Starter Rolex's

[Laplander]

Since I posted about what folks would choose as their first Rolex tended to be off the price charts for me, because as a soon to be Seminarian, I'm limited as to what I can spend. The DJs we are looking for to be our 20th anniversary presents to each other are already being allocated for. What I want now is Rolex I can wear without breaking the bank. I enjoy the looks of some of these Rolexes with leather bands, I even like the looks of the old trench watches. What would you guys recommend as a "starter" type Rolex? There are so many horror stories from buying on the internet, and so many intricacies that that need to be known, it's kind of over whelming. Do I post an ad asking for cheap Rolex on the board here? Would that sound insulting to a seller? Should I look for one from the 10s, the 40s, the 80s, or what? What would be a realistic buidget for a price for a watch that hasn't been hacked to death or altered beyond the point of holding it's value? This is going to be my last gift to myself because once I get to Seminary I'm going to be watching every penny. I apologize if I'm asking too many questions, but a Rolex has always been a dream of mine and want to make sure I don't just throw my money away.

[zhiunit]

first of all there is no such thing as a "starter" rolex....a rolex is a rolex
and can u please tell us your price range so we know wat we are trying to help you with here

[brkanand]

Welcome to TRF. Entry level watch - if that is what you are looking for - is Air King.

[gwalker]

Maybe an older Air King or DJ???? Those can be had pretty cheap but make sure it's authentic and check on service history. I get what you are saying about a starter watch but it gets some people's panties in a wad when you use the term. I don't see anything wrong with it and use the term from time to time.

[Laplander]

Here's a few that I have been watching. I've seen some without a band go for under a grand, and then I see several models in the 1k-1500 range.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120806205560...84.m1426.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330632853406...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120805363549...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130592484082...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220879158092...84.m1423.l2649

This last one, the rectangular Rolex Marconi to me is the most stunning, but when I emailed him about it he said it was $1400. I was really hoping to stay under a $1000. What would your suggections be?

Thanks.

[GradyPhilpott]

I say keep saving your money.

I understand your impatience, but buying on the used market, especially ebay can be fraught with many problems.

I think when you have something like $2000-$2500, you can pick up a good quality used Rolex from a trusted seller, as are available here.

[jelmedia]

I'd say a black dial Submariner, with or without date. It can be worn on almost all occasions, fair price range, and I think it just looks fantastic and will encourage you to grow more into the hobby of watch addiction. The Airking, not bad, I love the new blue dial. It's the cheapest Rolex out there, but it doesn't make it "the best" entry level. Price shouldn't be the concern when you are buying a watch, at least not IMO.

[Rogue884]

WG Sub, go big first . . . JK

[horseco]

My advice to you is save up until you have at least $2,000 “When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought is incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.”
― John Ruskin

[sierra11b]

My advice would be to save for a 14060 Non-COSC Submariner as they do come up occasionally for good prices and from reputable sellers here.

Secondly, I would suggest a DJ. While new DJs can be quite expensive it's one the models that don't hold value as well as the sports models. If you stay awhile you can find a nice one in the sales forums for less than $3500.

Lastly, there's always vintage Tudor Subs. All the class and go of the Submariner, can be had at a fraction of the price (depending on scarcity of the model), are made by Rolex in the same factory but with no coronet on the dial. Fantastic watches.

Good luck!

[RolexWatcher]

Save up and get what you want. It is better in the long run.

[colpol]

Originally Posted by RolexWatcher

Save up and get what you want. It is better in the long run.

x2.

There's no point in buying something - anything - just cos its got the rolex name on it.

Do some research, find the model that you 100% want, find out the price & then start saving like made (with perhaps some ebaying of non essential stuff to get to your target quicker)

[Erix]

Originally Posted by colpol

x2.

There's no point in buying something - anything - just cos its got the rolex name on it.

Do some research, find the model that you 100% want, find out the price & then start saving like made (with perhaps some ebaying of non essential stuff to get to your target quicker)

Hear hear, the voice of reason.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by gradyphilpott

i say keep saving your money.

I understand your impatience, but buying on the used market, especially ebay can be fraught with many problems.

I think when you have something like $2000-$2500, you can pick up a good quality used rolex from a trusted seller, as are available here.

x2

[warren G.]

Originally Posted by RolexWatcher

Save up and get what you want. It is better in the long run.

This.
Trust me when I said months will go by fast. If you find yourself really tempted, just avoid the watch forums for the mean time.

[HERITAGE82]

As stated above take a look at the older Tudors oysters. Looking at the models you have chosen above I think you will find what you are looking for well within your budget and the quality will be up to rolex standards.

Good luck!!

[warren G.]

Haha the last one was 5 mins apart!

[MoBe]

If you`re looking at older Rolex because of affordability alone you might want to reconsider based servicability.Older watches can present problems when it comes to repair and maintenance.You don`t want to end up with an expensive antique that you can`t wear.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Laplander

Here's a few that I have been watching. I've seen some without a band go for under a grand, and then I see several models in the 1k-1500 range.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120806205560...84.m1426.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330632853406...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120805363549...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130592484082...84.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220879158092...84.m1423.l2649

This last one, the rectangular Rolex Marconi to me is the most stunning, but when I emailed him about it he said it was $1400. I was really hoping to stay under a $1000. What would your suggections be?

Thanks.

The first two look bad (the cushion case and gold plate Marconi thing), but a 6694 would be nice. I would expect to pay no less than $1,200 for a 20-30 year old DJ or Air King, and you have to understand the service history to keep your watch under $2,000. If you buy on the low side and get a Rolex that needs service in the near future, you should expect to add $500 to your total cost. You have a decent chance to find a used Rolex in the $1,000 to $1,500 range, but you have to be patient and learn a bit about the brand.

The only Rolex I would consider are ones with oyster cases (almost all) and buying one without a decent bracelet can save you money. The $2,000 to $2,500 range really changes your options.

[Deyn Man]

Originally Posted by warren G.

This.
Trust me when I said months will go by fast. If you find yourself really tempted, just avoid the watch forums for the mean time.

x2
save up for something you really want!!!!!

[Rags]

An air king or older datejust is what your looking for..

[Beelzy]

Er, Are we not going to look conspicuous at the Seminary while sporting a Rolex? LOL!