The one and only daily watch

[CaputMortuum]

Hi all,

Thanks for a great forum!!

I decided quite some time ago that I'd get me a nice watch when I turn 40. I gathered that I wanted a watch that could handle daily use for at least one lifetime and goes just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a suit. Also, I wanted to buy new, as it's supposed to be a wach that I got on the year I turned 40.
So, I did my research, gradually upped my price cap, and as so many before me, ended up lusting for a Sub C 116610. I preferred the 114060 dial but decided I need a date complication.
So then came my birthday and in I went to a Rolex AD (the only one in Finland) with a serious intent to buy the Sub Date there and then, but found out that there's approximately a 6 month queue for the model. I was lucky enough to see one in the metal, though, as that individual piece was waiting for the lucky buyer.

So suddenly I had six months of time to reconsider.. and reconsider. As a result, I have now learned more, found out that I'm not that big of a fan of Sub's maxi case, so the Sea-Dweller with its much slimmer lugs is calling me loudly but I worry about its taller profile and how would that look on my smallish wrist (about 6"). On the other hand, GMT-Master II BLNR is singing ever so pretty, is only 12,2 mm tall, so now I'm queuing for that model as well.
Even though it doesn't have date function, I also asked what was the approximate waiting time for the ss Daytona 116520/2 (black dial) but soon gave up on that, as the answer was 18 months. What a joke..

Well, either I continue waiting or buy abroad. Don't know yet what I'll do but I decided to ask you guys what do you think: 6" wrist, about three months to go - Sub C Date (116610LN), Sea-Dweller (116600) or a GMT-Master II (116710 BLNR)? Or should I just go get a Daytona from abroad? (seriously, I think there are waiting times in all of Europe..)

Best Regards from Finland,
caput

[japenney]

If its your first watch stkck with the classic sub date or GMT (in black). Depending on which function you would use more.

[Chad M]

SD4K (116600) classic, perfect sized case and date function.

[carwash66]

Originally Posted by Chad M

SD4K (116600) classic, perfect sized case and date function.

This.

[MickCollins1916]

Originally Posted by Chad M

SD4K (116600) classic, perfect sized case and date function.

Originally Posted by carwash66

This.

I concur with these gents. SD4K is a gem. 👍


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[daswann]

Originally Posted by MickCollins1916

I concur with these gents. SD4K is a gem. 👍


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+1

[Jack T]

"I wanted a watch that could handle daily use for at least one lifetime and goes just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a suit. "

Based on the criteria you set, I don't see how you can not seriously consider an Explorer, 214270. It meets all your requirements, is discreet, versatile and durable. I have several watches, but the Explorer gets most of my wrist time, by far. I really like it. Jocke's pic

[nick c]

Sub date

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Jack T

"I wanted a watch that could handle daily use for at least one lifetime and goes just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a suit. "

Based on the criteria you set, I don't see how you can not seriously consider an Explorer, 214270. It meets all your requirements, is discreet, versatile and durable. I have several watches, but the Explorer gets most of my wrist time, by far. I really like it. Jocke's pic

The bottom pic is a 36mm 114270 (or possibly a 14270), not a 39mm 214270.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The bottom pic is a 36mm 114270 (or possibly a 14270), not a 39mm 214270.

You're more discerning than I, how can you tell?

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Jack T

You're more discerning than I, how can you tell?

The placement of the word "explorer" on the dial is one way to distinguish the two models...

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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The bottom pic is a 36mm 114270 (or possibly a 14270), not a 39mm 214270.

Indeed, maybe he wanted to show both, the 39 mm(top photo) and 36 mm (bottom picture) styles


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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Jack T

"I wanted a watch that could handle daily use for at least one lifetime and goes just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a suit. "

Based on the criteria you set, I don't see how you can not seriously consider an Explorer, 214270. It meets all your requirements, is discreet, versatile and durable. I have several watches, but the Explorer gets most of my wrist time, by far. I really like it. Jocke's pic

+1 to add to your choices the Explorer 1. With smaller wrist the 36mm might be the better choice, but discontinued since 2010 so unlikely you will find a new one at an AD. The 39mm fits very similar to the Sub, so if you can manage a sub you can certainly manage a 39mm explorer. The 39mm explorer is a current model so you can buy it new.


