Daily Rolex Dilemma

[Linuxpenguins]

I come to you today with a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless. As many of you know, the struggle is real when it comes to picking the perfect Rolex for daily wear. I'm fortunate enough to have a couple of fantastic options in my collection already: a head-turning Skydweller with that mesmerizing Blue dial in SS and a classic Sea-Dweller 4000 (SD4k) reference 116600.

These two cover a lot of ground, but I'm looking to expand my daily wear options with a timepiece that offers something different. Here's the hitch: deciding which direction to go!

The Contenders

My latest thoughts were drawn to two specific models: the Explorer II Polar and the trendy Submariner "Starbucks."

Explorer II Polar: There's something undeniably cool about the Explorer II. The clean white dial with the black hands and orange GMT hand just pops. It's a fantastic tool watch with a legendary reputation for adventure. Plus, the nickname "Polar" adds a touch of intrigue.

Submariner Starbucks: Let's be honest, the green bezel and black dial combo on the "Starbucks" Submariner is undeniably attractive. However, here's the rub: it feels a bit too close to my beloved Sea-Dweller. While the green hue gives it a unique personality, the overall functionality feels redundant next to the SD4k.

The Pepsi Dream (Not Quite Daily Material)

The truth is, annother of my absolute grail Rolex’s would be the GMT-Master II "Pepsi." That red and blue bezel is iconic, and the functionality of the GMT function is something I truly appreciate. But therein lies the problem: the Pepsi feels a bit loud for everyday wear. It would be a showstopper, but not necessarily something I'd integrate seamlessly into my daily routine. Would I always wish I bought this as another grail, and not one of the others?

Seeking Your Wisdom, Oh Rolex Gurus!

So, this is where I turn to you, the esteemed Rolex community. Given my existing collection (Skydweller Blue Steel, SD4k), which direction would you recommend?

Here are some additional factors to consider:

Wrist Size: My wrists are not necessarily on the larger side coming in at 6.5” but flat, so a 40mm or larger case size does work.
Lifestyle: My day-to-day is a mix of business casual and casual attire. While I do appreciate a luxury timepiece, I also want something that can handle everyday wear and tear.
Investment Potential: While not the primary concern, holding value is always a plus.
Beyond the Usual Suspects?

Perhaps there's another model out there that I haven't considered?

I'm open to all suggestions! Let's hear your thoughts, your experiences, and your insights. Fire away!

Bonus Discussion Points:

Do any of you daily wear a Pepsi? How does it work for you? Should I bite the bullet and save and get this?

Is the hype around the "Starbucks" Submariner justified when I have the SD4k.

For those with the Explorer II, how versatile is it for everyday wear?

All would be at grey, not AD!

Decisions. Decisions!

[kilyung]

Get the GMT. As an alternative maybe a simple Explorer

[Calatrava r]

I would get a datejust 41 to add something different.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I would get a datejust 41 to add something different.

Too similar to SkyD - Would buy fluted.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Get the GMT. As an alternative maybe a simple Explorer

I fear if I didn’t buy the Pepsi.. I’d always wish I had? I don’t know. But then, don’t think I would daily it and back to square one! Hmm

[Jackie Daytona]

Since you already noted liking those mentioned and you have the SD I would go Explorer II to add some diversity.

Outside of that possibly a DJ. There’s so many fantastic variants of it that could definitely fill that role.

[4 Aussies]

Go Pepsi, the perfect daily, mine gets the most wrist time.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I never choose my daily, my daily chooses me. Different watches float to the top of my consciousness at different times for different reasons and different lengths of time including but not limited to: season, temperature, occasion, mood and proximity to purchase date. You are also likely to have many dailies so fill your watch box with watches that are meaningful to you and surf the wave.

[kieselguhr]

I don’t pick one watch to be a daily, nor are any of my watches given specific designations. They’re all worn equally on rotation. Any of the watches you have listed would (and do) fit into every aspect of my daily life regardless of activity or what I’m wearing. From birthday suit, through formal suit, all the way to diving suit. Rolex works with any occasion. They’re designed that way. In any case, I would pick the GMT BLRO from your choices if I had your collection. Specifically on a Jubilee as it’s exceptionally comfortable. Looks amazing as well and is a treat whenever I glance for the time.

[jb335]

GMT

I’d actually recommend the BLNR but the BLRO is great too.

I was leaning towards the Polar based on what you wrote until I read you have a 6.5 inch wrist.


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[turfmanjon]

Polar is my choice. I bought primarily as my travel watch, which I do for vacation and not work. So while I wanted a GMT, I wanted more casual and lower key. The Polar is perfect for this use, as well as for just being a great daily in general. While I think the Pepsi is beautiful, it doesn’t really have a use in my collection as I have a Daytona for my “pretty” Rolex.


