Some random thoughts from Rolex AD

[93EXCivic]

First off no I didn't buy one. I was buying earrings for my wife. And sorry for no pics.

But I tried on some Rolis while I was there. I should start by saying so far in my life I have handled three Rolex, a Datejust two tone, an older Explorer I and a vintage Speedking. So anyway I tried on the Sub-C, Explorer I, Explorer II and a Daytona. Well trying on the Sub-C confirmed what I had kinda thought previously I am not a fan. I don't like the crown guards and the flat crystal kills me. The Explorer I kinda have a comparison since I have handled an older 1016. Honestly I prefer the older one. I just like the domed crystal and the dial of the older one more. I tried on the Explorer II which I liked but not enough to buy it if I had the money. Why does the black dial Explorer II not show up nearly as much on the boards as the white dial version? Personally I like the black dial much more.

Finally I tried on the Daytona. I have always seen the Daytona on forums and honestly I haven't liked it at all. This one was a two tone and I absolutely hate two tone. But as soon as I saw it in real life and tried it on, I was completely blown away. Holy crap that is a completely amazing watch.

So all that being said I now completely understand why Rolex is so popular. The quality is amazing and the bracelets are by far and away the best bracelet I have ever handled. I am not a bracelet fan in any way but if all bracelets were as nice as modern Rolex I'd probably wear one every now and then. I can't say I have handled that many mid-range watches, Omegas, Breitlings and Tags. Rolex sure seemed like the highest quality of the bunch by quite a distance.


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[drunken monkey]

In nearly all instances, I prefer the previous generation of Rolex models to the current (are they all 11xxxxx yet?) ones.

The exception is the 42mm Explorer 2.
In photos, side by side with the older 40mm model, I can point to all of the details that just dont gel, especially when the 40mm is there to compare with.

But, in the metal and in white, 42mm Explorer 2 looks a lot better than it does in photos. That isn't to say I like it more than the 40, just that I would need a closer look before confirming my position on that one.

In all other cases, narrow lugs and pointy crown guards win.

[MarkO]

I have tried on the usual suspects too. I am not a Daytona fan, nearly got a DJ2 but didn't at the last minute. The one that caught my eye most was the Explorer 1 but even though I have not handled an older Explorer 1 the shiny non lumed numerals didn't quite do it for me - yet.

[93EXCivic]

I have tried on the usual suspects too. I am not a Daytona fan, nearly got a DJ2 but didn't at the last minute. The one that caught my eye most was the Explorer 1 but even though I have not handled an older Explorer 1 the shiny non lumed numerals didn't quite do it for me - yet.

I had handled an Explorer I like this one before.



I would say the current Explorer I is a higher quality watch especially the bracelet but it just doesn't work for me.

[MarkO]

I had handled an Explorer I like this one before.



I would say the current Explorer I is a higher quality watch especially the bracelet but it just doesn't work for me.

I know what you mean. I tried on a 36mm oyster perpetual with the lumed numerals but it felt small and didn't hit the spot I was looking for.
I feel there is a rolex in my future but not convinced I have found it yet.

[drunken monkey]

Handy image

[Chase]

I've found that going in to an AD with Rolex in mind, the ones you end up,liking aren't necessarily what you went in to see. I surprised myself into the Z Blue Milgauss, and was very pleased with it on my wrist. The Hulk, ok the hulk was the hulk. You don't pick it, it picks you. The 42mm Explorer II was the one that was everything I expected it to be and more.

[93EXCivic]

I know what you mean. I tried on a 36mm oyster perpetual with the lumed numerals but it felt small and didn't hit the spot I was looking for.
I feel there is a rolex in my future but not convinced I have found it yet.

I know what you mean. I am more of a buy used/ vintage kinda guy. The problem is that say a vintage Speedking or Explorer is nice but compared to other watches that I could buy for a lot less it seems hard to justify it. I mean they are approaching or passing what I could get a vintage VC or AP for and it just seems hard to say that in that case the cost comes from anything but the name. Then there are some I'd love to own but seriously doubt I will ever be able to afford, big crown sub, Daytona (apparently). So who knows maybe a previous gen Sub?


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[Andrema]

Try the SDc it's a great watch


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[thewalrus]

I know what you mean. I am more of a buy used/ vintage kinda guy. The problem is that say a vintage Speedking or Explorer is nice but compared to other watches that I could buy for a lot less it seems hard to justify it. I mean they are approaching or passing what I could get a vintage VC or AP for and it just seems hard to say that in that case the cost comes from anything but the name. Then there are some I'd love to own but seriously doubt I will ever be able to afford, big crown sub, Daytona (apparently). So who knows maybe a previous gen Sub?


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Don't overlook Tudor. All the build quality of a new Rolex but at 1/3 the price new. And the Black Bay has all the charm of a big crown Submariner at a 1/10 the price tag (or less).

Right now I'm debating the merits of buying a preowned SeaDweller over a new Pelagos. I'm finding it increasingly hard to justify the Rolex, to be honest. Especially at the current US - CAN exchange rate…