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[DCgator]

Originally Posted by Jack T

"I wanted a watch that could handle daily use for at least one lifetime and goes just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a suit. "

Based on the criteria you set, I don't see how you can not seriously consider an Explorer, 214270. It meets all your requirements, is discreet, versatile and durable. I have several watches, but the Explorer gets most of my wrist time, by far. I really like it. Jocke's pic

OP stated he needs the date complication.

BLNR or SDK4.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by Jack T

"I wanted a watch that could handle daily use for at least one lifetime and goes just as well with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a suit. "

Based on the criteria you set, I don't see how you can not seriously consider an Explorer, 214270. It meets all your requirements, is discreet, versatile and durable. I have several watches, but the Explorer gets most of my wrist time, by far. I really like it. Jocke's pic

Have to second that opinion.

[LVSubmariner]

Go to the Wynn give them the money up front and they'll get a Daytona to you within 1 week, exactly how my transaction went when I got my white Daytona

[brian89]

close ur eyes and buy the watch that comes to mind first

[CaputMortuum]

Originally Posted by brian89

close ur eyes and buy the watch that comes to mind first

This is a relly good advice. However, I'm afraid it hasn't quite settled yet, though most of the times it's the BLNR. I don't mind PCLs, so it might very well be it. But Subc is a very close second.
I must admit that Daytona still haunts me, though..

Explorer or OP are both really good choices but they just don't sing me the same way. I must try them on the next time as they were both readily available.

I have a little trip coming in six weeks time, so we'll see what happens.

Thanks a lot for the answers!

[pinkelle21]

Sub date😎


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[rmlovett1]

Sub date. Timeless.

[Wooddog44]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Sub date. Timeless.

Sub date if I had to wear only one.... but love my DJ!!

[polk1]

Sub date

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[anothernewphone]

Don't let people tell you what the perfect watch is. If you have a small wrist, the 116610 might be too big - go with your instincts there. The Sea-Dweller is the same thing, just taller instead of wider in the lugs. It all depends on your wrist and your preferences. If you can, try on watches and take pictures from as far away as possible, as well as up closer.

My one-and-only daily watch is the Daytona, and when I signed up here three years ago, I never thought I'd say that. I always wanted the date and center seconds, and now I have neither and love it!

[GB-man]

Any of them will work you have good taste

SDc is my pick of the bunch. It's my favorite and only rolex for the time being. Gmt is more comfortable though and if you like polished center links that would be my pick for an only daily.

[zjd168]

Blnr

[jmrxtr]

sub date. you'll still love it 20 years from now.

[Hairdude1]

BLNR or Sub Date

[turboawd]

Last year I was in the exact same situation as you... Same milestone birthday, same requirement for an everyday versatile watch, and I even have the same exact wrist size.

This is what I ended up with:

It's an oyster perpetual 36mm. It's not a conventional choice, but I realized for my 6" wrist, 36mm truly is ideal.

The watch is also quite under the radar, not attracting too much attention, and can be worn in any situation. I also like the fact that it has brushed lugs and bracelet.

The 36mm explorer 114270, as mentioned in posts above, is another such watch, but since it is discontinued it can only be had second hand, and for my first Rolex I wanted to buy new.

Nowadays for many 36mm seems too small, but for many years this was a standard size for men. I encourage you to try on some 36mm models, and I think you'll see that it really is a much better fit for your wrist size.

I hope my experience will be of some help to you.

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[AK797]

Originally Posted by turboawd

Last year I was in the exact same situation as you... Same milestone birthday, same requirement for an everyday versatile watch, and I even have the same exact wrist size.

This is what I ended up with:

It's an oyster perpetual 36mm. It's not a conventional choice, but I realized for my 6" wrist, 36mm truly is ideal.

The watch is also quite under the radar, not attracting too much attention, and can be worn in any situation. I also like the fact that it has brushed lugs and bracelet.

The 36mm explorer 114270, as mentioned in posts above, is another such watch, but since it is discontinued it can only be had second hand, and for my first Rolex I wanted to buy new.

Nowadays for many 36mm seems too small, but for many years this was a standard size for men. I encourage you to try on some 36mm models, and I think you'll see that it really is a much better fit for your wrist size.

I hope my experience will be of some help to you.

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[brettpaul]

If it will be your only Rolex, I'd go for the SDc or the BLNR if you travel/need the complication - SDc is nice as you see fewer in the wild versus Subs and I like the flat crystal without the mag bubble.

Try them all, post pics and then buy!