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BAYsic · 16 May 2010, 04:23 AM

Thanks so much for everybody's input and advice.

I would have replied sooner, but couldn't find my post until I finally did a search by member name.

I am off to have lunch and on the way back we are stopping by the AD. I will report back with details after I see these beauties on my wrist. Being that I like both watches equally, I am hoping that when they are on my wrist, one will separate itself.

On a side note. The watch is $6500 msrp. A jeweler friend of mine (grew up with his son, they did all of our wedding jewelry) said he can get me the watch at his cost. The 116234 (fluted bezel, jubilie) will run my $5600 (out the door price if I pay cash).

He isn't an AD and I can't try the watch on first (he will have to order it and it will take 2 days to come in). The price seems amazing and I know the AD won't be able to come close. Are there other benefits to going through an AD? Would that make servicing easier?

springbar · 16 May 2010, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAYsic

Thanks so much for everybody's input and advice.

I would have replied sooner, but couldn't find my post until I finally did a search by member name.

I am off to have lunch and on the way back we are stopping by the AD. I will report back with details after I see these beauties on my wrist. Being that I like both watches equally, I am hoping that when they are on my wrist, one will separate itself.

On a side note. The watch is $6500 msrp. A jeweler friend of mine (grew up with his son, they did all of our wedding jewelry) said he can get me the watch at his cost. The 116234 (fluted bezel, jubilie) will run my $5600 (out the door price if I pay cash).

He isn't an AD and I can't try the watch on first (he will have to order it and it will take 2 days to come in). The price seems amazing and I know the AD won't be able to come close. Are there other benefits to going through an AD? Would that make servicing easier?

I'm not sure I understand. Can your jeweler friend issue you a Rolex warranty card? If the watch is new, where is he getting it?

I haven't been Datejust shopping myself recently, but my understanding is that the hungrier ADs will do that deal for you. Unfortunately, you won't find them in the Bay Area.

BAYsic · 16 May 2010, 07:02 AM

He is getting the watch from an authorized source with a warranty card that is in my name and a receipt.

He isn't in the business of regularly selling watches, but he does regularly design custom jewelry, including customizing watches. Sometimes customers bring in their own watches, other times he sources the particular watch they want. I think it is through this facet of his business that he has cultivated relationships with ADs and distributors and how he can get new timepieces when needed.

At bottom, I completely trust the jeweler. We live in the same small neighborhood and our families own businesses within a block from each other in the same business district. I can't see it being worth his time to risk his reputation over a relatively small transaction.

I am also pursuing another route. A friend's brother-in-law is a Rolex aficionado and has purchased a significant number of watches from the same AD in the LA area. The AD now gives him sizeable discounts (20% off the last purchase he made) and he will contact her about a watch and see what kind of deal he can get. Only problem with this one is that I am in Northern California and the AD in Southern California, so I won't have the excitement of walking into a store to make my first purchase.

gqllc · 16 May 2010, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomallen

I always felt the SS Submariner Date to be the quintessential first Rolex but that is just my 2 cents from the peanut gallery. Either watch you describe is a great choice, and you can see by the other posts opinions are varied. Buy the one that catches your eye and start saving for the next.

I agree with this 100%!!

NavitimerNut · 16 May 2010, 07:25 AM

Stick dial with jubilee

bewithabob · 16 May 2010, 07:50 AM

eenie meenie mmynie mo

springbar · 16 May 2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAYsic

He is getting the watch from an authorized source with a warranty card that is in my name and a receipt.

You know and like the guy, and if you get the warranty card, I'd do it. Maybe you can beat the price (a little) by doing this L.A. deal, but who needs the hassle?

I've walked away from some decent discounts when the deal started to get too weird. I'd gladly pay more to somebody who's on the up-and-up.

BAYsic · 17 May 2010, 03:58 PM

Back to the drawing board. I walked in to an AD to try on the watches and see them firsthand.

The 36 mm did not suit my arm at all. My wrist is only slightly larger than average, but I have bigger hands. The 41 mm Datejust II was looked and felt much better on my wrist. The AD only had Black roman with bar at 9 o'clock in stock. The black looks more like a gun metal gray. I liked it very much but requested to try on a white face before I make my decision. Of course, going with the Datejust II settled my biggest issue (bezel/band) because it is only offered with a fluted bezel and oyster band.

The out the door price the AD gave me was amazing (cheaper AlanFurman.com), my jeweler friend will try to match but he won't know what he can offer me until after the weekend is over and he contacts his sources.

Hopefully I will be the proud owner of a Rolex by the end of the week. I will post pictures as soon as the deal is consummated.

Cru Jones · 17 May 2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAYsic

Back to the drawing board. I walked in to an AD to try on the watches and see them firsthand.

The 36 mm did not suit my arm at all. My wrist is only slightly larger than average, but I have bigger hands. The 41 mm Datejust II was looked and felt much better on my wrist. The AD only had Black roman with bar at 9 o'clock in stock. The black looks more like a gun metal gray. I liked it very much but requested to try on a white face before I make my decision. Of course, going with the Datejust II settled my biggest issue (bezel/band) because it is only offered with a fluted bezel and oyster band.

The out the door price the AD gave me was amazing (cheaper AlanFurman.com), my jeweler friend will try to match but he won't know what he can offer me until after the weekend is over and he contacts his sources.

Hopefully I will be the proud owner of a Rolex by the end of the week. I will post pictures as soon as the deal is consummated.

Yup, definitely the 110% best approach is to try them on.....People on forums can give you opinions until the end of the internets, and it still won't help you.

