Which Rolex would you recommend

[TheCanadian]

GMTIIc is what I would recommend. Good luck and I look forward to seeing you posting some pictures of your Rolex 1 day

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

For a younger guy like yourself, you can't go wrong with a GMT IIc 116710. It's modern, feels great, and will last a lifetime

X2

I think Rolex really got it right on this one.

[Paracentesis]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Well, I can't really see your reasoning - the GMT IIc, in my experience, is a good representation of what a young person would expect from a Rolex. It looks like an expensive watch, has a good weight to it, a great story behind it, and quite unique in the luxury watch world - no other comparable manufacturer does a GMT as well as Rolex. My generation has been brought up with a particular image of Rolex, one that says unparalleled quality, prestige and reliability. I don't think older models would hold the same appeal, especially when most younger guys will be coming into the brand off the likes of TAG and Omega. It would feel like a step backwards.

I'm aware you're a big fan of the older style models, and that's fine, but I really don't think younger guys will settle for them, mainly on account of the bracelets. It's certainly what I've found in my selling experience, younger guys absolutely love the updated models. The 116610 is proving to be popular as well, I merely cited the 116710 as I think it has that slightly more edgy look to it.

If, for example, a group of younger guys who had no previous in-depth knowledge of the brand tried on a 116710 and a 116610, as well as a 16710 and 16610, 9 out of 10 would choose the new models simply because they feel better, look more prestigious, and have a bigger wrist presence. My generation has been raised in the middle of the big-watch trend, and I think the more muscular stance of the ceramic models sit better with it. I hate to say it, but the older models look and feel old-fashioned compared to the new, and that won't sit right with younger guys.

Just an opinion, but it is based on several years of experience now

A lot of what you are saying is true, but these days "retro" is very very cool, whereas "modern", "prestigious", etc. isn't so cool. And being young is all about being (perceived as) cool.

I think it also boils down to whether or not you want other people to notice your watch. I'd much prefer a very stealthy and ineffably cool 70's steel Milgauss 1019 to an equivalently-priced new Day-Date, for instance.

[Z06]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

For a younger guy like yourself, you can't go wrong with a GMT IIc 116710. It's modern, feels great, and will last a lifetime

this would be my choice!

[nmerc001]

Saw a pre-owned Rolex Daytona at an authorized AD for $8,800 the other week so $10k can get you that!

[ersnyder]

IMO, a nice Exp II white face is a great way to start your collection. Somewhat unique, well within a beginning price range and a "4 hander" to boot!

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by SECRET M

hmm, can't believe you guys are recommending any Rolex to this eager young man. if he have enough money to be thinking about a Rolex at 14, i would be one to suggest putting that money into an investment or a long-term CD and letting to grow to pay for his own college tuition etc.

a first Rolex should be an achievement that you can be proud to wear and use. there will be plenty of time for that ahead when he's successful. am i crazy?

I didn't take his post to mean that he already had the money to buy. I thought he was just beginning to save his money.

If he slowly earns the money to buy this watch, puts a lot of thought into selecting it, then finally gets it, I congratulate him wholeheartedly.

Setting a lofty goal, outlining the steps to success, then following through with that plan will teach him plenty of lessons that will be valuable throughout his life. He will also have something that will last long enough that he can do a "show and tell" with his grandchildren to pass the lessons down through the generations.

I was 18 when I got bitten by the need to own a Rolex. I was 23 when I got one. I'm 44 now and I still have that watch. It still looks as good as it did when I got it and it still keeps perfect time. (Ain't it funny how long term sacrifice and desire tends to teach you how to take good care of things?) As a side benefit, I learned that if I truly set my mind to something, I can do it.

Pete, if you want it bad enough, eventually you'll get it!

Rawhyde

[forgeahead]

At 14 y/o, my advice is to save your money and make a Rolex a goal as a gift to yourself for an accomplishment, say graduating from college with at least a 3.5 GPA. Nevertheless,, since you're asking, if you have the means to purchase from the fruits of hard work, it certainly is important to enjoy life. Perhaps a Rolex will also help you to score with chicks? SS Sub all day long. It is classy without being over the top and it will last forever.

[Rolexcess]

Originally Posted by oo7

14060m if there's any left bnib.

x2!

[qulhey22]

Cool Thread and here is my recomendation.

Make it an accomplishment IMO. But respect the goal you set. I hit my accomplishment 3 years in a row and still didn't pull the trigger until this year. When I did, I wish I wouldn't have waited as it was a great experience. Best money spent to reflect past achievements. It will mean more again IMO.

Good luck on your path!

[buke45]

Any of the sports models, my first one was a Sea Dweller, I was 18.

[av8ors]

GMTIIc is great for pilots. JAT...

[Rags]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The one you like and can afford.

Sounds good to me...

[av8ors]

That's a great idea.

Originally Posted by qulhey22

Cool Thread and here is my recomendation.

Make it an accomplishment IMO. But respect the goal you set. I hit my accomplishment 3 years in a row and still didn't pull the trigger until this year. When I did, I wish I wouldn't have waited as it was a great experience. Best money spent to reflect past achievements. It will mean more again IMO.

Good luck on your path!

[HORNBLOWER]

A real pilots watch, the 1675 gmt.

[tictocChuck]

Part of the fun with Rolex is getting to know it's wonderful history and heritage first. Do some research and reading on the various models to gain an appreciation.

Find some nice screen shots of your favorite models so you can have them handy to look at to build anticipation and excitement.

It's a nice goal to look forward to and perhaps you can make it a reward for a significant personal achievement to give it more meaning.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your first Rolex when the day comes....it's probably something you will keep a lifetime!

[harry in montreal]

Its not great advice to recommend that a young man spend his life savings on a very expensive watch.

If you are lucky to have thousands of dollars during your childhood, you should spend it on a more moderately priced watch, use it to travel, spend time with your friends, save a little, get a used car and stay in school, study hard. just my thoughts. Harry

Rolex 16600
Rolex 1603
Tudor 72000
And a bunch of other vintage

[steven.veres]

Don't count out the OP Air-King and Date watches. They are excellent entry level watches, and come in a variety of bezel and dial combos.

And as mentioned above these are classics:

SS Submariner


SS Daytona

[sappie66]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Its not great advice to recommend that a young man spend his life savings on a very expensive watch.

If you are lucky to have thousands of dollars during your childhood, you should spend it on a more moderately priced watch, use it to travel, spend time with your friends, save a little, get a used car and stay in school, study hard. just my thoughts. Harry

Rolex 16600
Rolex 1603
Tudor 72000
And a bunch of other vintage

Probably not the opinion the OP wanted, but the best one he'll get.

[harry in montreal]

I started with an Air King Date ($1000) as a reward to myself for getting my accounting designation. over the next 7/8 years, i traded it up to the Sea Dweller i currently have. Harry