You only truly need one Rolex

[alphadweller]

I'm caressing the idea that one Rolex in the collection could be enough. You get that one rugged and dependable mechanical watch with a nice history and pedigree and you're done.

That was my plan when I bought my first Rolex several years ago. Now I've got three (YM, SD43, TT Sub), but do I need them? Yes, I love them. Still, I can't help thinking one is enough. I could let two of them go and live happily ever after. No more ADs, greys, chasing the dopamine. Let others have a crack at getting their first.

Why not stop at one Rolex (and embrace other brands) Thoughts?

[the dark knight]

I'd say two for when the other is away for servicing. Also practically speaking I think 2 may be enough for Rolex because there is some overlap in design for a lot of their models. You probably don't need BOTH a Sub and GMT or both a GMT and Exp II. You probably only need one of an Exp I, OP, or DJ.

The classic 2-watch combo of a Sub and DJ would probably be enough.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

I'd say two for when the other is away for servicing. Also practically speaking I think 2 may be enough for Rolex because there is some overlap in design for a lot of their models. You probably don't need BOTH a Sub and GMT or both a GMT and Exp II. You probably only need one of an Exp I, OP, or DJ.

The classic 2-watch combo of a Sub and DJ would probably be enough.

Valid point, there's is design overlap between several sports models.

Although Sub + DJ is a great combo, only one can stay so for me it'd be the Sub between these two. The classic looking piece would have to come from another brand, like JLC for example.

[Stan Cooper]

I'm down to one Rolex (not counting my 1915 trench watch) and have no burning desire for another. My 16710 GMT II checks all the boxes.

[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

I'm down to one Rolex (not counting my 1915 trench watch) and have no burning desire for another. My 16710 GMT II checks all the boxes.

So you have 6 Rolexes then.

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

So you have 6 Rolexes then.

Yep; more than six if you count variations with a leather/rubber/NATO strap. It's a very versatile reference.

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

So you have 6 Rolexes then.

Lots of truth here.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

I'm down to one Rolex (not counting my 1915 trench watch) and have no burning desire for another. My 16710 GMT II checks all the boxes.

I’ve often toyed with the same idea, Stan. Merely keeping my 126710 BLRO and moving on from the rest.

[WatchTimes]

It's hard, I can't be a one watch guy as if I was it would be my 228238 but I need a beater as well so I guess Id keep my 16570 Polar as well.
If I could only collect one brand it would be Rolex but luckily Im not restricted

[spellmanski]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

It's hard, I can't be a one watch guy as if I was it would be my 228238 but I need a beater as well so I guess Id keep my 16570 Polar as well.
If I could only collect one brand it would be Rolex but luckily Im not restricted

This - so true!

[Charlie Tango]

I’m sort of having the same thought right now honestly. I have three and maybe I have enough.

Polar Exp II 226570 —the every day watch
Submariner 124060 —the casual watch
TT SkyD, Champange, Jubilee 326933 — the special occasion watch

I’ve expressed interest in the lefty GMT and the new mint dial SkyD, but realistically neither of those feels like a fundamentally different watch than what I already have. Is it just me?


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[hgg43c]

@ the moment my Sub is my GADA Rolex.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

My parents grew up during the depression. I am well schooled on the the subject of what I do and don’t need. A childhood of enforced frugality lead me down the wayward path of acquisition. I buy Rolex because I want to, need never enters the equation.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

My parents grew up during the depression. I am well schooled on the the subject of what I do and don’t need. A childhood of enforced frugality lead me down the wayward path of acquisition. I buy Rolex because I want to, need never enters the equation.

I'm from a similar background and I somewhat agree, it's mostly a want, except for that very first Rolex for which I badly needed to scratch that itch, if that makes sense.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

I'm from a similar background and I somewhat agree, it's mostly a want, except for that very first Rolex for which I badly needed to scratch that itch, if that makes sense.

I see you.

[PenDelicate]

Had a Sub for three years.
Twitched the needle to a Sub + a Daytona. Just not for me.
Now back down to just the Daytona.
I'm done.

(Fingers crossed.)

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by PenDelicate

Had a Sub for three years.
Twitched the needle to a Sub + a Daytona. Just not for me.
Now back down to just the Daytona.
I'm done.

(Fingers crossed.)

Hey, I've been done several times.

[Beto737]

I was a one watch person for about 15 years. As long as it’s rugged and dependable, no problem.

I went from a 16233 to a 16610LN to a 116610LV. I was perfectly content just wearing the one watch. Then the craziness kicked in.

[BobtheViking]

I like to have some diversity.

I've got an explorer 2 and I don't think there is another brand that does anything quite like it.

