First Rolex Advicd

[Portland]

Hello everyone,

My name is Paul. I've been lurking for the last few months the learning what I can from your community. It has been an awesome experience. There are a ton of very knowledgeable people on these boards.

I've been into luxury watches for a while and have an account on WUS but now I am on the hunt for my first Rolex. I have narrowed my search to an 80s or 90s piece that will do a good job introducing me to the brand at a decent price point. I have been looking at the Datejust, Airking, or Daydate. I was hoping to appeal to the group for any advice that they can help with when it comes to buying my first piece, things to watch or for, things to ask, etc.

I am planning on keeping the piece for a while so I'm not necessarily looking for a collectors piece or a flawless specimen, I just don't want to overpay due to lack of knowledge. I bought a few books on Rolex and spend time reading up on the boards but anything you all can offer up would be greatly appreciated.

Also, any suggestions on what models to look at would be great too, Rolex or Tudor.

Thanks everyone and nice to meet you all.
Paul

[CLTRolex]

Welcome - and a sub is a perfect piece to begin your collection

[aekdb]

Welcome to trf

What is your budget? This will help in allowing others to give recommendations on which watches will fit your budget.

[the0thrdude]

I think a Datejust or a GMT II is a perfect place to start--they go well in semi-formal to casual, tshirt/shorts attire.

I started with a DJII and I found it very versatile and a treat to wear every time. Its also very low-key and subtle.

[watchwatcher]

I would add the sub to your potential list...great watch to start with.

[DCheeta]

Welcome aboard!

Many people will say that a Sub is the perfect first Rolex, and I can't disagree because it was my first one many years ago, but any model that you love will be the perfect first one. You have your eye on some classics in the Datejust, Air King and Day Date.

I would say to check out the for sale section here to get an idea of what fair pricing is, stay away from *Bay, ask a lot of questions here...and Happy hunting!

[T. Ferguson]

I'm curious about your budget as well, because typically a DD will be at a somewhat different price point from either the Air-King or DJ.

But generally, the best advice I can give you is to vet the seller, and perhaps have the watch authenticated before you buy it. Obviously you don't want a fake, but often times older Rolexes will not be all original, perhaps even having aftermarket parts such as the bracelet.

[Portland]

Originally Posted by aekdb

Welcome to trf

What is your budget? This will help in allowing others to give recommendations on which watches will fit your budget.

Well for a late 80s early 90s Datejust, Airking, or Daydate I was thinking in the ballpark of $1500-1800? Does that sound about right? I would love a submariner but I think those go higher.

[brandrea]

Welcome aboard. So many great resources here, to aid in your decision. Enjoy the journey

[Portland]

Also, I can increase my budget a bit if needed, but I'm more looking for a starter piece to introduce me to the brand. Something that I can wear to the office daily and not be afraid of acquiring a few desk diving scratches. Eventually I would like to step into a ceramic submariner but at the moment I would like a datejust, airking, or daydate. From a few of the prices I've seen it looks like prices for late 80s of those 3 models go somewhere around the $1800-$2300 range. Does that sound about right?

[masyv6]

Welcome to the forums. The best advice I can give is to buy the watch you want. Don't buy a Datejust/Airking/etc just because it is what you can afford right now. Save until you get something you love and hardly take your eyes off of.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Portland

Well for a late 80s early 90s Datejust, Airking, or Daydate I was thinking in the ballpark of $1500-1800? Does that sound about right? I would love a submariner but I think those go higher.

Maybe for the Airking, but not a Datejust and definitely not a DayDate.

That's a tough pricepoint to get a nice, clean Rolex. I would look around and see what model you REALLY want and see what it takes to get one. Just getting a Rolex isn't as good as getting a Rolex that you really want.

[Portland]

I don't mind saving for the right piece. Ideally I would like a DayDate or a Datejust. I like the look of the late 80s/early 90s models, especially if they are clean pieces. It sounds like I need to sell a few from the stable that are less worn and up my budget.
Thanks for the info gents!

[locutus49]

DJ, and shoot for a SS model as they have better resale than two tone. Make sure to buy one with the quick set date function. I forgot which year they cane into existence, but they are much better than the older models, which I myself have owned.

[porschedude]

Check on HQ MILTON they usually have some very reasonable vintage pieces at lower price points. Datejust, airking, oyster perpetual models. Very trustworthy also.

[KrismanX]

Check our classifieds section and walk into a few AD's. Try on a few pieces, including some you might not have on your list yet like an Explorer, Exp2, Sub and GMT. When you find the style you like, then look into their pirce points. I was looking at all kinds of things until I actually walked into a AD and tried some stuff on. Pictures never do justice to the feel a watch sitting on your own wrist. S'why I walked out with my Daytona! The hunt is the one of my favorite parts, so enjoy it! Saving up for the piece you NEED is better than settling on a maybe.

[Lordofrolex]

GMT Master II 116710 LN is the way to go. Its a sports model watch that can be dressed up due to its polished center links. I wish i had this advice when i first started buying nice watches as it took me a while to realize how to analyze the watch for be and how i should build my collection.

I have a GMT Master II and i use it as my work watch. Also you get a GMT complication for a great price. So when you travel you can have up to 3 time zones on a single watch. Its a very cool feature.

Good luck with your choice.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

...So when you travel you can have up to 3 time zones on a single watch. Its a very cool feature...

Actually, you get almost every time zone, not just three. Two instantly and any other that is on the hour by a simple turn of the bezel.

