There's no perfect Rolex (but that's okay)

[elcabo]

I've come to the conclusion that there is no perfect Rolex or other watch, at least for me. The closest thing to the perfect watch for me is my 114060. It has the brushed links (check), glidelock (check), ceramic bezel (check), and overall classic Rolex DNA (check). My complaint is with the comfort/wearability. The watch is simply too heavy. I still love my 114060 and I'd never get rid of it, but I just wish I could wear it without noticing the heft of it.

That brings me to discussing some other classic Rolex models. The modern Explorer 1, while an incredibly solid watch that oozes Rolex heritage, doesn't do it for me. The watch doesn't have that "it" factor for me. Ditto for the 39mm OP, although the white dial version is beautiful. Same goes for the 42mm Explorer II.

The entire GMT lineup is gorgeous, but for me, the flashiness is simply too much. PCLs are too loud for my taste. And while I don't mind scratches, I know I would tear up a GMT bracelet in about a month. Ditto for the Yachtmaster family.

The DJ41 is another great watch, but has the same PCL problem. Maybe a jubilee bracelet would help hide the scratches a little. Like many others however, I think a jubilee bracelet is too dressy. Perhaps a blue dial would dress it down a little?

That brings me to the last group of watches in the same ballpark as the 114060, which are the Subs of yesteryear. A 14060 would certainly solve the wearability/comfort issue, but would not have the ceramic bezel, glidelock, or overall modern touch of the 114060.

I guess there isn't a perfect Rolex or other brand watch for me. But that's okay. I love my 114060, and I don't think Rolex will put out a better watch than this in the foreseeable future. Anybody else feel that there is no perfect Rolex for them?

[abozz]

The perfection is in the owner eyes! My SD43 is my perfect grail Rolex and would be even more heavy that the 114060. I like heavy and big watches, I think the yatch master could be a special option for you.

[Coopdog]

Originally Posted by elcabo

I've come to the conclusion that there is no perfect Rolex or other watch, at least for me. The closest thing to the perfect watch for me is my 114060. It has the brushed links (check), glidelock (check), ceramic bezel (check), and overall classic Rolex DNA (check). My complaint is with the comfort/wearability. The watch is simply too heavy. I still love my 114060 and I'd never get rid of it, but I just wish I could wear it without noticing the heft of it.



That brings me to discussing some other classic Rolex models. The modern Explorer 1, while an incredibly solid watch that oozes Rolex heritage, doesn't do it for me. The watch doesn't have that "it" factor for me. Ditto for the 39mm OP, although the white dial version is beautiful. Same goes for the 42mm Explorer II.



The entire GMT lineup is gorgeous, but for me, the flashiness is simply too much. PCLs are too loud for my taste. And while I don't mind scratches, I know I would tear up a GMT bracelet in about a month. Ditto for the Yachtmaster family.



The DJ41 is another great watch, but has the same PCL problem. Maybe a jubilee bracelet would help hide the scratches a little. Like many others however, I think a jubilee bracelet is too dressy. Perhaps a blue dial would dress it down a little?



That brings me to the last group of watches in the same ballpark as the 114060, which are the Subs of yesteryear. A 14060 would certainly solve the wearability/comfort issue, but would not have the ceramic bezel, glidelock, or overall modern touch of the 114060.



I guess there isn't a perfect Rolex or other brand watch for me. But that's okay. I love my 114060, and I don't think Rolex will put out a better watch than this in the foreseeable future. Anybody else feel that there is no perfect Rolex for them?

