Can't Decide What to Buy... Explorer, Datejust, GMT, Sub

[puckbw11]

I do not intend this to be another “what should I buy” thread. People end up buying what they like no matter the input of others. This is more my attempt to put my thoughts on "paper" so that maybe this will help others as they are searching as well. If you think I am missing something please feel free to chime in. I do hope this creates some discussion!

This will be my "one watch" so I have some requirements:

· I want to wear it with everything-- from shorts and t-shirt to a suit. Still deciding if the sporty or dressy models will work best.

· Special, timeless design with round case and not overly busy. Heirloom-worthy for my son

· I do not want it to overpower my smallish wrist (see wrist shots)

· Flair, but not overly flashy

· At least 100m water resistance

· I prefer a date complication just for practicality sake, but not a must-have (hence my love for the 214270)

My background:

· I am 30 years old and I wear a suit to work Mon-Thurs and I tend to dress rather conservatively--my daily uniform is some variation of a tailored blue/grey suit with some Allen Edmonds kicks.

· I am a complete WIS, but want to go to one watch

· I do travel a bit and there is a chance we will be living overseas in a few years for a little while

· I have a newborn who will be inheriting this bad boy someday

· I can spend up to about $6500 max, and I am open to pre-owned mint pieces



Here are the contenders:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Rhodium

· Perfect size

· Great value

· Sunburst dial adds some flair, makes watch appear dressier than an explorer

· Blue dots could look dated in several years

· Poor night reading due to limited lume

· Grey dial at times looks a bit dull

· Bracelet clasp not as refined as Explorer other sports Rolexes

· No date

Rolex Explorer 39mm

· Iconic, timeless style, great as an heirloom for my son

· Perfect size on my wrist

· Comfortable, adjustable bracelet

· Is it too plain/not dressy enough for daily office attire?

· New model just released, need to wait for a deal

· No date



Rolex Submariner

· Classic design and versatile

· Comfortable, adjustable bracelet

· Amazing diving bezel, could use for timing

· 300m water resistance

· Date

· Super case a bit big on my wrist/person?

· Top of price range

· Most common sports Rolex (for good reason)

Rolex Master GMT

· Classic design and versatile

· Bezel action is perfect

· GMT time zone function useful for my travel, work

· Comfortable, adjustable bracelet

· Less popular than the Submariner

· Date

· Super case a bit big on my wrist/person

· Top of price range

· Potentially too flashy?



Rolex Datejust 36mm

· Perfect dress watch

· Proportions are very classic

· Date

· Not sure about oyster bracelet on this watch

· A bit small on me, not very versatile with casual clothes

· Could see myself tiring of it due to size, lack of versatility



Rolex Datejust II 41mm

· Perfect dress watch

· Classic design and versatile

· Comfortable, adjustable bracelet

· Date

· Proportions are off, new Rolex 41 looks good, but it is one to two years away from release in steel

· A bit big on my wrist



Omega Aqua Terra or Globemaster

· Like them, but at the end of the day, they just don’t speak to me as much as the Rolex design language

Older model Rolexes 16570 polar or 16710 Pepsi

· I love these, but the bracelet really gives me pause. I can’t spend 4-6k on a watch when the bracelet is worse than a $200 Seiko

[sensui]

Got a newborn... I'd pick a nice 16710 since it fits all your needs and it'll be something awesome to pass down. The bracelet isn't as terrible as many make them out to be. Looks fine and serves the purpose.

[WhiskyVerb]

I agree the Blue dots on the OP will become dated, and they don't complement the rest of the watch.

I was under the same decision making process for the same reasons and settled on the Explorer 39mm.

[japenney]

GMT is my pick for a do everything watch. Date function, timing bezel, 3 time zones, cant really pick better for an all-rounder. If you find its a bit flashy you can have the pcl brushed or buy an Everest leather strap.

[mjclark32]

16610, I'm 30 and have worn my 16610 with everything from bathing suits to black tie. It's a "slimmer" version than the new subc (116610). Has a date, 300m water resistance, tough as nails. To me it's a no brainer. Good luck

[brandrea]

Pretty much any of your choices tick all the requirements you've listed.
If you live near an AD, go and try them on, you can't go wrong with any on your list

[mudd]

The photos didn't upload. From reading your comments I would recommend the SubC Date (you will have to shop to find one at that price) or GMT. Both can be worn in any environment and will serve you and your son well. The ND and the Explorer would be the next two in the lineup.

[GB-man]

116710 LN can be had new in that price range with some shopping around. It fits the bill perfectly.

[RHJ]

As the only one 214270 for sure. Fits every need ...

