Rolex Decision - Submariner or Explorer

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Originally Posted by Kevingrr

So my non-WIS Dad, knowing of my love for watches, for Xmas and my 40th birthday told me he would like to buy me a Rolex Explorer or Rolex of my choice, but at retail. My Dad knows the Explorer because he was gifted one 15ish years ago - and he has worn it every day since. This is the first time I've ever received a watch as a gift.

Needless to say, this surprised and elated me, except I knew the chances of finding one at present would be very difficult.

That said, aside from supply issues, I'm trying to decide between the Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Submariner (no-date). After visiting an AD (twice already) I really have my heart set on finding a Submariner. The DNA it shares with my current favorite, Tudor Pelagos, is apparent, but it still feels distinct.

I want to want the Explorer instead of the Submariner, but I think the Explorer maybe a watch I would need to live with to fall in love with...and I'm already smitten with the idea of a Submariner. Has anyone else resolved a similar dilemma?

My current collection is a Tudor Pelagos (2-Line Black), Omega Aqua Terra 39mm Blue, Sinn 6000, and Nomos Orion 35mm.

Lastly, he really wants this to be a Rolex. He isn't familiar with other watch brands (Patek, Glashutte, IWC, none of these names mean anything to him).

Appreciate any insights.

Happy New Year.

Kevin

In this case, gotta go with Explorer, and you should get something like "Happy 40th, Love Dad" engraved on the back. Explorer IS your Dad's watch, he wants to share that with you through a gift. Having your own Explorer will give you years of enjoyment knowing your Dad went his whole life with the same model and the note on the back will be extra special. To me, it wouldn't mean as much if I just went out and got some other model I happened to like and my Dad simply serves as the wallet in the transaction.

[hondacb1002]

Originally Posted by SaintMickey

Personally I could never take a "Rolex" from my father as a grown man with a family etc. Raised different I guess. No right or wrong answer.

I have to agree with you here. There are no right or wrong answers. But I would feel incredibly awkward if my father gifted me a rolex. For folk in my circle a Rolex purchased by a parent for their offspring doesn't garner the same respect as someone who has afforded their own. Now if you can afford to buy your folks a Rolex when they could never afford one you are a king of kings in my book.

[RoloRonnie]

Originally Posted by hondacb1002

I have to agree with you here. There are no right or wrong answers. But I would feel incredibly awkward if my father gifted me a rolex. For folk in my circle a Rolex purchased by a parent for their offspring doesn't garner the same respect as someone who has afforded their own. Now if you can afford to buy your folks a Rolex when they could never afford one you are a king of kings in my book.

Different strokes. Disagree completely.

I think it’s an awesome gift to give. Also does away with any stigma when it’s a gift from a parent / spouse.

[Kevingrr]

Originally Posted by RoloRonnie

Different strokes. Disagree completely.

I think it’s an awesome gift to give. Also does away with any stigma when it’s a gift from a parent / spouse.

Not surprised it popped up in the thread. I’m mostly on Reddit and any gift seems to irk some people. My dad, brother, and I are all successful - any of us can afford these. Its not some sort of weird validation of success. My brother will probably continue to wear his smartwatches which he prefers - he just got a Garmin 6s. The Christopher Ward I got him sees very little wrist time.

As I said in original post no one has ever bought me a watch in 40 years - I’ve bought both of them cheaper watches in the past.

Fwiw I typically reserve big gifts for my mom.

[observingwatches]

Sub! From what you said that's where you hearts going

[liberalclown]

Ask your father to get the sub for himself and give the exp to you. I would cherish my fathers watch much more than a new piece if the goal of your father is to leave something memorable to his son.

[Skaramanga]

Submariner

[nighthawk77]

Sub of the two but would you consider getting the date version, which leaves space for a no-date 3 hander in the collection, and add the Explorer at a later date?

[SLWoodster]

gift from your father. either one would be great.

[Oyster Sauce]

Both are awesome watches, but if you have a choice, get the Sub. It's the one you want. And your Omega AT covers the territory that the Explorer would. Best wishes

[nat]

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

Would your dad be interested in adopting another son?

or, maybe 2 sons?

[Innocenti]

Which ever you want and like most.

I’d buy and wear the heck out of a 36mm explorer.
Only way I would wear a modern sub is if it was part of a hefty sponsorship deal and then on for the cameras

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by liberalclown

Ask your father to get the sub for himself and give the exp to you. I would cherish my fathers watch much more than a new piece if the goal of your father is to leave something memorable to his son.

This every day of the week.

[Rags]

Submariner.