The way you describe the sub no date is very similar to how I feel about it, and I have found my “perfect” daily wear watch:
Tudor black bay 58.
Brushed links and lugs, 39mmx11.6mmx47mm, nice vintage charm with the gilt dial but certainly not a flashy watch. Domed sapphire, modern 70hour reserve, silicon balance spring movement (mine is within +/-2s/day). No date. Goes great on the bracelet but also on a nato, and is relatively cheap enough that I don’t care so much about dinging it at work or whatever. I actually don’t mind the aluminum bezel insert either because it looks right with the dial. I have heard people say they don’t like the size, that it’s too small - for me it’s fine and I have normal wrists (7.25”). Still has some good weight. Some people say they hate the gilt bezel - to me it actually looks way more natural than a white and black bezel. Some people say they hate the rivet bracelet - I don’t know why it’s barely noticeable. Also it definitely doesn’t just look sturdy, I’ve dropped mine twice onto tile at work from a semi crouched position, and there were no marks or change in accuracy.
Pics:


I can’t say it’s THE perfect watch, but for me it’s a perfect daily wear - and it sounds like we have similar-ish tastes, maybe check it out. At ~$3,500 it punches above its price range.


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[tng11]

Perfect is in the eye of the beholder. For me, the BLRO is the perfect do it all watch from the modern Rolex lineup. Durable, comfortable to wear, useful complication, excellent power reserve, legible, distinctive and a throwback to classic GMT DNA.

From your post, I think a GMT LN or BLNR on a brushed Glidelock bracelet would be perfect for you!

[ppalasthira]

For me the perfect Rolex is the Sub.

For me, it is the perfect weight.


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[Fabrice M]

Originally Posted by elcabo

I've come to the conclusion that there is no perfect Rolex or other watch, at least for me. The closest thing to the perfect watch for me is my 114060. It has the brushed links (check), glidelock (check), ceramic bezel (check), and overall classic Rolex DNA (check). My complaint is with the comfort/wearability. The watch is simply too heavy. I still love my 114060 and I'd never get rid of it, but I just wish I could wear it without noticing the heft of it.

That brings me to discussing some other classic Rolex models. The modern Explorer 1, while an incredibly solid watch that oozes Rolex heritage, doesn't do it for me. The watch doesn't have that "it" factor for me. Ditto for the 39mm OP, although the white dial version is beautiful. Same goes for the 42mm Explorer II.

The entire GMT lineup is gorgeous, but for me, the flashiness is simply too much. PCLs are too loud for my taste. And while I don't mind scratches, I know I would tear up a GMT bracelet in about a month. Ditto for the Yachtmaster family.

The DJ41 is another great watch, but has the same PCL problem. Maybe a jubilee bracelet would help hide the scratches a little. Like many others however, I think a jubilee bracelet is too dressy. Perhaps a blue dial would dress it down a little?

That brings me to the last group of watches in the same ballpark as the 114060, which are the Subs of yesteryear. A 14060 would certainly solve the wearability/comfort issue, but would not have the ceramic bezel, glidelock, or overall modern touch of the 114060.

I guess there isn't a perfect Rolex or other brand watch for me. But that's okay. I love my 114060, and I don't think Rolex will put out a better watch than this in the foreseeable future. Anybody else feel that there is no perfect Rolex for them?

Maybe the Rolex brand isn’t a good fit for you. There are plenty of other brands that might be a better fit and may feel less flashy to you?

[RtTime]

It is all subjective. One man's ceiling is another man's floor and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the what you wrote about the Submariner. However, unlike you ElCabo, the Explorer 214270 is my cup of tea - a great watch for me. IMHO the Explorer and the Submariner 114060 are a fantastic pair. These two watches are indeed my favorite Rolex watches.
As for Tudor's Black Bay 58, Coopdog your writeup was very impressive. Well done. Like you I really enjoy the look and style of that dive watch but for that snowflake hour hand I would have bought that watch. You just don't know how many times I've said to myself: Self, what a beautiful dive watch ruined by such ugly snowflake hands. So, that is another case of: Everything has its beauty but everyone can see (Confucius). My brother loves the BB58 but as far as I'm concerned the Submariner 114060 stands shoulders above the BB58. Differences like these make our lives more interesting. Imagine if we all worn the very same clothes and watches - that would completely destroy all style. Our differences do bring enjoyment to each of us and make us feel good.

[Rogerk]

Originally Posted by abozz

The perfection is in the owner eyes! My SD43 is my perfect grail Rolex and would be even more heavy that the 114060. I like heavy and big watches, I think the yatch master could be a special option for you.

