Need second opinions about buying my first Rolex

[AK797]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Hmm...that's a tough one. On one hand, the Explorer is, well, one of the quintessential sports models in the line up. On the other...that blue dial is...luscious.

Since you're young with probably many watches in front of you, I'm going to recommend the Explorer. A great start to the collection.

Agree Larry, tough one.

[El Cascarrabias]

I own a Sea Dweller 4000 and the 114300 with dark rhodium dial.

For me the OP39 is the perfect compliment to my SDc.

However, if:
1 - I didn't own the SDc
2 - I were to own just one Rolex for an extended period of time
3 - The choice was only between these two
4 - This choice was to be my 24/7 watch
Regarding all four of those criteria then the Explorer would be my choice because of the lume, the bracelet, and how much easier to read compared to the OP39

However, if I had a Casio that I wore everyday and just wanted a Rolex, well then, it's the OP39.
-It's beautiful
-Great history
-Incredibly rugged movement from the Explorer

Good luck!

[creddy]

I'm currently in the exact same boat trying to make this decision between an OP or Explorer. Leaning towards the Explorer but may wait till after Basel world to buy.

[ap1]

blue or grey OP. I don't like the mirrored hour markers of the exp

[RHJ]

I have the same thoughts 2 month ago and understood it would be better to have two of them ...



So i bought 2 Explorers, one new for the archive and one used to wear ...

[Valencia_]

I bought the OP39 as my first Rolex, and I'm in love with that watch. It's elegant, versatile, understated, and simply beautiful. Love it.




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[Gregc57]

I'm in the same boat and have been mulling the same selections. I believe I will pull the trigger on a 114300 this week. The blue is lovely, though I think the anthracite is 'classic'. I would happily own both.

[zein21]

I've been in the same boat 3 weeks ago and decided to take EXI.. If you're going to use it daily and wear the watch for a very long time and not considering to buy another one go for EXI. EXI can be use in any occasion formal and non-formal.
Cheers

[xQx]

Originally Posted by Bartjero

You have great taste. Those are basically the same watches I was weighing up before I got my first Rolex.

I chose the Explorer because of the Mercedes hands. Prior to getting the Explorer (my first Rolex) I owned a 1981 Bulova Super Seville - which is almost identical to a Rolex Day-Date. My biggest frustration with the watch is it's impossible to read after midnight because the lume in the hands is so fine, old and dim, it's impossible to read after a few hours of darkness.

Now, notwithstanding the fact that Rolex probably use better lume, and the quality of lume has probably improved in the past 35 years - I was drawn to the explorer over an Oyster Perpetual because of the larger lume area on the Mercedes hands (especially on the hour hand which is generally all you need to see when you wake up at 3am) - I'm hoping it's still readable at 3am when I'm 60.

I can tell you, it is dead easy to see the hands on the explorer without glasses on, day or night. On the flip side, (and I know this will be heresy for other Explorer owners) the lack of lume on the 3, 6 and 9 positions is actually really annoying.

I think the hands on the explorer are better and the dial on the OP is better.
(Also, the explorer has a stronger history, if you're ever going to Nepal)

Both models are going to attract very little attention. You will find only fellow WIS's will notice you're sporting a Rolex - (these models are really the opposite of a 'hey look at me' yellow gold sub) - so buy the one you think is more attractive.

That's really the only difference.

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by Bartjero

Hello Gentleman!

I'm Looking to buy my first Rolex and got a few questions.
Currently i'm considering the Explorer 39m or the OP 39M Blue Dial.

I'm planning on keeping this watch as long as possible (I'm in my early 20's) so i can hopefully give it to my son and start a tradition. As i don't have any experience with Rolex watches i can use every advise i can get.

Will Baselworld 2016 have influence on Rolex prices? Should i buy the watch before or after Baselworld?

If you were in my position which watch would you choose and why?




Thanks!

Bart

If you want to pass the watch onto your son, you obviously have a sense of history. In that case the 39mm Explorer is the one to go for as it is the quintessential Rolex with all the history of Everest and Flemming etc.

I have 3 Rolex and the 39mm Explorer is the one I enjoy wearing the most.

Regards

Mick

[maxbaris]

214270 for me. You can dress it up and down NP. The OP is more on the dressier side IMHO.

[zein21]

Check out the new explorer 2016, you're probably take that rather than OP39

[emkwan]

I have owned the OP 39 Grey Dial for around 5 months now. My first Rolex and to be honest, I'm considering flipping it now for the new Explorer 1 (2016). I realised day to day the OP 39 is far too dressy and in certain light it can be a little hard to see. Try both watches out thoroughly before making the decision. My ADs didn't have the Explorer in at the time in 39 and I wonder if I had made a different decision had I had extended time with the watch. Both watches are practically the same underneath tho.

[Bafflingbs]

OP, go to an authorized dealer, and try on the Submariner. Then make your decision. I went with the date model Sub for my first. You will not be dissatisfied. It has the best of all worlds. I also agree with sticking with black on your first purchase. But, I'm not a fan of the Explorer. I think the numbers cheapen it. Sorry to offend my exporter friends, just not my cup of tea.