Best bang for the bucks

[omitohud]

As the title says, which Rolex model do u think is the best value for ur money?

I think the 36mm DD is a good candidate. A new one would set u back at least 25k but for the same look, u can get a nice 1803 with bracelet for around 9k. A DJ is also a good bet. For under 2k, u might get a nice one if u r lucky. But personally, I think the honor should go to 16570 expy II. Its a lot of watch for the money. If u r patient 3.5k will get u into the Rolex tool watch territory, plus the dual time zone.

So what say u?




I blame it on the autoconnect.

[Old Expat Beast]

Agreed. The Explorer 14270 is up there, too. Seems like can get a good one for around 1/3 the price of its predecessor (1016).

[Nobody.Move]

@omitohud
I hear what you're saying about the 1803, but a lot of its inherent value is bound up in the 18k bracelet. Gold is a polarizing material; a little goes a long way. I actually think a head-only 1803 in rose gold or YG is a great value, and I'd combine it with a vintage Rolex croc/leather strap. It's all possible for around $5,000.
Like Adam said, the 14270 is a great value, and I would include the 16800 matte dial.
Your choice of the Exp II is a contender, but wow, there sure are a lot of them on the market...more sellers than buyers.

[zapokee]

If we can include the Rolex-made Tudors, then a Big Block is a lot of watch for 3 - 4,000 bucks.

If that's over budget, the Date-Day Jumbo (the Tudor equivalent of an 1803) is a steal at around $2 - 3,000. A real under-the-radar watch for those in the know.

[Qinhan]

^ Good point on the Big Block. They're tremendous value.

[strafer_kid]

Explorer 16570 is probaly a good bet alright in terms of vfm. Good solid design and construction, though perhaps a bit under rated when compared with Subs, GMTs etc? Maybe explains the competitive prices?

[Micha]

Originally Posted by Qinhan

^ Good point on the Big Block. They're tremendous value.

x2 Beauty...
ps also has more potential to increase in value than the Explorer imho

[speedolex]

I'd nominate a vintage Datejust, 1601 or 1603, late 60's, look just like the current models with added charm and can be found in minty condition on a bracelet for $2,500 or less.

[mapalfa]

Originally Posted by speedolex

I'd nominate a vintage Datejust, 1601 or 1603, late 60's, look just like the current models with added charm and can be found in minty condition on a bracelet for $2,500 or less.

I paid less than £1500 for mine and it was the exact year I'd been looking for as well.

[droptopman]

Agree with others all good choices.
Sports model 16570 and for a little dressier and PM the 1803. I am actually hunting for a minty 1803 head only to wear on straps. 5k will land me a nice one.

[Richard Carver]

Or even under 3K...



No box, no paps, no bracelet, no mama no papa just a beautiful 16570. :)

[Richard Carver]

Also 5 digit ref DJs are obtainable at bargain prices with some judicious shopping. All the charm of a 1603 but with hacking (post 72 on 16XX) and quickset. I got this 16030 late last year sub 1800US. Again, no box, no paps, no bracelet, no mama no papa but a very nice daily wearer. Nice thick lugs and no corrosion.

[omitohud]

Gotta check out 14270. It's not in my radar yet.

Including Tudors in this discussion is not exactly fair since the whole line is supposed to b "value" Rolex. They r supposed to b priced a fraction of their Rolex counterpart. I got a tiger chrono for under 2k which is a steal considering it is almost a copy of Daytona especially with the red writing on the dial. Maybe we should have a different thread.

Cheers


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Or even under 3K...



No box, no paps, no bracelet, no mama no papa just a beautiful 16570. :)

U did good really good. 👏

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by omitohud

U did good really good. 👏

Thanks, it's become a favorite. Incredible watch.

[peatnick]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

...no mama no papa but ... very nice thick lugs...

Nice black dial, i used to use that line near port authority in the '70's . . . Wait, you said DJ's, might be on the wrong forum!

Here's my white dial 1601 SS/YG.



Love me some 1970"s bling procured somewhere south of its market value ;)

[Qinhan]

Having given this some more thought, the 14060 submariner is also a relatively affordable Rolex and (maybe?) the cheapest sub out there. It's certainly not as cheap as some of the other models that have been mentioned in this thread but, as a sub, it has good potential for long-term appreciation in value, imho. I guess that's what you mean by "value for money?"

[speedolex]

Now this isn't the cheapest Rolex, but as far as "bang for the buck" if the criteria were limited to a model that's fairly current I'd throw up the Datejust Turn-O-Graph. Discontinued by Rolex three years ago, you can find new old stock or gently used models for under $4,500 quite a drop under its $6,000 original retail.

I'm a fan as I view it as the sportiest of the DJ models, white dial, red hands, red date wheel, and red printing, available on Jubilee or Oyster, it's a cool watch IMHO. To an owner, would look like a brand new and current model, it's a great value.

[chessebj]

I just traded in my 16570 towards a JLC Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin. I hope I don't regret it (I liked the Explorer 2, but I've been wanting a Reverso forever). It's definitely great bang for buck, and a great watch, the EII.

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by peatnick

Nice black dial, i used to use that line near port authority in the '70's . . . Wait, you said DJ's, might be on the wrong forum!

lol thought I had a checkered past!

[cuter118]

Originally Posted by Qinhan

^ Good point on the Big Block. They're tremendous value.

I agree with you guys on this ... The big block is a perfect replacement for Daytona for me

[dysondiver]

16613 ,,,, outrageous value for money ,,, a tt for less than the price of a similar steel only ,,, has to be the best value.
or of course the air king if size really isnt important.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by zapokee

If we can include the Rolex-made Tudors, then a Big Block is a lot of watch for 3 - 4,000 bucks.

If that's over budget, the Date-Day Jumbo (the Tudor equivalent of an 1803) is a steal at around $2 - 3,000. A real under-the-radar watch for those in the know.

[aaamax]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Or even under 3K...



No box, no paps, no bracelet, no mama no papa just a beautiful 16570. :)

A very nice choice in straps. Cheers.

[David AP]

Gotta be an Air King surely.

I think I genuinely love this more every day and I've had it for 8 years now.
Forgetting values, there isn't another watch I've seen in my life I'd rather have(although there are plenty I jolly well want to have in addition...).

[Lrlx]

Explorer 1 39... can be had for 4300. Giving you a versatile Rolex with modern build quality and bracelet quality.