Help me pick a Rolex watch....

[No Rolex Yet]

Hello members,
I have been a lurker for a while and also on new turfers.

I don't actually own a Rolex. Not yet anyhow!

I am familar with nice watches as I have owned a Tag formula 1 - stolen years ago, and Omega Speedie (auto) which I traded for a classic Breitling Navitimer a few years ago.

I want to have a small collection of 3 or 4 nice watches. So far I have my Breitling which is a keeper. I am hoping to add a watch every other year - otherwise the wife may not understand.

My wife has a Two Tone Datejust which she bought years before we meet - perhaps a gift from a former love interest? I have no idea nor do I want to cause a fight. I have now been bitten by the bug of rolex.

My requirements are as follows:-
a - it must be waterproof
b - it must be good for formal occasions and smart casual occasions
c - needs the date to be displayed
d - leaning towards 2 tone
e - probably looking to buy used - wingates?

Any advice would be great.

[oztimelord]

May I be so bold to suggest this classic .

Still able to find them and I'm sure this is an essential Rolex.

[bigterpsfan]

The two tone GMT-IIc is very nice!

[hflee55]

TT GMTIi-C would be a good choice. If not, then a TT Submariner.

[Erix]

if you need TT then a sub will be a great choice..

[No Rolex Yet]

Sorry guys - sub is out of my price range.....

thinking US$2000-4000 range

[mopsey]

Well, you may struggle to get a TT for that money so i you don't mind SS then one of these is a perfect choice for formal and casual alike.

[tommypit]

As a first rolex, I would start with a ss sub. there are plenty pre owned to choose from and they can be worn any time.
The tt sub I own is a little flashy for me to wear in casual dress or situations.

You can get a pre owned sub with in your price range

[Rolexshirts]

I second the SS sub. its a very classic watch

[Welshwatchman]

116201. Hardly a common watch preowned but such a stunning Rolex IMO.

Give Tempo a tinkle, you never know how much under retail they can be had at.

[tbinaz]

Tt gmt

[GerardoG]

I agree with Paul. The 2t Datejust (I prefer jubilee) is a true classic and looks great with jeans and suits; plus you can find exceptional watches within your budget.

[dcmachead]

Originally Posted by No Rolex Yet

My wife has a Two Tone Datejust which she bought years before we meet - perhaps a gift from a former love interest? I have no idea nor do I want to cause a fight. I have now been bitten by the bug of rolex.

My requirements are as follows:-
a - it must be waterproof
b - it must be good for formal occasions and smart casual occasions
c - needs the date to be displayed
d - leaning towards 2 tone
e - probably looking to buy used - wingates?

The GMT Master II gets my vote. The Yachtmaster is also a very good looking watch. Whatever you do, if you go the used route, make sure you get the box with the papers. Also make sure you buy from someone reputable, as there are a lot of fakes floating around out there.

[rajurama]

Originally Posted by No Rolex Yet

Hello members,
I have been a lurker for a while and also on new turfers.

I don't actually own a Rolex. Not yet anyhow!

I am familar with nice watches as I have owned a Tag formula 1 - stolen years ago, and Omega Speedie (auto) which I traded for a classic Breitling Navitimer a few years ago.

I want to have a small collection of 3 or 4 nice watches. So far I have my Breitling which is a keeper. I am hoping to add a watch every other year - otherwise the wife may not understand.

My wife has a Two Tone Datejust which she bought years before we meet - perhaps a gift from a former love interest? I have no idea nor do I want to cause a fight. I have now been bitten by the bug of rolex.

My requirements are as follows:-
a - it must be waterproof
b - it must be good for formal occasions and smart casual occasions
c - needs the date to be displayed
d - leaning towards 2 tone
e - probably looking to buy used - wingates?

Any advice would be great.

Why does this sound like Archie to me. Cant we ban him via IP?

[CanuckRolex]

Originally Posted by No Rolex Yet

Sorry guys - sub is out of my price range.....

thinking US$2000-4000 range

You can easily pick up a sub for that price. Don't get brainwashed into thinking you need to buy new.

[bodybump]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

116201. Hardly a common watch preowned but such a stunning Rolex IMO.

Give Tempo a tinkle, you never know how much under retail they can be had at.

Oh yeah..i met tempo today and got this...Guess how much??? Under $16k

[Perdu]

Maybe one of these. I also like the red gold TT Date Justs.

[SLS]

Get a TT DJ, it will fit all your needs plus pre owned models are relatively inexpensive.
~Scott

[vapalux]

I agree .TT Datejust covers just about everything. There are plenty around, within your price bracket and some look brand new despite having had a few ticks

Si

[bradg]

Too many to chose from. You need a price range and narrow it down from there

[haakon59]

I would recommend a two tone datejust. Personally I would pick the one with the white dial and roman numerals. More recently, I would also have the domed bezel, which will be hard to get at a decent price if you are buying used, because they were introduced more recently (as far as I know).

While I am sure there are several good dealers who deal in quality used, I would recommend:

Wingates (which you already know about)
Seattle Watch Service (on eBay as SWS, I believe. They are hard to find sometimes. They are former watchmaker students from the North Seattle Community college watch school, of which there are only a few in the USA.
Bernard's (I think he also is located in Texas but is on the Web).

There are several others. Good luck getting the model you want.

[Rob_b]

Originally Posted by oztimelord

May I be so bold to suggest this classic .

Still able to find them and I'm sure this is an essential Rolex.

I agree whole heartedly

Rob

[Wildwing]

You mentioned formal occasions. Don't mess with the sport watches if that's what you really meant. Try the Datejust, two tone.

[mopsey]

I'll talk to myself then

[Andad]

Perhaps a gift from a former love interest? - some just never give up.....

We have to stamp this out as it's pretty boring.

We need a spotters prize - I claim this one.

[lorsban]

If new, in that price range you'd have to go for SS. If used, I would suggest a TTDJ. Lots on line and you can find quite a few good deals this time (with all the worldwide economic problems and all that).