Some first time purchase questions

[Brushpup]

Well, I will post this again and hope it makes it this time.

I first want to say thanks for the warm welcome over at the new guy forum. I am aout 18 months out from my First Rolex and have lots of questions for everyone. First, what do's or dont's could any of you share with me? Positives, negatives, lessons learned etc. I am going to an AD since I want a new watch, so thanks you guys for re-enforcing that with me. I want the real deal, and I sure dont know how to deal in second hand Rolex.

I have thought until recently that only a SUB D, SD, or DJ in steel would do, but I am actually considering a "lesser" model now Like the OD or AK. Either would be more practical for my budget, but I don't wan't cost (within reason) to be the main driver. Honestly though, the smaller watches have appeal to me and certainly (I think) look better with my smallish wrists. I am sure I would enjoy any of these models very much though. I know that disadvantages to the less expensive models will be largely a matter of taste/preference however, but I wonder about movement quality, bracelet quality, waterproof-ness etc... I also wonder,do Ad's deal on these models much or at all? Do they Deal on Subs,SD's, or DJ's?? We have two AD's here, and a couple more within two hours drive. Should I shop them all? Call them?
I would be grateful for any and all input.

Thanks in advance,
Patrick

[Tools]

Shop them, don't call...

Do not expect a discount on the base models - less of a mark-up to work with, but if you've been in a couple of times - who knows, you might get a discount on a model that may not be a fast mover for that store..

The Air Kng and the Explorer are great watches to look at if you are on a budget. They look good and are 100% Rolex reliable, all Rolex are the same water proof quality and bracelets are interchangeable on like sized models, no difference.

Don't settle for less than what you want so you do not question your decision down the road.

[Bama]

It sounds like you have a while before your purchase so spend that time figuring out what you REALLY want. Regardless of the model you get your are going to spend a few grand on it so make this first purchase count. You will get plenty of advice on the best models out there but remember that there is one with your name on it - you just have to figure out which one that is. We might not all be able to afford the gold DD right out of the gate but don't settle for less than you want. Like you said, you don't want cost to be the main driver. It's a factor for most of us but determine which one you want and then work from there. I enjoy my Sub. It's a great all around watch but I love the GMT and other sports models. Also love the DJ. Do your homework and spend this time figuring out which one is just right for you - not someone else's favorite. Best of luck.

[davinci]

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[Flyjet601]

The thing that I did when I bought my first was go in to an AD and try on MANY of them. Every model. Dont care if the sales person gets bored.....

You are about to plunk to your hard earned $$ so take your time. One of those in the showcase will be for you.

Now if you have a certain purpose in mind for the watch, thats different. Diving....get a SS SUb
Traveling....get a GMT
etc...

But if you just want a Rolex.....try on as many as you can. Go to every AD in your area and when travelling also......one of them will smile back.....THATS THE ONE

Enjoy the hunt

[Brushpup]

Would love to hear some more input guys if anyone has any....

[SPACE-DWELLER]

If you want a good "all-rounder" Rolex, go for the Sub Date. You won't need another Rolex after that. It is such a nice classic Rolex and goes with just about anything and in any social situation.

You might not be able to get the SS Sub Date right away since there is a waiting list for this model, at least in Denmark where I live, but it is worth the wait.

You can always TRY to get a discount on it, though! You might get a NO, but at least you have tried. I'd ask for a 10 percent discount.

[blueface]

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Would love to hear some more input guys if anyone has any....

First, decide on a model, then figure out what dial you like. If your lucky, your AD may have it sitting there. You will know the right one when you see it.
As for a discount, I went to my AD with a watch I bought in the caribean, to send in for waranty repairs.(the date didn't line up) After talking with them, they told me they sell at comparable prices.
Eight yrs later, I went back to see about buying my much wanted DD.
I ended up getting it @ 14% off list. Thats a not bad savings on a $26K
watch.
Bottom line: find the right watch, then find the right AD.

[newsub]

gotta agree with spacedweller and davinci

I started looking for my first 'aspiration' watch a couple of months ago, went to a lot of jewelers and tried on a huge amount of watches, breitling, omega, panerai, tag......

at the end of the day, i could not see any of them as 'lifelong' watches, there was this voice in my head (like davinci i expect!) saying wait or push do what you have to and get the rolex

If I had brought any of the others (panerai excuded) I think I would have regreted it within a year or so, thinking if only i'd waited, i could have a rolex.

I knew as soon as i tried the first rolex, thats what i wanted, form, function and style in one classic iconic package, who could want more?

then the difficult part was deciding which one. as has already been said the ss sub date will go with anything at any time.

i tried the gmt - beautiful, but had a problem with the extra dial (I could only get the one with red), the sd - somehow didn't feel right with no cyclops, and a tt and blue sub - very very nice but made me feel a little self concious (well, i am english! lol), but if i ever have enough money, i'll have a tt or bluey!

when i tried the ss sub date, the decision was made then and there. no regrets at all, i now have a 'rest of my life' watch. anything else will be an addition to complement the sub, not replace it.

thats my story and all i can suggest is that you try on as many as you can, you will know which is right, you'll feel it in your head and heart!

the best of luck!

[ROGU808]

Originally Posted by davinci

ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub........................................can you hear the voices? Well, can you? ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss sub ss

Just wondering how long it took you to type all that out....

[GoldenBear]

Couldn't afford the TT when I got my 1st. So I got a SS. I got a Sub. Have had it and loved it for 16 years. You won't regret it. When you can afford to "upgrade" do it. Don't trade-in the the 1st, if possible. Keep it and build from there.