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

[YoureTerrific]

Have you tried a smooth bezel Datejust (116200)? White or silver dial for versatility. Blue is nice too.

The 116200 is likely my next Rolex. I'm 34, if that matters to you.

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/youreterrific1/

[liuk3]

Used 16710.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

I have a mint 16710 BLRO as my one and only nice watch. Have the coke and black inserts to change up the look, if desired. My situation is similar to yours....suits during the week, a son that will one day inherit the watch.....and I wouldn't want any other reference. I think it's absolutely perfect. Here's a pic:

Great photo...and great suggestion. Should satisfy all the OP's requirements. Should only become more desirable with time, too.

My first Rolex was a GMT Master II. Bought it new in 2002. Black/red bezel. A great watch, versatile, practical, classic. I found the GMT feature wonderfully useful for travel. In short, it's high on my, "if I only had one watch" list. It's my first choice for international travel.

If the OP prefers to buy new, of the list of possibilities, I'd recommend the Explorer. The size is perfect and the lack of a date isn't a deal breaker. It's a classic watch, with a marvelous history and timeless design. Simple, elegant, tough. A great choice. A coin toss between the new Basel release and the previous model (which I'm happy to own).

Here are mine for reference:

[puckbw11]

The 16710 is tempting, sadly all the used dealers in the
DC NOVA area out...


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[maton12]

Out of the Rolexes, GMT and BLNR if you can stretch to that

Omega Aqua Terra GMT is a nice watch too, there is 43mm model and some smaller ones

[puckbw11]

New photos




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[amh]

On you the Explorer looks good

[puckbw11]

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[ddaly12]

Oh you, coke all day long.

[osamu]

I think I liked the SubC from the original set of pictures the best. Might not be quite as versatile as the EXI, but I think is at least a little more visually interesting. I think the EXI goes better with a suit, but unless you're like black tie event, I think the SubC would go fine with normal work suit.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by FritzW

Agree with this. Older gmt (non-ceramic bezels )has 3 inserts available ($200+\- ea) that will dress up or down the look. They are not that hard to change out. Plenty of you tube videos to show how to do this.. You can pick up near mint GMTs for your price range. Especially here from trusted sellers.


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Damn nice.

[CC415]

Originally Posted by 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....

I agree with this--I would absolutely have bought this watch by now if it were a 41/42...the 39 is wayyyy too small

[Verdi]

The comfiest and best models to go with a suit are OP, Explorer 1 and DJ 36 mm.
I'd say a date if needed for one watch only so out of 3 models, I'd choose the DJ I on oyster. Balck, silver or white baton dial.
Also, OP doesn't feature easylink. That's a must.


Explorer 2, Pepsi and the BLNR don't go with a suit. They are sport models that scream casual. If you wouldn't wear a suit on daily basis they would be great one Rolex watch to own.

Sub is on its own league. Great all arounder but still a sport Rolex at the end of the day. It can pull a suit better than the GMT and the Explorer 2.
Ppl say if Sean Connery could pull one off with a tux anyone can. Not quite. Some can, some can't. At the end of the day it is an iconic diver that is for casual wear imo.



My conclusion is that you have 2 options:

-based on your profile (suit every day, conservative style) I'd strongly recommend the classic DJ 36mm. It is the Rolex that pretty much goes with anything. It is dressy but casual at the same time. It is the
most versatile Rolex and it comes with date and easylink. Oyster band is a must. Jubile banf puts the watch in the dress watch category.

-if your lifestyle wouldn't include a suit every day I'd recommend a modern Sub with date

[Vikrolex]

I would recommend your dial colour being anything but black, I find for a smart and casual wear black a bit too garish as most dress down situations don't always feature black attire (unless your casual dress sense is contrary to what I'm saying). I too went through your predicament and finally settled on this. When I used to visit the boutique when choosing, this one always caught my eye and became the comparator. The neutrality of the dial colour goes with everything, and if the fluted bezel is too 'blingy' for you then you could go with the smooth option. My wrist size is 6.75 inches and I don't feel the DJII is too big. I'll try and post a casual attire pic if I can but imho you can't go wrong with silver dial anything.


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[Vikrolex]

On a side note if you do go DJ and fluted you'll enjoy doing this at airports 😃


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[puckbw11]

Originally Posted by Verdi

The comfiest and best models to go with a suit are OP, Explorer 1 and DJ 36 mm.

