dzj
innocent
Posts: 23
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Post by dzj on Oct 30, 2007 19:53:56 GMT -5
Good evening all!
I’ve been reading for weeks, but today I decided I had to ask everyone their opinions on my first ever Rolex purchase.
I’m nearing 25-years old, and I’ve been eyeing Rolexes since I can first remember. My grandfather can from a prosperous family and promised me I could have his one day. After he passed away, his 1980’s style Datejust similar to the 116231 mysteriously disappeared. Ever since then I’ve been having this craving to have my own, and when I get married in April, my family is set to get me the one of my choice.
Up until last month, I was quite positive that I was going to get myself a Datejust 116234 with a jubilee band, fluted bezel and a black face with roman numerals. My mind was dead set, that is until last month when I went to London for a few weeks for work…
While in London I started investigating the different sport models after my eye was caught on the two-toned GMT II 116713 LN, that watch caught my eye for it’s looks as it just “pops” in my mind, plus you can’t go wrong living in Steelers Country wearing black and gold. Anyways, this watch caught my eye, especially since in my honest opinion it looks better wearing with a suit or with t-shirts and jeans than a basic stainless Datejust would. (I’m up for comment on this, so please let me know if I am wrong there.)
So I’ve fallen in love with the sport watches now, which in retrospect, the GMT II or any sport model for the most part is an antithesis to my original Rolex choice.
This leaves me here… I’m not sure which direction I should head into when it comes to which Rolex to get, I understand everyone will say you need to purchase what feels right on your wrist and in your pocket book. But I wnat your opinions, and keep in mind that I am ALWAYS experiencing “buyers remorse” even at the dollar store.
Watches I have in mind…
116234 Stainless steel Datejust with black dial Roman numerals and fluted bezel 16570 Stainless steel Explorer II with black dial and steel bezel 16610 LV Stainless steel Submariner with black dial and anniversary green bezel 16613 Two-tone Submariner with black dial and black bezel 16710 BLRO Stainless steel GMT-Master II with black dial and PEPSI bezel 116713 LN Two-tone GMT-Master II with black dial and black bezel
What I like about the sport watches is that I think I have more of an ability to wear them with a suit or t-shirts and jeans and that I can always accessorize (I understand that some people frown on this). I like the Submariner and the GMT-Master II both equally, but the thing I like about the GMT is that I can possibly get a Jubilee bracelet for it, instead of the Oyster and that it has the “fat hands” available in it (Also available in the Sub anniversary).
Time to take that deep breath, and let me know what you think…
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Post by JBHII on Oct 30, 2007 20:05:26 GMT -5
Good evening and welcome to the forum! This question comes up quite often. What you have to ask yourself is, "will I be happy with just one?" If its one and only one, the answer is easy - the 16610 Submariner. Classic and goes with everything. That said, I LOVE the new TT GMT II so if I knew I was getting one as a gift from family, I'd be sorely tempted to get it!
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dzj
innocent
Posts: 23
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Post by dzj on Oct 30, 2007 20:08:11 GMT -5
Yeah I know I sound like a guy who can't make up his mind... Below are the watches I have listed below and why I like and dislike them.... 116234 Stainless steel Datejust with black dial Roman numerals and fluted bezel Classic Rolex look, looks great on everyone. Only problems are that I don't think it looks good in casual clothing, but only in dress close.16570 Stainless steel Explorer II with black dial and steel bezel It just looks nice, not sure if its even worth my time. Has some of the sport features I like in it. NO FAT HADS!16610 LV Stainless steel Submariner with black dial and anniversary green bezel Aside from the green bezel, I like everything. I like the green bezel, but not sure whether it's too active for the casual wear.16613 Two-tone Submariner with black dial and black bezel Exactly like the GMT-Master II except for the 24-hour hand and different numbering on the bezel. NO FAT HANDS!16710 BLRO Stainless steel GMT-Master II with black dial and PEPSI bezel There's just something about this that makes it stick out, but might have the same problem with this as I do the anniversary watch.116713 LN Two-tone GMT-Master II with black dial and black bezel I love this watch, but not sure of the resale value and if this is as viable and smart of a purchase as a Submariner that is nearly identacle.
