Wrong Choice? help!

[mr.president1]

Personally I love it!!! Something I've never seen before. And it could be under the oyster perpetual section which isn't under the usual model... Any way, why not get him the Submariner Date. It's the perfect first Rolex! Of course the one you have picked is very nice and timeless too! Remember there is no "out of date" when it comes to a Rolex. A Rolex is always timeless and beautiful in it's own very way!

[Argentius]

I really like that watch, and like others have said the model is the daddy of all of the Rolex line, the Oyster Perpetual.

Most of the others start with that title, and we just call them by their last descriptive word "Oyster Perpetual Date," "Oyster Perpetual Datejust," (which becomes "datejust") and, of course, "Oyster Perpetual Explorer," which everyone calls the "Explorer I," to distinguish it from the "Explorer II."

Confused yet?

It's a beauty, but, I'll be honest: The Explorer is a known icon, to WIS types -- that's us watch geeks, anyway.

The watch you bought will fly under every radar that there is.

I personally think that's fantastic.

But, if your husband knew and admired the Explorer, he will long for that while wearing your gift of an OP. He will still appreciate the OP, but, if it's in your power, I might consider swapping back.

That's IF and only if your husband had previously expressed interest in the Explorer. If not, then, hey -- you know him better than do we.

[VegasKate]

Thanks to all of you. Even those who think it maybe is a wrong choice (I'd rather have honesty than smoke!). I'm just glad it's a "personal style" wrong as opposed to a "you moron that's totally outmoded and everyone will think he's a knob" wrong, or a "who the heck buys THAT as a nice watch, they don't even have that on the website" wrong.

I'm still nervous. I really don't know which he'd prefer to be honest. He wears a crappy $75 Kenneth Cole watch now. I'm telling you, he really needs this, and he totally deserves it. The thing is, I can't ask him because he'd tell me not to get anything ... He just would. I've been so sneaky about this for months, so thanks for ALL opinions - clearly I should've looked for y'all earlier But I still have 6 days to change my mind!

((Though there is something about this one that really spoke to me...))

[chicfarmer1]

Kate, no way did you do something foolish, or choose something that's not a fine Rolex. It's really just in the realm of what you expect him to prefer between the two possibilities.

A truly fab gesture on your part.

[versatile1]

Originally Posted by chicfarmer1

Kate, no way did you do something foolish, or choose something that's not a fine Rolex. It's really just in the realm of what you expect him to prefer between the two possibilities.

A truly fab gesture on your part.

Agree 100%
You know your husband and his taste. If this one spoke to you In a way that nothing else did, then it's the right choice.........period

[mr.president1]

Originally Posted by VegasKate

Thanks to all of you. Even those who think it maybe is a wrong choice (I'd rather have honesty than smoke!). I'm just glad it's a "personal style" wrong as opposed to a "you moron that's totally outmoded and everyone will think he's a knob" wrong, or a "who the heck buys THAT as a nice watch, they don't even have that on the website" wrong.

I'm still nervous. I really don't know which he'd prefer to be honest. He wears a crappy $75 Kenneth Cole watch now. I'm telling you, he really needs this, and he totally deserves it. The thing is, I can't ask him because he'd tell me not to get anything ... He just would. I've been so sneaky about this for months, so thanks for ALL opinions - clearly I should've looked for y'all earlier But I still have 6 days to change my mind!

((Though there is something about this one that really spoke to me...))

Dear Kate,

I really am very excited that you are getting your husband something so nice. It shows that you care about him and want the very best for him, and it will show by this gift! As you said in your post, he wears Kenneth Cole watches and things like that, I'm guessing he really has not spoken of any Rolex Model interest. Maybe he's just familiar with the brand like you are, which then it might not matter what model it is. However, you were worried about your husband finding out, but didn't want to ask him. You could always just go to him nonchalantly and be like "look at these Rolexes (on the web), wouldn't you love to own one of these, and see if he takes interest to one of them. Or not. That would work in our house just because we really don't think too far into things, maybe he might.

However don't fret about it. It seems from your post that you and your husband will be new to Rolex, so your pick may be just the ticket! If you decide to change to something else, but still keeping it simple, maybe go for the Rolex DateJust 2. Those are very beautiful watches too OR go for something sporty but still simple and elegant like the Submariner Ceramic bezel Date or No date versions in black. Needless to say, go with your gut on this one. If I went from Kenneth Cole to Rolex, I personally wouldn't care which model it was! And as a Rolex owner I can honestly say that I love the watch you have pictured and would wear it too!

GoodLucK & Keep us informed!!

PS: I would love to hear back on his reaction to the gift and some wrist shots of him wearing it! You're a great wife for sure!!!

[AzPaul]

Originally Posted by VegasKate

. . . . . . I'm just glad it's a "personal style" wrong as opposed to a "you moron that's totally outmoded and everyone will think he's a knob" wrong . . . . .

I'm a jealous man Kate. Sure wish I had a gal looking out for my knobness. Lord knows I could use it.

[SUBversive]

Great gift. He should be happy. Buy yourself one next!

[Thebiglagu]

Go with you're gut. Like said above you know you're husband best and anything from you he would treasure IMHO. Please let us know how it goes.

