an easy one. Sounds like the Submariner would be your winner. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

3 March 2014, 12:42 PM	#9
springer 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,319	You have to go with what is best for you. I'd have to admit that I am also underwhelmed by the newer models except for the Explorer II and the blue-dialed Yacht Master. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

3 March 2014, 12:45 PM	#11
AbsolutelyROLEX! "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Andy Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: AKA: ANDERL712000 Posts: 4,935	sub, its the hottest model along the blnr right now. You could get 2 ? __________________ We want to be the first in the field and Rolex should be seen as the one and only-the best. Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex founder

3 March 2014, 01:10 PM	#12
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,826	Yep, I'm underwhelmed by all new models except the Milgauss GV. __________________ _______________________

3 March 2014, 01:15 PM	#13
iazrollie "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Ian Location: NY Watch: All of them Posts: 3,245	I think salesperson was telling you to go with the safest bet. But, get what sings to you; not the safe bet in the clerk's eye. __________________ Rolex, PPs, Breitling

3 March 2014, 01:21 PM	#15
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	This is one of the several reasons to get more than one Rolex.

3 March 2014, 01:24 PM	#17
Ravager135 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4,224	The Submariner Date is the quintessential Rolex sports watch. Nothing else comes close. For Panerai it is the Luminor. For Breitling it is the Navitimer. If this is your first and only Rolex there is nothing wrong with the Submariner. Please do not take my comments as condescending (coupled with the fact that it was my first Rolex) but it is the safe choice. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with that. If you want a perfect example of what a Rolex is then the 116610 is the watch for you, case closed. A very similar argument could be made for the Explorer however it tends to be lost among first time Rolex buyers and later rediscovered as the most "pure" Rolex. I like Rolex's more unusual offerings. I've owned a Milgauss GV in the past and I currently own both the Explorer and Explorer II. The salesman is correct, you'll never sell that Submariner but you may find out in time you like other models a bit more. There's nothing wrong with that.

3 March 2014, 01:36 PM	#18
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	In the end you have to listen to your gut. I personally love the GMT

3 March 2014, 01:40 PM	#19
tkerrmd "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tom Location: In a race car! Watch: ME RACE PORSCHES Posts: 24,123	Sub is classic and "safe"? The new blue faced YM much bolder have to go with what suits YOUR style Welcome

3 March 2014, 02:06 PM	#20
simbal "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Joe Location: USA Posts: 833	In general, if this is your first or only Rolex, SubC would be the safest bet. There are no bad choices here, good luck.

3 March 2014, 02:18 PM	#21
Dom "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Dominik Location: Zürich Watch: Rolex, Patek, FPJ Posts: 381	As much as you might try, this is not going to be your last Rolex. Either you buy more or you flip. I am on my third (aka beginner by TRF standards). Daytona and Sub LV (both had to make room) now GMT BLNR.

3 March 2014, 02:37 PM	#22
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,372	I agree with the majority, go with sub, esp if it's your only

3 March 2014, 03:14 PM	#23
Scottie "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Bill Mascottie Location: Plantation Watch: Submariner Posts: 41	Hey Bob, what AD? I live right outside Atlanta.

3 March 2014, 03:15 PM	#25
spyderco10 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 126	There's a reason the Submariner is the best selling sports model ever.

3 March 2014, 03:19 PM	#26
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Sounds like we have a winner. Sub.

3 March 2014, 03:30 PM	#27
Scottie "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Bill Mascottie Location: Plantation Watch: Submariner Posts: 41	Have you been to Tara in Buford great bunch of people.

3 March 2014, 03:51 PM	#30
ash20 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Abram Location: NorCal Watch: Rolex & Patek Posts: 513	There's definitely nothing wrong with wanting the SubC date--it's a beautiful watch with great versatility. As others have said, it's one to build a collection around. It's also a good stepping stone to trade from if your wants/desires change. You may find that you want your watch to stand out more or stand out less, or just want a variety. That's where other watches in Rolex's lineup (or PP's, AP's, etc.) apply. Bottom line--get what you YOU want and like. The question is how long will what you have keep you content? It really depends upon your collecting desires and passion. I have a number of friends who have (and will only have) the Sub date and they are perfectly content. I'm sure my collection will forever evolve, but I enjoy it. Good luck!

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