Steel Daily Wearer - Advice Needed

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by JMJW

Hi All,

New to the forum and the world of Rolex so I was wondering if I might kindly ask the wisdom of much more experienced people here about a watch decision?

Basically, I'm looking for a 'daily wear' steel Rolex. I've been an Omega Seamaster 300m wearer for 20-something years, since my late-20s, but looking for a change to something a little less overstated, but still tough, functional and waterproof enough to swim/shallow dive in.

My dilemma is that I think the OP in 39mm with white face would be absolutely perfect, however, with Rolex discontinuing this and used prices starting to mount up, I'm wary of it as a daily wear - it looks set to be more of a collector's watch maybe(?). I'm not so into Rolex as a status symbol, more about their original USP of being very well engineered, durable, plus the 'timeless' understated but sophisticated design aesthetic of the steels.

I tried the nearest current catalogue watch I could find, which is the 41mm Datejust at my local AD, with the plain bezel and Oyster bracelet. This is close to perfect -

Positives:
- Just close-ish in size to 39mm
- White dial with plain dash markers
- I do like a date on my watch
- New price is OK
- These don't seem to go up to ludicrous prices used, so not as bad insurance/mugging-wise(?)

Not-so-goods:
- Not brushed steel all over - the bracelet centre links and lugs are polished - I very much like the brushed steel look on an everyday wear (and just generally if I'm honest)
- 41mm with a white face actually looked a little large to me, even though I'm used to a 42mm Omega diver - go figure...

So hm...

I'm kind of looking for this to be a forever watch, and I do wear my watches every day, no matter what I'm doing, so I'd like it to be right but also not crazy to insure or going so dear used that I'm going to worry about it too much.

I looked at the standard OP, price is right new, but none of the current dial colours are quite right for me, I don't think - not sure why they offer black and not white - the silver is a bit 'old businessman' to me, but the bright colours are a little too 'in fashion now, but might look dated in 20 years'. Same with the Explorer as I don't want a black dial really.

I guess my question is, is there a watch I'm overlooking? Either new or a slightly older model which, in my newness to the range, I'm not aware of and which fit the wish-list above?

Would really appreciate any thoughts/ideas!

Stupid question OP, why Rolex, why not an Aqua Terra, fulfils your criteria on every level and is readily available on a bracelet, leather or rubber strap and will carry out the role of a daily beater easily.

Just a thought.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Stupid question OP, why Rolex, why not an Aqua Terra, fulfils your criteria on every level and is readily available on a bracelet, leather or rubber strap and will carry out the role of a daily beater easily.

Just a thought.

This is a great point. If the DJ seemed large on you, you could pick up a 38.5mm white dial AT. Get the bracelet, then add the rubber strap for a change of pace. These are great DD watches and built like tanks.

[Mendota]

Here's a link to an auction for one of the first Turn-o-graphs from '53. They even called it the turnograph submariner back then. Complete set in case you have 50k just lying around!

"Rolex Turn-O-Graph 6202 Submariner Tropical galvanic radium dial – Watch Rapport" https://watchrapport.com/products/ro...EaAnFEEALw_wcB


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[Jackie Daytona]

Originally Posted by JMJW

I'd be totally up for this if it's a possibility without ruining the watch - do people get this done successfully?

As you say it's going to be my watch and no intention to sell on, just wear and enjoy.

If so, do authorised service centres do this, or if not are there any known 'trusted' workshops (particularly UK) which would do a bang-on job?

I would have to look in the UK. I’m sure they do. There are a few stateside that do a great job of this.

Edit: Quick search shows a place called WatchWorks does services like this in the UK. Sounds like a pretty good shop that’s on par with the US ones I mentioned.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by Dontknow

I would have to look in the UK. I’m sure they do. There are a few stateside that do a great job of this.

Edit: Quick search shows a place called WatchWorks does services like this in the UK. Sounds like a pretty good shop that’s on par with the US ones I mentioned.

Thanks. I'm definitely considering this as an option.

[JMJW]

Thanks for the Aqua Terra suggestions - they're a bit modern for me, just looking for that very classic 'timeless' Rolex OP/Datejust type look.

[subtona]

White op 39. Buy it, wear it. Easy peasy.

It’s just a watch.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by Mendota

Here's a link to an auction for one of the first Turn-o-graphs from '53. They even called it the turnograph submariner back then. Complete set in case you have 50k just lying around!

"Rolex Turn-O-Graph 6202 Submariner Tropical galvanic radium dial – Watch Rapport" https://watchrapport.com/products/ro...EaAnFEEALw_wcB


Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

If I had that kind of money lying around, I wouldn't have the dilemma to begin with

OTOH, you'd at least get a free tan every time you wear it, courtesy of the radioactive lume!

That looks very reminiscent of the watch Connery wore in Dr No, especially on the leather strap, although I suspect his was actually an early Sub...?

[pikers]

Look for a 39mm Explorer (214270). For me, this is the perfect everyday watch. It can be worn with anything and it looks great. It's not as fancy as a Datejust but I find that it walks the line between dress and sport perfectly. If I could only keep one of my Rolex pieces, it would be the 214270. Hell, if I could only keep one watch, it would be the 214270.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by JMJW

Thanks for the Aqua Terra suggestions - they're a bit modern for me, just looking for that very classic 'timeless' Rolex OP/Datejust type look.

Shame, the AT or even the Constellation Globemaster would have fitted the brief very well.

But if you’re set on a Rolex, then Rolex it has to be.

Good luck I hope you find what you’re looking for.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by subtona

White op 39. Buy it, wear it. Easy peasy.

It’s just a watch.