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[ArtNouveau]

I would go for the BLRO. I wouldn’t call mine my daily but in the five years I’ve had it it’s been worn regularly in all sorts of settings and routines.
It is blingy but also instantly recognized as the icon that it is. I live an active retired lifestyle, very seldom have to dress up, so it could work fine as a one and only if needed.

[Ninja Master]

36" silver OP. It's a beautiful watch and "cheap" enough (not really) to be a daily wear.

[Eddiea]

Hard to pick one but, Polar seems to be the logical choice to me....

[KatGirl]

My philosophy is more like Kevin’s. I don’t have a daily. I pick my watch each day, based on my mood, or having just seen a pic on someone else’s wrist. Sometimes it’s as simple as “I haven’t worn this in awhile”, or it’s Football Sunday, so I wear one with green. To add one to your collection, I’d get a a Datejust. In my opinion, it’s nothing like a Skydweller, despite the fluted bezel. Another option is a silver OP, which makes a great daily. What you are missing is a classic piece.

Kat


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[AF_Rob]

The hype of the Starbucks isn’t worth it, IMO. Too much overlap with the already better SD4K.

Your pieces are a bit on the sport/louder side. Maybe an OP?


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[acorn]

Your SkyDweller is the daily watch, the annual calendar is designed to keep track of the whole year once set. If you’re not comfortable wearing it everyday then same will happen with a Pepsi. The green sub is a great daily but the SD4k is equally so, therefore you’re back to square one again. Now, if you abandon the daily premise then you’re free to pick any watch, just because you want it.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Get the GMT. As an alternative maybe a simple Explorer

Great advice

[bp1000]

If you are a Rolex daily wearer, there are 3 that do it for me

Explorer 36mm
GMT (BLNR if you think BLRO is too loud) - on oyster
DJ Blue dial, fluted bezel, oyster bracelet

I would probably go with the explorer (36mm) if I was to wear 1 Rolex watch every day for every occasion.

[Verdi]

So, I would not get the Explorer 2 because it feels and wears big. I have the same wrist size as you and I ended up selling it. I much prefer the old 40mm polar Explorer 2.

Sub LV is really great and I much prefer it to the Seadweller. That green bezel really adds to it and the hype is not really a hype in the sense that is overrated. Id consider trading the SD for the Starbucks if I were you.

Pepsi....I don't have one but I also want one. I also find it a bit too loud, especially on jubilee but Id get it if I get the call.
I think Id sell the SD if I have a Starbucks or a Pepsi.

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Verdi

So, I would not get the Explorer 2 because it feels and wears big. I have the same wrist size as you and I ended up selling it. I much prefer the old 40mm polar Explorer 2.

Sub LV is really great and I much prefer it to the Seadweller. That green bezel really adds to it and the hype is not really a hype in the sense that is overrated. Id consider trading the SD for the Starbucks if I were you.

Pepsi....I don't have one but I also want one. I also find it a bit too loud, especially on jubilee but Id get it if I get the call.
I think Id sell the SD if I have a Starbucks or a Pepsi.

Couldn’t possibly sell the SD4k. What a watch! That for sure is a future collector’s piece!

[Rolexken]

Why not wear the 116600 as your daily which would give you a broader range of options for your next watch ?

[Linuxpenguins]

Originally Posted by Rolexken

Why not wear the 116600 as your daily which would give you a broader range of options for your next watch ?

Interesting concept..

[Tzachi]

1. OP41 Blue or black
2. EXP I 40mm
My choice?:
3. GMT and add to that a sub brushed bracelet. Omitting the PCL will eliminate the bling factor and give you a great daily. You can go with any of the GMT trio.

4. EXP 2 won't work. too bright.
good luck,

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Get the GMT. As an alternative maybe a simple Explorer

X3

[AK797]

Pepsi, but if you want something really different then get the Hulk, not Starbucks, green sunburst dial, really is nothing like it.

[CarlOver]

If you like the Skydweller in terms of size, the polar Exp II will be great.

[JacksonRain]

The answer is the BLRO

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[B2 Stealth]

BLRO could easily be my one and done but polar Explorer II is my daily. I wear the BLRO mainly while flying.

[JSol1]

I own the BLRO and it’s a great piece, but I love my BLNR equally. However if going grey I would opt for an Explorer 36.
I’ve actually held off picking one up because I fear it may become a GADA piece. I’ve been fortunate to acquire all of my pieces from an AD and I think that factors in given the premiums…