Suggestions For First Rolex

[buffalo wind]

I will be traveling to South Dakota next month as I have been chosen by the tribal elders to be a member of an advisory committee focusing on the development of a small gaming casino.

My business suit already ordered, I am now considering a new wristwatch in order to present a more professional appearance amongst the developers and investors. I currently wear a G-Shock in my profession as a construction supervisor.

What model Rolex would best serve this purpose? I am strictly a blue jeans person and would prefer something that is all-around practical but not too showy. Should I consider other brands as well?

My current and available allotment towards this purchase is roughly $5000. If I sell my extra Jeep, I can add another $4500 to the mix but would prefer not to go over $10,000 for a wristwatch expenditure. We are a humble people and wearing an overly expensive watch to these meetings might send out the wrong smoke signals.

I also should note that every fall we hold a tribal pow-wow which is open to the public and a watch which is compatible with my formal headdress and buckskin attire would be ideal. While my ancestors used the sun and moon to estimate the time, a watch that is compatible with a modern Native-American theme would work best.

Thank you for your consideration and insights.

[Wcdhtwn]

Explorer works well with a suit and casual. Not flashy, and extremely durable. I have no idea how it would work with a formal headdress, but can't imagine it would take anything away from it. For $5000 or thereabouts you can probably find a lightly used one through the trusted sellers here.

[watchwatcher]

Yeah...I like the Explorer for what you describe. Suit, jeans, head dress, that should work with it all. And if you buy right, you may not have to sell your jeep.

[Lexo1975]

For me entrey level I go Rolex oysterdate Ref. 6694

[JR16]

Honestly based on your post I would not get a Rolex at all. Would recc considering Seiko presage line.


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[SkyKing31]

I think the explorer would work well, but I personally think a preowned datejust 116234, or even a 16234 no holes case. It is elegant yet does not draw attention like some of the other models. At 36mm in size, it is perfect. Although you can wear any Rolex with a suit, a stainless or stainless and white gold datejust would be my choice.

NOW, if you are looking to purchase brand new, you can always go with the 39mm oyster perpetual which has no date and no cyclops on the crystal. That helps it fly under the radar, because the cyclops is one of the first people notice on a Rolex

[BristolCavendish]

How about a Rolex Thunderbird 6425 or the subsequent/equivalent 5 and 6 digit references?

(1) It's a low-key model that's appropriate for both business suit and/or blue jeans;
(2) Not flashy or ostentatious in overall appearance;
(3) The Thunderbird is a mythical symbol in Native-American culture;
(4) One can measure elapsed time with it (as per the Turn-O-Graph feature);
(5) Reasonably priced (if one takes the time to shop around).

Done deal.

[Eva123]

I think that Explorer II would fit you best. Also, you are not going to impress anyone with your watch, you can impress with your wisdom and insights in that Advisory committee.

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

How about a Rolex Thunderbird 6425 or the subsequent/equivalent 5 and 6 digit references?

(1) It's a low-key model that's appropriate for both business suit and/or blue jeans;
(2) Not flashy or ostentatious in overall appearance;
(3) The Thunderbird is a mythical symbol in Native-American culture;
(4) One can measure elapsed time with it (as per the Turn-O-Graph feature);
(5) Reasonably priced (if one takes the time to shop around).

Done deal.

I didn't think about the Thunderbird, but I have to agree with you. That would be an even better fit than a standard DJ.

[BristolCavendish]

Without trying to get controversial (seriously), the Explorer name has come to symbolize the eventual demise of various Native-American populations and cultures.

In San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors are weighing in on officially changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day. While the thought process behind this measure is questionable, certain sensitivities will continue to exist. A simpler solution would be to have two separate commemoratives (Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day). The Italian population in North Beach is outraged by this consideration and perhaps they have a point as Columbus only discovered the New World. What happened later was strictly due to the aspirations and actions of the conquistadors.

To buffalo wind. Go Rolex Thunderbird and you'll have all of your bases covered.

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by BristolCavendish

Without trying to get controversial (seriously), the Explorer name has come to symbolize the eventual demise of various Native-American populations and cultures.

In San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors are weighing in on officially changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day. While the thought process behind this measure is questionable, certain sensitivities will continue to exist. A simpler solution would be to have two separate commemoratives (Columbus Day and Indigenous People's Day). The Italian population in North Beach is outraged by this consideration and perhaps they have a point as Columbus only discovered the New World. What happened later was strictly due to the aspirations and actions of the conquistadors.

To buffalo wind. Go Rolex Thunderbird and you'll have all of your bases covered.

Now I want to add a Thunderbird or Turn O Graph to my collection now that we are talking about them

[TheFuture]

Explorer 2 black dial!

[dob1]

For your budget and use case, the stainless steel models are the best option. Since you got a bit time until your trip, you should check out an AD (Rolex Authorized Dealer) or a third party brick & mortar seller of Rolex watches to get a feel for size and weight of the various options.

It's one thing to look at watches online, or watch videos of watch reviews, but it's another thing to hold them and see if they work for your wrist. Don't feel obliged to buy in the store - you will most likely find better deals online (here or Chrono24).

Once you know and ideally even temporarily wore what you want, you have two options: 1) Buy at an AD or 2) buy on the used market. Rolex watches are very sturdy and can outlast you, if properly taken care of so there is a thriving used market for these watches.

If you want to save some money and buy used, make sure to only buy from trusted sellers with a great reputation. Everybody can make up a great price to lure you in, but in the end you want to make sure you get a genuine piece.

P.s. Depending on what your amount of expendable money is, you might not want to rush this decision. If you do, you might sell the watch sooner than you think. If you chose wisely, you might pick up a horological companion for the rest of your life.

[run23]

I’d go for an Explorer 1 36mm. You can get one in excellent condition for around $5,000 or under.

[TimelessQuality]

Definitely a pre owned Explorer 1 based on what you've described.

[Boaters]

I always recommend the Subc it was my first and still love it ... I know it will be a little over budget but well worth it.

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by buffalo wind

My profession construction supervisor.. strictly a blue jeans person prefer all-around practical but not too showy...humble people..modern Native-American theme

That's the 0ne You should Go For

[BristolCavendish]

meganfox17 has good taste in watches.

[OmegaManOnTheMoon]

What do you think about a moon-phase watch? It's a nice symbol on your wrist of the moon and skies. It's probably not a Rolex, but you can find some amazing watches in the same range. I'm sure some of the forum members here can share their recommendations for moon-phase watches for you. Otherwise, the Explorer probably "represents the Earth" more than any other model. I think an Explorer or Sub or DateJust are the essential Rolex, if you must have Rolex.

[Foxglove]

Submariner


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[jbrown15]

Tudor Black Bay

[mjclark32]

Exp39, op39, or a 16200 (old school Datejust on oyster) all will slip under the cuff.

[RolexPD]

Preowned TOG Datejust or a 36 or 39 Oyster Perpetual.

You’ll be between $5000 and $6000 for all of them.

My vote: