What is the best Rolex?

[derrondoc]

I was thinking the other day about what I'd consider the perfect Rolex. Does it exist? I know that it is subjective and all of our tastes are different. A common answer to this question is likely: What you like best! What talks to you! or other variations on that theme. But for some of us earlier in our journey it is what we can actually pick up from an AD.

Regardless, we all have our own journey and evolution of sorts of our likes and dislikes as we develop some experience with various watches. I love all of my Rolex and Tudor watches but all of them are a little different. None of them, so far, would I consider to be "perfect". I have a Submariner, GMT II, DJ41, Explorer on the Rolex side and a BB41 monochrome and a BB Chrono representing Tudor.

Personally I have grown to really enjoy the Jubilee bracelet (5 link on Tudor) more than the Oyster. I know that will be a mixed sentiment but that is me. However, the Rolex clasp on the Submariner and the T-fit clasp of Tudor are by far the easiest to live with IMO. I frequently adjust my bracelets and both the Rolex Glidelock and the Tudor T-fit are outstanding. Unfortunately, the Gridlock is not available on any Jubilee bracelet that I'm aware of currently. Clasp adjustment win goes to the Submariner but the bracelet win goes to the Jubilee or 5-link.

From a daily functional standpoint it is hard to beat the rotating bezel of a dive-watch. I find myself constantly using the rotating bezel on my Submariner and
Black Bay. It is just so easy to use and the tactile "fun" of the Submariner is really hard to beat. The BB is nice but is definitely not as refined as the Sub. Bezel action and usefulness goes to the Submariner.

Aesthetically it is hard to beat the visual appeal of any of the GMT II options. Whether it is BLRO, BLNR, GRNR or VTNR - all of them are more visually interesting that the SS Submariner options. There is a place for an all black Submariner for sure and it is an icon. The LV Submariner may be a strong contender for the best Rolex - great clasp, color for interest but I still prefer the Jubilee or 5-link.

Although I really like my Black Bay Chrono, a Daytona it is not. Someday I will hopefully pick one up but on the surface the Daytona suffers the same issues in terms of bracelet - polished center links are not my favorite and no Glidelock clasp. The PM models on OF might be the sweet-spot but there is just something about a 35k watch on a rubber strap without a bracelet option that is a hurdle for me.

My BB Chrono, although thick, wears really well because of the 5-link bracelet and T-fit clasp. My Submariner is so fun to wear - love the bezel action and clasp. My GMT II on jubilee wears so well - it would be perfect with an adjustable clasp and sub style bezel. My BB monochrome is a great watch - love the 5-link bracelet and T-fit clasp but the bezel is not in the same league as the Sub.

In summary, all of my watches I enjoy and are really nice but none of them are quite perfect. Until I have time to try out a Daytona, I'd say my "best" watch would be a mixture of a Submariner Bezel and clasp with a GMT II bracelet on Jubilee. On the Tudor side they are offering a 5-link with T-fit on most new releases. Is it possible Rolex would ever add in a version of the T-fit/Glidelock clasp on the Jubilee bracelets on the sports models?

This is just the overactive mind pondering really important society questions and a distraction from other less meaningful issues we face. Thoughts?