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njo2002 · 8 December 2006, 12:16 PM

Hi folks, relatively new to Rolex (but not to watches) and am very curious to get everyon'es opinion on the following two questions:

1) what is/are considered to be the ultimate Rolex "Grail" watch(es)? You know the "I'm searching around in the tray in the old antiques store and I can't believe I found X.... "

2) what is/are considered to be the modern day "cult classics" for lack of a better term. That is, the Rolex that is on everyone's must-see must-have list (sic) that is in current production.

I know these are inherently subjective questions, but I'll learn something from the reponses. As a long-time fan of IWC, I'd argue for that brand the former is a 1993 Portuguese Jubilee and the latter is a (recently discontinued) old style IWC Big Pilot. Happy to debate IWC fans on this one over on the general non-Rolex watch forum :) Very curious to see what the Rolex "equivalents" are.

Thanks for your thoughts on this one,

NickO

C.J. · 8 December 2006, 12:40 PM

For me, the all time grail watch is the 1665 double red Submariner/Sea-Dweller

As far as current production, the 14060M

ezmoney46 · 8 December 2006, 01:22 PM

I'd have to say my favorite all up is the TT blue sub.

Steve

mikey · 8 December 2006, 01:30 PM

I disagree on the Sub being the grail watch equivalent. It would have to be a DJ and if I am wrong it would have to be Daytona Cosmograph Newman any dial combo..my 2 cents

Spencer · 8 December 2006, 03:13 PM

With out ANY hesitation the "modern" cult, must have Rolex is a SS Daytona, either white or black. Some guys here may disgaree but I gurantee that it will be the most difficult to obtain "modern" Rolex.

Per the older "Grail" rolex, I'd have to agree with the guys above me. Either a Red Dial Sub or a Newman or older Daytona.

diablojota · 8 December 2006, 03:32 PM

My must have is the TT Blue-faced Sub. As far as grail, I'll echo the other responses.

6542 · 8 December 2006, 04:22 PM

Original GMT with white dial. My holy grail in the Rolex club.

JJ Irani · 8 December 2006, 04:32 PM

Hoestly, the most sought after and the one considered by most as the ULTIMATE Rolex would have to be this one!!!

ezmoney46 · 8 December 2006, 05:00 PM

Well can't stay up and debate anymore we here in the US still have one more day of work so it's off to zzzzzzzz land

mailman · 8 December 2006, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey

I disagree on the Sub being the grail watch equivalent. It would have to be a DJ and if I am wrong it would have to be Daytona Cosmograph Newman any dial combo..my 2 cents

It's all down to personal preference. I'm sure there are some here who would say that their ultimate grail Rolex is a Panerai.

mike · 8 December 2006, 08:39 PM

It's pretty subjective, but for me,

Modern,

Vintage

C.J. · 8 December 2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey

I disagree on the Sub being the grail watch equivalent. It would have to be a DJ and if I am wrong it would have to be Daytona Cosmograph Newman any dial combo..my 2 cents

I said MY, ME, MINE, you know, like in, FOR ME!!!........................Pay attention, Mike

Just kidding, pal. I know what you meant

padi56 · 8 December 2006, 11:56 PM

Well for me my Grail watch would be a 1930-40 Rolex Prince pref in SS.Now as for modern must have,well for myself none I can think of.But for cult classics got to be the 6263 Daytona, or the Sub either date or non date my personal preference, not a huge fan of cyclops,next the one and only SD.

Rockrolex · 9 December 2006, 01:52 AM

For me, my "grail" Rolex would be the meteorite Daytona on a black strap. Not because I would find it useful, I just happen to think it is a beautiful watch.

9 December 2006, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.J.

I said MY, ME, MINE, you know, like in, FOR ME!!!........................Pay attention, Mike

Just kidding, pal. I know what you meant

Chill dude.....

9 December 2006, 02:12 AM

IMO a grail would be the 6263, or a Millgauss.......none of the modern watches interest me.

Welshwatchman · 9 December 2006, 02:37 AM

I would have like to have stumbled upon this Rolex Ref. 4113 at a flea market.

I would then swap it for $600,000 cash, thank you very much.

mikey · 9 December 2006, 02:50 AM

Honestly, the only Rolexes I ever identified with were vintage. Maybe our debate should be vintage versus modern. I always knew Sub and GMT existed per Magnum PI but the DJ appealed more to me. Most pawn shops and reputable jewelry stores always had SS DJ with acrylic on hand to buy. the Vintage style 5513 versus the 14060 or 14060M is different. They feel different almost like a history book in the hands holding a 5513. The 14060 is just an 21 century update of a classic. I like classics.

JJ Irani · 9 December 2006, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

I would have like to have stumbled upon this Rolex Ref. 4113 at a flea market.

I would then swap it for $600,000 cash, thank you very much.

I'll keep a look out for that one at our local flea market, Paul!!

