Narrowed it to Explorer, Datejust, Subdate

[watchstuff]

Hi All,

Have found this forum extremely useful on planning my first rolex purchase, also working out what all the acronyms mean! Am planning to change from my trusty Omega Seamaster, which has done me well, to a rolex. Have popped into a couple of AD's and found them very ameanable. I think I've narrowed it down to the following 3:

Explorer 2 with white dial
Datejust 36mm (to me found the DJII a bit big for the strap) - white dial with oyster bracelet
Submariner Date - black dial

It's likely this will be my everday wearer so will need to go with a suit and also day to day jeans and tshirt!

I know it's down to personal taste but would value your pro's and con's on any of the 3, or which you would personally choose and why?

Just a couple questions are all the dials for the datejust luminescent eg the roman numerals or would I have to stick with the standard non numbers?

Also at my usual jewellers in UK (who unfortunately do not sell rolex) I'm normally party to 15-20% discount, is it true for the popular rolex models I should just accept retail prices? I know the subdate seems to be very difficult to even get a look at as they don't have any stock.

Any advice much appreciated in advance.
Cheers.

[MoBe]

I`d go with the Submariner 116610.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by MoBe

I`d go with the Submariner 116610.

X2

[RyanJames]

Although not in your original list I'd say the GMTiic

From your list datejust all the way.

Ryan

[Dr. Robert]

datejust for suit & casual dress.

[Vallhalla68]

Explorer II 216570

[Annan]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

datejust for suit & casual dress.

X2 Got mine a year ago, love it and wear it with everything. And....no, this particular style has no lume.

[slcbbrown]

Tough choice. I'm a big fan of DJ's for almost any situation and have used them extensively in casual and outdoorsy wear. Where I live, you can use any of these options (exp2,sub,dj) for everything but formal wear. I can't speak for your plans, but if you need something a bit dressier than a Sub, you can't go wrong with the DJ's.

[Cru Jones]

Hi. My advice would be to go back to the AD a few times and try them on, as you haven't really narrowed it down just yet. The three you've mentioned are great choices, but very different. Any opinions you'll get from the board at this point is people expressing what they like best.

Good luck with the hunt! Easy 75% of the fun.

[subtona]

all great choices and each of them can be great daily wears!
i would be guided by the functionality that you think you may get the most out of, or lack of with regard to the DJ.

cant lose.

[~JJ]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Hi. My advice would be to go back to the AD a few times and try them on, as you haven't really narrowed it down just yet. The three you've mentioned are great choices, but very different. Any opinions you'll get from the board at this point is people expressing what they like best.

Good luck with the hunt! Easy 75% of the fun.

Agree. For your first, use the 80/20 rule based on your lifestyle... fly fishing guide who wears a suit here and there, then go with a sport watch versus a banker who wears a suit every day and plays on the weekend, then a DJ is a great pick. However, you will never go wrong when picking a Rolex (IMO).

[jim251]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Hi. My advice would be to go back to the AD a few times and try them on, as you haven't really narrowed it down just yet. The three you've mentioned are great choices, but very different. Any opinions you'll get from the board at this point is people expressing what they like best.

Good luck with the hunt! Easy 75% of the fun.

^^^ Listen to this man...

[77T]

Given your plan for a daily watch that can go with a suit and casual, it would probably be a mission for a Datejust. You didn't say what metal you were leaning towards. The Oyster bracelet could come off too sporty. If the DJ becomes your choice I'd lean towards a Jubilee bracelet.

[Tridor]

Either the Sub or the DJ. Can't go wrong with either. Both GREAT watches.

[azguy]

The Sub

You can wear it 24/7; in a tuxedo or skinny dipping at the lake
and it will always be up to the task

Plus, if you buy the DJ, you'll just end up with the Sub down the road so you'll be savings yourself some cash buying it now.....

[Rollie2011]

Sub... the one and only

[ikovalchuk17]

Go with the Sub. It's a great watch.

[Len S]

As a daily wearer, it is hard to beat the Sub. Good luck with your decision.

[gwalker]

Of the 3 DJ since you will be using casual ad with a Suit. IMO the Sub is the perfect Rolex. I would choose the GMTII C as I think it fits your needs best.

[Goodwill63]

Had an m serial sub that I bought for my 40th birthday. I sold that watch about two years ago because I needed the money. I regretted that decision every day thereafter. When my financial situation improved, I bought a gmt iic which was a beautiful watch and I was a happy guy for 4 weeks until the Sub bug bit me again! Long story short, I traded the gmt iic for a z serial gmt coke and then bought the new sub c. This forum will make you do things like this! My recommendation would be the sub c. It is, IMHO, the most versatile, best looking iconic reference in the Rolex lineup. You will not regret it.

[drockadam]

Go with the Submariner Date! You can't go wrong with the 16610 or the 116610LN!

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by ~JJ

Agree. For your first, use the 80/20 rule based on your lifestyle... fly fishing guide who wears a suit here and there, then go with a sport watch versus a banker who wears a suit every day and plays on the weekend, then a DJ is a great pick. However, you will never go wrong when picking a Rolex (IMO).

Yes you can. It's a big choice. I settled on a DSSD as a grad gift and wanted a nib sd4k. I didnt look around so I just ordered the DSSD. I wore it Daily 3 years now I only wear it every 4-6 months. It means to much to me to sell it.

[McLovin]

It depends on the context and how often you're wearing the suit. More formal and more often leans towards DJ, less formal and less often to Sub. IMHO, most guys who regularly wear suits to work need two watches.

[~JJ]

Originally Posted by gwalker

Yes you can. It's a big choice. I settled on a DSSD as a grad gift and wanted a nib sd4k. I didnt look around so I just ordered the DSSD. I wore it Daily 3 years now I only wear it every 4-6 months. It means to much to me to sell it.

Valid point, it is a large ticket item that shouldn't be rushed.

[watchf]

First Rolex I would choose between the DJ or Sub but personally would lead towards the sub.

[Aspirin]

Should be narrowed to E2 and SubDate.

[Rolex77]

sub

[floater156]

I believe the DJ works best for dress and casual.

[cookie7]

Had a DJ and traded it backto my AD for the new Ex II love it ,dresses up just fine,after all it's a Rolex

[docmarioce]

3 very different options. The exp II is 40 mm but wears smaller. DJ is 36mm and wears the smallest of the 3. Sub date is my choice since it wears large and it fits me like a glove. Any of your options are great options. They are beautiful Rolex watches and should last many many years. Every one of this models represent different things TO ME for example the exp II is fit for the adventurous, explorer, skinny, nerdish guy that love to travel to different places and love nature, etc. The DJ I see it more in the wrist of inteligent, wealthy, doctors and lawyers who wear suit most of the time. And the Sub is seen more on the road because is more versatile and can be wore with sport, casual and dressy looks. It also represents achievement since it has been seen on the wrists of great men and divers all over the world that have accomplished many great things. A Rolex is more than a watch and it's worthy to read a little bit about each model history before taking the final decision.

I agree with those who recommend you to go back to the stores and try them all until you feel the real love for one. I prefer the sub but I like them all and if I could I had one of each. Good luck in your decision...