Fresh-faced college graduate looking for a watch.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by twelvefoldchain

My father has offered to buy me a Rolex for graduation. I am needing some help narrowing things down.


I really like the following watches:

1. Submariner (no date)
2. Explorer I and II
3. Datejust

New or used? What are considered some of the best years of the Submariner and Explorer?


I know little about watches, but, want something that will last me the rest of my life. Stainless steel, no gold, and goes with most everything are also important factors.

First, I would explore as many stores as you can and TRY THEM ON.

Only you can decide what watch works for you best. Also, there are other brands out there (sorry TRF) - don't just get a Rolex, to "get a Rolex."

[topjimmi]

Cant go wrong with any of them, really. Get what you like best. But if its just one watch that you plan on keeping forever that can do everything reasonably well, I'd go with the sub date everytime.

[Mephist]

Originally Posted by ec51

Also, there are other brands out there (sorry TRF) - don't just get a Rolex, to "get a Rolex."

Blasphemy!

[twelvefoldchain]

Originally Posted by G-Web

Congratulations!
Those are all great watches, and each has a host of different variations.

For example, the Explorer II comes in black and white. You can get the older 40mm 16570 or you can get the new version, 216570 at 42mm, also in black and white.

With No Date Subs you can get an older 5513, a newer 14060, or the latest 114060.

The Datejust has been in production for many years, and also comes in a huge variety of dial and bracelet configurations.

My recommendation to you would be to spend some time perusing these boards to see what really speaks to you. And don't be shy about asking questions either. We're here to help.

Best,
GW

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'm actually considering going the used route; will take a lot @ the 5513 Sub and 16570 Explorer.

I'm a little worried about sizing, though. For reference, here is me with my dad's Yacht Master on: http://i.imgur.com/3zQNX.jpg

Does this look too big?


I like the weejun avatar, by the way!

[andyol1966]

Sub or Exp II. I have both and love them equally. Sub is more iconic, Explorer less common.

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by nauticajoe

definitely the sub.....it's a rolex icon!

+1

[69mach351]

I would go with whichever one you like and fits best. Personally, I would go for a two-tone Sub or the Explorer. If you know you are going to work in a dressier environment, then the DJ would probably work just as well. The DJ looks way to small on some though.

[Mephist]

Originally Posted by twelvefoldchain

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'm actually considering going the used route; will take a lot @ the 5513 Sub and 16570 Explorer.

I'm a little worried about sizing, though. For reference, here is me with my dad's Yacht Master on: http://i.imgur.com/3zQNX.jpg

Does this look too big?


I like the weejun avatar, by the way!

I think it fits you well.

[bigwatchman]

Can't go wrong with any of the choices. They are all great watches.

[AK797]

The new ceramic Subs are very sexy and seductive but the new Expy with orange hand is interesting too and if you want something a little different maybe that one.

[submariner66]

All good advice so far especially the part about going to an AD and trying them on. All good choice too that should keep you happy over a long period of time. I would vote for the Submariner or the Exp. I . Two of my favorite ones. And my favorite DJ is one like I saw on a TRF member black stick dial, simply stunning!! Orange accent just spoils the EXP 2 watch for me. Congrads on your grad.

[LightOnAHill]

congrats on graduating! you considering graduate school? only 7% of college grads do grad school, and you can get very specialized skills. I loved college and loved grad school too, though law school was far more intense than my MBA.

[sampelligrino]

Congrats on graduating. My vote for you is the SubC No Date, very versatile, doesn't stand out too much, can go with anything you wear. A great foundation for you to start your watch collection.

[Rags]

Go to a AD and try on all the watches & in the end buy the Sub..

[VICI]

Submariner.

I'd get w the date... Honestly, I don't get watches that don't offer it.

[mmmk604]

I got the 36mm DJ as my first watch.
Classic, can't go wrong with it.

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by twelvefoldchain

My father has offered to buy me a Rolex for graduation. I am needing some help narrowing things down.


I really like the following watches:

1. Submariner (no date)
2. Explorer I and II
3. Datejust

New or used? What are considered some of the best years of the Submariner and Explorer?


I know little about watches, but, want something that will last me the rest of my life. Stainless steel, no gold, and goes with most everything are also important factors.

Hmmm new no date sub or use the budget to buy a vintage sub and explorer II.

By the way, I'm itching for a new watch, any chance your dad will adopt me? Pm me with his address and what time I should show up.... Thanks bro.

[DJJon]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

+2. Wear what sings to you, do not worry what others think (although all comments are welcome)

Please take the time to go to a Rolex jeweler (AD) and try them all on.
Each watch has its own personality.

The black face Submariner might be the best choice but wear it and see for your yourself. The Explorer I is an awesome watch and super-clean design never gets old. The Datejust series had a dial sure to please, be sure to look through the catalog to get a feel for the incredible number of choices, no single dealer has even a small amount. Finally ask to wear the Oyster Braclet and the Jubilee bracelet, realizing the Datejust can be had with either style bracelet, the others Oyster only.

Have FUN and Good Luck !

[fminus]

I would pick the sub C

[Hairdude1]

I would also say check them all out at the AD and then make a sound decision...Best of luck in your search and Grad!

[springbar]

Originally Posted by twelvefoldchain

I'm a little worried about sizing, though. For reference, here is me with my dad's Yacht Master on: http://i.imgur.com/3zQNX.jpg

Does this look too big?

No, it looks good. And this is coming from somebody who thinks many of the wrist shots posted here show watches that are too big for the wearer.

[PunkJr]

It really depends on your wrist size. I love the ss datejust with fluted bezel and baton markers....it's a timeless piece, but with 8.5" wrists, it's too small me. But if you have normal wrists, then it's worth a look. If you don't want the date feature, then the Submariner is hard to beat. The 14060 would be my pick of current and recent models.

[twelvefoldchain]

UPDATE: I went with the Submariner 14060M. Can't wait for it to arrive! Will post pictures once it's here. Thank you all very much for the advice.

[financeman]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on graduating. I would go with the subC but it all comes down to what you like. I would recommend you and your dad going to an AD and trying on different watches. It is a very personal thing and each watch will wear differently. Good luck my friend

[perpetualman88]

The day I graduated college in 2011 I drove from my final exam in accounting to the Rolex AD and bought myself a brand new sub.

Do the same you cant go wrong with a sub

[outlaw468]

Sub!

[DG123]

If you are diver get a Submariner. If you are a mountain climber get an Explorer.
For an everyday watch get a Datejust or an OP 116000.

[DucS2R]

You are a smart kid. My oldest just graduated with a mechanical engineering degree and likes mechanical watches like me. Unfortunately he wants a Panerai, not a Rolex. Go for the sub, it will still look good and run well when you retire. Ask me how I know that :-)

T

[How]

Go the Submariner, current ceramic bezel model (SubC as we call it here). I prefer the date (116610LN) but it's up to you.

The Sub is built to last (as with all Rolexes), and would last generations.

The beauty of the Sub is that it goes perfectly with anything and everything- casual with a T-shirt & jeans, to neat casual with a shirt, to business with a suit in the boardroom, to black-tie formal wear at an evening function.

It simply oozes style and is the most versatile timepiece in the world.

And oh yeah- it can also dive down to the depths of the oceans too.

Here's mine, to tempt and persuade you...



Goodluck with your deciding and purchase!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by twelvefoldchain

UPDATE: I went with the Submariner 14060M. Can't wait for it to arrive! Will post pictures once it's here. Thank you all very much for the advice.

Big surprise!

Congrats!