ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
26 February 2017, 06:34 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Real Name: Andrew
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,227
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After a long roller coaster ride...Incoming!
After being gifted my first Rolex last April (Datejust 36), I knew I was hooked. While the DJ is a beautiful timeless watch, I quickly realized I needed to add a sport model. So the search for the perfect second Rolex began while I worked extra on my days off to save up the funds.
This might get a little lengthy so feel free to scroll down for pictures! My original idea was to get the TT Bluesy, since I was in love with the blue dial and I wanted a blue Sub but couldn't afford the pm versions. After trying them on a few times, I realized I wasn't a big fan of the TT so I crossed that off. Next on the list was the BLNR, beautiful watch but I already have PCL's on my DJ, and I did not like how easily it scratched so I wanted something different. Next I considered the SubC Date/ND and it seemed like the foolproof choice...but it was too common and I wanted something a little more unique. So I turned to the SD 4000, a watch I never considered because I thought it was just a more expensive Sub. It checked all the boxes for me so I took a deep breath and placed an order. Before I placed the order, I tried to find an AD that had a SD so I could try it on. Maybe the basel rumors are true, but I couldn't find anyone that had one. But everyone praised it very highly so I figured I'd be ok. The watch finally arrives and I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. I open it, inspect it, and try it on...it should've been perfect right? Unfortunately, it wasn't. The watch was thicker and heavier than I expected, and I wasn't too crazy about the matte dial either. But I figured if I get it sized correctly and wear it for a while I'd get used to it, so off to the AD I went. I get to the AD, and out of habit I start browsing their selection first. They have the usual, but no SD4K and as always, no BLNR. I asked the sales guy if they got a BLNR in yet just for the hell of it. He says he'll check and comes back shortly after with the BLNR! As soon as I laid my eyes on it I knew it was the one. It was drop dead gorgeous in person, and the blue on the bezel really popped! I knew I found the right watch at that moment so I thanked the rep and walked out, without ever taking out the SD. Fortunately for me, I bought from DavidSW and everything you read about him is 1000% true. He is super easy to deal with and I don't think I've had better customer service before. We worked something out and the SD was on its way back the BLNR was on its way to me. As soon as I opened the box, I knew I made the right choice. There's a reason the BLNR is as popular as it is, and it really lives up to its hype. Much thinner than the SD and while the SD's case felt too heavy for its bracelet, the BLNR feels perfectly balanced and it's really comfortable. The blue on the bezel goes from deep rich blue in low light to bright vibrant blue in the sun and the gloss black dial is so much better than the matte in the SD. It's just pure black in every situation where the flat black looks more grey. While I really didn't want another PCL bracelet, it really fits the overall look of the watch and I'm going to have to just suck it up and accept the scratches I'll get. (Already got a few ) And even though everyone on TRF owns a BLNR, I like the fact that it's slightly more rare in the wild than say a SubC black. Overall, I am very pleased with the BLNR and glad I found my perfect second Rolex! TL;DR - Ended up buying SD4K without seeing it first, wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Saw a BLNR in person, immediately loved it and now it's on my wrist. |
26 February 2017, 06:40 PM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Real Name: Guy Gadbois
Location: Norcal
Watch: Rolex,Omega,Seiko
Posts: 1,759
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Well done! Good deals to be had on those.
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Day-Date President, Datejust (flipped), Bluesy 16613, Omega 14kt Seamaster, Seiko Cocktail Time, Seiko Alpinist, REC 901-2 (Porsche 911), REC TTT Escape (Steve McQueen Triumph). A few Bulovas, cars, and fountain pens |
26 February 2017, 06:46 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Southeast Asia
Posts: 160
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Congrats
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26 February 2017, 06:46 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 20
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Great choice and glad to hear you were able to make a swap
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26 February 2017, 07:02 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Real Name: Yannis
Location: Europe
Watch: maniac
Posts: 9,070
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I am glad for you man. It is a fantastic watch indeed. PCLs are an issue but a minor one compared to the beauty of the watch. Mind you i like PCLs aesthetically, i just don't like the fact they may scratch easily. Overall BLNR is a fantastic modern Rolex. Lovely photos too.
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26 February 2017, 07:32 PM | #6 |
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Real Name: Trace
Location: Vegas/Bay Area
Posts: 9,234
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Glad you were able to get what you truly wanted.
Congrats
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26 February 2017, 09:26 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Europe
Posts: 211
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Nice duo, Congrats!
