Entry Level Rolex

[Oldwoods]

I love my Explorer for pretty much all occasions. Entry level? Classic, definitely.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by amh

Obviously price has a lot to do with it. Otherwise why would OP even post? If money is not a consideration then just splurge on whatever you like from the TRF FS listings or Chrono24! (don't bother with AD)

Then he should have asked what is the cheapest Rolex he could buy, in that case maybe a very old DJ. I know people who's first Rolex was a Plat DD. I also know very very rich people who wear SS. There is no entry level.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by escobar144

What watch do you consider is rolex's entry level piece? And would you consider that a great first rolex?

Get a used datejust...and yes, it’s a great piece. I started with a Submariner, but the pricing is out of line at the moment.

[blue lion]

Black/stainless Sub gets my vote

[Fat_ninja]

OP36 the new ones look nice have a flatter bezel

[CptCanuck]

Surely people must realize that all luxury brands offer products to aspirational owners. All brands have tiers for different clientele. Remember the Ferrari California and C class Mercedes? This is absolutely the intention of the air king. Please don't take offense or be defensive if you have a Rolex that falls into this category.

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[FLGatorM5]

Originally Posted by escobar144

What watch do you consider is rolex's entry level piece? And would you consider that a great first rolex?

You have a few threads in this general arena. Maybe the question is why are you asking?

As mentioned above the OP, Explorer I, etc. are fantastic watches at the lower end of the Rolex price range.

Calling them “entry level” though is like calling a base 911 entry level. Sure, it’s not an S, Turbo, or GT3.

But, uh, it’s a 911. And it’s awesome. So just enjoy your black OP until something else sings to you (louder).

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by escobar144

What watch do you consider is rolex's entry level piece? And would you consider that a great first rolex?

I think it would be a 34mm oyster perpetual. Because I think that is one of the watches that costs the least amount of money.

Is that a great first Rolex ?

Of course. And I think it is also a great last Rolex.

Why?

Because a 34mm OP, has the same time keeping accuracy than a gold daydate or a stainless steel Daytona.

Is is water resistant to 100m, just like a $30,000 daydate

Also, it is a watch in its most purest form, no polished centered links in the bracelet or anything fancy. Made of stainless steel, and as durable as any other watch in the catalogue.

Also, a 34mm OP is easily attainable... when I see a person wearing one, I assume they bought it because they like it and appreciate the minimalistic watch for what it is, just a watch.

When I see someone wearing a “hot” or hard to get watch, eh..... I don’t get the same feeling. Some of them may buy because they like it, but A LOT of people buy them just because it’s hard to get and what everybody else wants, which is kinda lame IMO.

Plus an OP goes well with casual attire and with formal attire (depending on the dial color).

It doesn’t have to be 34mm, but I prefer that one because of the dials

[ap1]

Originally Posted by praveen

The Oyster Perpetual 39 is a great entry level Rolex. Very versatile and can dress up or down easily.

[zengineer]

I think the correct term is gateway Rolex.

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Getting the least expensive watch that happens to have the name “Rolex” on it is not the way I would go about it.

This

[MTBer]

Most people capable of reading between the lines probably understand that by "entry level", you meant lowest priced, i.e., the minimum amount of money required for entry into the brand.

Lowest priced option would be a 36mm Oyster Perpetual at $5400, unless you go down to a 34mm currently at $5050. Rolex charges a $1400 premium if you want a date wheel- a 36mm Datejust with domed steel bezel and Oyster bracelet is $6800, but you're also getting the newer 32xx series movement, which hasn't trickled down to the Oyster Perpetual yet. Of course, whether or not this new movement is truly an upgrade has been debated on some points, so it really comes down to preference.

To their credit, everyone squawking about there being no "entry level" is right in terms of quality- the movement in my Datejust from last year with an MSRP of $6700 is the exact same movement as the one currently offered in the $36,850 White Gold Submariner- for that additional ~$30k, Rolex doesn't offer a longer power reserve, better movement finishing, better guaranteed accuracy, or a longer warranty....just some extra water resistance by virtue of it being a Sub, and maybe $7500 worth of gold.

[904VT]

The term entry level seems to get a lot of people up in a bunch but I do understand what you're asking.

The OP and Air King have always been considered entry points to the brand.

And they're only entry level in the sense of pricing as we all know before I catch heat. So many here seem to take comments like this as personal insults towards their watches but the fact of the matter is real Rolex collectors own and appreciate all of these. The OP39 may be my favorite Rolex right now

[Jabbo84]

A stainless steel sub. Most versatile watch made

[Robtayham]

I would actually say a used TT datejust. It’s a cost effective way to see how you feel about its wrist presence.

[locutus49]

Maybe we shouldn't beat up OP and rather wait until he tells us what he means. It is very easy - trust me, I do it all the time - to view posts through our own set of biases.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Maybe we shouldn't beat up OP and rather wait until he tells us what he means. It is very easy - trust me, I do it all the time - to view posts through our own set of biases.

Your mature perspective John and example set is much appreciated

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by 904VT

The term entry level seems to get a lot of people up in a bunch but I do understand what you're asking.

The OP and Air King have always been considered entry points to the brand.

And they're only entry level in the sense of pricing as we all know before I catch heat. So many here seem to take comments like this as personal insults towards their watches but the fact of the matter is real Rolex collectors own and appreciate all of these. The OP39 may be my favorite Rolex right now

Agree with what you said.

Specially about real Rolex fans appreciating OPs and air kings as well.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by MTBer

Most people capable of reading between the lines probably understand that by "entry level", you meant lowest priced, i.e., the minimum amount of money required for entry into the brand.

Lowest priced option would be a 36mm Oyster Perpetual at $5400, unless you go down to a 34mm currently at $5050. Rolex charges a $1400 premium if you want a date wheel- a 36mm Datejust with domed steel bezel and Oyster bracelet is $6800, but you're also getting the newer 32xx series movement, which hasn't trickled down to the Oyster Perpetual yet. Of course, whether or not this new movement is truly an upgrade has been debated on some points, so it really comes down to preference.

To their credit, everyone squawking about there being no "entry level" is right in terms of quality- the movement in my Datejust from last year with an MSRP of $6700 is the exact same movement as the one currently offered in the $36,850 White Gold Submariner- for that additional ~$30k, Rolex doesn't offer a longer power reserve, better movement finishing, better guaranteed accuracy, or a longer warranty....just some extra water resistance by virtue of it being a Sub, and maybe $7500 worth of gold.

Very very well said.

[Mystro]

Technically Rolex doesn't make a "entry level" but I know what he is asking. For decades when AD's were normal and could sell you any watch you wanted in the case, they often referred to the Air King as the entry level model. I have heard this term at several AD's over 30 years. It is what it is. Every premium product has what dealers might classify as "entry level" into the brand. Its not insulting at all to the product.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Brew

Any one of them can be a first, likely won't be the last. I think where you get in is a matter of budget, research, patience, taste, and luck.

Solid answer right here too.

[MTBer]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Technically Rolex doesn't make a "entry level"...

The entry level Porsche is the Cayman/Boxster, because they're the lowest-priced cars the brand offers. I doubt most people are dense enough to believe this would make them entry level cars.

[Onikage]

Explorer or OP super cool in ANY collection. Some entry level.

[Nikrnic]

One answer for entry level > OP39. I have a longtime friend who wants to buy his first and most likely one and only lifetime Rolex and wants a date. As far as a 'Great' choice goes I recommended the DJ41

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