"Entry level Rolexes..."

[B737]

About the term "Entry level" related to the Rolex line up... Is this a price only thing? Which are the entry level watches? Air King, Explorer and DJ maybe? Myself with a rather big box of watches just bought an entry level Explorer and I guess I'm not alone in this forum. Not important as a subject, but somehow it seems strange to call very iconic models "entry level". Again, price wise maybe. But money was at least for me not a factor when I choosed the Explorer.

I guess I just dont like the term.

[HERITAGE82]

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

[sensui]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

Yep....a Rolex by any other name would smell as sweet. Enjoy it.

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

[Headshrinker]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

Exactly!

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Boom.

[Timesurfer]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Boom.

IMHO the proof is that people that have been colecting for decades s still find the SS prof. And others entaicing and appreciate their nuances... Good lo luck on your journey!

[PatrickJ]

My first Rolex. Entry level.

[gav329]

Originally Posted by PatrickJ

My first Rolex. Entry level.

Stunning watch my friend don't sell yourself or the watch short by calling it entry level. A fabulous piece the AirKing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

x2. Additionally, entry level is all relative. I'm not sure many people out there consider a $5k+ watch to be entry level.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

Yup! I agree! No such thing as an entry level Rolex............. At least until you discover that once you acquire one, there is no end to it!!!

[DawgByte]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

I completely agree with your sentiments. There's no such thing as an entry level bespoke product. Yesterday I read a great article on a rare business journalist tour of Rolex's primary factory in Switzerland. Rolex makes almost all of their components in-house to exacting, even fanatical standards. They even have their own Foundry where they make their own gold. Each watch takes almost a year to make. Rolex is in a league of their own.

[mapalfa]

Originally Posted by DawgByte

I completely agree with your sentiments. There's no such thing as an entry level bespoke product. Yesterday I read a great article on a rare business journalist tour of Rolex's primary factory in Switzerland. Rolex makes almost all of their components in-house to exacting, even fanatical standards. They even have their own Foundry where they make their own gold. Each watch takes almost a year to make. Rolex is in a league of their own.

Rolex is far from being a bespoke product. Bespoke means that something is made to order, whereas Rolex make in the region of a million watches per-year.


One thing I love about this forum is that 99% of users aren't snobs. There's a lot of money here, but regardless of the collection a person has so many are quick to congratulate someone for a new watch be it "entry level" or "top of the range".

[willski]

It's just a term which if often based on price relative to other models in the range - don't worry about it.

For example, a Patek 5167 or 5711 is often called the 'entry' Patek, although retail is over $20k. The 'entry' level Greubel Forsey (Signature 1) is over $150,000. Clearly these are only 'entry level' when compared to other models within the brands.

'Entry level' is not the same as an 'entry level watch'. A California T is the cheapest (new) and entry level prancing horse but you wouldn't call it an 'entry' car :)

The Explorer I is a great watch. Who cares if someone calls it an entry Rolex :)


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[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by willski

It's just a term which if often based on price relative to other models in the range - don't worry about it.

For example, a Patek 5167 or 5711 is often called the 'entry' Patek, although retail is over $20k. The 'entry' level Greubel Forsey (Signature 1) is over $150,000. Clearly these are only 'entry level' when compared to other models within the brands.

'Entry level' is not the same as an 'entry level watch'. A California T is the cheapest (new) and entry level prancing horse but you wouldn't call it an 'entry' car :)

The Explorer I is a great watch. Who cares if someone calls it an entry Rolex :)


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⬆️⬆️Exactly:)

[Syed117]

Just a term that people throw around based on price alone.

Doesn't really mean anything in this context because the movements aren't different based on price.

Would anyone call any Daytona entry level? Of course not, but it could be applied to the steel model.

Considering that the movement is exactly the same, the steel Daytona could be called the entry level of Rolex chronographs. Only Rolex can change the material to platinum and charge five times the price of steel.

[OmegaJJH]

You'll only hear that term on here.

Just ignore and enjoy your watch!!

[R G]

Entry level 'price' applies to Rolex as much as any other item from any other brand.

Entry level 'model' isn't a term I would associate with thier line-up, although I've heard it used on the Air King models.

[The Libertine]

Silliness..... A Rolex, is a Rolex, is a Rolex!

Congratulationson your Explorer!

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Silliness..... A Rolex, is a Rolex, is a Rolex!

Congratulationson your Explorer!

Yeah. These watches are very nice and impressive. It's like saying you bought an entry level Ferrari. It's still a freaking Ferrari.

[KZZN]

Hi,

I'd personally say this purely only applies as far as prices are concerned. Rolex quality is identical whether you're buying a so-called "entry level" all-stainless Oyster Perpetual, an all-platinum Day-Date or Daytona, or anything else at all in the entire range. I've certainly owned Rolexes that were all stainless, Rolesor and solid gold, and they all delivered the same excellent experience in terms of performance, reliability and build quality.

