Just Back from the AD - Impressions

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by JustABreathAway

Very well said. My intention was not to denigrate the SS watches or the owners of said time pieces, but rather just to express my surprise at the difference in mass from what I expected.

No denigration inferred. The perception of size and weight of a watch is highly subjective; no right or wrong as far as that's concerned. Just wanted to share a page from my own odyssey.

[Eric88]

The lightweight SS Rolex qualities are what attracted me to the brand from heavy bulky Omega in the first place. Sounds like OP is a heavy gold kinda guy and so not surprising if the lighter SS can't float his boat so much.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by azguy

The first time I tried on a Rolex I was blown away with the light weight of it, hated it, thought it felt cheap...and would not hold up to everyday wear.

I went back to my Breitlings, for over 10 years....

Breitling salesmen convince a lot of young men that Rolex is a ripoff and Breitling is the real deal because of the weight issue.

There's a guy at my Honda dealership that owns a multitude of Breitlings and I get to hear all about them from time to time.

I always just nod and smile while he's talking.

[Adam K.]

Rolex should introduce in a new model with a solid lead case and bracelet...to appease the heavier-is-better crowd.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by JustABreathAway

Well, after spending months and months on this site, I've seen countless pictures of the various Rolex models. However, today was my first trip back to my AD since purchasing my watch, and as such, my mind wasn't solely focused on the singular model I was investigating. While I know that most of you here have seen and or owned these watches many times over through the years, I thought I would post some of my impressions of seeing these watches in the flesh, as opposed to just the fantastic images here. Please feel free to offer up your own thoughts and impressions.

Submariner: A fine watch that's not quite as large in person as we usually see here. The blue faced dial is truly fantastic - much more arresting and attention-getting than the black. There were only TT Blue Subs for me to see, but I'd really love to see this in full YG now. Also, the new Serti dials are quite lovely on the Sub, and not nearly as blingy as I had imagined.

GMTIIC: This really disappointed me. I love images of this watch, but was wholly underwhelmed in person. Again, no full 18K version to peruse, but the SS and TT did absolutely nothing for me. This was the biggest disappointment of all the Rollies for me.

Explorer II Black: I've actually seen this before in the wild, and I think it's a fantastic watch. Everything about it is well done and it all flows nicely together. Can't comment on the white, but ole Blackie sure looks good.

DD: Fantastic in YG, but looks so small now after months of regularly wearing the DDII. In WG, the DD did nothing for me, but this watch in DDII version with white dial and Romans is fantastic.

Daytona: Much smaller in person than I was expecting. Again, underwhelmed by this watch in TT, but I'll reserve full judgement for the 18K model.

All Stainless Steel Models: Holy cow, these things are LITE. I'd never actually picked up any of the sport models before, or any SS Rolex prior to today. They are substantially more lightweight than I was expecting, could hardly tell I was holding anything. Granted, this is relative to what I'm used to, but I sure wasn't expecting that.

Alright, your turn. What's surprised you about a Rolex model after seeing and holding them in-person, first hand?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I like to read a honest and laid back quick review of watches every once in a while!

[omegabenz]

I think that the new SS bracelets have a better look and feel than the prior ones. Although, they are functionally strong as demonstrated, they feel/look a little flimsy with their sheet metal bars. I really do like the new clasp with easy link. I thought that the SS bands felt really good and there was good balance between them and the case. Coming from my Omega SMP, the case feels top heavy, but it and the Milgauss have nearly the same weight, within a few grams. Now when you are wearing TT, YG or WG, or Platinum, the band gets progressively more heavy and I can see how SS feels light.

Daytona: Tried on the TT model, and it felt nice and well balanced, but it seems small and hard to read, as discussed, however the new pushers feel really nice, and having a new in house movement is always appreciated. I liked the TT enough to not wait for a SS model if I so desired. Having read about the new PO chronograph, maybe I'd go for that. I do want a chronograph at some point.

Yachtmaster: feels and looks great, except dial seems small for me.

GMTii-green dial, YG looks great, but didn't try it on.

TT Blue Sub - always like this one. Well balanced on the wrist and looks sharp.

On my hunt, I was narrowing it down to these three:
Explorer 39mm, looks and feels great. But kind of plain, I just wanted something more unique.

Explorer II - I saw both the polar and black, and I like them equally.

Milgauss, looks and feels great too. I liked white, liked black even more, but I thought the green sapphire was a touch - so I got it!

[thewatchguy93]

Hey!

I can kind of see where you are coming from mate, being used to your full 18K DDII.. It would make any SS model appear lightweight/small/underwhellming...

Lets be honest here, you've started at the top of the scale. Buying a Full Gold Rolex as your first, your bound to find the SS model's that way...


I not long ago tried this beauty on at an AD, this watch is an absolute STUNNER! The gold and the blue just look ahhhh




Pics don't do it justice at all...


005 by goold1, on Flickr



004 by goold1, on Flickr


One day my friend, one day..



-Dino

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I like to read a honest and laid back quick review of watches every once in a while.

+1. Generated some interesting observations on matters of size/weight.

[JustABreathAway]

Originally Posted by Dingoo93

Hey!

