Yet Another What to Buy Post....

[mybluehemi]

I came here for advice in 2006 before buying my first Rolex, an '06 Sea Dweller, received a lot of great feedback and finally made the plunge. Flash forward almost 10 years, a wedding, two kids, two jobs......and I'm back again, four months into researching my next buy. January is a huge milestone for me, I will celebrate hitting my weight loss goal of 80LBS, and the final check will be sent out to both of my pre-paid college funds for my boys, can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a new Rolex.

Quick bio; I work in Construction Project Management, attire is usually Polos, jeans, work boots, though I do occasionally have to doll up for presentations. I'm 38, wrist is in the 7" range currently and I'm a stocky 5' 8" for the visual. As I stated I own a pre ceramic Sea Dweller that has never really felt like a great fit on my wrist, a bit too tall and tends to roll around to much for my liking, needless to say my brother and I swapped watches (not officially) and for the past 4 years I've been wearing one of his subs and he's been wearing my watch in rotation in his collection.

The List of Contenders:
Milguass Z Blue-Love it, looks great on the wrist, great color combo, have concerns about long term comfort, seems a bit top heavy without a proper fitting.

Ceramic Sub Date-feels great, looks great, but I feel like I've been wearing one for a while and it's time for a change

GMT BLNR- Love the pictures, but at the higher end of my budget, and not sure I will find one to try on

39mm Explorer I- Really enjoy this watch, looks a bit more refined than the Explorer II 42 or 40, though I did find both of the II's quite comfortable on the wrist

Datejust II (smooth/Blue/Sticks) Not to answer my own question but this watch felt great and looked great, almost as pretty as the Z Blue. I think with a DJII I would like to purchase new, but the prices seem to be all over the place on this model.

TT GMT Rootbeer (oyster)- A local AD has one pre-owned in stock at a great price fresh from a 2014 service, beautiful watch, never owned a TT and am not sure how I will feel about the flashiness long term. It did look fantastic on my wrist.

Sorry for the long post, any experience with these as far as long term happiness and comfort would be appreciated, looking to buy the first week of January.

[tkerrmd]

to keep the answer short....BLNR

[Limey-]

Regular ceramic GMT ??. The Rootbeer is a classic. I would grab that and get a used DJII later.

[mybluehemi]

It is a sexy watch

[mybluehemi]

I do dig the GMTiic, but I can't get past the fact that it's my bosses daily driver, the rootbeer on the other hand is tempting as all get out

[yld2rob]

X2

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

to keep the answer short....blnr

[Jerodp716]

IMO the new style Explorer II would be absolutely perfect for you!

[TimeRookie]

I'm personally not a fan of the rootbeer but that's just an opinion.... My choices are below. The Yatchmaster is very similar to the Sub but a touch flashier and very comfortable as it has the old style case.

[Rogdogg]

The BLNR or the white dial Explorer II. Both are great watches.

[AK797]

I'd go BLNR for a one and only watch, but if you plan to wear the SD still then DJ2 is a great partner.

[mybluehemi]

Beautiful pics, thanks for talking the time to post, I really do love that BLNR...YM is no slouch either

[m1911a1]

This....(none are mine but I think it's the coolest looking watching available.....)

[adawil2002]

The Z-Blue I have one, it's a very nice watch, very comfortable and distinctive. It's not too top heavy when fitted. Flies under the radar as a Rolex, nice and low key.

Explorer I is similar to the Milgauss, I'd go with the Milgauss for it's color.

Explorer II as previously mentioned is a great version of the GMT with a fixed bezel. Have had mine for 29 years and love it.

DJII as described is a beautiful watch, I'm drawn to it as well when I see it at the AD.

I'd go with a GMT whether a BLNR or the TT Rootbeer, or one from a trusted seller on this forum.

[travisb]

BLNR is a great option as a daily.
Have you considered a 114060? Different than a Sub Date that you've been used to but still gives you the modern upgrades.

[Sam Crow]

Rootbeer!

[watchstudent]

Go Milgauss! You've tried the rolex diver thing, go for something different. The Z-blue is gorgeous and with the right fit will be very comfortable I am sure.

[05carbondrz]

Root Beer!

[asleep]

I'd sell the Sea Dweller and buy a Submariner to replace it,

Then I'd look to add the Datejust II.

[dabbotjordan]

Gmt ii c ln.

[LuminousMaximus]

I think either of these is nice

[eltonbalch]

I would be happy with any of the watches you listed and it seems you've already given this considerable thought. I do have a couple of observations.

You mention being stocky; the Explorer II is 42 mm and may be better for wrist presence. It has a date and the GMT function may be useful if you travel. Good discounts seem to be available for this model.

I don't know what being a construction supervisor actually entails. If you actually work in the trenches then a watch with polished center links might not be a great choice. I think you'll see they are prone to micro scratches and smudges. That may not bother you but I thought it was worth mentioning.

I prefer the DJ II if you are choosing between that and the Milgaus. It has a date function, and the blue stick smooth bezel model is both sporty and dressy. It's also less money than the Milgaus.

Congratulations on your milestones and have fun making your choice!

[Jerodp716]

Perfect blend.

[Rolex_Bob]

Root Beer......... A perfect compliment to your Sea Dweller!

[jrs146]

The DJii with ether the blue stick or blue roman is a great watch!

[locutus49]

Datejust II

[OmegaJJH]

I think a DJ will compliment your SD best.

[Abdullasaif]

Datejust 2!!!

[evdwal]

I like the milgauss in your story! Fits your job in Engineering/Construction Management. And you love it!

[TimeRookie]

Another shot of the Yachtmaster:

[TK-710]

First Choice: Explorer 214270. Modest and rugged enough to be worn at the job site yet classic enough to be worn with a suit when called into the board room.

Second DateJust. To me it is slightly more formal than the explorer.

I like the GMT rootbeer but for me I don't know if I would enjoy it for the long run but since you already have another it might go well in a rotation. Rolex sure doesn't make it easy; the more you narrow it down the harder it becomes.