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Post by timefinder on Oct 30, 2007 20:15:15 GMT -5
Hi DZJ: Unfortunately I can not read your reply, as the blue lettering is blending in with the other colors, so I can not see it. So you want to purchase a Rolex? Congrats! Before you do, please see this sub-forum: jholbrook.proboards33.com/index.cgi?board=rirAnd read: Rolex price guide and guid to purchase. The information in there is invaluable, and will help out. As far as which one to purchase, I suggest going to an AD and trying them on with jeans and a blazer/sport coat/suit jacket. It will give you a feel for how the watch goes with jeans and a suit all at once. Let us know what questions you have so we can help out. WELCOME TO WTF!!!
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Post by bullandvodka on Oct 30, 2007 21:12:40 GMT -5
116710 LN - SS GMT-II w/ceramic bezel. It is awfully hard to beat in terms of versatility.
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Post by MikeS on Oct 30, 2007 23:31:23 GMT -5
the TT GMTII gets my vote
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Post by ohlins on Oct 31, 2007 4:53:05 GMT -5
yeah i think the watch is cool..........haha wearing this gem as i am type
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Post by idriveanm5 on Oct 31, 2007 7:47:23 GMT -5
Yeah, I'm biased towards the GMT II as well. Sounds like you'll probably end up with a GMT. However, John's right, buy what you feel will be the best for you, ignore the buyer's remorse, and move on. You should try to start collecting as opposed to just buying one watch. Many of us at one time or another said "just one Rolex," but now we're hooked.... you'll probably experience the same.
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Post by emagni on Oct 31, 2007 9:56:27 GMT -5
The two tone GMT II gets my vote. I have this watch along with the black face Daytona, Solid link two tone Datejust with Jubilee bracelet, the Sea Dweller. Out of all of my Rolexes, the two tone GMT-II is my favorite. I love the way I can wear it with a suit or jeans and the complications that comes with this watch is just soo useful for a daily wear. I love that I can get the military time, date, and another time zone. The look of this watch is just amazing and will last a life time if not two or three. I love this watch so much that I'm saving for the all gold version. What is better than one GMT II?
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Post by matty on Oct 31, 2007 13:48:51 GMT -5
Ditto the choice for the new GMT II with ceramic bezel! I am very pleased with the SS version and would like to get the TT as well.
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Post by bullandvodka on Oct 31, 2007 19:35:16 GMT -5
What is better than one GMT II? 2 GMT-IIs w/ceramic bezels! ---- Sorry, I couldn't help myself ;D
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dzj
innocent
Posts: 23
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Post by dzj on Oct 31, 2007 20:39:48 GMT -5
Hi DZJ: Unfortunately I can not read your reply, as the blue lettering is blending in with the other colors, so I can not see it. So you want to purchase a Rolex? Congrats! Before you do, please see this sub-forum: jholbrook.proboards33.com/index.cgi?board=rirAnd read: Rolex price guide and guid to purchase. The information in there is invaluable, and will help out. As far as which one to purchase, I suggest going to an AD and trying them on with jeans and a blazer/sport coat/suit jacket. It will give you a feel for how the watch goes with jeans and a suit all at once. Let us know what questions you have so we can help out. WELCOME TO WTF!!! I want to thank everyone for their help so far. I wish I could get some people to give me some of the logical reasons why I would choose one watch over the other, maybe resale value or bang for my buck type arguments. The guards here are a great assest, and don't worry, I have a cousin who is an authorized dealer and his family has been and AD since long before most of us even knew what a Rolex was. I always go to him when I look for a watch, however I think his collection is smaller than some of the AD's, which for the longest time is the reason why I've been tunnel-visioned on certain models. Going to a big city where I can find an AD on every corner, helped open my eyes too. That's why I'm asking questions here. @ Timefinder: Thanks for recommending that I take a sports jacket with me next time I go into the store, I never thought about matching the watch with casual and dress clothing in one viewing, that is something I'll be doing here soon. If anyone has anymore suggestions please share them with me. One question that I have for those choosing the GMT over the Submariner; other than the fat hands and the military time counter, what is the difference between the two?