Thanks for the heads up!

jac67 · 9 December 2006, 11:34 AM

Hello NickO

Your questions are very subjective, as you may have noticed by the responses.

Personal taste and HYPE determine "grail" watches. In any case, from my experiences the grail watches vary amongst collectors but will include early chronographs, JCK, perpetual calender, early Daytonas especially PN's, Comex, early Subs & SD's, early GMT's, early TOG.

Now wrt modern cult classics, I would classify wearers into 2 categories:
1. Sports wearers - these would include SS Sub's, SD, SS Daytona.
2. Non Sports wearers - the DJ's will always be a classic entry level Rolex.

I don't mean DJ as entry level on price, but it is one of the most common, most recognisable Rolexes out there. It has that classic Rolex look, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet, magnifier cyclops.

John.

njo2002 · 9 December 2006, 01:31 PM

Thanks to everyone who has posted thus far! I appreciate your responses, and I'm going to go research a few of the vintage pieces mentioned - that really is half the fun of this "hobby"!

Cheers,

NickO

GerardoG · 9 December 2006, 02:01 PM

Well....this was a fun search, I was looking for a 1803 and found a very nice one. My dad liked it so much that I gave him the watch; so I went on a new quest: another 1803 but with bold hands & dial. I found this beauty, got the Rolex strap & YG buckle.....and now it's a B E A U T Y!!!!

`

maverick · 10 December 2006, 11:39 AM

This would be one of my grail watches.

=) maverick

A gold PN. Wow

JJ Irani · 10 December 2006, 04:59 PM

Beauty, Dennis!!

Spark · 10 December 2006, 07:43 PM

Has everyone forgotten me??????

fat-sam · 10 December 2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer

With out ANY hesitation the "modern" cult, must have Rolex is a SS Daytona, either white or black. Some guys here may disgaree but I gurantee that it will be the most difficult to obtain "modern" Rolex.

Per the older "Grail" rolex, I'd have to agree with the guys above me. Either a Red Dial Sub or a Newman or older Daytona.

i agree, these are general grail watches- if you walked into in any dealer autherised or not and asked what they had the most enquiries about, it would be these.

personally mine would be WG/PL presisdent Jb bracelet and DDot dial
older- it would be a pre paul newman chronograph(i think there's one pictured above

Welshwatchman · 11 December 2006, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick

This would be one of my grail watches.

=) maverick

A gold PN. Wow

I must agree.

If I could get one of those beauts at anything like a sensible price I would go for it.

mikey · 11 December 2006, 05:34 AM

Truth Be Told, the only trully grail watch is a 18K Gold President. The Sub was and always will be a sport watch. It is simple and uncompromising. The watch most could afford was the SS DJ which was probably 2nd choice grail watch. In this 21st century, it seems the Sub/Sub No Date are reaching popularity. Now the 47-50MM giant watches are the popular watches. Thats just my opinion and trends I see int he magazines.

Prince · 11 December 2006, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey

Truth Be Told, the only trully grail watch is a 18K Gold President...

Make that an 18K BARK Gold President, and you've defined MY grail watch!

maverick · 11 December 2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spark

Has everyone forgotten me??????

That's a beautiful example. You are not forgotten, just getting too expensive.

=) maverick

8 December 2006, 12:16 PM	#1
njo2002 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Nick Location: Northern Virginia Watch: IWC 5251 Posts: 7	The Rolex "Grail" watch and the modern "Cult Classic"? Hi folks, relatively new to Rolex (but not to watches) and am very curious to get everyon'es opinion on the following two questions: 1) what is/are considered to be the ultimate Rolex "Grail" watch(es)? You know the "I'm searching around in the tray in the old antiques store and I can't believe I found X.... " 2) what is/are considered to be the modern day "cult classics" for lack of a better term. That is, the Rolex that is on everyone's must-see must-have list (sic) that is in current production. I know these are inherently subjective questions, but I'll learn something from the reponses. As a long-time fan of IWC, I'd argue for that brand the former is a 1993 Portuguese Jubilee and the latter is a (recently discontinued) old style IWC Big Pilot. Happy to debate IWC fans on this one over on the general non-Rolex watch forum :) Very curious to see what the Rolex "equivalents" are. Thanks for your thoughts on this one, NickO

8 December 2006, 12:40 PM	#2
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	For me, the all time grail watch is the 1665 double red Submariner/Sea-Dweller As far as current production, the 14060M __________________ Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there

8 December 2006, 03:13 PM	#5
Spencer "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: US Posts: 1,338	With out ANY hesitation the "modern" cult, must have Rolex is a SS Daytona, either white or black. Some guys here may disgaree but I gurantee that it will be the most difficult to obtain "modern" Rolex. Per the older "Grail" rolex, I'd have to agree with the guys above me. Either a Red Dial Sub or a Newman or older Daytona. __________________ I'm a perpetual kind of guy Resident Audemars Piguet Fanatic

8 December 2006, 04:32 PM	#8
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Hoestly, the most sought after and the one considered by most as the ULTIMATE Rolex would have to be this one!!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