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26 February 2017, 09:30 PM | #8 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Real Name: Ed
Location: East Hampton NY
Watch: me break clays..
Posts: 7,516
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Beautiful
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Rolex•Omega•Breitling•Grand Seiko•Tudor "No one on their death bed ever said I wish I worked more" My Grandma * Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons * |
26 February 2017, 09:34 PM | #9 |
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Location: Paris, France
Posts: 35,300
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Very nice pair.
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26 February 2017, 09:43 PM | #10 |
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: In Motion
Watch: my wrist presence
Posts: 7,436
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Congrats and great choice !!!
I've only seen 2 BLNR's in the wild besides mine... would you believe both were worn by MBenz service advisor's ? First thing I thought of , these guys are going to take me to the cleaners ... |
26 February 2017, 09:47 PM | #11 |
Banned
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Nice watch!!
Congrats |
26 February 2017, 09:49 PM | #12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Watch: 114300 Blue
Posts: 480
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Awesome watch! Thanks for sharing the story.
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26 February 2017, 10:20 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Indianapolis
Watch: Patek-Philippe
Posts: 16,832
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Great choice, congratulations!
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Rolex and Patek Philippe |
26 February 2017, 10:22 PM | #14 |
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Real Name: Elvis
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Watch: Rolex
Posts: 323
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Amazing combination. Versatile and sharp. Congratulations
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26 February 2017, 10:24 PM | #15 |
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Real Name: Richard
Location: GA
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Great choice, congrats!:)
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26 February 2017, 10:25 PM | #16 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Ken
Location: SW Florida
Watch: One on my wrist.
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Congrats and great choice!
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26 February 2017, 10:26 PM | #17 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
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Congratulations.
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26 February 2017, 10:26 PM | #18 |
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Real Name: Richie
Location: "Nowhere Man"
Watch: out now,take care!
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Congrats Andrew and thanks for the story.
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26 February 2017, 10:33 PM | #19 |
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Real Name: MJC
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Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP
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Well done, congrats!
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26 February 2017, 10:33 PM | #20 |
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: United Kingdom
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Wear in good health
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro |
26 February 2017, 10:36 PM | #21 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
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Real Name: Travis
Location: FL / NYC
Watch: Yes..
Posts: 33,492
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Great choice! Don't let the PCLs bother you. Goes perfect with the watch.
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26 February 2017, 11:36 PM | #22 |
TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron
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Watch: 126610LN
Posts: 35,510
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Congratulations and enjoy. It's a great watch and one of the best Rolex has to offer
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JJ |
27 February 2017, 12:00 AM | #23 |
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Real Name: Sandy
Location: England.
Watch: 14060M 2 liner
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I disliked the SDK for the exact same reasons. Great choice. Many congrats.
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27 February 2017, 12:06 AM | #24 |
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Real Name: Mark
Location: Washington State
Watch: SUBS and GMT's!
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Cool story thanks for sharing.
Same experience with the SD, going all the way back to 4 digit models. Love the looks but they sit too high on my wrist. Blnr is a stunner and a great choice. Congrats
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Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today? Ty: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score. Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers? Ty: By height. |
27 February 2017, 12:24 AM | #25 |
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Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
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Congratulations Andrew
You can always brush the centre links if they bother you, or as some have done, purchase a sub bracelet Me, I like the polished centre links and think they work perfectly on the BLNR. |
27 February 2017, 01:04 AM | #26 |
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Location: Dallas, TX
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I had the exact same experience yesterday. Headed into the AD to try on their last SD4K, and they just happened to have a BLNR in stock. When I put it on my wrist, I knew that it was the one. I couldn't stop smiling because it was perfect in every way. I didn't buy it (still saving up and waiting for a milestone), but it will be my one and only when I finally go in to buy it.
Thanks for sharing your story. It has me smiling like a fool again right now |
27 February 2017, 01:05 AM | #27 |
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Congrats!
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TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007) |
27 February 2017, 01:05 AM | #28 |
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Watch: Daytona
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Great writeup, great watch! Enjoy it.
I've had PCLs for the last 2 months and other than the clasp I don't notice scratches and I wear mine every day.
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Datejust w/black Tapestry dial (1985) / Daytona (2016) |
27 February 2017, 01:07 AM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: FR
Posts: 103
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Congrats !
BLNR rules :) |
27 February 2017, 01:15 AM | #30 |
"TRF" Member
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Real Name: Anuradha
Location: Sri Lanka
Watch: 16234,116613LN
Posts: 345
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That's going to be my next one.
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