AD visit for a BLRO

[m j b]

The AD in the town I live in never stocks PM watches, but the AD in the town I work in does, so I emailed them and sho' nuf, a BLRO is on its way in. The salesman was good enough to remember me and sent me an email after it arrived, and I went the next day to see it.

I've been thinking about the BLRO ever since I got the BLNR. Go figure.

Now, the salesman I'd been talking to was off, so I talked to his associate. She was friendly and knowledgeable about the watch and the entire Rolex line. She was also a good salesperson in that she did not pressure me. At $38,250 MSRP one must tread carefully.

So, I like it. I didn't like the original BLRO; I found the colors too garish for my taste. My apologies to the five digit reference fans, it's a great, iconic watch, but it's just not for me. This one I like. I love the weight and the feel of the gold. I like the colors on the bezel.

Side by side with the BLNR, you can see that it's the same watch. Just a different bezel, really. OK, and the GMT hand is a different color. The gold looks a lot like stainless steel. Sure there's a different sheen to it, maybe a bit more depth, but if you covered up the bezels and asked me which was which, I'd just be guessing.

I generally don't buy Rolexes (or any expensive watches) new, and the market has softened on the BLRO to where I can buy a nice used one for low twenties all day long. Still, low twenties is a lot of money.

I'm not convinced of it. My buddy with the Platona keeps telling me to go for it, but it's not his money, and quite frankly, he's got more of it than I do.

I'm curious to read the thoughts of folks who have bought PM watches, if they regret the expense, or even in hindsight if it was still worth it, or anything else that they'd like to share, durability, whatever...

Thanks!

[KarlS]

Gotta say I went through similar mental gymnastics last week. This is a real slow mover and my AD offered 15% off as a start. Residual value is terrible. With VAT back (in UK) is $26500. Nice weight and closer to $20 I would have been interested. Went for the BLNR

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by m j b

The gold looks a lot like stainless steel. Sure there's a different sheen to it, maybe a bit more depth, but if you covered up the bezels and asked me which was which, I'd just be guessing.

Speaking as the lucky owner of both a BLRO and an LN, I respectfully disagree. I find the white gold to be easily discernible from steel. They are like warm and cold light. Then there's the luxurious weight of the gold, which I love (and I believe makes the watch feel better balanced).

I can't recommend the BLRO highly enough.

Have tried to attach a pic, but don't seem to be able to.

[AS1]

Had the BLNR, was all over for me the minute I tried BLRO on in an AD. BLNR was sold soon after and no regrets at all... BLRO truly special in my opinion.

But for the cost involved, you have to feel that personally or may as well save and stay with SS.

[joli160]

Don't own the BLRO but the WG sub and had to swallow a few times before buying it. Zero regrets, love the weight and the warm hue of the white gold.
I wear it a lot and owning this piece makes my SS watches more and more redundant. If you can ...

[GB-man]

Don't try and talk yourself into a piece just because it's PM. I love the blnr. It's one of Rolex best looking models.

That said, I can easily see the difference from SS to WG. PT and SS much more similar in visual appearance. Weight...forgettaboutit.

[CYKBC]

Not a white gold fan as I just don't see the point. you get none of the benefits of steel yet pay the price to look steel?

I just recently picked up my first pm watch in the DD40 all yg everythang and it's just as I had imagined it - big presence, yet not really if that makes sense.

My 2nd fav rolex is the BLRO because of the bezel and bezel only. If they made it in SS, the wg is six feet under. if rolex never ever offers the pepsi dial on anything else this gen, then you've got something in hand.

when you're talking platona money, i'm heading straight for the 5980 naut. that baby blue color is way too fem/nero for me.

thanks for sharing!

[kilyung]

My only regret is waiting so long to jump into the PM pool

[AS1]

Originally Posted by kilyung

My only regret is waiting so long to jump into the PM pool

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by AS1

Had the BLNR, was all over for me the minute I tried BLRO on in an AD. BLNR was sold soon after and no regrets at all... BLRO truly special in my opinion.

But for the cost involved, you have to feel that personally or may as well save and stay with SS.

This pic shows you "get it" even though it is somewhat similar looking to SS.
"You don't HAVE to get it in gold... but you don't HAVE to get an AMG either"... to paraphrase John Mayer

To me with WG, its the subtile difference that no one but you will know that makes all the difference.

The BLRO is amazing in person, and would love to pick one up myself.

[Duey]

Go For It - You'll Love It !

[droptopman]

Personally, love the BLRO. By far my favorite modern GMT. Love the weight and warmth of it. Just a watch that makes me smile. Have often thought about consolidating some pieces to get one.
Cost is a little prohibitive for me, so for now the 116613lb is my blue themed.

[Snow-Dweller]

Here's the pic I tried to post earlier (through Tapatalk this time)

[porschejeff]

Boy these sure are nice. Trying to give me the BLRO itch?

[GFONG]

Originally Posted by kilyung

My only regret is waiting so long to jump into the PM pool

x2

Also can save some money spent on SS models.

[locutus49]

You either get PM or you don't. I would get the BLRO in a heartbeat.

[Vipes]

I really like the BLRO and I am considering getting one. The only thing holding me back is other watches that are higher on the list. Buy right and you won't lose too much if you resell.

[Chiboy]

I asked for some similar wisdom when considering a Daytona:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=505142



Not a moment of regret here.

[tkerrmd]

no regrets.....

[faz]

If money is no object, or for those who have plenty of 'play' money, WG is a no brainer and those who go that route can appreciate the warmth and weight of WG vs. SS.