8 December 2006, 11:56 PM	#13
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,063	Well for me my Grail watch would be a 1930-40 Rolex Prince pref in SS.Now as for modern must have,well for myself none I can think of.But for cult classics got to be the 6263 Daytona, or the Sub either date or non date my personal preference, not a huge fan of cyclops,next the one and only SD. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

8 December 2006, 01:22 PM	#3
ezmoney46 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: steve Location: florida Watch: several Posts: 711	I'd have to say my favorite all up is the TT blue sub. Steve

8 December 2006, 01:30 PM	#4
mikey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: Oysterdate 6694 Posts: 2,713	I disagree on the Sub being the grail watch equivalent. It would have to be a DJ and if I am wrong it would have to be Daytona Cosmograph Newman any dial combo..my 2 cents

8 December 2006, 03:32 PM	#6
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	My must have is the TT Blue-faced Sub. As far as grail, I'll echo the other responses.

8 December 2006, 04:22 PM	#7
6542 Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Kevin Location: Utah Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 14	Original GMT with white dial. My holy grail in the Rolex club.

8 December 2006, 05:00 PM	#9
ezmoney46 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: steve Location: florida Watch: several Posts: 711	Well can't stay up and debate anymore we here in the US still have one more day of work so it's off to zzzzzzzz land

8 December 2006, 08:39 PM	#11
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	It's pretty subjective, but for me, Modern, Vintage

9 December 2006, 01:52 AM	#14
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,969	For me, my "grail" Rolex would be the meteorite Daytona on a black strap. Not because I would find it useful, I just happen to think it is a beautiful watch. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

9 December 2006, 02:12 AM	#16
---- Guest Posts: n/a	IMO a grail would be the 6263, or a Millgauss.......none of the modern watches interest me.

9 December 2006, 02:37 AM	#17
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	I would have like to have stumbled upon this Rolex Ref. 4113 at a flea market. I would then swap it for $600,000 cash, thank you very much. __________________ ..33

9 December 2006, 02:50 AM	#18
mikey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: Oysterdate 6694 Posts: 2,713	Honestly, the only Rolexes I ever identified with were vintage. Maybe our debate should be vintage versus modern. I always knew Sub and GMT existed per Magnum PI but the DJ appealed more to me. Most pawn shops and reputable jewelry stores always had SS DJ with acrylic on hand to buy. the Vintage style 5513 versus the 14060 or 14060M is different. They feel different almost like a history book in the hands holding a 5513. The 14060 is just an 21 century update of a classic. I like classics.

9 December 2006, 11:34 AM	#20
jac67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Me Posts: 1,950	Hello NickO Your questions are very subjective, as you may have noticed by the responses. Personal taste and HYPE determine "grail" watches. In any case, from my experiences the grail watches vary amongst collectors but will include early chronographs, JCK, perpetual calender, early Daytonas especially PN's, Comex, early Subs & SD's, early GMT's, early TOG. Now wrt modern cult classics, I would classify wearers into 2 categories: 1. Sports wearers - these would include SS Sub's, SD, SS Daytona. 2. Non Sports wearers - the DJ's will always be a classic entry level Rolex. I don't mean DJ as entry level on price, but it is one of the most common, most recognisable Rolexes out there. It has that classic Rolex look, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet, magnifier cyclops. John.

9 December 2006, 01:31 PM	#21
njo2002 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Nick Location: Northern Virginia Watch: IWC 5251 Posts: 7	Thanks to everyone who has posted thus far! I appreciate your responses, and I'm going to go research a few of the vintage pieces mentioned - that really is half the fun of this "hobby"! Cheers, NickO

9 December 2006, 02:01 PM	#22
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Well....this was a fun search, I was looking for a 1803 and found a very nice one. My dad liked it so much that I gave him the watch; so I went on a new quest: another 1803 but with bold hands & dial. I found this beauty, got the Rolex strap & YG buckle.....and now it's a B E A U T Y!!!! ` Attached Images

10 December 2006, 11:39 AM	#23
maverick Banned Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: maverick Location: Prescott Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,180	No doubt in my mind >>> This would be one of my grail watches. =) maverick A gold PN. Wow

10 December 2006, 04:59 PM	#24
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Beauty, Dennis!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

10 December 2006, 07:43 PM	#25
Spark "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: Mark Location: U.K. Watch: Too Many Posts: 2,097	Has everyone forgotten me?????? Attached Images

11 December 2006, 05:34 AM	#28
mikey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: Oysterdate 6694 Posts: 2,713	Truth Be Told, the only trully grail watch is a 18K Gold President. The Sub was and always will be a sport watch. It is simple and uncompromising. The watch most could afford was the SS DJ which was probably 2nd choice grail watch. In this 21st century, it seems the Sub/Sub No Date are reaching popularity. Now the 47-50MM giant watches are the popular watches. Thats just my opinion and trends I see int he magazines.

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