First Rolex Sub no date vs Explorer II vs datejust vs Oyster perpetual

[dopesin]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I'm in my late 20s. My wrist is on the smaller side 6.5in. I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex (used) to start my journey. I am thinking between :

Sub no date (non ceramic)
Explorer II 16570 black dial
Datejust blue dial domed oyster bracelet
Oyster perpetual blue dial with 3-6-9 markers

The blue colored dial of DJ and OP has always struck me since quite some time but I'm willing to go for a black dial if the case size is a little larger.
Though my grail at the moment is the Steve McQueen explorer due to its subtlety.

I have been a vintage watch fan for quite some time owning pieces by Mondiane, J Farren price, older sea masters but never had a rolex as it had been out of my league. The only watch I have owned is a new West End Watch company's.

Would love to hear all your opinions on making the best decision

Thanks !!

[AK797]

Welcome and I would go for the classic black sub first, then the DJ.

[dopesin]

Originally Posted by AK797

Welcome and I would go for the classic black sub first, then the DJ.

Thank you for your opinion. Black sub has been an all time favorite and "safe watch" if you'd like to call that because of its classic status.

Let's see what the others have to say.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by AK797

Welcome and I would go for the classic black sub first, then the DJ.

^What this gentleman said. Cheers

[luvsub]

Sub nd.

[RUK]

Start with a sub ND. It's one he'll of a watch that has the ability to put you off most other watches.
I have that and a datejust and they work well together.


The subNd is very versatile and rugged.


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[RUK]

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[Eric Chan]

Welcome. Since this is your first watch, I would recommend the DJ as it is a great all around watch. The domed bezel and blue dial is quite stunning. As a second choice, I would go with the Sub No Date. In the end, get what makes you happy.

Perhaps visit an AD and try them on to see what works for you.

[GsurgBM]

Id go with DJ first, then Sub. Thats what i did anyway, though the sub was a bluesy instead of black.

[AS1]

I would say Sub first.

[Perrinyanna]

Sub ND first. But I suggest get the ceramic bezel version bec it has all the modern refinements. You will enjoy it more in the long term

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by Perrinyanna

Sub ND first. But I suggest get the ceramic bezel version bec it has all the modern refinements. You will enjoy it more in the long term

As much as I like the classic no date, unless money is a consideration, I would have to concur.

[dopesin]

Thank you all for your input.

Rukshan: thank you for your comparison pics. Both the watches look great on your wrist

I feel that the DJ is a little too dressy for me, I would like something a little rugged which develops a patina, I think the DJ looks best without scratches etc and other sporty ones look better with. I'm sure you all will disagree and I accept that but just my opinion

Ceramic bezel Sub wears larger and is pricier too, since it's my first watch I wouldn't be able to fit it in my budget. Same with the Sub date which is twice the cost.

I visited an AD earlier this year and tried all of the above. I was leaning more to the Sub ND but the blue dial on OP is clean and mesmerizing. That was until two months ago until I started taking a strange liking to the explorer II 16570 which was never a consideration before

[Gary.]

Sub ND or OP 116000 will probably be my next Rolex (btw, the outgoing OP 36mm 3-6-9 dials are blue or silver. The black dial is the same size but with pink indices which might not be everyone's cup of tea).
I'm not a big fan of the black Exp II and the current Datejusts are a touch too shiny for my tastes but the other two strike me as simple, purposeful examples of Rolex at its timeless best.

[Malak]

1. OP
2. Sub ND
3. DJ
3. EX2

[landroverking]

Wcome I think you're on track with any. IMO the 36mm will look the best.

[Urosfan]

Sub nd

[dopesin]

Bump

Need more opinions guys !!

[HogwldFLTR]

I've had all three at the same time; ended up trading in the OP towards a SubC (114060). Frankly I really like having a sub (14060 seen below) for timing my lap swimming. If it weren't for that the ExpII would likely be the one I'd choose but I really use the Sub a lot. Ask yourself which you will use the functions of the most and go in that direction. The OP didn't seem to have enough wrist presense for me but I do miss it. DJ is on my incoming list (as in today).

[CWIN]

The Submariner is a great first Rolex. One of the most versatile watches in the entire Rolex lineup. I have a 6.5" wrist as well and like how it fits on my wrist. Here are some pics...

[ExplorerChris]

Originally Posted by dopesin

Hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I'm in my late 20s. My wrist is on the smaller side 6.5in. I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex (used) to start my journey. I am thinking between :

Sub no date (non ceramic)
Explorer II 16570 black dial
Datejust blue dial domed oyster bracelet
Oyster perpetual blue dial with 3-6-9 markers

The blue colored dial of DJ and OP has always struck me since quite some time but I'm willing to go for a black dial if the case size is a little larger.
Though my grail at the moment is the Steve McQueen explorer due to its subtlety.

I have been a vintage watch fan for quite some time owning pieces by Mondiane, J Farren price, older sea masters but never had a rolex as it had been out of my league. The only watch I have owned is a new West End Watch company's.

Would love to hear all your opinions on making the best decision

Thanks !!

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

I purchase a 1986 Explorer II Black Dial 16550 and love it.
It is truly one of the most underrated and undervalued Rolexes
I love that it has a fixed bezel with engraved numbers because when the numbers do start to fade its a very east do it yourself fix to restore them.
I love the GMT feature and the fact that you don't see that many out in the wild the way you do a Sub or a GMT.
I really believe you get the most bang for your buying dollar and it's one fine looking watch.

[brandrea]

I would vote sub, or DJ as both are very versatile. If you like the look of a blue dial, here's my DJII . I think you could wear 41 mm, but the classic 36 is a great options too

[eeh100773]

Sub 14060 or 114060. Mine's from '96.

[TheMethod]

Another vote for Sub ND.

[Malak]

OP

[phils]

Welcome to this funny farm.

Are you planning on diving? Do you travel in different time zones?
Is having the date on your watch of any importance?

I would chose as a first Rolex the 14060m no date Sub. (but since I like the date feature I chose the date Sub. 11610).
This model has all the good stuff.
The Sub's bezel can be used to time everything from cooking out, parking meters, as a reminder to be somewhere, etc., so it's very useful.

If all that is not important get the DJ that smiles at you.

[Evo6]

This is next on my list...

Originally Posted by Malak

OP

[dopesin]

HogwoldFLTR : thanks for the lovely comparison pics. Unfortunately they all look so good on your wrist.. It's not helping the decision .. Sigh !!

CWIN: Classic pics, your wrist is quite similar to mine and I see the Sub ND fits you perfectly.

ExplorerChris: yes I do agree the EXPII is a fine watch and I actually love it if the bezel numericals fade :D
It looks better that way IMO

Brandrea: I don't think I can pull off the 41mm as I tried it and the lugs went past my wrist

eeh100773: love the versatility of the Sub and the fact it looks awesome on a leather and NATO strap too

I don't need GMT or date functions, it's basically the designs that I'm more interested in.
I'm also skeptical about 36mm wearing small (not that by any means do I follow a larger watch trend) as I see a lot of women wearing 36mm Rolexes and when I tried them (OP and DJ) they did make my wrist appear smaller.

[dopesin]

Phils: sorry didn't see your post. I do travel often but the GMT is of not much use to me, neither is the date nor do I dive. All I want is a simple watch that I won't get bored of easily and will enhance my experience as a first Rolex owner.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by dopesin

HogwoldFLTR : thanks for the lovely comparison pics. Unfortunately they all look so good on your wrist.. It's not helping the decision .. Sigh !!

And here is a new arrival to add to the mix, old school DJ.