[VegasKate]

He doesn't know the first thing about watches, so I'm not worried that he has a heart set on anything specific ... And if he did, I know he would tell me.
I thought about the submariner but it seems a bit "much" for him, if that makes sense? He's very into simple, clean designs - which is why my Internet search led me to the explorer I (and NOT the II). In fact, what I like about this one is that the numbers make it a bit more "Modern" but with the white gold face (? I'm assuming that's what the WG on the receipt means and why I haven't been able to accurately describe the face) it kind of conceals that a little too so that it still looks "classic"

Maybe I will just give it to him and then walk him from the restaurant to the boutique and he can choose for himself?

One more question: I take it this one is more "unique" than the explorer, yes? Is that a good thing or a bad thing do you think? (We both like being under the radar, but at the end of the day I chose Rolex over Tag and Breitling etc for a reason ...)

[chicfarmer1]

The WG is the fluted bezel (and the hands). Not the dial itself or the bracelet.

Re "unique," this is certainly less commonly seen, which is cool in its own way. Just fyi if you have any concern about potential resale, it will be less desirable in the secondary market compared to the Explorer.

[joe100]

Kate, it's a Rolex from the heart, and a great looking one too. He'll treasure it. Don't worry what we think around here. This is a group of folks who obsess about dial fonts and serial numbers. We search for perfect pieces to complete collections. This is waaay more than that. Tell us we all wish him well and to wear it in good health.

[bonbonson]

Honestly you can never go wrong with a rolex unless it is covered in diamonds......

[Johny]

great choice kate. lovely watch and the door is open for him to exchange for a different model if he wishes. ...well done.

[DJJon]

Originally Posted by joe100

Kate, it's a Rolex from the heart, and a great looking one too. He'll treasure it. Don't worry what we think around here. This is a group of folks who obsess about dial fonts and serial numbers. We search for perfect pieces to complete collections. This is waaay more than that. Tell us we all wish him well and to wear it in good health.

Well said. If my wife chose that beautiful watch for me, knowing she chose it would transcend everything else.

And this watch has a really nice look.

[VegasKate]

Thank you!!! You guys are the best. Really.
I mean it!
Promise to send you a better pic when it's out of the box and on his wrist (or when whatever he trades it for is! :)

[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by VegasKate

Thank you!!! You guys are the best. Really.
I mean it!
Promise to send you a better pic when it's out of the box and on his wrist (or when whatever he trades it for is! :)

It a great gift and it's obvious you put a lot of thought into it. He's a lucky guy!

[hdrazor251]

Originally Posted by VegasKate

Promise to send you a better pic when it's out of the box and on his wrist (or when whatever he trades it for is! :)

Please do. It's a good looking watch and I hope he likes it. If he trades it, be sure to tease him and always refer to it as his second Rolex.

[Billywiz]

Im sure...if you have not worn it and wanted to exchange it would'nt an AD do that fr a Cstmer wh purchased a gift?

Kep all plastic , tgs etc in place.

[VegasKate]

@chicfarmer - that makes much more sense, the WG! Thanks.
Not really worried about resale - in my sappy dreams this is something he'd keep forever (even if it started a Rolex habit!) and pass down to our 2 yo. If there wasn't a realistic (but very slim) chance that he will seriously just insist on not accepting it at all I'd get it engraved.
Yep. I'm a sap ...

[joe100]

Resell a gift like this? You can definitely see the Rolex collectors on this board! Hahaha

[GradyPhilpott]

As others have noted, it is an Oyster Perpetual, perhaps the least appreciated model in the Oyster line, except the Air King, which is looked down upon because of the size and the relatively low price.

Many forget that the Oyster Perpetual is the watch that Rolex supplied to the British teams who tried to summit Mt. Everest for the better part of twenty years.

After Rolex introduced the Explorer in honor of Sir Edward's and Tenzing Norgay's feat in 1953, the OP has been somewhat neglected.

None the less, it is every bit the watch that the Explorer is with a bit more dressing.

I think you made a good choice and 36mm is a good size, in my opinion.

[ingoodtime]

it is a gorgeous watch and will look classy on his wrist no matter what he is wearing. It is slightly smaller than an explorer but as your friend said.....will look great in the boardroom. andheck...it is aRolex!

[luvsub]

This is gift, he should be happy about it. Maybe just me, I feel exp 1 looks nicer. Again, you bought a beautiful, you put heart on it, that is what is all about.

[Kevin.S]

That watch will make him very happy:)

[Les Paul]

You know your husband, and you chose it because it spoke to you as the one he would like.
I have no doubt he will be thrilled!!

[jolimont]

Originally Posted by VegasKate

Bought my husband a rolex for his Bday today.

Best.Wife.Ever

[Andad]

Very nice choice Kate.

Your hubby is a lucky guy.

[designerhouse]

Dear Kate,

The beauty about this OP is that your husband can later change the dial for just $400-$500, depending on what the Rolex AD charges. Hence, you don't have to worry too much about the style/color of this gift. Your Rolex AD should have a dial book for you or your husband to look at anytime.

[Ray T]

if my wife went out of her way to buy me a rolex, i'd happily wear it! its not everyday that a significant other goes out to buy their husband a nice rolex watch!

he will love it, no doubt!, probably won't understand the cost of the watch at first, being that hes coming from a kenneth cole.