New collector/growing pains

[ZamboniPony11]

After my son was born I had decided that I wanted to purchase myself a watch, not only to mark the occasion but also to have a heirloom piece that I could pass on to him when he reaches an important milestone of his own. I put my name on the waitlist for a “polar” explorer 2 and 2 tone “Root Beer”. Knowing that the Rolex was more of pipe dream, I tried on everything the AD had to offer and settled on a Speedmaster sapphire sandwich, mostly due to the history and timeless aesthetic. My interest in watches exploded as I continued to pop into the AD every few weeks. About 6 months in I sit down after a busy day to wind my speedy and I notice that one of my pushers has fallen off, heartbroken I return to the AD and send it off for repairs. While we’re filling out the paperwork I ended up purchasing my 2nd watch, a blue dial Tudor Royal with a day-date and diamond markers to wear as a placeholder. After the Tudor purchase my contact at the AD told me that anything I’m waitlisted on would actually be attainable now that my “spend” is up. I took a week to re-examine the Rolex catalog and decided to remove myself from the waitlist until we could land either a Candy Pink OP or a Explorer for my wife to celebrate a promotion she had received at work. Within 15 minutes of going back to the AD to update our waitlist we left with the Explorer and my speedy which had returned from its servicing. Unfortunately here’s where the problems begin, I still love my speedy but I’ve lost faith in it. It seems so much more fragile than it did previously. I bought something that I’d hoped to last generations, and while it was fixed free of charge I can’t shake the feeling that it’s not up to the task of being my everyday watch. On top of that, one day when my wife wasn’t working she offered to let me test run her explorer and although I initially had some reservations about the Explorers small size I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s a perfect watch, period. After about an hour on the wrist it no longer felt small, the bracelet is far superior in my opinion and I wasn’t worried about breaking it. Being new to the hobby I’m seeking some advice, is this normal? Will it pass? Where do I go from here? I know eventually I’d like to get a Rolex of my own and I don’t see the point in buying another explorer when I have access to hers. What models would you recommend? I live in coastal South Florida and I do a very physical job for a small local municipality. Im up and coming at work but politics play a heavy role in the daily ongoings and I’d be weary of wearing anything that would draw too much attention or upstage administration. Thoughts?

[AllHerMovements]

For the physical kind of work you do, and since you don’t want it to stand out, I’d say go with any OP 41 or maybe a smooth bezel, oyster bracelet Datejust 41 or 36. Both are simple and won’t be as recognizable as a sports model. Does it pass, nope. That’s why this forum exists.

[JSolution]

Safe to say you’re hooked!

Submariner seems like the obvious option.

[mikkey]

You can never go wrong with a Sub

[ZamboniPony11]

I considered a green dial OP 41 but I was concerned that I’d burn out on the green after a while. Also I agree that a Sub feels like a no brainer but I wonder if it’s too recognizable. About 2 years ago I caught a little flak for driving an expensive truck. I drive a jeep, really it’s nothing to write home about. Over the last few days I’ve been looking at the air king, not sure if that’s one that can slip under the radar a bit more.

[cdm765]

You’re hooked.

Speedy was my first watch. My second was an Exp 2 which gave me the Rolex bug. Since then, I’ve sold the Speedy and never looked back. Nothing is more sturdy and satisfying to wear than a steel Rolex in my opinion. I say that as someone who’s been through 10+ watches in the past.

[Law52]

I can relate how simple sometimes is better for some of us. I have a fairly diverse collection including Daytona, Subs, GMT’s, DJ, but my favorite everyday watch is my Explorer 39mm MK II. It melts away on the wrist, and most times I don’t even know if it’s there.
The fact of the matter is Rolex’s have to be one of the most comfortable to wear.
Remember, always buy what you want and you’ll be a lot happier in the long run.

[Jackie Daytona]

I would go with an Exp. II given your lifestyle you mention. Not instantly recognizable Rolex, but can stand up to tougher stuff as well. Also kinda works with your wife’s Explorer you all both having one from that line.

[Alimamy]

As a big Speedmaster fan myself, I currently have three in the collection, I understand the need for worry-free watch.

I also have the Explorer because it is amazing, but I turn to my IWC Spitfire when I want to wear something nice that isn't too flashy or recognizable. It has a screw down crown for water resistance and soft iron inner cage to protect it from magnetism.

There are always Seiko divers and G-Shock squares when doing physical work.

