Are ND Subs, Air-Kings and Explorers Entry Level ?

[Tools]

I've been hearing this more lately, that somehow the Oyster Perpetual models without date are somehow "entry level" Rolexes.

The Air-Kings, the Explorers, and the ND Subs have scaled the highest mountains in the world, dived the deepest oceans, explored the deepest caverns and journeyed the most dangerous expeditions..

I hardly think these watches are "entry level" time pieces. They are the watches that started it all.... and remain truly functional.

I will say that they are just not "Bling Level" - and that is the only reason for a more reasonable price. And price alone should not relegate some of the most reliable, rugged watches in the world to some backroom sale status.

What say the crowd....????????

[ROLEXAHOLIC]

Enrty level for sure ! Just like the Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series, JAG X-Type etc... I don't buy that bling argument. The less expensive models of anything are the entry level.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I would have to agree with you on that point, Larry, although I hate to admit doing so!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Tools

I've been hearing this more lately, that somehow the Oyster Perpetual models without date are somehow "entry level" Rolexes.

But wait a minute, Larry!

Are the Daytonas "entry level", too, then? Because they also have no date!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by FLACGC

Enrty level for sure ! Just like the Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series, JAG X-Type etc... I don't buy that bling argument. The less expensive models of anything are the entry level.

Interesting, and somewhat materialistic perspective..

Something has to cost a lot to be worthwile, or is somehow better if it can be spotted from across the room..

I'll bet the ND Sub is as accurate, and will last as long as any Rolex. Entry level implies a lesser built product, not a less blinged product.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

But wait a minute, Larry!

Are the Daytonas "entry level", too, then? Because they also have no date!

Spacey, I don't put any Rolex in the "entry level" category. If I wanted to time horses at the track, I would use my Chronograph....right tool for the job.

If I were to go on an African safari, I would probably wear the Explorer.

I would not wear an office queen blinged DJ. And I don't think just because I paid more for the watch, it will be a better watch.

[Letsgodiving]

I suppose they are. Unlike a recent previous thread regarding "bottom of the barrel" models I don't think entry level is necessarily a negative thing. If you are looking to get a Rolex and have limited funds to do so you might get one of these models but I don't see where you are compromising on quality, history etc.

Whereas bottom of the barrel has a definite negative connotation I don't see it the same way with entry level. But I guess that depends on your interpretation of entry level.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by FLACGC

Enrty level for sure ! Just like the Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series, JAG X-Type etc... I don't buy that bling argument. The less expensive models of anything are the entry level.

Great analogy.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Tools

I've been hearing this more lately, that somehow the Oyster Perpetual models without date are somehow "entry level" Rolexes.

The Air-Kings, the Explorers, and the ND Subs have scaled the highest mountains in the world, dived the deepest oceans, explored the deepest caverns and journeyed the most dangerous expeditions..

I hardly think these watches are "entry level" time pieces. They are the watches that started it all.... and remain truly functional.

I will say that they are just not "Bling Level" - and that is the only reason for a more reasonable price. And price alone should not relegate some of the most reliable, rugged watches in the world to some backroom sale status.

What say the crowd....????????

If I could add anything, I would. Well said!

[Paulie]

Most product lines have a beginning and an end. Starting with a simple arabic Precision to a Platinum Ice Blue Date-Just. Both will tell the time, some with tell a bit more, but 9:30 is still 9:30 on Wednesday 29 (somewhere).

Some models tell the time in a clean, historic style, some tell you while saying something else fashion wise (coughleopardcough).

They each have their place in the line up. Which ever speaks to you IS the one (unless you're a crazed flipper. )

[Paulie]

Just another thought: Is the new Milgauss entry level??? :)

[problmchylde]

I don't care what other people think.I said it once....I'll say it again.....I LOVE NON DATE SUBS.

I am considering the new COSC 14060......

[mike]

Originally Posted by problmchylde

I don't care what other people think.I said it once....I'll say it again.....I LOVE NON DATE SUBS.

I am considering the new COSC 14060......

No Kidding!! Especially THAT one!!!

[Tools]

Great stuff Peter.

This was not my first Rolex - but it is one of mine....



Or even my second (or even my ninth)

[ROLEXAHOLIC]

Originally Posted by Tools

Interesting, and somewhat materialistic perspective..

Something has to cost a lot to be worthwile, or is somehow better if it can be spotted from across the room..

I'll bet the ND Sub is as accurate, and will last as long as any Rolex. Entry level implies a lesser built product, not a less blinged product.

To me entry level does not mean lesser built, Either of the cars that I mentioned in my analogy are quality cars, likewise IMHO any ROLEX is a quality watch whether it's an entry level or not. When you fly first class you are on the same plane with the people sitting in coach - is one half of the plane better than the other ? I don't think so ! But if you wan't certain amenities you'll pay a little more to sit in first class. Is this view materialsitic ?maybe, but I prefer to call it realistic.

Originally Posted by ron17402

Great analogy.

