New guy looking for first Rolex

[Audiolab]

Hi there,

Firstly let me say this is a great forum, I have spent a few days reading through and researching my first purchase of a Rolex watch. Thanks to everyone who contributes and in doing so you have built up quite a nice reference library and lively discussion. I will try to contribute where I can but have to admit I am a complete newbie, my “best” watch so far is a mid-range Seiko.

My reason for signing up and posting this thread is to ask for some opinions and suggestions that any of you guys may have for my first Rolex. Basically I want a nice dress watch that I can use for work and social occasions. Something that is subtle but at the same time classy.

I recently visited a Authorised Dealer and tried on a few. I was quite taken with the Oyster Perpetual Date (115200) . The one I tried had a white face but I am thinking black would be more what I would normally go for (any advice on this subject?)



I also liked this Submariner (16610)



As I said I am not really sure about the face colour choice and was playing safe with black. This is where my second question comes in. The Dealer I was talking to said that for up to three months if I change my mind and decide I wished I’d got the white face then they would change it at no cost. Also if after getting the white face I realise the black was better after all they will change it back. Is this normal part of the Rolex Dealer service?

If anyone has an alternate suggestions for a watch to consider, or some experience(s) to share looking back at their first purchase, I would greatly appreciate it. I live in the UK and am currently based in Scotland so also if anyone has any experience with any Dealers in the country I would be very interested to hear how they fared.

Thanks for reading and any comments you may have.

[mretzloff]

Welcome to TRF!

As far as the color of the dial goes, it's your call. I personally like black dials best (except on the Daytona and Explorer II).

You should choose the watch that you like best. Go back to your AD and try several on. If the AD wants your money (and has any clue how to run a business) he/she will patiently wait as you try on various Rolexes. Generally speaking, most of TRF's members are either GMT-IIC or Submariner fans.

Good luck!

[titomalu]

get the sub. I bought mine in 1993 - it's pure perfection.

[mretzloff]

Originally Posted by titomalu

get the sub. I bought mine in 1993 - it's pure perfection.

Maybe I should have just said that.

You can't go wrong with the Sub (or the GMT-IIC if that suits you more).

[SLS]

Originally Posted by Audiolab

The Dealer I was talking to said that for up to three months if I change my mind and decide I wished I’d got the white face then they would change it at no cost. Also if after getting the white face I realise the black was better after all they will change it back. Is this normal part of the Rolex Dealer service?

Ahhhh the benefits of living in the UK! Yes, such luxuries of dial swaps for the first 3 months have been reported by numerous people I know in the UK. Take your time, visit a few other AD's and good luck.
~Scott

[rocco1109]

The two watches you're looking at differ in size significantly.

The Date is 34mm in diameter.

The Sub-date is 40mm.

For me, 34mm is just too small; however I'm quite happy with my 36mm Datejust Turn-o-graph.

[Frost]

Audiolab welcome to TRF.
I'm a relative newbie too and the guys on this forum have provided excellent advice. The point which your AD made about you being able to choose and change your dial within a 3 month period is true - or certainly its one that was told to me too.
I like that Date you have up there and you could also go for the same dial but on a Datejust.

I ended up spending lots and lots of time at various ADs trying various watches. I was deeply surprised at the lack of sale pressure from any of them and their willingness to let me try a multitude of designs.

I ended up with the Explorer I for its very understated and classic look. I've had it for a week and cannot imagine being without it now (although I do want a Datejust now too).

Anyway in summary - just spend as much time as you can trying on different ones until one speaks to you. You'll know when....

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF.....it's nice to have you aboard!!

And if it's your very FIRST Rolex.....then go with the SS Sub-date (16610) in a heartbeat!!

It's still considered as the ULTIMATE Rolex out there with an excellent resale value and recognition that is instantaneous!!

The BEST Rolex money can buy.

Good luck - JJ

[Alcan]

Hi there, welcome aboard!


The watch you choose will depend on you. The one that sings loudest to you when you put it on is THE ONE.

[Audiolab]

Wow!! thanks for the responses and the warm welcome guys, much appreciated.

I never thought about the 36mm Datejust rocco1109 posted a picture of, I now HAVE to go and try that one one. As for face size.....I am quite slim and have tried both 36 and 40mm models. My wife thought the 26 looked better but I really fealt comfortable with both, current watch is about 38mm so slightly smaller or larger doesn't seem to be critical but I will carefully consider this thanks for that.

Some good points, for me the Sub is the iconic Rolex and I have to say it felt just soooo good on my wrist, however I do not use the dial round the edge for any real purpose like time zones (showing my newbie lack of knowledge for the proper term) so this is why I was considering a completley plain watch such as the 115200.

I will probably buy a second watch but I think if I was to make a single "one watch only" choice I am personally leaning towards the Sub.

OK another trip to the dealer on Saturday, he is very nice and exerts no pressure whatsoever. Said he would get a watch in of I wanted just to see it so armed with the info from this forum I think I may get more out of the next visit.

Thanks again, I will let you know how I get on.