[Boaters]

I would save a little more and get a Sub you will be very happy .. Good luck

[mtgjr]

Just in case you didn't realize it, the Day Date only comes in precious metals and will most certainly run you upwards of $10,000 depending on age and condition.....potentially much more than that.

[Rt0203]

Based on your budget and guessing you're closing in on the target date, you should go with an airking. For not much more than $2k you should be able to get a good example. Double your budget and you can open up more options - datejust, sub, explorer...good luck!

[Speed]

An Air King is a 34mm watch. Are you ok with that size?

Sounds like you have a fair bit more searching to do.

Your budget is quite low...but it might be enough for a beat up Air King or Datejust.

I'm thinking if you just buy a Rolex you can afford...just to have one...you'll be very disappointed and take a bath on resale.

[William.L.]

Originally Posted by Portland

Also, I can increase my budget a bit if needed, but I'm more looking for a starter piece to introduce me to the brand. Something that I can wear to the office daily and not be afraid of acquiring a few desk diving scratches. Eventually I would like to step into a ceramic submariner but at the moment I would like a datejust, airking, or daydate. From a few of the prices I've seen it looks like prices for late 80s of those 3 models go somewhere around the $1800-$2300 range. Does that sound about right?

your off to a good start price wise to pick up a 80s-90s datejust. I bought a stainless linen dial 16014 datejust a while back for $2200, but then spent another 600+ having it serviced. fast forward to this February when I picked up a mint condition 16013 two tone datejust I'd always wanted. ($2750) She ran til a week and a half ago, and had a mainspring issue and is off to rolex for service to the tune of $835.

If it were me, I'd save up another 800 bucks or so and begin to look for something in either stainless steel that's been serviced, or find something you like in the 22-3000 range that is a good deal that your gonna be comfortable servicing. Unless its a deal of a lifetime, anything sub 2k, is gonna be beat to crap and need a service. Save and plan accordingly, and then enjoy it once you get it and wear it. Dont go the cheap route that gets you a watch, you fall in love with it, then suffer separation anxiety like I am as she's off at rolex dallas's service center for a month and a half. Also unless your a really small guy, and have small wrists, MY recommendation is to stay away from anything 34mm unless its super vintage. compare the two side by side and you'll see why. hope it helps... -Will.

[Pacheco]

Sounds like maybe a 1601 Datejust from the late 60's is in your price range but it's a 36mm so try a few on to make sure you don't feel it too small. Air King at 34mm IMHO is definitely too small. Day-Date is above your price range even an old one.

[HobokenRolex]

I'd suggest possibly starting with an Explorer I (I am biased since I have one). Good mix of sports watch that can dress up or down. But you're looking in the $3,500+ range. Tudor BB could also be good to look into if you want a solid (newer) diver at a good price.

[Portland]

Originally Posted by KrismanX

Check our classifieds section and walk into a few AD's. Try on a few pieces, including some you might not have on your list yet like an Explorer, Exp2, Sub and GMT. When you find the style you like, then look into their pirce points. I was looking at all kinds of things until I actually walked into a AD and tried some stuff on. Pictures never do justice to the feel a watch sitting on your own wrist. S'why I walked out with my Daytona! The hunt is the one of my favorite parts, so enjoy it! Saving up for the piece you NEED is better than settling on a maybe.

Great advice. This is what I'm going to do. I have a few ADs in my area that have both new and used pieces.


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[Portland]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

Just in case you didn't realize it, the Day Date only comes in precious metals and will most certainly run you upwards of $10,000 depending on age and condition.....potentially much more than that.

Thanks for pointing that out, I did not know that. That changes the wish list a bit lol


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[Portland]

Originally Posted by William.L.

your off to a good start price wise to pick up a 80s-90s datejust. I bought a stainless linen dial 16014 datejust a while back for $2200, but then spent another 600+ having it serviced. fast forward to this February when I picked up a mint condition 16013 two tone datejust I'd always wanted. ($2750) She ran til a week and a half ago, and had a mainspring issue and is off to rolex for service to the tune of $835.

If it were me, I'd save up another 800 bucks or so and begin to look for something in either stainless steel that's been serviced, or find something you like in the 22-3000 range that is a good deal that your gonna be comfortable servicing. Unless its a deal of a lifetime, anything sub 2k, is gonna be beat to crap and need a service. Save and plan accordingly, and then enjoy it once you get it and wear it. Dont go the cheap route that gets you a watch, you fall in love with it, then suffer separation anxiety like I am as she's off at rolex dallas's service center for a month and a half. Also unless your a really small guy, and have small wrists, MY recommendation is to stay away from anything 34mm unless its super vintage. compare the two side by side and you'll see why. hope it helps... -Will.

Thanks Will, that does help. I have a 6.75" wrist. I'm glad I asked you guys about recommendations. I was off in my price range. Not only that, but it sounds like a "stepping stone" Rolex may not be the way to go. I think I'm going to go back to saving for the model that I truly want. In the meantime it sounds like I get to the on different models, research dials and features, and do some more research.

This has been immensely helpful.
Thanks everyone.

[Portland]

Well, that didn't take long. I went in a slightly different direction than my OP. I recently sold my only diver and found I really missed it. The Tudor Black Bay was on my short list and I happened to find a WIS from one of the other watch boards in my area. We met up for coffee and the next thing you know...

[sickened1]

^ Very nice! Congrats.