For some of us, however, price difference is considerable and going PM puts a big dent, no, a HUGE dent, on our bank account and play money. For those crowd, I see how the price difference can become a big point of consideration.

This past weekend we were at the local Nordstrom and I noticed a gentleman wearing a BLRO. I showed my wife and said 'that is white gold, $20-30k range watch'. She glanced and said 'it looks like SS from here.'

Yes, I know the difference. Yes, I know the bezel and can immediately detect a BLRO. But for general public, mehhhh.... it is just another SS watch.

So if you are like me, with limited play money, you *really* ought to want it to go that deep for a SS looking piece. I can also achieve it by becoming a one watch guy (which I have been for the last many many years), but at this point I am having more fun having a few pieces rather than just one PM piece.

From what OP has said, I get a feeling he is also feeling the same as me about diving into PM pool.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by faz

If money is no object, or for those who have plenty of 'play' money, WG is a no brainer and those who go that route can appreciate the warmth and weight of WG vs. SS.

For some of us, however, price difference is considerable and going PM puts a big dent, no, a HUGE dent, on our bank account and play money. For those crowd, I see how the price difference can become a big point of consideration.

This past weekend we were at the local Nordstrom and I noticed a gentleman wearing a BLRO. I showed my wife and said 'that is white gold, $20-30k range watch'. She glanced and said 'it looks like SS from here.'

Yes, I know the difference. Yes, I know the bezel and can immediately detect a BLRO. But for general public, mehhhh.... it is just another SS watch.

So if you are like me, with limited play money, you *really* ought to want it to go that deep for a SS looking piece. I can also achieve it by becoming a one watch guy (which I have been for the last many many years), but at this point I am having more fun having a few pieces rather than just one PM piece.

From what OP has said, I get a feeling he is also feeling the same as me about diving into PM pool.

This encapsulates a lot of my thoughts. Unless you are comfortable devoting a really giant pile of money to a watch "hobby," PM watches work best in a small or one-watch collection. If you would rather have 3 or 4 SS watches of different (or similar) varieties, that is likely a better choice than to sink so much into one PM watch. But if, like me, you would rather just wear the "ultimate" (under the radar) version of your favorite watch every day, then splurging on one PM version works well.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by AS1

Had the BLNR, was all over for me the minute I tried BLRO on in an AD. BLNR was sold soon after and no regrets at all... BLRO truly special in my opinion.

But for the cost involved, you have to feel that personally or may as well save and stay with SS.

Gorgeous shot, my man!

All the other pics are very enabling too, good luck resisting.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by kilyung

My only regret is waiting so long to jump into the PM pool

Exactly!! My first PM watch was the WG sub. Never regretted it for one day. I was also a little hesitant about plunking down that kind of money, but very glad I did it. My next one was the Platona, and I jumped in with both feet and no worries. If you have to sell a watch or two to get it, do it. You won't regret it once you start wearing it.

[kauffee]

Regarding the BLRO, for me the pleasure would derive from the blue and red bezel and I'd get little to nothing from the white gold. So basically, it's just a huge tax to get that bezel and I'm unable to justify that.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Here's the pic I tried to post earlier

Well, duh, the difference is totally obvious in that photo.

I wonder (now, in hindsight) why I couldn't see it IRL.

As it happens, I'll be on that side of town again Thursday, so I'm going to stop in again and compare, again.

Thanks, Snowman.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by AK797

All the other pics are very enabling too, good luck resisting.

Ain't that the truth!

[Corsair66]

Originally Posted by m j b

I didn't like the original BLRO; I found the colors too garish for my taste. My apologies to the five digit reference fans, it's a great, iconic watch, but it's just not for me.

I agree that the bezels on the five-digit watches are too garish, but those aren't the original BLROs. The 116719's bezel hues are a fairly good match for the 6542's from 1955.

Originally Posted by m j b

The gold looks a lot like stainless steel. Sure there's a different sheen to it, maybe a bit more depth, but if you covered up the bezels and asked me which was which, I'd just be guessing.

The difference is fairly obvious to me, especially in good lighting; I definitely wouldn't be guessing.

Originally Posted by m j b

I'm curious to read the thoughts of folks who have bought PM watches, if they regret the expense, or even in hindsight if it was still worth it, or anything else that they'd like to share, durability, whatever...

I haven't bought a SS watch in years and have no plans to do so again. For me, it's all about the wrist-feel. Given that I won't go over 40mm, SS watches feel insubstantial to me and I like to feel the heft. I don't know why, exactly, perhaps it's comforting/cozy in some weird way.

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

I find the white gold to be easily discernible from steel. They are like warm and cold light. Then there's the luxurious weight of the gold, which I love (and I believe makes the watch feel better balanced).

I agree 100% on all points.

Originally Posted by CYKBC

Not a white gold fan as I just don't see the point. you get none of the benefits of steel yet pay the price to look steel?

The point is the weight and color tone. The way it may appear to others is less than irrelevant, at least for me. I buy things (especially toys or jewelry) only to please myself.

I love my BLRO (for the moment, it's my daily wear watch) and have zero regrets.

[Vaxe]

I just bought a BLNR and am already a bit kicking myself for not getting the BLRO instead. The pepsi bezel and red hand, along with the color of the WG is terrific.

[vipereaper30]

Best watch I've ever owned. Every time I compare the BLRO side by side with the BLNR it seems like a huge difference. I'm a fan of the warm tones of the gold and bezel hues.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by vipereaper30

Best watch I've ever owned. Every time I compare the BLRO side by side with the BLNR it seems like a huge difference. I'm a fan of the warm tones of the gold and bezel hues.

That looks great!