Can't Decide What to Buy... Explorer, Datejust, GMT, Sub

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by flyingtiger85

No fluted bezel. They are for old men!

Nope. Not true at all.

[visualplane]

Not loving the aqua terra.

[mfer]

16710. You can get multi bezel inserts for variety year over year. The thinness with your wrist will suit you well.

If you only want one watch, buy it then delete your TRF account and never look back. We all say one watch is all we need when we start. Not joking here. The good news, you'll recoup money if you ever sell your used Rolex. No wrong answer, enjoy the ride.

[KeithP]

Taking all of your requirements into consideration, and the wrist pics- GMT Master II.

[GradyPhilpott]

36mm DJ

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by tjbender

I'd be looking at a five digit reference GMT, Sub or Explorer II.

If this is going to be your one watch I'd hunt around for a NOS Explorer II. To me it's the best all around watch, and if you get the white face, it goes with everything. You'll never get tired of it.

Very true, I agree. OP, if you go with a black dial, you might as well go with a five digit GMT Master. The bezel inserts give you a lot of looks.

[chloebear]

Based on your work attire, wrist size and age I would recommend the Explorer. The professional bezel models look a little too big. The Explorer will work effortlessly with everything. Good luck!

[arinsd]

Explorer

[yannis]

My vote also goes for the 16710!

[puckbw11]

Wow! Thanks everyone. I think a 16710 with the new bracelet would be my ultimate, even though I know it's a pipe dream. I think explorer, 16710 with SELs, DJ, the new GMTc, and maybe even the no date Sub are still my favorites. The 16570 polar I adore in pictures, it just didn't do much for me k person.

I just need to find some 16710s in the DC/VA area to check out!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Anthon]

I own both the Explorer and Sub-date.

If I go back to just one watch, then it would have to be the Explorer. It is my any time, any place, any circumstance watch. It's the watch that I strap on and forget about, till I check the time. At which point I am always struck by it's unassuming beauty.

[Brny11]

Reading your post, I'd go with sub C. Have you considered Subc no date? You can find it within your price range easily. Personally, I prefer the no date look. If you are serious about the Aqua Terra, I would consider the older model with the 8500 movement. Only downside is that the older version is not a "master co-axial" just a "co-axial" (less magnet and shock resistance, although it still has both). However, it has a much nicer finish on the dial with the trim around the date window. It is a small difference but had a big impact aesthetically IMO -- Model No.231.10.39.21.01.001. So far, those two make up my collection...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[m1911a1]

The Explorer-1 is the coolest of all Rolex models......
Brushed all over, Flip-Lock Bracelet.....timeless classic.
I'd own two of them if they were 42mm....

[christofurr]

I'm in the same place you are; 32 and wanting to buy that one watch before the real responsibilities of life kick in over the next ~15 years. We even have a very similar shortlist - mine is Sub, GMT and fluted Datejust on Oyster. I even debated vintage, but I want to buy new because I know this will be a watch I hand down to a child/grandchild one day, and the romanticism of buying something like that new appeals to me more.

It's such a hard choice to make when you know it'll most likely be the one you have to live with for such a long time, but I think I've finally decided on the no-date Sub. That bezel on the GMT is just too loud for me with it's huge numbers (even though I travel a lot and adore the complications). The dressier nature of the Datejust begins to overlap and become redundant with the late-40's Omega my grandfather left me, and I (think I…) prefer the symmetry of the no-date Sub more than the date. The lack of cyclops to me dials back the bulkier dimensions of the new case to my tastes, too.

Anyway, hope my thought process on my very similar conundrum helps you somewhat! I know reading yours helped me a lot. Now I just have 9 days to actually do it while I'm working overseas and can claim the VAT back…

[Vinyasa]

I'd go with a GMT IIc or 16710. These meet all of your requirements. You can always brush the PCLs on the GMT IIc or get a Everest strap.

[CRM114]

GMT for sure. It's all you ever wanted, and more. As an alternate, the Datejust. There's a reason why it's by far the most popular Rolex, especially as a one-watch watch.

[cda555]

Based on the photos, I vote the GMT master II, or the sub. They looked great on your wrist.

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by puckbw11

I can’t spend 4-6k on a watch when the bracelet is worse than a $200 Seiko

Clearly you don't know what you're talking about.

The older bracelets are not as bad as some seem to think. As a matter of fact I think they are fantastic. Functional, light and of amazing quality.

Their design may be "dated" but they are in no way inferior.

One watch only ? Yeah, right. But anyway, if you are really serious about that, then go with the 16710.

[Verdi]

For one Rolex only, you need a versatile one. Date is a must. GMT function is a bonus.

Having said that, the choices are: DJ 36mm or the GMT.

[ddaly12]

If you want to go sub or GMT, explore the 5 digit references. They will be a better fit on your wrist. The bracelets are thinner, so I had the same concern as you, but after getting my 16710, I can tell you that I've had zero complaints about the bracelet. They work, and when the watch is on, you won't be thinking about the bracelet.

I have a modern sub 116610LV and a 16710 (7.25 inch wrist) and I definitely prefer the size of the GMT. Nice and thin as well. Goes great with suits or causal. Classic reference. See if you can try one on.

-dd

[Maiden]

I like the look of the datejust on you, and if you want a timeless design you will certainly get that. I think oyster bracelet, fluted bezel would be the right amount of sport/dress to suit your current lifestyle. A sub is a fantastic choice as well, but coming from someone who suits up at work I much prefer to wear my DJ with a suit and my sub is for casual Fridays and weekends.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by flyingtiger85

No fluted bezel. They are for old men!

Particularly untrue on the DJII. The proportions make the watch look particularly new school.

If it were me it'd be the DJII but as you've made up your mind against it then it would have to be the more nondescript DJ. The DJII is a stunner and really catches the eye; the rest have been copied so much that they really aren't that recognizable as Rolexes. Get which ever DJ with a fluted bezel, fwiw.

[egzbuen]

Amongst your choices, I have these right now but for a one watch chest, I would go with the sub.

Sent from hell

[PaulChronometer]

In the end it's very personal, it's your taste that matters.
Personally I like the 5-digit GMTs very much, but I would hesitate about buying used.
I love the Explorer, think it has a high (if not the highest) uniqueness/coolness factor. Perhaps the most distinguishing of them all. Makes a different kind of statement.

[Eva123]

My suggestion is the following: go to AD and try all these models and see what you really like and what looks on your wrist best. In photos watch my look perfect but on your wrist it mihht look absolutely different. E.g. i wanted to buy Datejust with dark diamond dial, however, when i put it on my 8'1 wrist it looked like woman watch. But when i tried TT DJII with champagne diamknd dial, i immediatly felt in love with the watch and bought it.

[IAN1]

Sub or GMT

[3130by1213]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

36mm DJ

+1. I think it looks great on your wrist.

[Palermo]

GMT 16710 covers all bases ...... or clean lines of the classic 2 line 14060 Submariner if date is not an issue

[puckbw11]

The leaders in the clubhouse.. The 16710 is a beauty, but I can't find a place to try it on and it's the same price as a minty ceramic!

It has its charm, but I think I want to go from the current catalogue.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[goin camping]

Well since opinions are like elbows... Everyone has two.

Explorer I is the most elegant and versatile sports watch there is. Goes with suits or shorts.

A black face SS Submariner is also a classy watch that goes with everything and everywhere. But with a subtly bold accent.

Good luck in your search.