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Sporkmaker · 16 April 2018, 05:04 AM

I have a dirty physical job and currently wear a nondescript plastic quartz watch while at work as part of my regular three watch rotation - when I get home I swap for a steel AP, and I use a Fifty Fathoms for outdoor activities, fishing, hiking, etc.

Before long I would like to upgrade my work piece and Rolex is at the top of my list, however it would need to have a reasonably bulletproof shock and vibration resistant movement. I absolutely love the Milgauss but the lack of a date window is a deal breaker for me. I like the modern Air King, but again it doesn't have a date function. I guess that leaves the Explorer II but for some reason it just doesn't speak to me. Are there any choices I'm overlooking?

zjd168 · 16 April 2018, 05:12 AM

sub date or dj. If they can't be up to your bulletproof/entry level requirements then no other rolex can.

Andrejb · 16 April 2018, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sporkmaker

I have a dirty physical job and currently wear a nondescript plastic quartz watch while at work as part of my regular three watch rotation - when I get home I swap for a steel AP, and I use a Fifty Fathoms for outdoor activities, fishing, hiking, etc.

Before long I would like to upgrade my work piece and Rolex is at the top of my list, however it would need to have a reasonably bulletproof shock and vibration resistant movement. I absolutely love the Milgauss but the lack of a date window is a deal breaker for me. I like the modern Air King, but again it doesn't have a date function. I guess that leaves the Explorer II but for some reason it just doesn't speak to me. Are there any choices I'm overlooking?

Was going to say 39mm op but it has no date. Only thing you can really go for is the explorer II with date. That would be the only real entry level Rolex in the tool watch category. Would also love to see others opinions

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brandrea · 16 April 2018, 05:16 AM

Sub date would be a great starting point

TheRolexKingofLV · 16 April 2018, 05:21 AM

I'd say a Sub-Date...bulletproof, and you can dress it up or down!

JayB · 16 April 2018, 05:23 AM

Personally I'd probably go with a G Shock or something similar, alternatively have you considered either of the North Flags?

Helmi · 16 April 2018, 05:31 AM

How about a tudor black bay or a pelagos?

c41006 · 16 April 2018, 05:32 AM

It sounds like any really steel Rolex with a date function would suit your needs

PLNYC · 16 April 2018, 05:33 AM

Like others have said, Sub date is a good starter

bonatto · 16 April 2018, 05:36 AM

Oysterquartz

Snow-Dweller · 16 April 2018, 05:39 AM

GMTc

Urosfan · 16 April 2018, 05:41 AM

Like others have said sub date or gmt 2

05carbondrz · 16 April 2018, 05:42 AM

How about an older quick set Datejust? Almost infinite dial possibilities,Date and can be had for 3K or so....Perfect!

ash. · 16 April 2018, 05:43 AM

Author,

I'd go with OP 39 or Dated Sub.
You can't go wrong with these options, imho.

Houston77 · 16 April 2018, 05:55 AM

If you like the Milgauss blue, try a DJ 41 blue. Seems to check a lot of boxes.

mjclark32 · 16 April 2018, 05:58 AM

Sub is a good idea, but I’d go 16610 the aluminum bezel, if broken, can be replaced for a tenth of the cost of a ceramic

Weetos · 16 April 2018, 06:07 AM

Possibly a Sea Dweller, especially a 16600 renowned for being tough as nails also has a date with no cyclops giving it a cleaner look.

RolexEDC · 16 April 2018, 06:09 AM

I wear my sub date daily, I’m in the construction field and use drills, saws, hammers daily. Keep perfect time at +- 1sec per day

harvey · 16 April 2018, 06:20 AM

...surely not just me thinking...a Rolex for a work beater?!

mountainjogger · 16 April 2018, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zjd168

sub date or dj. If they can't be up to your bulletproof/entry level requirements then no other rolex can.

x2

Jerodp716 · 16 April 2018, 06:22 AM

Just curious as to why anyone would spend $7-8k for a “beater” unless you just have an infinite amount of disposable income. Not judging but curious! If i had a “dirty physical” job...I certainly wouldn’t be wearing a watch of that value to work. Again, not judging but genuinely curious.

Fabrice M · 16 April 2018, 06:39 AM

Sub date seems like it would be a good choice.

Fabrice M · 16 April 2018, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerodp716

Just curious as to why anyone would spend $7-8k for a “beater” unless you just have an infinite amount of disposable income. Not judging but curious! If i had a “dirty physical” job...I certainly wouldn’t be wearing a watch of that value to work. Again, not judging but genuinely curious.

It’s kind of a condescending statement. I don’t have an infinite amount of disposable income and wear a Rolex as a beater. SS Rolex are tool watches, they were conceived and design for this purpose, to take a beating. One reason they are popular in the military, the oil industry and many other field that requires time pieces that can take it, no mater what.