[WristEnvy]

Originally Posted by sensui

Got a newborn... I'd pick a nice 16710 since it fits all your needs and it'll be something awesome to pass down. The bracelet isn't as terrible as many make them out to be. Looks fine and serves the purpose.

+1 get yourself a GMT. I think it's the most versatile out of the list considering you will be traveling or moving abroad.

If you can get yourself a nice 16710, get all the inserts and it'll be like 3 watches in one. If you want something more modern, you might be able to get a minty 116710ln.

Congrats on the newborn and look forward to your incoming watch .

[mtgjr]

I have a mint 16710 BLRO as my one and only nice watch. Have the coke and black inserts to change up the look, if desired. My situation is similar to yours....suits during the week, a son that will one day inherit the watch.....and I wouldn't want any other reference. I think it's absolutely perfect. Here's a pic:

[FritzW]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

I have a mint 16710 BLRO as my one and only nice watch. Have the coke and black inserts to change up the look, if desired. My situation is similar to yours....suits during the week, a son that will one day inherit the watch.....and I wouldn't want any other reference. I think it's absolutely perfect. Here's a pic:

Agree with this. Older gmt (non-ceramic bezels )has 3 inserts available ($200+\- ea) that will dress up or down the look. They are not that hard to change out. Plenty of you tube videos to show how to do this.. You can pick up near mint GMTs for your price range. Especially here from trusted sellers.


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[puckbw11]

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[Ss888]

I have similar wrist size as you and pretty much I have owned all the Rolex you have listed except OP.

In my opinion explorer fits the best in terms of size and with any out fit. But I do miss the date function.

36mm dj would be my choice, consider black dial with oyster which will add a little sports look. 41mm definitely too big, if have to chose this I would go with blue stick smooth bezel.

Explorer 16570 also good but a bit too casual

Ceramic GMT can be a little shinning at time, subc is a little better. But both look a little big on my worst. Not too bad if wear long sleeves.

If I have to pick one, I would suggest 36mm dj or gmtC/subc (for long term value).

[mudd]

Originally Posted by puckbw11

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GMT then SubC

[evlkoala]

The explorer 1 39mm looks great with your style as I can see from the pictures, button shirts, rolled up sleeves, with sweater/cardigan.

DJ looks a bit too old for your age.

Pre-ceramic 5 digits Sub would look better on your wrist than the modern maxi case.

[Rebel]

Explorer.

[Phong]

Originally Posted by puckbw11

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From these photos, I don't think that the DJ is too small for you at all. Looks great on you!

[AK797]

I like the GMTc most on you.

[speedolex]

Get a gently pre-owned Submariner Date 16610.

1. The Submariner is the #1 Rolex one-watch of all time, you don't want to miss out.

2. The smaller case design of the 16610 will compliment your wrist better.

3. You get all the benefits of the current Submariner like the sapphire crystal, white gold trim, hacking.

4. If money is a factor, you'd be buying a 16610 at the bottom of the market and it will increase quickly and markedly as the oversized watch fad continues to die and people start looking at prior gen Sport models.

5. The GMT is too casual and sporty with all its colors, the Explorer is too dressy and formal with all its bling, the Submariner hits the sweet spot just perfectly.

6. It's the Rolex Submariner Date. I'm amazed you even have to ask the question or seek input from others.

[tjbender]

I'd be looking at a five digit reference GMT, Sub or Explorer II.

If this is going to be your one watch I'd hunt around for a NOS Explorer II. To me it's the best all around watch, and if you get the white face, it goes with everything. You'll never get tired of it.

[tjbender]

double post.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

I have a mint 16710 BLRO as my one and only nice watch. Have the coke and black inserts to change up the look, if desired. My situation is similar to yours....suits during the week, a son that will one day inherit the watch.....and I wouldn't want any other reference. I think it's absolutely perfect. Here's a pic:

What a beauty!

[puckbw11]

Originally Posted by Boaters

What a beauty!

Agree! A beauty!


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[puckbw11]

Originally Posted by AK797

I like the GMTc most on you.

Thanks man! To me it looks the largest, but that could be an optical illusion. It felt nice on the wrist, even if I would prefer slimmer lugs.


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[rkot07]

16710 is my vote it's the only watch in my collection I have not thought about flipping.
Plus you can change up the inserts.

Pepsi
Pepsi faded
Coke
Coke faded
Black




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[flyingtiger85]

No fluted bezel. They are for old men!

[AdaWit711]

I'm 33 in a similar situation. I absolutely love my GMT BLNR





With both sport and dress


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[visualplane]

The 39mm OP doesn't have the cool new clasps, and the grey dial lacks contrast. I like the Explorer 39mm better.

[locutus49]

Date just goes with everything. 36 is just right.