Looking for a Beater Rolex.....

[Tricolore66]

This is my beater as well, in the sense that there is nothing I’m afraid to wear this watch doing. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about the watch or go out of my way to abuse it, but it’s a tool and not a status symbol for me. I wouldn’t wear my Daytona or DD the same way.

Originally Posted by liuk3

My Exp2 Polar 216570 is my beater watch. Seems like my most tool/sporty version in a Rolex (e.g., brushed fixed stainless steel bezel, no PCLs, less shiny parts, big super legible large face, etc.).

I agree with previous posts though if you are budgeting under $5k, take a look at Tudor. They make some fantastic watches in that price point. I have a Tudor Black Bay Noir 79220N that I bought brand new back in 2016 for something like $2800. I love my Tudor as much as my Rolexes.

[Driver8]

To the OP, if it's got to be a Rolex, then I'm going to echo others and say go with the cheapest option available - something like an OP41 or OP36. They're plenty hardy enough for most things, provided you accept that no mechanical watch is ever going to trump a G-Shock in a beater contest.

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Please define ranching.

I do everything you’ve stated with my 16613LB but it was more than your budget. I’d presume every watch you own is capable of doing the things you want it to do, you just have to have the intestinal fortitude to not let it bother you if you damage one.

Fair play to you MrGoat - you're certainly getting your money's worth from it!

That said, I personally don't see the point of wearing a nice watch for stuff like building work, when there's other less expensive and more hardy options these days. To me it's like wearing a suit (or even nice casual attire for that matter) to mix concrete, or going hiking in a pair of Oxford brogues. Yes you could mix concrete in a suit or go hiking in a pair of brogues, but it doesn't mean you should.

But each to their own, and more power to you if you're cool with that (which you obviously are!).

[Harry-57]

What's a Rolex beater? Something than can be taken out of the safe?

I'd avoid anything with diamonds on the bezel. Apart from that you can wear any Rolex all day any day. Short of the kind of abuse that you shouldn't subject any mechanical watch to, it will be fine. It's what a Rolex is for.

[marc12]

any watch is a beater if youre brave enough :)

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Driver8

To the OP, if it's got to be a Rolex, then I'm to echo others and say go the cheapest option available - something like an OP41 or OP36. They're plenty hardy enough for most things, proved you accept that no mechanical watch is ever going to trump a G-Shock in a beater contest.




Fair play to you MrGoat - you're certainly getting your money's worth from it!

That said, I personally don't see the point of wearing a nice watch for stuff like building work, when there's other less expensive and more hardy options these days. To me it's like wearing a suit (or even nice casual attire for that matter) to mix concrete, or going hiking in a pair of Oxford brogues. Yes you could mix concrete in a suit or go hiking in a pair of brogues, but it doesn't mean you should.

But each to their own, and more power to you if you're cool with that (which you obviously are!).

I just don’t let my watch define me I guess. I bought a watch that should be capable to keep up with my daily activities, I wear it and forget about it.


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[Santiago32]

Maybe an older explorer? If you’re open to Tudor then a BB58 will be a great option

[2loaded]

I'd up the price range to a 16610 Sub and let 'er rip.

[2loaded]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

I just don’t let my watch define me I guess. I bought a watch that should be capable to keep up with my daily activities, I wear it and forget about it.
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Let MrGoat be an example to all of us !

[telesquire]

I've never taken my watches off for doing anything other than sex lol. The are super strong, take the wear well and age like old Levis. If they look a bit tired after 20 odd years of hard labour you can just send them back for a refurb at RSC. Here's an invoice I saw recently for a full refurb of a Sub including a new bracelet.....





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[liberalclown]

Isn’t SS a beater Rolex? All three that you have can be considered beater watches at least among Rolex family.

[eugenetsang]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

If you can’t ruin your Rolex you can’t afford it.

Just like if you can’t track your GT3 RS, you can’t afford it.

Things are made to be used, not just pampered.

I agree with your statement. I have lots of watch friends that baby their collection. They spent a lot of money on their toys. So it's totally understandable.

I don't baby my watches either. My are meant to be worn. Not stored in my watch box. But props to the other member doing construction, yard work, and the whole works with his TT sub!

I don't think I am willing to go to that extreme!

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

I just don’t let my watch define me I guess. I bought a watch that should be capable to keep up with my daily activities, I wear it and forget about it.