I'd say a date if needed for one watch only so out of 3 models, I'd choose the DJ I on oyster. Balck, silver or white baton dial.

Also, OP doesn't feature easylink. That's a must.





Explorer 2, Pepsi and the BLNR don't go with a suit. They are sport models that scream casual. If you wouldn't wear a suit on daily basis they would be great one Rolex watch to own.



Sub is on its own league. Great all arounder but still a sport Rolex at the end of the day. It can pull a suit better than the GMT and the Explorer 2.

Ppl say if Sean Connery could pull one off with a tux anyone can. Not quite. Some can, some can't. At the end of the day it is an iconic diver that is for casual wear imo.







My conclusion is that you have 2 options:



-based on your profile (suit every day, conservative style) I'd strongly recommend the classic DJ 36mm. It is the Rolex that pretty much goes with anything. It is dressy but casual at the same time. It is the

most versatile Rolex and it comes with date and easylink. Oyster band is a must. Jubile banf puts the watch in the dress watch category.



-if your lifestyle wouldn't include a suit every day I'd recommend a modern Sub with date

Great stuff here.

Would you say the 116710ln with a black dial is dressier than the other sport models you mentioned? It came off that way to me in the store. The only thing is the rather large numerals on the bezel made it a bit in-your-face.


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[subking86]

Out of your options, I'd choose a SubC ND. Simple and classic with a touch of an extra tool feature (timing bezel). I love the explorer but for a one and only, I think I'd get bored of it.

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by puckbw11

Great stuff here.

Would you say the 116710ln with a black dial is dressier than the other sport models you mentioned? It came off that way to me in the store. The only thing is the rather large numerals on the bezel made it a bit in-your-face.


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Yes, I agree with that. That's why the Sub is a better choice as the bezel is a bit more discreet. But, again, these are sport models.
It's like saying" let's see which one is the best compromise."

At the end of the day get what you like best.


PS: your budget of 6.5k can buy you a used Sub for 4.5k and a vintage DJ for around 2k.

[puckbw11]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Yes, I agree with that. That's why the Sub is a better choice as the bezel is a bit more discreet. But, again, these are sport models.

It's like saying" let's see which one is the best compromise."



At the end of the day get what you like best.





PS: your budget of 6.5k can buy you a used Sub for 4.5k and a vintage DJ for around 2k.

Good points, I guess the other aspects of my lifestyle would call for a more sporty watch (youth hockey coach, traveler, etc.) so that gives me pause on the DJ. The 36mm size is just a mental block and I will need to go try one on again to get a better feel for if I could wear that more casually.

I know it seems silly, but after flipping a zillion watches I just want to get to the point where I have my one watch that I just strap on and wear everyday. I may end up buying some lower-end pieces for fun, but they won't be "my watch" if that makes sense.


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[ajas]

Sub in my opinion. Classic, goes with everything great as one watch. You can find great models for tour budget and even save some money for next one :D

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[dberman3]

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.

Ha! Ain't that the truth.

[PACEVIPER]

Sub 16610 closely followed by whatever GMT you fancy. The Sub is iconic classic and you can tell your son James Bond wore one too.....Jimmy

[judson]

Originally Posted by dberman3

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.

This man speaks the truth,

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by japenney

GMT is my pick for a do everything watch. Date function, timing bezel, 3 time zones, cant really pick better for an all-rounder. If you find its a bit flashy you can have the pcl brushed or buy an Everest leather strap.

This!

[Maiden]

It is either the Rolex OP Rhodium or the Sub C 114060.

[dberman3]

Having a similar style of dress each day, I'd say 214270 or 16710, although you can't go wrong with any of the watches you mentioned. They're all beautiful.

[jmolsberg]

I say SubC. Classic and works with any attire.
My sons getting mine, unless his sister has something to say about it.




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[davegct]

Originally Posted by puckbw11

Good points, I guess the other aspects of my lifestyle would call for a more sporty watch (youth hockey coach, traveler, etc.) so that gives me pause on the DJ. The 36mm size is just a mental block and I will need to go try one on again to get a better feel for if I could wear that more casually.

I know it seems silly, but after flipping a zillion watches I just want to get to the point where I have my one watch that I just strap on and wear everyday. I may end up buying some lower-end pieces for fun, but they won't be "my watch" if that makes sense.


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So here is a completely different thought - you like the DJ but want something sporty, what about the Turnograph?

[RHJ]

So.. what was your choice?

[RHJ]

Sorry, twice sent