[Charlie Tango]

ExpII Polar might be just the thing you need


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[PB_nts!]

there is no easy way to say so I am going to say it straight, you are wrong to begin with thinking a Rolex or any luxury watch can be passed along generation as a heirloom. Even Patek's motto of "you can not own a Patek" is a total commercial bs.

it's a watch, a tool, a piece of jewelry. Nothing more than that. It's very rare it can last more than 20 years.

[Top G]

I would purchase a Seiko SKX of some sorts for you to wear while doing your physical job and purchase a Rolex of your own for when you're not on the job. This would do 3 things:
- somewhat preserve your Rolex for your son
- not draw too much attention to yourself at work
- Give yourself another watch

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by PB_nts!

there is no easy way to say so I am going to say it straight, you are wrong to begin with thinking a Rolex or any luxury watch can be passed along generation as a heirloom. Even Patek's motto of "you can not own a Patek" is a total commercial bs.

it's a watch, a tool, a piece of jewelry. Nothing more than that. It's very rare it can last more than 20 years.

Very rare? Think you need to quantify this statement, I would say it's very rare for a Rolex to last less than 20 years.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by ZamboniPony11

After my son was born I had decided that I wanted to purchase myself a watch, not only to mark the occasion but also to have a heirloom piece that I could pass on to him when he reaches an important milestone of his own. I put my name on the waitlist for a “polar” explorer 2 and 2 tone “Root Beer”. Knowing that the Rolex was more of pipe dream, I tried on everything the AD had to offer and settled on a Speedmaster sapphire sandwich, mostly due to the history and timeless aesthetic. My interest in watches exploded as I continued to pop into the AD every few weeks. About 6 months in I sit down after a busy day to wind my speedy and I notice that one of my pushers has fallen off, heartbroken I return to the AD and send it off for repairs. While we’re filling out the paperwork I ended up purchasing my 2nd watch, a blue dial Tudor Royal with a day-date and diamond markers to wear as a placeholder. After the Tudor purchase my contact at the AD told me that anything I’m waitlisted on would actually be attainable now that my “spend” is up. I took a week to re-examine the Rolex catalog and decided to remove myself from the waitlist until we could land either a Candy Pink OP or a Explorer for my wife to celebrate a promotion she had received at work. Within 15 minutes of going back to the AD to update our waitlist we left with the Explorer and my speedy which had returned from its servicing. Unfortunately here’s where the problems begin, I still love my speedy but I’ve lost faith in it. It seems so much more fragile than it did previously. I bought something that I’d hoped to last generations, and while it was fixed free of charge I can’t shake the feeling that it’s not up to the task of being my everyday watch. On top of that, one day when my wife wasn’t working she offered to let me test run her explorer and although I initially had some reservations about the Explorers small size I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s a perfect watch, period. After about an hour on the wrist it no longer felt small, the bracelet is far superior in my opinion and I wasn’t worried about breaking it. Being new to the hobby I’m seeking some advice, is this normal? Will it pass? Where do I go from here? I know eventually I’d like to get a Rolex of my own and I don’t see the point in buying another explorer when I have access to hers. What models would you recommend? I live in coastal South Florida and I do a very physical job for a small local municipality. Im up and coming at work but politics play a heavy role in the daily ongoings and I’d be weary of wearing anything that would draw too much attention or upstage administration. Thoughts?

Welcome! Firstly, I'd recommend using paragraphs for a large post like this. Makes it much easier to read and in turn help answer your question.

I'd also recommend buying the watch you like the best. You seem to have a good relationship with your AD, so I'd go any try on as many watches as you can and find the one you like the best

[darson4eva]

Originally Posted by PB_nts!

there is no easy way to say so I am going to say it straight, you are wrong to begin with thinking a Rolex or any luxury watch can be passed along generation as a heirloom. Even Patek's motto of "you can not own a Patek" is a total commercial bs.

it's a watch, a tool, a piece of jewelry. Nothing more than that. It's very rare it can last more than 20 years.

Honest and direct.

[zi464]

Speedy actually is a nice watch , timeless.
I will not sell mine.

For physical work if you don't like the style of Caiso , try Seiko SKX or Turtle.

To add another Rolex to your collection , SUB is never a bad idea.

[ZamboniPony11]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

Welcome! Firstly, I'd recommend using paragraphs for a large post like this. Makes it much easier to read and in turn help answer your question.