Absolutely fair play to you, my man! Respect!

[johnjm]

I have a mix of modern and vintage tutors that I use as beaters, on the Rolex side a 34mm air king and a OP39 that I beat around.

I really like the vintage Tudor, specifically the 38mm.


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[RayRay89]

Explorer either model.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

Please define ranching.

I do everything you’ve stated with my 16613LB but it was more than your budget. I’d presume every watch you own is capable of doing the things you want it to do, you just have to have the intestinal fortitude to not let it bother you if you damage one.









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Do you realise the damage that you are doing to this watch?

These watches are not designed to be worn under any circumstance, they should be kept wrapped up and left in a dark safe, only removed for anniversaries and special holidays.

The way that you are using these well built, accurate and reliable watches is a disgrace, my god you could even scratch it, hang your head in shame for abusing this watch.





Seriously, great seeing a watch being worn as it should be and not wrapped in cotton wool.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Do you realise the damage that you are doing to this watch?

These watches are not designed to be worn under any circumstance, they should be kept wrapped up and left in a dark safe, only removed for anniversaries and special holidays.

The way that you are using these well built, accurate and reliable watches is a disgrace, my god you could even scratch it, hang your head in shame for abusing this watch.





Seriously, great seeing a watch being worn as it should be and not wrapped in cotton wool.

For the record, I was more worried about the cows getting a finger than I was them hurting the watch.


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[baamvino]

BB58 would be a great daily beater

[Sixanthonies]

Thanksk for the feedback! Just going to use the Airking for my beater watch.....

[afmars]

Rolex explorer line my personal favorite do-it-all watches.

[tifosi]

Sub $5,000 Rolex is gone in this day and age.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by marc12

any watch is a beater if youre brave enough :)

I guess the same can be said for any wall, too

[Roberto Kupferschein]

I really will like to be the son of this guy, I will getting very nice and pristine watches. I own 4 Rolexes and I try to wear them all, life is to short. Take care of your watches but enjoy them. I was checking past photos of the last 5 years I was having fun looking what watch I was wearing in each one. Cheers.

[Andrejb]

I beat up all of mine

My 126710BLRO has like 8 nicks on the lugs lol


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[Rolexatlast]

For some strange reason, I always have fancied an old battered Omega Planet Ocean, on either a leather or NATO strap, as a ‘beater’.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Sixanthonies

Have 3 nice 2021 rolexes ( Batman, Wimbledon, and OP41 blue) but dont want to do yard work, hunting and ranching in them. Just like to wear them out and to the office. I am looking for a Rolex that I can beat up and wear to the ranch and not care if it gets dented or scratched....

Just bought my wife a new 2021 OP 34 and having a diamond bezel put on it. She has an old 1990s Airking 34 mm that I am upgrading to the new OP 34. I can convert back to original condition and wear it for ranching but it seems too small.....

What beater Rolex would you recommend for less than $5,000 budget? Appreciate any thougths.....

Not much about within that 5k ballpark.

[winst]

OP36 or Explorer 36mm if it has to be Rolex but I would go with Tudor BB58 as several others have suggested. Wearing my Navy Blue one on a Vanguard Rubber Strap moe than I wear my Explorer 39mm at the moment.

[Tools]

My go-to watch for projects and adventures is an Exp II.

I have learned to take it off when welding or working under the hood though. No point in avoidable destruction.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Absolutely fair play to you, my man! Respect!

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

Do you realise the damage that you are doing to this watch?



These watches are not designed to be worn under any circumstance, they should be kept wrapped up and left in a dark safe, only removed for anniversaries and special holidays.



The way that you are using these well built, accurate and reliable watches is a disgrace, my god you could even scratch it, hang your head in shame for abusing this watch.











Seriously, great seeing a watch being worn as it should be and not wrapped in cotton wool.

Originally Posted by 2loaded

Let MrGoat be an example to all of us !

Thanks gentlemen.


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[krchrist]

Originally Posted by Know1isgod

Tudor Heritage Ranger. Should be able to find one for about $2500.

this was my first "nice" watch and now fills this role exactly after getting my sub. Highly recommended... tank

[RJM25R]

Tudor black bay on nato will do the job. My go-to beater

Gym, CrossFit, dog walks, fencing, gardening……