Originally Posted by Paulie

Most product lines have a beginning and an end. Starting with a simple arabic Precision to a Platinum Ice Blue Date-Just. Both will tell the time, some with tell a bit more, but 9:30 is still 9:30 on Wednesday 29 (somewhere).

Some models tell the time in a clean, historic style, some tell you while saying something else fashion wise (coughleopardcough).

They each have their place in the line up. Which ever speaks to you IS the one (unless you're a crazed flipper. )

I agree most product lines do have a beginning and an end.

[Alcan]

I think that when my AD mentioned "entry level" Rolex watches, she was referring to price point (and, no doubt, commission), not the quality of the watches.

[AndrewG]

I don't understand 'entry level'. If you value an item's worth by how much you paid for it and cost is your benchmark for 'quality' then surely you're missing the point.
The most basic Rolex is still a mechanical masterpiece and piling bling on top of it doesn't change that, or the fact that it's just a thing which tells you you're late for something.

[problmchylde]

Beautiful watch Larry......

[mike]

Originally Posted by problmchylde

Beautiful watch Larry......

X2.

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by ROLEXAHOLIC

Entry level for sure ! Just like the...JAG X-Type etc...

Please don't put the Jaguar X Type in the same category and the Mercedes C Class and the BMW 3 Series.

The Jag X Type is nothing more than a dressed up Ford Contour with all-wheel drive.

Flashbacks of the Lincoln Versailles (Ford Grenada) and Cadillac Cimarron (Chevy Cavalier) come to mind.

[ROLEXAHOLIC]

Originally Posted by S2000 Driver

Please don't put the Jaguar X Type in the same category and the Mercedes C Class and the BMW 3 Series.

The Jag X Type is nothing more than a dressed up Ford Contour with all-wheel drive.

Flashbacks of the Lincoln Versailles (Ford Grenada) and Cadillac Cimarron (Chevy Cavalier) come to mind.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you!

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by ROLEXAHOLIC

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you!

No offense taken -- I'm just a "car nut!"



However, your analogy does hold up with the other 2 examples.

No bad DNA in either the C Class or 3 Series.

Not to say Ford Contour DNA was bad per se -- just more humble!

[Downing]

Hey, three of my favorite watches. What, no SD?

I don't care if you call them entry level, or bottom of the barrel, or even simple watches for simple people, I like them. And that's what matters to me.

I asked this once before but can't remember the thread so I'll ask it again: what does "swimpruf" mean?

[SobeSVT]

Originally Posted by S2000 Driver

Please don't put the Jaguar X Type in the same category and the Mercedes C Class and the BMW 3 Series.

The Jag X Type is nothing more than a dressed up Ford Contour with all-wheel drive.

Flashbacks of the Lincoln Versailles (Ford Grenada) and Cadillac Cimarron (Chevy Cavalier) come to mind.

Totally unfair analogy. While the X-Type is based on the Mondeo platform (the one AFTER the generation that was sold in the US as the Contour) it has enough upgrades (starting with AWD standard) to justify the Jag badge.

While the Cimarron was a thinly disguised Cavalier -an already awful car- with same body panels and slightly more barroque interior trim, the X-type only shares the Mondeo (an excelent car in its own right) platform.

I thought that needed to be clarified.

As for the Air-King it is in fact an entry level Rolex. I own two and I love them and I don't see any diminishing connotations whatsoever to the term entry level.

[Blue Bull]

Any Rolex is King

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by SobeSVT

Totally unfair analogy. While the X-Type is based on the Mondeo platform (the one AFTER the generation that was sold in the US as the Contour) it has enough upgrades (starting with AWD standard) to justify the Jag badge.

While the Cimarron was a thinly disguised Cavalier -an already awful car- with same body panels and slightly more barroque interior trim, the X-type only shares the Mondeo (an excelent car in its own right) platform.

I thought that needed to be clarified...

Very good, Grasshopper! You are correct!

I was just throwing a line in the water to see if there would be any fellow car out there who would take the bait.

I'll have to find a more challenging automotive trivia curve ball to throw at you that you cannot so easily research on the web ( http://www.caranddriver.com/previews...ar-x-type.html ) but it will have to be in the Open Discussion Forum so as not to get this thread too



"Automotive Trivia for two-hundred and the answer is..."

[Perpetuator]

So just because the 14060M is sans the date feature and retails for 10% less than the 16610, it's considered entry level? Does someone who buys a no-date Sub need to "work their way up" the Sub with the date feature? Would it still be considered such if they costed exactly the same? Doesn't seem to quite make sense. And wouldn't it be possible for someone to actually prefer a ND Sub to a Date Sub? I suppose it's feasible to prefer an "entry-level" watch over one with more features, but I don't think that just because one Rolex costs less than another or doesn't have as many bells and whistles should it be considered a "beginner's Rollie."

A Rolex is a Rolex, end of story.

[leopardprey]

I would say the three you mentioned are just plain simple time keeping tools. Designed for simplicity and to keep the time in hard environments.

[vukotab]

It`s a Rolex,for God`s sake!There are no such thing as "entry level"!

[frostie]

Originally Posted by mike

No Kidding!! Especially THAT one!!!

nice watch