Jerodp716 · 16 April 2018, 06:47 AM

I see.

liuk3 · 16 April 2018, 06:51 AM

I guess it depends on how physical or rough your job is. I wear a G Shock if getting getting really down and dirty. If not so bad, everyday beater is more along the lines of my EXP2 Polar 42 mm.

watchmework · 16 April 2018, 06:58 AM

Sub Date or if you wanted something a little more aggressive and have the wrist to pull it off, SD43.

JohnnyRol · 16 April 2018, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weetos

Possibly a Sea Dweller, especially a 16600 renowned for being tough as nails also has a date with no cyclops giving it a cleaner look.

My 16600 as become my beater by default since I have a TOG, Kermit, YM and now SD43. A beater in the sense that I do everything with it from cooking, gardening, yard work, kayaking, traveling, working out you name it. I love all my rolexes but the relationship I've developed with this watch is unmatched as my all around workhorse. No watch will ever take that place and I could see it working for you in this capacity.

simex · 16 April 2018, 07:02 AM

I was a pipe fitter for 45 years and wore 1655 exp 2 for 30 of them wore the bracelet completely thru and had too service the watch after 28 years. paid $450.00 for watch and $1200.00 to service still have the watch and it keeps time.

ras47 · 16 April 2018, 07:05 AM

For my work watch I have chosen either a Casio digital POS or a fitness band. It's physical and tends to bang up anything I'm wearing. It bangs me up too, but I love the physicality of it. So if I wear a watch at all during my shifts it's something I wouldn't mind seeing get wrecked.

lecorsaire · 16 April 2018, 07:07 AM

I guess a Sub. A Datejust would get trashed with the PCLs and smooth or fluted bezel. Probably better to go with a 16610 since the bezel is easier to replace. You will probably be losing the pearl often depending on how much the watch is banged around. The ceramic bezel is much more expensive to replace if cracked.

Why not a Black Bay or Pelagos? Cheaper and very good looking. Even though Rolexes can handle punishment, it’s a pity IMO. The way I see it if they get banged up accidentally it’s ok, but I wouldn’t wear one for manual work where it’s definitely going to get roughed up.

If you must don’t use anything more valuable than a 14060 or 16610. $5-6k and will hide scratches well.

16 April 2018, 05:04 AM	#1
Sporkmaker "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Isleton CA Watch: peripherally Posts: 111	Considering entry level Rolex as work beater I have a dirty physical job and currently wear a nondescript plastic quartz watch while at work as part of my regular three watch rotation - when I get home I swap for a steel AP, and I use a Fifty Fathoms for outdoor activities, fishing, hiking, etc. Before long I would like to upgrade my work piece and Rolex is at the top of my list, however it would need to have a reasonably bulletproof shock and vibration resistant movement. I absolutely love the Milgauss but the lack of a date window is a deal breaker for me. I like the modern Air King, but again it doesn't have a date function. I guess that leaves the Explorer II but for some reason it just doesn't speak to me. Are there any choices I'm overlooking?

16 April 2018, 05:21 AM	#5
TheRolexKingofLV "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Real Name: Trace Location: Vegas/Bay Area Posts: 9,234	I'd say a Sub-Date...bulletproof, and you can dress it up or down! __________________ Official Host "The Penthouse Party" Las Vegas 2018 Instagram @tracenunes

16 April 2018, 05:23 AM	#6
JayB "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: UK Watch: EXP, DJ, NF Posts: 710	Personally I'd probably go with a G Shock or something similar, alternatively have you considered either of the North Flags? __________________ In 1953 they used Rolex Oysters and oxygen on Everest. In 1978 they managed without the oxygen. Rolex Explorer -- Rolex Datejust -- Tudor North Flag -- Omega De Ville Trésor -- Tudor Black Bay GMT -- Omega Speedmaster Professional -- Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight

16 April 2018, 05:33 AM	#9
PLNYC "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mars Posts: 1,683	Like others have said, Sub date is a good starter __________________

16 April 2018, 05:39 AM	#11
Snow-Dweller 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Clive Location: The Alps Watch: collections change Posts: 6,283	GMTc __________________ . The path from WIShood to WISdom can have many turnings... ——————————————————————————————————— . 16803. 16570. 18038. 114300. GMW-B5000D.

16 April 2018, 05:12 AM	#2
zjd168 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: US Posts: 2,698	sub date or dj. If they can't be up to your bulletproof/entry level requirements then no other rolex can.

16 April 2018, 05:16 AM	#4
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 77,521	Sub date would be a great starting point

16 April 2018, 05:31 AM	#7
Helmi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Doha Posts: 2,065	How about a tudor black bay or a pelagos?