I've got a speedy and I think that's the best chrono you can buy (calm down Daytona owners)

I'd like a proper pilots watch and whilst the air king, sky-dweller or GMT would fit that bracket. I'm more inclined to get a Stowa b., Longines Zulu or one of a number of Breitlings

I think the iconic divers watch is the sub, but I've got an explorer so you could add a Blancpain

Basically, Rolex do a reference to cover most types and complications and if you're set on Rolex then they make amazing watches.

But I'd prefer to have more brands and different history/stories in my collection

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

I like to have some diversity.

I've got an explorer 2 and I don't think there is another brand that does anything quite like it.

I've got a speedy and I think that's the best chrono you can buy (calm down Daytona owners)

I'd like a proper pilots watch and whilst the air king, sky-dweller or GMT would fit that bracket. I'm more inclined to get a Stowa b., Longines Zulu or one of a number of Breitlings

I think the iconic divers watch is the sub, but I've got an explorer so you could add a Blancpain

Basically, Rolex do a reference to cover most types and complications and if you're set on Rolex then they make amazing watches.

But I'd prefer to have more brands and different history/stories in my collection

That's EXACTLY what I mean. One significant model from various brands and watch categories you like. So you keep that Explorer II which is perfect for you and that's it when it comes to Rolex.

[SDGT3]

After I got my 3rd Rolex I started to contemplate this same question. My SD43 is my rugged, go through anything everyday, but the Blusey signified a milestone. Was going to sell the Daytona when the wife said she wanted it, so there you have it.

[BobtheViking]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

That's EXACTLY what I mean. One significant model from various brands and watch categories you like. So you keep that Explorer II which is perfect for you and that's it when it comes to Rolex.

So if you were to cull 2 of yours to get to 1, which one would you keep and what else would you add?

SD43 covers the divers watch and, I think, is a special reference from Rolex. So the sub can go, and the yacht master is very similar so that can go as well!

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

So if you were to cull 2 of yours to get to 1, which one would you keep and what else would you add?

SD43 covers the divers watch and, I think, is a special reference from Rolex. So the sub can go, and the yacht master is very similar so that can go as well!

I'd keep the SD43 indeed and sell YM40 and TT Sub. The SD43 would cover my need for that one Rolex slot in the collection.

Down the road I would contemplate adding watches I like from other brands within reason, keeping the collection contained and trying to stick to the one watch per brand ethos.

[BobtheViking]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

I'd keep the SD43 indeed and sell YM40 and TT Sub. The SD43 would cover my need for that one Rolex slot in the collection.

Down the road I would contemplate adding watches I like from other brands within reason, keeping the collection contained and trying to stick to the one watch per brand ethos.

So that's one covered, what else are you having?

Diver - Rolex SD43

Pilot -

Chrono -

Dress -

Field -

[The Novice]

I don't even own a Rolex yet but I WANT one. I certainly don't need one.
Once it is established I don't need the first one how can you argue that I only need one?
I think we are all here for something that goes beyond need.

Anyway, I will probably need at least one dress and one casual Rolex. Anything beyond that is just superfluous.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by The Novice

I don't even own a Rolex yet but I WANT one. I certainly don't need one.
Once it is established I don't need the first one how can you argue that I only need one?
I think we are all here for something that goes beyond need.

Anyway, I will probably need at least one dress and one casual Rolex. Anything beyond that is just superfluous.

Agreed, all watches are superfluous. However, we're watch fanatics so I'll consider that first Rolex as a "need". After that, any other Rolex is mostly a want. What I'm saying is stick with that one Rolex you really want and move on to other brands for that chrono you might like, that dress watch, pilot watch or whatever picks your fancy, within reason.

[HERITAGE82]

I'm a one Rolex guy with my Explorer, but being honest my Tudor 79270 is pretty much a 5 digit Rolex and my black bay has similar DNA.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

I'm a one Rolex guy with my Explorer, but being honest my Tudor 79270 is pretty much a 5 digit Rolex and my black bay has similar DNA.

That's OK, one Rolex.

[Mr Ben]

I might be changing my mind on this question. Having had an Exp II for nearly 6 months, I can fairly confidently say I don’t “need” anything else…

I’m playing with the idea of keeping the 226570 as my “one modern six digit Rolex” for daily use. And adding a couple of classics as “occasional wearers”. Either:
- adding a 16710/ 5513 would give me a nice sports trio in 4/5/6 digit refs; or
- adding a 16570/ 1655 would give me more or less the Exp II family with very different looks in 4/5/6 digit refs

So one is plenty but we can always find excuses for another couple!

[JTL31]

I own 2. The discontinued white dial OP 36 & the TT Explorer.
The OP is set to be my daughter’s in 10 yrs on her golden birthday. We both choose the engraving for the caseback as it represents a term of endearment shared. My WIS personality rationalizes that is hers, the Explorer is mine.

But, I agree in one is plenty. We WIS should consider ourselves fortunate to have the means for such an item at all.