Yes. It would be. Except they already go for twice the new price, so…

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by pikers

Look for a 39mm Explorer (214270). For me, this is the perfect everyday watch. It can be worn with anything and it looks great. It's not as fancy as a Datejust but I find that it walks the line between dress and sport perfectly. If I could only keep one of my Rolex pieces, it would be the 214270. Hell, if I could only keep one watch, it would be the 214270.

I love the explorer but don’t want a black dial, trying to find white dial options. If I could still get an OP new in white dial it would be a no-brainer for me.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Shame, the AT or even the Constellation Globemaster would have fitted the brief very well.

But if you’re set on a Rolex, then Rolex it has to be.

Good luck I hope you find what you’re looking for.

Thanks

[Maiden]

Datejust seems to fit the bill. You can always have the bracelet brushed, any competent jeweler can do that. If you can wear a 36mm you could always grab a five digit on an oyster bracelet, these were not brushed on these models. Good luck and post pics when it happens!

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by Maiden

Datejust seems to fit the bill. You can always have the bracelet brushed, any competent jeweler can do that. If you can wear a 36mm you could always grab a five digit on an oyster bracelet, these were not brushed on these models. Good luck and post pics when it happens!

I think you're right, seems the most logical approach since I can still buy new (with a short wait, which I don't mind at all). I figure I can wear it for a bit, see if I like/get used to the PCLs and then if I still want it brushed I can go for that later on.

[Harry-57]

Explorer 2 Polar? Available in 40 and 42mm. The 42 doesn't wear big and it's comfortable.

[bullies]

Originally Posted by JMJW

Do you mean you can have the brushed effect on the bracelet modified afterwards, or perhaps buy an OP bracelet (if it fits the DJ)? If so that might be a good option!

Which did you prefer out of the 36mm/41mm (I guess it depends what size wrist you have...?).

When Rolex specify 36mm/41mm do they mean the width of the dial itself or the whole watch face including the bezel?

39 vs “41” they wore very similarly on the wrist. Yes, you can have the oyster bracelet brushed. A swap, i don’t think, will work i think they’re 20mm vs 21mm between the lugs.

[Linuxpenguins]

SD4k. Absolutely beautiful piece!

[TimeAZ]

I think the white OP is perfection. It's the perfect daily. 39mm is flawless, the 36mm is amazing too (for those who have small to medium wrist size). IMO the 36mm white OP wears closer to a 38.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by bullies

39 vs “41” they wore very similarly on the wrist. Yes, you can have the oyster bracelet brushed. A swap, i don’t think, will work i think they’re 20mm vs 21mm between the lugs.

That’s a love pair of watches, nice combination.

I was set on a Oyster Perpetual white but ended up with a DJ41 which I am very happy with, I would add a 39mm OP but not at the inflated prices currently being asked.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by bullies

39 vs “41” they wore very similarly on the wrist. Yes, you can have the oyster bracelet brushed. A swap, i don’t think, will work i think they’re 20mm vs 21mm between the lugs.

Lovely pair of watches!

Is it my imagination, or the angle of the photo, or is the bezel on the OP slightly narrower than on the DJ? Or maybe it's more curved and less angular? Just looks like slightly more bezel and slightly less face on the DJ...?

Every time I see the OP I like it more and more. There's just something about the understated, clean design. I really wish they still sold a white face new and not at nearly 2x the original price already.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

I would add a 39mm OP but not at the inflated prices currently being asked.

This.

[JMJW]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

I think the white OP is perfection. It's the perfect daily. 39mm is flawless, the 36mm is amazing too (for those who have small to medium wrist size). IMO the 36mm white OP wears closer to a 38.

I really need to try on a 36mm white...

[Boopie]

5 digit DateJust. You can get one from the early 2000s for a relatively reasonable price on an Oyster, and it has an all-brushed SS bracelet. I got a 16200 with the smooth bezel. Chrono 24 will let you search by color of dial and type of indices.

[Chute]

Try a white 126200 or 126234 (the0 36mm DJ) and see if it fits ok.
The white dial will make it look larger than a dark dial.

As others have said the OP 39 white 114300 is probably what fits the bill.
The one flaw to me is it doesn't have a micro adjust, but if you are already used to a watch without one it should be ok.

I have the Explorer 1 214720 and it is the same case as the 114300 and is just a perfect watch.

If you can get a 124300 OP41, maybe look at the bright blue. Its more accessible and will have a micro adjust.

The DJ41 126300 or 126334 are both great watches, but if they seem too big, then look at a 36mm to know for sure. The polished parts will slowly get scratched enough that you aren't afraid to wear it and some of my polished watches (116710 and 116520) still look fantastic even though they are scratched up real bad.

If you look hard enough, you can probably find a good 114300 white for around 9k, summer is the slow time for watch dealers so you might have some wiggle room. I saw one the other day for $8500 but it sold. You can't get many modern Rolex for under $10k, so its a good thing you aren't looking for a GMT or Daytona.

Best off luck in the hunt!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by JMJW

Yes. It would be. Except they already go for twice the new price, so…

Twice what price?

It’s discontinued, the price is the price? There is no other price.
I would love to have bought my home at an yesterday’s price... without a time machine, that’s not happening.

It’s a perfect watch. You like it. Make it your watch

[subprimero]

Try Watchrecon and see what is out there.

[DCheeta]

I think you have to bite the bullet and buy the white 39mm OP. It’s perfect for you.

[Andad]

I do like the DJ41.

This was my choice for matching up.

[OrangeSport]

36mm OPs wear very well. Very nice, do everything watches. The best "one watch collection" watch Rolex makes, IMO.