[Loevhagen]

Of course there is an entry level Rolex - and it is an Explorer II. Just read this:

"The Five Stages of Rolex Ownership
Just something I put together after recently succumbing to the lure of a steel Daytona.

Hope you enjoy.

Denial
I do not now, nor will I ever own a Rolex. They are monstrosities commonly found on the wrists of poseurs, fat cat bankers and vile dictators. Just look at the things, hideous gold and two tone abortions with no horological value. Overpriced and over rated. Give me Omega, give me Oris, give me Squale!

I do quite like the look of that Explorer II though. hmmm?

(# of Rolexes owned 0)

Anger
How did it come to this I have bought an Explorer II? Damn it I´m so weak. Well, it´s ok if anyone wants to question my horological relevance I still have a JLC so they can just .... off. Besides I´ll probably sell the Explorer soon anyway, after all it can´t be any good and I bought it on a whim. It´s like being a petrol head and having to own an Alfa, got to be able to say you owned at least one Rolex. right?

(#of Rolexes owned 1)

Bargaining
Ok, I slipped, but when you look at it the white dial Explorer is the least "Rolexey" one you can get. Not many people even spot that it is a Rolex and that GMT function is useful for traveling. I can even put it on a nato and it´ll be great for hanging out at the beach or whatever. It wasn´t really that expensive either when you consider the build quality plus it´s an in house COSC certified movement. I´ll just keep this one and it´ll be my guilty pleasure.

(# of Rolexes owned 1)

Depression
Just leave me alone alright. It happened again, I´m not proud of it, but I´m only human. I bought a Submariner. Listen it´s a no-date, and it´s a two-line tritium dial. It´s the best one to own, it´s a classic.

I can still come back from this I swear.

(# of Rolexes owned 2)

Acceptance
You know, once you get past the marketing and the image problem these Rolexes are pretty amazing. The styling is classic and timeless, they are sized just right for normal people and they are built to take some punishment. Stick to the steel ones and buy pre-owned and you can´t go wrong.

Not like an AP that you practically have to service every time you take it out of the box. And I mean really does all that Cotes de Geneve stuff actually improve the functionality of the watch? And who needs a moon phase or a perpetual calendar, I won´t live till the year 2100 unless the singularity happens anytime soon. I can use my iPhone to find out the next high tide and if I really wanted I could take the Submariner surfing, try doing that with a bloody Patek Phillippe!

After all, if it was good enough for Paul Newman who am I to argue. I´ll just get a steel Daytona and that will be the end of it.

(# of Rolexes owned 3)"

Source: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f23/fiv...p-3307458.html

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Of course there is an entry level Rolex - and it is an Explorer II. Just read this:

"The Five Stages of Rolex Ownership
Just something I put together after recently succumbing to the lure of a steel Daytona.

Hope you enjoy.

Denial
I do not now, nor will I ever own a Rolex. They are monstrosities commonly found on the wrists of poseurs, fat cat bankers and vile dictators. Just look at the things, hideous gold and two tone abortions with no horological value. Overpriced and over rated. Give me Omega, give me Oris, give me Squale!

I do quite like the look of that Explorer II though. hmmm?

(# of Rolexes owned 0)

Anger
How did it come to this I have bought an Explorer II? Damn it I´m so weak. Well, it´s ok if anyone wants to question my horological relevance I still have a JLC so they can just .... off. Besides I´ll probably sell the Explorer soon anyway, after all it can´t be any good and I bought it on a whim. It´s like being a petrol head and having to own an Alfa, got to be able to say you owned at least one Rolex. right?

(#of Rolexes owned 1)

Bargaining
Ok, I slipped, but when you look at it the white dial Explorer is the least "Rolexey" one you can get. Not many people even spot that it is a Rolex and that GMT function is useful for traveling. I can even put it on a nato and it´ll be great for hanging out at the beach or whatever. It wasn´t really that expensive either when you consider the build quality plus it´s an in house COSC certified movement. I´ll just keep this one and it´ll be my guilty pleasure.

(# of Rolexes owned 1)

Depression
Just leave me alone alright. It happened again, I´m not proud of it, but I´m only human. I bought a Submariner. Listen it´s a no-date, and it´s a two-line tritium dial. It´s the best one to own, it´s a classic.

I can still come back from this I swear.

(# of Rolexes owned 2)

Acceptance
You know, once you get past the marketing and the image problem these Rolexes are pretty amazing. The styling is classic and timeless, they are sized just right for normal people and they are built to take some punishment. Stick to the steel ones and buy pre-owned and you can´t go wrong.