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Post by Scott D on Oct 31, 2007 21:06:49 GMT -5
Hi DZJ, Welcome to WTF!! So regarding resale, the sport watches will have higher resale than the non-sport (DateJust), and to an extent the Explorer too. The Subs & GMT's do hold their value better as they are in higher demand. That said, not sure there's really a discernible difference in the resale between the sub & the GMT - both hold the value very well, it just depends on what people want that day... So here's my thoughts on the below choices you mentioned. Obviously, the comments include by somewhat biased opinions.. 116234 Stainless steel Datejust with black dial Roman numerals and fluted bezel While I like the DJ's, they 1) aren't large enough for me (I like 40mm or larger) and 2 not sporty enough. If you wear a suit everyday and dressy clothes out, this is a fine choice. But (IMO) it doesn't look as good in jeans or shorts16570 Stainless steel Explorer II with black dial and steel bezel While I appreciate the Explorer, it doesn't do as much for me as the sub does.. Plus, it's a tad smaller I believe.. And resale isn't as good.16610 LV Stainless steel Submariner with black dial and anniversary green bezel Love this watch & own one. However, the green bezel will not look right with a suit, so it's not a good dress-up option. However, for about $60 you can have an AD order the black bezel insert and then you'll have black or green. Put the black in, you have the classic black look with the maxi-dial & fat hands.16613 Two-tone Submariner with black dial and black bezel Stunning watch. Looks great with cut-offs & tee-shirt or a tux. Cannot go wrong with this watch. Great looks, great resale & extremely versatile.16710 BLRO Stainless steel GMT-Master II with black dial and PEPSI bezel Doesn't dress up well IMO. I have one of these & haven't worn it in years. Gave it to my dad to wear, and he's not wearing it either. Now seriously thinking of selling it. Of course mines a GMT-I, but basic same watch... This has the same dress up issue as the LV, but you also got that 4th hand to deal with116713 LN Two-tone GMT-Master II with black dial and black bezel Dresses up just as well as the TT Sub, maybe even a tad better. I'm not a big fan of the 4th hand (one of the reasons I don't wear my GMT). But that said, this is one stunning watch.So, not to add fuel to your decision-fire, but how about the Yacht-Master? Either the two-tones, or stainless steel & platinum... Both of those models dress up very well, have a slightly more dressy look than the sub or GMT (the lugs have a more curved appearance) and look just fine with jeans too. That is the one I'd pick if I was going to have just one watch. From your list, if I was going to decide on just one it would be the Sub LV (and add a black bezel) for stainless steel or the Sub 11613 for two-toned with the GMT-II Ceramic a very close second. Regarding your question on what else is different between the GMT & Sub, aside from what you've already said, nothing. I do believe the GMT has a new revised movement, but that said, the 3135 is almost perfection, so I doubt you'd notice any difference. Good luck!!!
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Steve B.
follower
Thrust You Can Trust
Posts: 50
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Post by Steve B. on Oct 31, 2007 22:20:59 GMT -5
Hello DZJ, welcom to the forum!
I agree wit Scott D's comment on the Yacht Master. It's my first, and currently my only Rolex watch and I have absolutely zero buyers remorse. I love it.
If and when I go for the second Rolie, it will either be a Sea Dweller or the new GMT II Master - SS
Steve B.
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Post by bullandvodka on Oct 31, 2007 22:40:04 GMT -5
Scott D is a fountain of wisdom on these matters. I agree with all of his assessments.
One area that we might not of covered is how you live your life. If all of these choices are more or less equal, then....
Get the Dj if you want a traditional watch. That watch is proven over the last 40 years and as the most copied and envied watch ever produced. There are also lots of dials out there that you can use to personalize it and make it your own. (BTW, I wore my SS DJ w/o taking it off for ~10 years, It swims, works out, and looks good everywhere --- a fine choice.)
Get the Explorer II if you travel across timezones and want a larger watch with that "tough guy" look.
Get the Submarinier if you are a diver, a Bond fan, or just appreciate a living classic. It IS the standard by which all other divers are measured. The LV is special, but not for all occasions (Scott D's suggestion of have 2 bezels is good). I'm not a huge fan of two-tones either, but again this is about how you see yourself. More than a few people on this forum are smitten by the Sub two-tone with the blue face and bezel. If you're into two tone that that really is a must try on model.
Get the GMT-II if you travel across timezones and want, IMO, a more sophisticated watch than the Explorer II. I happen to feel that the GMT is almost as much of an icon as the Sub. If you're a fan of the classics, it is hard to beat the pepsi, as it is an icon. If you are into technology and want something that will look "newer longer" then the ceramic bezel is the future. Also the ceramic bezel models incorporate most of the benefits of the Sub with an substantially imporved clasp. I have a SS GMT-II ceramic as well and honestly feel like a king wearing it as it speaks to me and my lifestyle.
If after this you are still uncertain, there is nothing wrong with going in and trying them all on. One will speak to you and that is your watch. This point, above all others, is the most critical. One of these lucky watches will speak to your sensibilities. Whatever you choose, please take a pic and share it with the forum. We love pics and happy owners!
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