[rickyslam]

I will have to agree with JJ on getting the Sub. I was never in a dilemma with which watch to get, but rather where I should buy it from. The Sub was and still is an awesome watch. Though I did go ahead and picked up a Datejust, I will always be in love with the Sub. People say it’s iconic. I also see it as a legendary. =)

[2th Dr]

Welcome to TRF!
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but you mentioned something dressy, something for work and social occasions. IMHO, that would be the DateJust. I think that's the most recognized, and most copied Rolex, and it is classy, yet you can wear it pretty much anywhere, depending of course, on what dial, bezel, and bracelet you get. Best wishes on your hunt!

[etp095]

welcome to the forum.
go for the sub date,can't go wrong,pure class and timeless style.

[charliec]

Welcome to TRF!!!!
The watch choice must be yours and yours alone my man. Look at the watches and whichever smiles at you the most is the one IMHO. The best advice I can give is how to get the watch you want at the best posible price. If you intend to buy the watch from a Ernest Jones (good Rolex AD) or any associate of Signet you MUST buy a few shares in the company. £10-£20 worth. You will then be sent a shareholders card that gives you a 10% discount on any purchases made. This will immediately save you £250-£350 depending on choice.
If you PM me with your email address I will send you the most current UK price list if you don't already have it. When you have found the watch you want to buy do ensure you get the best possible price going. Discounts in the UK are generally not done but not unheard of either.

[stevemulholland3]

the sub is the perfect choice for your first rolex..its an icon!

[oldrolex]

I do like the looks of the Turn o gragh. It's one of those watches no one talkes about but everyone likes.

[Wolfgang427]

Welcome. try both on again and choose the one that sings back to you.

[jas55]

Have you thought of an Explorer 2? It comes with either a black or white dial, and is also smaller than the Submariner. It's quite good to wear to work, as it fits nicely under your shirt sleeve.

It's still in the Professinal range, and is cheaper than a Submariner. It depends on what size watch you prefer to wear.

Good luck with your search

[hflee55]

Welcome to TRF. I would go for the sub without any hesitation. I think it fits your criteria of dressy & casual at the same time. It's truly a classic.

[chenx15]

buy both.

[JimSnyder]

Get the Sub. You will never need another one. You will already have "The Watch"

[Black Knight]

I like the sub too, although I went with the GMT ll. Will you wear daily? Do you work indoors all of the day, or more of an outdoor job? Do you fancy yourself as more of a sporting fellow or are you going for the slightly more conservative image?

[tubojunk]

Both are different and great in their own regard. The main factor for me when choosing a watch is what/when I would be wearing it. Is this going to be your daily wearer and what do you normally wear. To me personally I would feel like a fool if my only watch was an all gold Day Date but i normally wore the t-shirt and jeans. If your using this watch to wear at work and dress up business casual i would probably go with the date. If this is just going to be a fun casual watch I would go with the sub.

Personally I like the sub more as it is still the icon of Rolex watches.

[yeeg]

I just bought my first Rolex 5 hours ago and I chose the Explorer II M series 16570 with a white dial...This baby wont be coming off my arm anytime soon...Simply beautiful...But I will reiterate what another posted indicated and thats the best choice is your choice.

I cant believe I am thinking of buying another one already...This one barely has the stickers taken off...

A little story about my first experience with Rolex...I lived in Regina, Saskatchewan most of my life and went into a local jeweller who was a Rolex dealer...I believe I was 11 or 12 years old at the time...I was looking at the Rolex counter and the lady asked if I would like to try one on...I replied with "I'm only 11 years old and I dont have any money to buy one"...Her response was "you may not have any money right now but one day, you will and then you will think of Rolex"...Well, that lady was absolutely right and I couldnt resist...Wherever this lady is today, I just want to thank for her letting me try on that $25,000 Rolex...

[JimC]

Welcome aboard! I'm a "new guy" from a few months ago. A Sub was my first, but it didn't stop there. (With a GMT II two weeks later and just last week an Explorer II.) You certainly can't go wrong with the classic Sub Date.

Good luck with your decision. The right one will be the one you choose.

[stujin]

If I had to choice right now it would be platinum yachmaster....but that doesn't seem to be an option for you.....so w/ that said.........get the sub.....it is a classic.

[vapalux]

Welcome to TRF!!!

The best advice is try a lot on and pick what smiles at you the mostYou never know you may end up with a totally different watch!

I remember seeing a beautiful Datejust and having it, and loved it. Then I had a black dial and the same happened with that

Best of luck whichever you choose but there's plenty of sound advice already given on the thread:

Si

[bodybump]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Welcome to TRF.....it's nice to have you aboard!!

And if it's your very FIRST Rolex.....then go with the SS Sub-date (16610) in a heartbeat!!

It's still considered as the ULTIMATE Rolex out there with an excellent resale value and recognition that is instantaneous!!

The BEST Rolex money can buy.

Good luck - JJ

WELCOME TO THE CRAZY WORLD OF TRF!!! I agree with jj go with the sub...you will have the watch for a long time!!! Take your time looking in the forum and you will get such good deals here...a lot of people here from the UK!!

[eric23]

Welcome to TRF and congrats on the nice watch!