Not like an AP that you practically have to service every time you take it out of the box. And I mean really does all that Cotes de Geneve stuff actually improve the functionality of the watch? And who needs a moon phase or a perpetual calendar, I won´t live till the year 2100 unless the singularity happens anytime soon. I can use my iPhone to find out the next high tide and if I really wanted I could take the Submariner surfing, try doing that with a bloody Patek Phillippe!

After all, if it was good enough for Paul Newman who am I to argue. I´ll just get a steel Daytona and that will be the end of it.

(# of Rolexes owned 3)"

Source: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f23/fiv...p-3307458.html

" the story of my life ! "

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Of course there is an entry level Rolex - and it is an Explorer II. Just read this:

"The Five Stages of Rolex Ownership
Just something I put together after recently succumbing to the lure of a steel Daytona.

Hope you enjoy.

Denial
I do not now, nor will I ever own a Rolex. They are monstrosities commonly found on the wrists of poseurs, fat cat bankers and vile dictators. Just look at the things, hideous gold and two tone abortions with no horological value. Overpriced and over rated. Give me Omega, give me Oris, give me Squale!

I do quite like the look of that Explorer II though. hmmm?

(# of Rolexes owned 0)

Anger
How did it come to this I have bought an Explorer II? Damn it I´m so weak. Well, it´s ok if anyone wants to question my horological relevance I still have a JLC so they can just .... off. Besides I´ll probably sell the Explorer soon anyway, after all it can´t be any good and I bought it on a whim. It´s like being a petrol head and having to own an Alfa, got to be able to say you owned at least one Rolex. right?

(#of Rolexes owned 1)

Bargaining
Ok, I slipped, but when you look at it the white dial Explorer is the least "Rolexey" one you can get. Not many people even spot that it is a Rolex and that GMT function is useful for traveling. I can even put it on a nato and it´ll be great for hanging out at the beach or whatever. It wasn´t really that expensive either when you consider the build quality plus it´s an in house COSC certified movement. I´ll just keep this one and it´ll be my guilty pleasure.

(# of Rolexes owned 1)

Depression
Just leave me alone alright. It happened again, I´m not proud of it, but I´m only human. I bought a Submariner. Listen it´s a no-date, and it´s a two-line tritium dial. It´s the best one to own, it´s a classic.

I can still come back from this I swear.

(# of Rolexes owned 2)

Acceptance
You know, once you get past the marketing and the image problem these Rolexes are pretty amazing. The styling is classic and timeless, they are sized just right for normal people and they are built to take some punishment. Stick to the steel ones and buy pre-owned and you can´t go wrong.

Not like an AP that you practically have to service every time you take it out of the box. And I mean really does all that Cotes de Geneve stuff actually improve the functionality of the watch? And who needs a moon phase or a perpetual calendar, I won´t live till the year 2100 unless the singularity happens anytime soon. I can use my iPhone to find out the next high tide and if I really wanted I could take the Submariner surfing, try doing that with a bloody Patek Phillippe!

This was good till he went back to denial and delusion in the last paragraph.

[Romeojk]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Of course there is an entry level Rolex - and it is an Explorer II. Just read this:

"The Five Stages of Rolex Ownership
Just something I put together after recently succumbing to the lure of a steel Daytona.

Hope you enjoy.

Denial
I do not now, nor will I ever own a Rolex. They are monstrosities commonly found on the wrists of poseurs, fat cat bankers and vile dictators. Just look at the things, hideous gold and two tone abortions with no horological value. Overpriced and over rated. Give me Omega, give me Oris, give me Squale!

I do quite like the look of that Explorer II though. hmmm?

(# of Rolexes owned 0)

Anger
How did it come to this I have bought an Explorer II? Damn it I´m so weak. Well, it´s ok if anyone wants to question my horological relevance I still have a JLC so they can just .... off. Besides I´ll probably sell the Explorer soon anyway, after all it can´t be any good and I bought it on a whim. It´s like being a petrol head and having to own an Alfa, got to be able to say you owned at least one Rolex. right?

(#of Rolexes owned 1)

Bargaining
Ok, I slipped, but when you look at it the white dial Explorer is the least "Rolexey" one you can get. Not many people even spot that it is a Rolex and that GMT function is useful for traveling. I can even put it on a nato and it´ll be great for hanging out at the beach or whatever. It wasn´t really that expensive either when you consider the build quality plus it´s an in house COSC certified movement. I´ll just keep this one and it´ll be my guilty pleasure.

(# of Rolexes owned 1)

Depression
Just leave me alone alright. It happened again, I´m not proud of it, but I´m only human. I bought a Submariner. Listen it´s a no-date, and it´s a two-line tritium dial. It´s the best one to own, it´s a classic.

I can still come back from this I swear.

