Good safe 'starter' first Rolex?

[WARDinv]

Hello Rolex people.
I thought I would come to see if I could get any advice from you before I purchase my first Rolex.

My price range is < £2k
I would like a nice time piece that holds also holds its value.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

Ward

[slashd0t]

I would try save up a bit more and get a non ceramic sub no-date..

[m j b]

Originally Posted by slashd0t

I would try save up a bit more and get a non ceramic sub no-date..

+1. 2K ain't gonna get a pristine watch, and that's what you need to get. Keep it looking nice, and it won't drop much in value. Keep it long enough and it will go up in value.

My first Rolex was a used non-ceramic sub no date (14060M) which I'm wearing today. I just keep adding to the collection...

[Clutch Cargo]

My best advice would be for you to buy a used submariner (no date) from a trusted seller here. You would most likely have to go over your stated budget.

[rollee1]

Anything working with original movement for under £2k is a excellent. Grab and run smiling

[watchstudent]

Originally Posted by Clutch Cargo

My best advice would be for you to buy a used submariner (no date) from a trusted seller here. You would most likely have to go over your stated budget.

Seems like a luxury you guys in the US have and not us in the UK. Even if we got it shipped internationally the savings would be negated by the 20% VAT.

We seem to have to pay a lot more for nice watches over here than you lucky lot!

Oh and yeah to the OP £2k is way too much money to spend while "settling" on a watch, I would say buy a Tudor/Omega that you love just as much as a Rolex or save more for what you really want.

[ChuckFinlay]

Originally Posted by watchstudent

We seem to have to pay a lot more for nice watches over here than you lucky lot!

Not if you compare like for like, rather than convert. First watch I found on SC, BLNR $8400 USD, UK BNIB £5950 RRP....

So unit for unit, we're a lot cheaper.

[locutus49]

Plus, you Brits get to speak in those posh accents that all the girls love. So that is worth something.

Originally Posted by ChuckFinlay

Not if you compare like for like, rather than convert. First watch I found on SC, BLNR $8400 USD, UK BNIB £5950 RRP....

So unit for unit, we're a lot cheaper.

[luvsub]

Ss dj.

[milgauss2232]

explorer 1?

[c41006]

I would save up a but longer

[sickened1]

Save up a little more and get a good condition Explorer I. I'd also recommend you go try some on if you can (from you local AD perhaps?). Which ever you choose, good luck with your decision.

Edit: Oh and welcome to TRF!

[gwozhog]

if you have to ask a group of strangers what to spend 2k on I would say you are not ready to buy a watch. 2k may not be alot of money for a rolex but in the end its still 2k. For that kind of money a purchase should sing to you.

[RDA 1]

I always knew the one i wanted. Ill admit that I was tempted to get an explorer 1 for a bit but I'm glad that I stuck with my gut feeling. I've seen some lovely stainless steel air kings at prices well within what your talking about though.


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[landroverking]

I think a DJ or Exp 1 maybe at your price point.

[jot_]

Originally Posted by WARDinv

Hello Rolex people.
I thought I would come to see if I could get any advice from you before I purchase my first Rolex.

My price range is < £2k
I would like a nice time piece that holds also holds its value.

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

Ward

Air King, Explorer I, etc...

As a side note, I don't like the idea of calling any particular Rolex a starter. From the lowest cost model up, they are impeccably built timepieces with excellent quality. To call it a starter implies otherwise. Any of the lower cost Rolexes can serve a man or woman faithfully for their life.

[Anthon]

Originally Posted by jot_

Air King, Explorer I, etc...

As a side note, I don't like the idea of calling any particular Rolex a starter. From the lowest cost model up, they are impeccably built timepieces with excellent quality. To call it a starter implies otherwise. Any of the lower cost Rolexes can serve a man or woman faithfully for their life.

Indeed.
These forums do affect the way you see the world, but don't let yourself be fooled. 2000 is a LOT of money to most of us and there is no such thing as a starter Rolex. (the 'cheap' 39mm Explorer has an newer and more advanced movement than the Sea Dweller for example)

If 2000 was my budget, then I would NOT spend it on a watch.

[HogwldFLTR]

I found my 16013 DJ for $2500 with a full set so it is possible; likely not a newer watch however. They come up fairly regularly at about that price point.

[azguy]

Explore 1 would be a an excellent choice

[Gerardus]

EXI(39mm) or EXII(42mm), sub(C)ND

[Boxcars]

You could probably get a 26mm SS model with change to buy a few extra links if necessary.

[Hairdude1]

Look at the EXI

[AK797]

You're looking at a not in great condition DJ for that money, not worth it, so save up till you have closer to £3K and in the mean time research what watches you like at that price range.

[grrr]

Save a bit more

[watchwatcher]

As others have said, your options are pretty limited at that price point. But, the key thing about watches is getting what you really want...so figure that out first and then either get it or save up some more.

Or take a look at the new Tudors...there are some amazing watches to be had in your budget.

[997.2]

save more

[Brimstone]

Tudor or save a bit more

[RMC12]

Originally Posted by Brimstone

Tudor or save a bit more

This.

For that money I would look at a Tudor Ranger. I tried one on a couple of weeks ago and it is a great watch. Definitely on my list.

[vitalsignsrn]

I would suggest a DJ but I'm afraid you'll have to save up a bit more.

Take a look through the for sale section, or do a search for (an example) "Datejust for sale". Scan how much the ones that sold for / are for sale & note the serial letters which will indicate year the watch was produced (more or less). This way you will get a better understanding of pricing.

[versatile1]

Stainless Datejust 36mm on jubilee
It will get you into the Rolex market. Save a few more bucks then trade it plus some cash on a non ceramic Sub. Continue throwing your change in a bottle for a few years and upgrade to a ceramic GMT.
After a couple more years of skimming a little cash off the top and hiding it under the materass, upgrade to a Daytona, look closely at it and thank yourself for turning to TRF for advice on the purchase of your first Rolex