For example, I'd say that the DJII is a very nice piece, but it is not, IMHO, as subtle, classic or refined as the DJ. But, there's nothing wrong with having something more pronounced and with more wrist presence. It will probably get noticed more (for better or worse). Just depends on what you want.

Enjoy the hunt!

simba · 18 May 2010, 01:05 AM

Welcome to graduation!

You and I are in similar positions - I had a similar post on Friday. Check it out if you still haven't made your purchase. If you have, i think everybody would want to see it!

Kapture1 · 18 May 2010, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoosicPa

It's a matter of preference, I personally prefer the Romans as opposed to the sticks. Also, I prefer the jubilee band with the fluted bezel and the oyster band with a smooth bezel. The fluted bezel is a little more blingy than the smooth bezel. Best of luck.

OMG thats gorgeous

chris russell · 18 May 2010, 03:46 AM

Therefore, Oyster band, smooth bezel, bars on the dial.

George Ab · 18 May 2010, 04:03 AM

Welcome to TRF.

Below is a link to Frequently Asked Questions that will show you the Z is a 2006 model. Also good info on cleaning your watch , etc.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478

toddb · 18 May 2010, 04:05 AM

They are very classy and handsome.....

Puffy · 26 May 2010, 07:59 PM

Welcome mate!

I'd go the first one, stick dial on a Super Jubilee...

Good thing I have one at home

16 May 2010, 07:50 AM	#36
bewithabob "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Bob Location: Dallas, Texas Watch: Daytona Meteorite Posts: 3,417	eenie meenie mmynie mo __________________ meteor flying to Earth onto my wrist... 116509 Daytona Meteorite, 116520 Daytona Black, 116710 GMTIIC, 16013 DATEJUST, CARTIER SANTOS 100 W20090X8, IWC Big Pilot, IWC Top Gun "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."

18 May 2010, 03:46 AM	#42
chris russell Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Peterborough, ON Watch: your mouth. Posts: 1,023	Imho, simpler is always better, both in the short and the longer term. Therefore, Oyster band, smooth bezel, bars on the dial.

18 May 2010, 04:03 AM	#43
George Ab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: George Location: Seattle Watch: One of Them Posts: 6,924	Welcome to TRF. Below is a link to Frequently Asked Questions that will show you the Z is a 2006 model. Also good info on cleaning your watch , etc. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478 __________________

18 May 2010, 04:05 AM	#44
toddb "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: TB Location: SO Cal. Watch: Xplorer 40 Posts: 216	Romans, of course ! They are very classy and handsome.....

26 May 2010, 07:59 PM	#45
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	Welcome mate! I'd go the first one, stick dial on a Super Jubilee... Good thing I have one at home __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

16 May 2010, 04:23 AM	#31
BAYsic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7	Thanks so much for everybody's input and advice. I would have replied sooner, but couldn't find my post until I finally did a search by member name. I am off to have lunch and on the way back we are stopping by the AD. I will report back with details after I see these beauties on my wrist. Being that I like both watches equally, I am hoping that when they are on my wrist, one will separate itself. On a side note. The watch is $6500 msrp. A jeweler friend of mine (grew up with his son, they did all of our wedding jewelry) said he can get me the watch at his cost. The 116234 (fluted bezel, jubilie) will run my $5600 (out the door price if I pay cash). He isn't an AD and I can't try the watch on first (he will have to order it and it will take 2 days to come in). The price seems amazing and I know the AD won't be able to come close. Are there other benefits to going through an AD? Would that make servicing easier?

16 May 2010, 07:02 AM	#33
BAYsic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7	He is getting the watch from an authorized source with a warranty card that is in my name and a receipt. He isn't in the business of regularly selling watches, but he does regularly design custom jewelry, including customizing watches. Sometimes customers bring in their own watches, other times he sources the particular watch they want. I think it is through this facet of his business that he has cultivated relationships with ADs and distributors and how he can get new timepieces when needed. At bottom, I completely trust the jeweler. We live in the same small neighborhood and our families own businesses within a block from each other in the same business district. I can't see it being worth his time to risk his reputation over a relatively small transaction. I am also pursuing another route. A friend's brother-in-law is a Rolex aficionado and has purchased a significant number of watches from the same AD in the LA area. The AD now gives him sizeable discounts (20% off the last purchase he made) and he will contact her about a watch and see what kind of deal he can get. Only problem with this one is that I am in Northern California and the AD in Southern California, so I won't have the excitement of walking into a store to make my first purchase.

16 May 2010, 07:25 AM	#35
NavitimerNut "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Caleb Location: California Watch: Rolex 1500 Posts: 1,295	Stick dial with jubilee

17 May 2010, 03:58 PM	#38
BAYsic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7	Back to the drawing board. I walked in to an AD to try on the watches and see them firsthand. The 36 mm did not suit my arm at all. My wrist is only slightly larger than average, but I have bigger hands. The 41 mm Datejust II was looked and felt much better on my wrist. The AD only had Black roman with bar at 9 o'clock in stock. The black looks more like a gun metal gray. I liked it very much but requested to try on a white face before I make my decision. Of course, going with the Datejust II settled my biggest issue (bezel/band) because it is only offered with a fluted bezel and oyster band. The out the door price the AD gave me was amazing (cheaper AlanFurman.com), my jeweler friend will try to match but he won't know what he can offer me until after the weekend is over and he contacts his sources. Hopefully I will be the proud owner of a Rolex by the end of the week. I will post pictures as soon as the deal is consummated.

18 May 2010, 01:05 AM	#40
simba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 6	Welcome to graduation! You and I are in similar positions - I had a similar post on Friday. Check it out if you still haven't made your purchase. If you have, i think everybody would want to see it!

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