(# of Rolexes owned 2)

Acceptance
You know, once you get past the marketing and the image problem these Rolexes are pretty amazing. The styling is classic and timeless, they are sized just right for normal people and they are built to take some punishment. Stick to the steel ones and buy pre-owned and you can´t go wrong.

Not like an AP that you practically have to service every time you take it out of the box. And I mean really does all that Cotes de Geneve stuff actually improve the functionality of the watch? And who needs a moon phase or a perpetual calendar, I won´t live till the year 2100 unless the singularity happens anytime soon. I can use my iPhone to find out the next high tide and if I really wanted I could take the Submariner surfing, try doing that with a bloody Patek Phillippe!

After all, if it was good enough for Paul Newman who am I to argue. I´ll just get a steel Daytona and that will be the end of it.

(# of Rolexes owned 3)"

Source: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f23/fiv...p-3307458.html

Awesome!!

[TK-710]

I say don't let it bother you and enjoy. If it does bother you just consider Rolex wouldn't be Rolex today without the reputation it built off these "entry models."
There would be no PM sub date if there wasn't a Sub, no platona without the Daytona. Perhaps original is more fitting than entry.

[lotus425]

The cheapest Rolex model starts at $6200
Air King (116900): 6,200 USD
Milgauss (116400): 7,650 USD
Milgauss GV (116400 GV): 8,200 USD
Explorer (214270): 6,550 USD
Explorer II (216570): 8,100 USD
Submariner C - no Date (114060): 7,500 USD
Submariner C - Date LN (116610LN): 8,550 USD
Submariner C - Date LV (116610LV): 9,050 USD
Sea Dweller - SD4K (116600): 10,350 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea (116660): 12,050 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea blue (116660): 12,350 USD
GMT Master II C - LN (116710LN): 8,450 USD
GMT Master II C - BLNR (116710BLNR): 8,950 USD
Daytona C (116500LN): 12,400 USD

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by lotus425

The cheapest Rolex model starts at $6200
Air King (116900): 6,200 USD
Milgauss (116400): 7,650 USD
Milgauss GV (116400 GV): 8,200 USD
Explorer (214270): 6,550 USD
Explorer II (216570): 8,100 USD
Submariner C - no Date (114060): 7,500 USD
Submariner C - Date LN (116610LN): 8,550 USD
Submariner C - Date LV (116610LV): 9,050 USD
Sea Dweller - SD4K (116600): 10,350 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea (116660): 12,050 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea blue (116660): 12,350 USD
GMT Master II C - LN (116710LN): 8,450 USD
GMT Master II C - BLNR (116710BLNR): 8,950 USD
Daytona C (116500LN): 12,400 USD

There are Oyster Perpetual models available for around $5,000 msrp. I'd say those are entry-level, if that term is being applied to Rolex.

[osamu]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There are Oyster Perpetual models available for around $5,000 msrp. I'd say those are entry-level, if that term is being applied to Rolex.

I agree with this. The OP would be the "entry level" if you're really forced me to use that term.

I've also heard like the Aquanaut called an "entry level" Patek, and the AP Diver the "entry level" AP, but I think it they might be my favorite of the lot, so by no means should "entry level" have a negative connotation. It is just the cheapest model to get you into the brand.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by lotus425

The cheapest Rolex model starts at $6200
Air King (116900): 6,200 USD
Milgauss (116400): 7,650 USD
Milgauss GV (116400 GV): 8,200 USD
Explorer (214270): 6,550 USD
Explorer II (216570): 8,100 USD
Submariner C - no Date (114060): 7,500 USD
Submariner C - Date LN (116610LN): 8,550 USD
Submariner C - Date LV (116610LV): 9,050 USD
Sea Dweller - SD4K (116600): 10,350 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea (116660): 12,050 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea blue (116660): 12,350 USD
GMT Master II C - LN (116710LN): 8,450 USD
GMT Master II C - BLNR (116710BLNR): 8,950 USD
Daytona C (116500LN): 12,400 USD

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There are Oyster Perpetual models available for around $5,000 msrp. I'd say those are entry-level, if that term is being applied to Rolex.

I have heard a few ADs refer to the new OPs announced at Basel 2015 as the new "entry level" Rolex. However I wouldn't call them entry level. It is probably more accurate to say the least expensive Rolex in their lineup.

Typically in any luxury goods market, the R&D, marketing and sales team will introduce a product that appeals to the first time buyer of that brand, whether it be a Rolex, BMW or a French handbag and label it "entry label". The goal is to appeal to someone's sense of belonging to the "exclusive club" by purchasing a luxury product without spending a fortune. I know a WIS will probably go for the Sub, GMT, Explorer or even the DJ as a first Rolex. But for a non-WIS, the $1000-$2000 difference between the least expensive Rolex and one of the more popular Rolex sports watches can be significant enough to lean towards the Oyster Perpetual.