Agreed 100%. Got my SD43 today and to me, it is the perfect watch.

[JePro]

Originally Posted by Coopdog

The way you describe the sub no date is very similar to how I feel about it, and I have found my “perfect” daily wear watch:
Tudor black bay 58.
Brushed links and lugs, 39mmx11.6mmx47mm, nice vintage charm with the gilt dial but certainly not a flashy watch. Domed sapphire, modern 70hour reserve, silicon balance spring movement (mine is within +/-2s/day). No date. Goes great on the bracelet but also on a nato, and is relatively cheap enough that I don’t care so much about dinging it at work or whatever. I actually don’t mind the aluminum bezel insert either because it looks right with the dial. I have heard people say they don’t like the size, that it’s too small - for me it’s fine and I have normal wrists (7.25”). Still has some good weight. Some people say they hate the gilt bezel - to me it actually looks way more natural than a white and black bezel. Some people say they hate the rivet bracelet - I don’t know why it’s barely noticeable. Also it definitely doesn’t just look sturdy, I’ve dropped mine twice onto tile at work from a semi crouched position, and there were no marks or change in accuracy.
Pics:


I can’t say it’s THE perfect watch, but for me it’s a perfect daily wear - and it sounds like we have similar-ish tastes, maybe check it out. At ~$3,500 it punches above its price range.


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+1

[smym18]

If the Explorer had glidelock that might do it for you.

[liebs520]

I feel this. Right now for me, aesthetically the OP39 White is the closest thing. The brushed center links are a huge pickup over a DJ, but the 2 flaws for me personally are A) no bracelet adjustment and B) no date. From a design perspective, I get why people like a no-date watch, but from a functionality perspective, I find a date window very useful. That said, I’m glad there’s no cyclops. And on the bracelet front, I think it’s possible to add the Easylink from the Explorer 1, so this is about as close as it’ll get for me right now.


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[mgsooner]

There is simply nothing I do not like about my 214270. There might be a tiny nitpick here or there, maybe take it down to 38, but as far as modern offerings it is THE one.

If they released a blue version of the BB58 it would join the club as being perfect...for me.

[liebs520]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

If they released a blue version of the BB58 it would join the club as being perfect...for me.

Similarly, a Black Bay 38 or 39 in blue would be perfect. 36 isn’t enough and 41 is too much (for my wrist anyway).



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[4BostonB]

The answer for the GMT is to brush the bracelet:

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by liebs520

Similarly, a Black Bay 38 or 39 in blue would be perfect. 36 isn’t enough and 41 is too much (for my wrist anyway).

Agreed. That blue dial is very sharp. I feel the same about the sizing on that.

[liebs520]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Agreed. That blue dial is very sharp. I feel the same about the sizing on that.

And imagine it in white too....


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[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by liebs520

And imagine it in white too....

Yep. Your comment above about the white OP is spot on too. The only thing holding it back is no easylink. I strongly considered it before I bought my Exp. Hell I’d love to have them both. That white dial is amazing.

[liebs520]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Yep. Your comment above about the white OP is spot on too. The only thing holding it back is no easylink. I strongly considered it before I bought my Exp. Hell I’d love to have them both. That white dial is amazing.

Yeah the dial is really a home run. Hoping I can find an AD that can get me an Easylink. Given that you’re an Exp1 owner, I wonder if you’d be able to “order a replacement” somehow and add it to an OP...


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[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by liebs520

Yeah the dial is really a home run. Hoping I can find an AD that can get me an Easylink. Given that you’re an Exp1 owner, I wonder if you’d be able to “order a replacement” somehow and add it to an OP...

There’s been some discussion about that on here previously, supposedly Rolex will no longer sell you replacement parts unless you surrender the same part to them, meaning you truly cannot get one unless you have one that’s damaged. Of course you may be able to source one from an individual. Best of luck in your search. Add an easylink to that and you’ve really got something special. Hell its special enough without it!