I can kind of see where you are coming from mate, being used to your full 18K DDII.. It would make any SS model appear lightweight/small/underwhellming...

Lets be honest here, you've started at the top of the scale. Buying a Full Gold Rolex as your first, your bound to find the SS model's that way...


I not long ago tried this beauty on at an AD, this watch is an absolute STUNNER! The gold and the blue just look ahhhh




Pics don't do it justice at all...



One day my friend, one day..



-Dino

Dino, I saw the TT version of the YG Blue Sub yesterday and just loved it. I very much wish they would have had the exact one you showed us, but that's only a special order time piece at my AD. The blue is such an arresting dial, and it contrasts wonderfully with the yellow gold. Probably the biggest surprise of the entire visit for me was how much I liked the 'Dino dial' on that Sub - the Serti version. I don't consider myself a diamond guy in the least, but the Dino variant looked by far the best - what a shock!!

[thewatchguy93]

Originally Posted by JustABreathAway

Dino, I saw the TT version of the YG Blue Sub yesterday and just loved it. I very much wish they would have had the exact one you showed us, but that's only a special order time piece at my AD. The blue is such an arresting dial, and it contrasts wonderfully with the yellow gold. Probably the biggest surprise of the entire visit for me was how much I liked the 'Dino dial' on that Sub - the Serti version. I don't consider myself a diamond guy in the least, but the Dino variant looked by far the best - what a shock!!

Very interesting!!! I think the YG Sub would look great on yourself.. You should defo place the order...

[Otto]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I like to read a honest and laid back quick review of watches every once in a while!

Concur.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by JustABreathAway

Well, after spending months and months on this site, I've seen countless pictures of the various Rolex models. However, today was my first trip back to my AD since purchasing my watch, and as such, my mind wasn't solely focused on the singular model I was investigating. While I know that most of you here have seen and or owned these watches many times over through the years, I thought I would post some of my impressions of seeing these watches in the flesh, as opposed to just the fantastic images here. Please feel free to offer up your own thoughts and impressions.

Submariner: A fine watch that's not quite as large in person as we usually see here. The blue faced dial is truly fantastic - much more arresting and attention-getting than the black. There were only TT Blue Subs for me to see, but I'd really love to see this in full YG now. Also, the new Serti dials are quite lovely on the Sub, and not nearly as blingy as I had imagined.

GMTIIC: This really disappointed me. I love images of this watch, but was wholly underwhelmed in person. Again, no full 18K version to peruse, but the SS and TT did absolutely nothing for me. This was the biggest disappointment of all the Rollies for me.

Explorer II Black: I've actually seen this before in the wild, and I think it's a fantastic watch. Everything about it is well done and it all flows nicely together. Can't comment on the white, but ole Blackie sure looks good.

DD: Fantastic in YG, but looks so small now after months of regularly wearing the DDII. In WG, the DD did nothing for me, but this watch in DDII version with white dial and Romans is fantastic.

Daytona: Much smaller in person than I was expecting. Again, underwhelmed by this watch in TT, but I'll reserve full judgement for the 18K model.

All Stainless Steel Models: Holy cow, these things are LITE. I'd never actually picked up any of the sport models before, or any SS Rolex prior to today. They are substantially more lightweight than I was expecting, could hardly tell I was holding anything. Granted, this is relative to what I'm used to, but I sure wasn't expecting that.

Alright, your turn. What's surprised you about a Rolex model after seeing and holding them in-person, first hand?

I really like the YM II, especially the new TT version, a lot more in person than in photos. In fact, every time I see one now, I look again. I wasn't even looking at the new TT YMII when it came out, but now I look for it whenever I'm in a watch store.

I was the same way about the DDII; not liking the photos at first (but now, as you know, I own the same version DDII as you)!

As for the weight, I notice the relative lightness when I switch from gold to SS, but after a short while, the SS feels heavy to me. I wouldn't want my SS Rolex watches to be any heavier. Face it. The DD II is a somewhat heavy watch for mere mortals to wear.

I recommend you reserve final judgment on the GMT IIc. I had one, sold it, bought another, then considered flipping that one for an Explorer II (new model). I hesitated and decided to wear the GMT IIC a few days in succession over the holidays. End state? I didn't want to take it off. It's a great watch; and IMO it looks its very best when outside or in natural light; not inside under the jeweler's lights found at many ADs.

[JustABreathAway]

Otto, I will certainly reserve that GMTIIc judgement - I've never felt it in my hands or placed it on my wrist, let alone seen in it the bright light of the sun. And, I'd really like to see a full YG model, as shown by FremStar and kilyung (sp), as others.

And Dino, for now I've found my YG beauty, but I'd sure like to see that Yellow Blue Sub on your wrist. And, since you're still under 20, I think you have to go YG and just scream out the precious nature of your watch. You can always tone it down to WG when you've reached 50, or beyond...

[FremStar]

Dr. JBA I will keep my eye out for your comments when you get to try out a 116718, until then here is another picture for you...

[oneillba]

Tomorrow I am heading off to my AD to get my TTDJ repaired. I will try on the DD once again and wish... I like the weight and feel on my wrist.