New Guy

[CJRCFP]

Hello All,

I'm in the early stages of researching Rolex and intend to make my first purchase in the coming weeks/months. As I'm brand new to this process, I'm wondering if you can help focus my efforts. Any advice for a new buyer would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,

Chris

[anothernewphone]

First rule: try on anything before you even consider it. Everything looks cool in pictures, but you'll never know what it's like until it is on your own wrist.

[swils8610]

Welcome Chris. Check out the feedback section on the forum.


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[datejust24]

Welcome Chris,
I would suggest doing plenty of reseach on the different references and purchasing the piece that fits you best...not what others think, or what the resale value is etc....You're going to be wearing the watch, no one else.....I would dive into the Rolex reference section below vintage and start keying in what questions or concerns you have. You have at your fingertips the knowledge and wisdom of some very well known collectors here on TRF. Welcome.
CW

[Chewbacca]

welcome!

first, get an idea on what watch you like most (visually). then i would peruse the forum threads, google and your local retailer before being confused even further by us.

(i'm being serious)

[brandrea]

Welcome and you've come to the right place

[toucan]

Good luck with your research , all the info you'll need is on TRF. However, don't be influenced by the popular choices necessarily. Keep your mind focused and you'll know what you like when you see it!

[Pharaoh_83]

forget all advise on which model to go for. there will always be ONE that draws you in more (initially). each model has its own pros/cons.

the good news is that all Rolex models are built with the same exceptional build quality so whether you're going for a watch that has a GMT function or one with no complications at all; you're still getting a top notch time piece.

enjoy

[Chadridv]

welcome Chris. It was a good idea to join up and ask for advice.

As the others have mentioned, start visiting authorized dealers and see which watches appeal to you. From there you can compare different models and pricing. Many here will be more than happy to chime on regarding specific models.

Also, it will help to determine your budget. After that you should really examine your lifestyle, style and day to day intended use (if you plan to wear your watch daily). Determining all that will definitely help you zero in on which models you like.

As for pricing, there are some amazing sellers here on TRF, but understandably so you may only be comfortable buying from an AD your first time around. Just know that ADs typically offer at most 5-10% off retail prices, maybe a little more for slow sellers and some precious metal watches. There are some great deals to be had through the sellers here on TRF, for both brand new and pre-owned watches.

If you find yourself in love with, let's say a $11,000 watch, but feel your budget only allows for $7000-8000, there's good chance you can get that watch if you're willing to work with a secondary seller.

Determining who's who in trusted sellers can be accomplished with a little research in the feedback section here on the forum, or you can take my word for it reach out to "Takuya" (Thanh Do). There are several other sellers also that have rock solid rep.

Once you have determined which watch you want, and which route of purchase, you can start a new thread asking about the buying process, or bump this one. There are also dozens of members here who would be willing to speak with you personally including myself.

Welcome again and pre-congrats on the Rolex hunt and soon to be "incoming"!

[ap1]

^^^^but starting with a BLNR - D500 or Hulk is probably best

Dulp - other posters jumped me - toucan makes sense is what I was pointing too

[Vinny 1966]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

welcome Chris. It was a good idea to join up and ask for advice.

As the others have mentioned, start visiting authorized dealers and see which watches appeal to you. From there you can compare different models and pricing. Many here will be more than happy to chime on regarding specific models.

Also, it will help to determine your budget. After that you should really examine your lifestyle, style and day to day intended use (if you plan to wear your watch daily). Determining all that will definitely help you zero in on which models you like.

As for pricing, there are some amazing sellers here on TRF, but understandably so you may only be comfortable buying from an AD your first time around. Just know that ADs typically offer at most 5-10% off retail prices, maybe a little more for slow sellers and some precious metal watches. There are some great deals to be had through the sellers here on TRF, for both brand new and pre-owned watches.

If you find yourself in love with, let's say a $11,000 watch, but feel your budget only allows for $7000-8000, there's good chance you can get that watch if you're willing to work with a secondary seller.

Determining who's who in trusted sellers can be accomplished with a little research in the feedback section here on the forum, or you can take my word for it reach out to "Takuya" (Thanh Do). There are several other sellers also that have rock solid rep.

Once you have determined which watch you want, and which route of purchase, you can start a new thread asking about the buying process, or bump this one. There are also dozens of members here who would be willing to speak with you personally including myself.

Welcome again and pre-congrats on the Rolex hunt and soon to be "incoming"!

Thats why this forum is so great.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Welcome Chris to TRF

Research the classifieds here on TRF, and find a trusted seller with a reputable sales, and service record.

[yunach]

Hey Chris. There are a lot of threads here you can search on and see some pics in which watch you want.
Careful though, you may end up with multiple!


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[MorningTundra]

Care to narrow down what takes your fancy? Dress? Sport? SS,TT,PM? Modern, classic, vintage?


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[Guinness835]

Welcome. I spent over a year here reading pretty much every post and doing as much research as I could before buying. There is a wealth of knowledge buried here and you can come away knowing pretty much anything you could possibly think of.

[branman1986]

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

First rule: try on anything before you even consider it. Everything looks cool in pictures, but you'll never know what it's like until it is on your own wrist.

+ a bazillion. They all look beautiful in pictures, but totally different on your wrist.

[weeone]

I just wanted to say welcome. I am a newer member as well with my first Rolex and there is a wealth of knowledge and information that can be had here. You're in good hands!

[AK797]

Go to an ADs, take pics with a few on, and we'll tell you how they look on you.

[watchwatcher]

Try on as many models as possible to try to get a feel for what looks/feels good to you. As Neil said, take pics and refer back to them when you're just sitting around thinking about it.

Take your time and enjoy the hunt.

[strafer_kid]

Some great advice given .........good luck!

[Iloreyix]

You will be amazed at what you like and don't like - once you try them on. Try all - don't settle for your second favorite, or you will end up still pining for your grail.
I have learned so much from this forum, just poke in here, these guys know it *all*.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

First rule: try on anything before you even consider it. Everything looks cool in pictures, but you'll never know what it's like until it is on your own wrist.

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome and you've come to the right place

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ Agree....try them on, your in the right place to gather info, and check the trusted sellers here, if your not set on buying from an AD.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

welcome!

first, get an idea on what watch you like most (visually). then i would peruse the forum threads, google and your local retailer before being confused even further by us.

(i'm being serious)

Well said.

A warm TRF welcome Chris, don't be afraid to ask any questions here.

[Avuong6494]

To piggy-back what some others have said, make sure to go try on the watch. A watch and its owner's skin tone is key to the watch looking beautiful.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by CJRCFP

Hello All,

I'm in the early stages of researching Rolex and intend to make my first purchase in the coming weeks/months. As I'm brand new to this process, I'm wondering if you can help focus my efforts. Any advice for a new buyer would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,

Chris

You'll probably here it a thousand times, but you can't seem to go wrong with a submariner or stainless GMT.

[mpd2005]

Welcome to the rabbit hole, it only goes deeper from here. Like others have said (and most are way more educated than myself), try on anything that looks appealing with an open mind and buy what you like best. Personally I've never needed the AD experience so have gone pre owned for my first two, so I'd recommend checking trusted sellers and local dealers once you've zeroed in on what you want. Get it and enjoy it.

What happens next is out of your hands. When your tastes inevitably change or you see something you hadn't thought of in the past that catches your eye...well that's when ot gets complicated and expensive haha