I'd also recommend buying the watch you like the best. You seem to have a good relationship with your AD, so I'd go any try on as many watches as you can and find the one you like the best

I 100% agree. Honestly I typed it up in notes while waiting in the car line to pick up my 2 daughters from school.

[ZamboniPony11]

Originally Posted by Top G

I would purchase a Seiko SKX of some sorts for you to wear while doing your physical job and purchase a Rolex of your own for when you're not on the job. This would do 3 things:
- somewhat preserve your Rolex for your son
- not draw too much attention to yourself at work
- Give yourself another watch

This is probably the smart thing to do, therefore I’ll do the opposite 😅

[cdm765]

Originally Posted by PB_nts!

there is no easy way to say so I am going to say it straight, you are wrong to begin with thinking a Rolex or any luxury watch can be passed along generation as a heirloom. Even Patek's motto of "you can not own a Patek" is a total commercial bs.

it's a watch, a tool, a piece of jewelry. Nothing more than that. It's very rare it can last more than 20 years.

While I don’t agree, I also don’t get the heirloom piece. Just enjoy your damn watch and parent in a way that provides your children with the skills to ambitiously pursue their own passions. Hopefully one of those is watches and you can enjoy together!

[ZamboniPony11]

Originally Posted by Charlie Tango

ExpII Polar might be just the thing you need


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Some days I love the Explorer II, others I don’t like it at all. I haven’t figured out why yet.

[dannyp]

Dark blue dial OP36. Very similar wrist presence to Explorer, you clearly like blue, and it’ll likely go unnoticed. For some reason blue dials are all the rage with Rolex, except that one. Otherwise maybe consider trading your Tudor towards a Black Bay 54 or 58?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Top G

I would purchase a Seiko SKX of some sorts for you to wear while doing your physical job and purchase a Rolex of your own for when you're not on the job. This would do 3 things:
- somewhat preserve your Rolex for your son
- not draw too much attention to yourself at work
- Give yourself another watch

I really like this advice OP

I wear my SKX more than most of my watches (sometimes makes me wonder why I have them all )...

As for what to pair with it ... I'd go with the Submariner. It'll always be the GOAT



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[ZamboniPony11]

Originally Posted by cdm765

While I don’t agree, I also don’t get the heirloom piece. Just enjoy your damn watch and parent in a way that provides your children with the skills to ambitiously pursue their own passions. Hopefully one of those is watches and you can enjoy together!

So the heirloom thing came up because my father had asked my brothers and I which of his personal items we wanted in the event of his passing. The only thing that came to mind was the small gold chain and cross that he inherited from his father. Unfortunately for me my older brother had already laid claim to that piece.
Buying watches isn’t an attempt to force the same sentiment I feel for that chain, but it gives him more options.

Frankly I’m not even sure where I stand when it comes to my watch preferences yet. In the beginning I swore I’d never buy a Rolex because as an outsider I had nothing but negative associations with the brand. As I became more educated I quickly adjusted my stance. I’m still learning what I like and who knows where I’ll end up once it’s all said and done

[Kreyzhorse]

OP... great post, but a few paragraphs would make it way easier to read for everyone.

A Speedmaster is a classic watch worthy of a 1st, or a 10th nice watch.

[SS Oyster]

Seriously, you don’t think the only watch to pass the incredibly arduous NASA certification for manned space missions and EVA can’t hack your day to day?

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/c...he-speedmaster

That said, I prefer Rolex watches so I don’t own a Speedy, but I’d never blame it on not being tough.

If you want “Rolex-tough”, legible and great lume, get an Explorer II black or polar.






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[ZamboniPony11]

I’m not saying that my job is more demanding than traversing the surface of the moon, but Buzz returned home with both of his pushers intact. Did I just add a new humble brag to my repertoire? Maybe. 🤓

If anything can convince me to put an Explorer II back on my list it’ll be that pic posted by SS oyster. Total Beaut.

A huge thank you to everyone else who has offered their opinion. You’ve given me lots to consider.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by ZamboniPony11

I’m not saying that my job is more demanding than traversing the surface of the moon, but Buzz returned home with both of his pushers intact. Did I just add a new humble brag to my repertoire? Maybe.

If anything can convince me to put an Explorer II back on my list it’ll be that pic posted by SS oyster. Total Beaut.

A huge thank you to everyone else who has offered their opinion. You’ve given me lots to consider.

It’s a nice problem to have for sure! Have a great weekend.


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