$15-20K - what Rolex would you buy?

[GJG854]

Hi All,

First time poster...please forgive any mistakes on my part.

I currently have an Explorer in SS with blue dial, bought a couple years ago so I think it's smaller than the one they sell currently. I'm now looking to buy my next Rolex and eager for suggestions about what to buy in the $15-20K price range. I know this is generally more than a SS but not quite enough for WG.

What I really want is the new 116719BLRO Pepsi GMT, but that will have to wait a couple years!

Anyway, would love to hear suggestions from the folks in the forum about what you guys would buy in this price range?

Thanks!

[The_Walrus]

I would buy a BLNR and use the change to buy a 1675 or 16750 Pepsi!!!!

[dannyp]

Just curious where you acquired your Explorer, since, to my knowledge, it never came with a blue dial (though I'll admit, in certain light perhaps the black can look blue).

As to your question, if what you really want is white gold, then what about one of the WG DJs on a leather strap? Those retail for about $20k but can probably be had with some discount.

If you like something a bit larger, the WG Daytona retails for about $26k but similarly should be attainable at around 20.

[GJG854]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Just curious where you acquired your Explorer, since, to my knowledge, it never came with a blue dial (though I'll admit, in certain light perhaps the black can look blue).

As to your question, if what you really want is white gold, then what about one of the WG DJs on a leather strap? Those retail for about $20k but can probably be had with some discount.

If you like something a bit larger, the WG Daytona retails for about $26k but similarly should be attainable at around 20.

Hi dannyp, thanks for your response. I acquired my Explorer a couple years back at an AD in Hong Kong. Couple pictures are attached which show the dial in different lighting, but it's definitely blue! :)

As for WG DJ on a leather strap, for me I really prefer the all metal Rolex look, I'm not a fan of the leather straps for their look but also comfort/feel on the wrist.

As for the Daytona, I prefer a more simple dial and don't have need for all the chronograph features! Surprised that the discount on those would be that large though? Is that typical or just for Daytona model?

[GJG854]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Just curious where you acquired your Explorer, since, to my knowledge, it never came with a blue dial (though I'll admit, in certain light perhaps the black can look blue).

As to your question, if what you really want is white gold, then what about one of the WG DJs on a leather strap? Those retail for about $20k but can probably be had with some discount.

If you like something a bit larger, the WG Daytona retails for about $26k but similarly should be attainable at around 20.

Pictures attached.

[travisb]

That's an Oyster Perpetual, not an Explorer.
Nice piece though.

As far as suggestions in that price range, I would go 2 SS Rolex (BLNR and SDC or Sub), or Patek 5167.

[GJG854]

Originally Posted by The_Walrus

I would buy a BLNR and use the change to buy a 1675 or 16750 Pepsi!!!!

Thanks for the suggestion! The BLNR looks really cool although I haven't seen it in person yet. While I love the vintage Pepsi GMT's I am a little weary about buying used and from a source other than AD.

[avfh1388]

Hi There... A newbie to this forum from Sydney.. Saying hello after lurking for quite some time.. I thought Explorer is only available in black dial????

[Old Expat Beast]

Yes, nice watch, and similar to but not an Explorer (it would say Explorer on the dial if it was one).

[busytimmy]

I would get a Black Daytona or BLNR. Still can't decide myself.

[Racerdj]

I would put this amount into savings for the WG Pepsi. This way, the wait will not be as long and you will not take a hit when and if a trade is done.

[GJG854]

Thanks to all for the clarification on Oyster Perpetual vs. Explorer. Guess I'm really showing what a newbie I am to all this...

Appreciate the suggestions. I'm thinking now of either BLNR or just saving up for the WG Pepsi!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by GJG854

Thanks to all for the clarification on Oyster Perpetual vs. Explorer. Guess I'm really showing what a newbie I am to all this...

Appreciate the suggestions. I'm thinking now of either BLNR or just saving up for the WG Pepsi!

The good news is that your watch is a descendant of the 'basic' Oyster Perpetual that Edmund Hillary took up Everest. The Explorer, which for some reason is usually mistaken for the watch he carried, was released to the market soon thereafter.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by GJG854

What I really want is the new 116719BLRO Pepsi GMT, but that will have to wait a couple years!

Then save for it

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Then save for it

I'd say this, a white dial Exp II, or GMT IIC LN.

[AK797]

WG or YG Daytona on strap with panda dial. Buy it preowned and then save up and flip it for the BLRO in a couple of years when prices are friendlier.

[Roll the Lex]

Originally Posted by GJG854

Hi All,

First time poster...please forgive any mistakes on my part.

I currently have an Explorer in SS with blue dial, bought a couple years ago so I think it's smaller than the one they sell currently. I'm now looking to buy my next Rolex and eager for suggestions about what to buy in the $15-20K price range. I know this is generally more than a SS but not quite enough for WG.

What I really want is the new 116719BLRO Pepsi GMT, but that will have to wait a couple years!

Anyway, would love to hear suggestions from the folks in the forum about what you guys would buy in this price range?

Thanks!

I'm in the same situation as you. I've got an Explorer and am in that in between phase between the instant gratification of SS vs. the allure of a precious metals watch. However, my watch fund is still in its infancy compared to yours.

It depends. Do you want a collection or Rolex watches? One way to go is have one SS model and one special watch, the Pepsi and call it a day. The alternative is to have a couple of watches in the collection.

I've been back and forth and I really would want one SS model and one YG model. However, due to the adverse economic climate of my family- newborn, wife wanting to go to grad school on a full scholarship (i.e. funded by me) as well as paying off her existing college debt, etc., the watch fund will be closed... unless TRF is willing to contribute!

So I'm planning to pick up a subc now rather than wait until later.

[kilyung]

Just save and get the BLRO

[echau]

Easy, a used 118238. When you've saved up the difference for the BLRO, trade in the DD + cash.

[mjclark32]

In that range, the 16618

[GJG854]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

In that range, the 16618

Wouldn't that be $25k or more? I'm talking new at AD.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by GJG854

Wouldn't that be $25k or more? I'm talking new at AD.

I was talking about the older model sub, since you're thinking bnib at an AD I guess this wouldn't work...

[ronburgundy]

DSSD and EXP II Polar for me.

[FTX I]

I would buy what I bought over and over again: 116610LN & 114060.

[phils]

If I were in your shoes and REALLY wanted the white gold GMTII pepsi I would just save up for one. Otherwise you won't be happy with anything else.

Put your name on the list at a couple of ADs and wait.

[tkerrmd]

Ss ym ii???

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Ss ym ii???

Hell yeah!

[brettpaul]

THIS!

[brettpaul]

Or THIS!!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by brettpaul

THIS!

Originally Posted by brettpaul

Or THIS!!

Or save another $4-5k and get both! Love both of those!