16 April 2018, 05:32 AM	#8
c41006 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Joshua Location: Atlanta Watch: Pelagos Posts: 7,933	It sounds like any really steel Rolex with a date function would suit your needs

16 April 2018, 05:36 AM	#10
bonatto "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: UK/EU Posts: 222	Oysterquartz

16 April 2018, 05:41 AM	#12
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,363	Like others have said sub date or gmt 2

16 April 2018, 05:42 AM	#13
05carbondrz Banned Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: USA Posts: 2,030	How about an older quick set Datejust? Almost infinite dial possibilities,Date and can be had for 3K or so....Perfect!

16 April 2018, 05:43 AM	#14
ash. "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Real Name: Asher Location: London Watch: 114300, 116610LN Posts: 28	Author, I'd go with OP 39 or Dated Sub. You can't go wrong with these options, imho.

16 April 2018, 05:55 AM	#15
Houston77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Houston Posts: 2,641	If you like the Milgauss blue, try a DJ 41 blue. Seems to check a lot of boxes.

16 April 2018, 05:58 AM	#16
mjclark32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: MJC Location: PHL USA Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP Posts: 29,232	Sub is a good idea, but I’d go 16610 the aluminum bezel, if broken, can be replaced for a tenth of the cost of a ceramic __________________

16 April 2018, 06:07 AM	#17
Weetos "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: UK Posts: 18	Possibly a Sea Dweller, especially a 16600 renowned for being tough as nails also has a date with no cyclops giving it a cleaner look.

16 April 2018, 06:09 AM	#18
RolexEDC "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: USA Posts: 320	I wear my sub date daily, I’m in the construction field and use drills, saws, hammers daily. Keep perfect time at +- 1sec per day

16 April 2018, 06:20 AM	#19
harvey "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rolexforums.com Posts: 5,421	...surely not just me thinking...a Rolex for a work beater?!

16 April 2018, 06:22 AM	#21
Jerodp716 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: LA Posts: 427	Just curious as to why anyone would spend $7-8k for a “beater” unless you just have an infinite amount of disposable income. Not judging but curious! If i had a “dirty physical” job...I certainly wouldn’t be wearing a watch of that value to work. Again, not judging but genuinely curious.

16 April 2018, 06:39 AM	#22
Fabrice M 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Denver Watch: This and that... Posts: 1,643	Sub date seems like it would be a good choice.

16 April 2018, 06:47 AM	#24
Jerodp716 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: LA Posts: 427	I see.

16 April 2018, 06:51 AM	#25
liuk3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,354	Considering entry level Rolex as work beater I guess it depends on how physical or rough your job is. I wear a G Shock if getting getting really down and dirty. If not so bad, everyday beater is more along the lines of my EXP2 Polar 42 mm. __________________ "Appreciate your life!"

16 April 2018, 06:58 AM	#26
watchmework "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: DC Watch: 126710BLRO, 116600 Posts: 7,869	Sub Date or if you wanted something a little more aggressive and have the wrist to pull it off, SD43.

16 April 2018, 07:02 AM	#28
simex "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: nevada Watch: 1655,exp Posts: 113	I was a pipe fitter for 45 years and wore 1655 exp 2 for 30 of them wore the bracelet completely thru and had too service the watch after 28 years. paid $450.00 for watch and $1200.00 to service still have the watch and it keeps time.

16 April 2018, 07:05 AM	#29
ras47 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Real Name: Robert Location: Northern NJ Watch: 16710 BLRO Posts: 3,064	For my work watch I have chosen either a Casio digital POS or a fitness band. It's physical and tends to bang up anything I'm wearing. It bangs me up too, but I love the physicality of it. So if I wear a watch at all during my shifts it's something I wouldn't mind seeing get wrecked. __________________ Rolex GMT Master II BLRO 16710 Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chrono

16 April 2018, 07:07 AM	#30
lecorsaire "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: NYC Watch: 116710BLNR Posts: 1,541	I guess a Sub. A Datejust would get trashed with the PCLs and smooth or fluted bezel. Probably better to go with a 16610 since the bezel is easier to replace. You will probably be losing the pearl often depending on how much the watch is banged around. The ceramic bezel is much more expensive to replace if cracked. Why not a Black Bay or Pelagos? Cheaper and very good looking. Even though Rolexes can handle punishment, it’s a pity IMO. The way I see it if they get banged up accidentally it’s ok, but I wouldn’t wear one for manual work where it’s definitely going to get roughed up. If you must don’t use anything more valuable than a 14060 or 16610. $5-6k and will hide scratches well. __________________ Rolex 116710 BLNR Rolex Day Date 118238 Champagne/Batons

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