What would be your first Rolex?

[Timekeep111]

Get one of these, it was good enough for the author who was himself part of the British intelligence service during the Second World War.

[ktn387]

I have a chance to wear almost Rolex models and from beginning, I have your dilema as well.
IMO, the very first beginning and could become the keeper from your future collection is Submariner.
Good luck and enjoy :)


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[rmlovett1]

Given your criteria, attire, and thought process, I’d probably start with a DJ.

[novocainekarma]

If the CHNR is the one you really want, thats the one to get.
You can add others when you get the Rolex bug, but if you go for a second choice first, you'll still be itchy for the GMT.

[Miker86]

Wouldn’t personally recommend the Explorer for your first Rolex, would go Sub as it’s more iconic. Ironically my favourite Rolex is currently the 214270.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by fqw2022

I seem to be drawn to TT Rootbeer - 127711CHNR.
If you were me - entry-level Rolex or skip and work towards long-term goal?

Thanks.

In a sense, you already answered your question. Had family n' friends over during the recent December holidays, and most agreed for Rolex the CHNR (Rootbeer) was their overall favorite.

[Ceriano]

I like the explorer but I feel at $8k after tax it’s overpriced! You can get a sub for slightly over and to me that’s more watch for money. Now if we are talking grey market prices then explored all the way!

[baumbachaflocka]

I'm trying to decide on my first Rolex myself.
I really like the blue OP41 and the sub no date. I've been on the waitlist for both for 1 month. But because I don't know how long the wait will be I've also been looking at the OP 36 116000 with Arabic numerals in blue, submariner 114060 and explorer 214270. Its tough to choose because they are all very solid sports watches and are all unique.

[zumi19]

I would prefer a Submarine for first timers.

[996marty]

You can’t go wrong with any sub and they are perfect for a casual look

[Andad]

For casual wear a ‘91 N.

[EmJay]

Originally Posted by fqw2022

Great forum, thanks to all the contributors and moderators.

I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of a guy.
In addition to a G-Shock, Seiko diver (GADA) and a Seiko Presage Cocktail Time (dress watch in addition to Cartier, below) - I own two "serious" watches:

- Tudor BB Burgundy (with "oyster" bracelet)
- Santos de Cartier (medium)

Long term goals are DD or one of the several models I am admiring from afar - from PP, VC, JLC, AP.

I seem to be drawn to TT Rootbeer - 127711CHNR.
Price-wise this belongs to a long term goal territory for me.
I also enjoy some DJ, OP and YM configurations and somehow after I tried it, even Wimbledon, TT, jubilee, slate looked good on me.

I also enjoy many other watches from other brands in that 3,000 - 8,000 range.

Watches will be passed to my young children once they are ready to enjoy them in some shape and form. Lots of hard work and sacrifice.

If you were me - entry level Rolex or skip and work towards long term goal?

Thanks.

I always think everyone should have an explorer.

[jamesbondOO7]

If you want the real thing, go 5-digit.

[saxo3]

First Rolex? Submariner 14060M.
No 6-digit.

[VincentM]

For my first Rolex, I had chosen DJ41, fluted, blue dial et jubilee. I was waiting for it and then I had the occasion to try a CHNR. Then I knew that this CHNR would become my first Rolex…

And I was hit by this disease… In the third pic, you can see my actual collection (in order of acquisition from left to right).






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[Stan Cooper]

My first Rolex was a 1976 Ref. 1675 GMT-Master, and my second was a 16710 GMT-Master II. The second time zone is very useful to me for logging ham radio contacts and flight planning in Greenwich Mean Time. If I were looking for a first Rolex today, it would probably be a white dial Explorer II with a 3185, 3186, or 3187 caliber movement with the independently adjustable jump hour hand. Even though the steel bezel doesn't rotate, the jump hour hand makes it a great travel GMT watch, and the price of mint condition used 16570 examples with 3185 movement (same as 16710 GMT II) are less than $9k. Water resistance is 100 meters, which is fine for swimming and recreational diving.

[B2 Stealth]

Polar Explorer II. Tried all the divers, CHNR, BLNR and moved on. ExplorerII or GMT on jubilee. Sky-Dweller is spectacular but not a daily for my lifestyle.

[jamesbondOO7]

That one would be an excellent start 16570. Extremely comfortable, not everybody has one and it has the very useful GMT function. Easy choice.

[davek35]

Originally Posted by fqw2022

....Long term goals are DD or one of the several models I am admiring from afar - from PP, VC, JLC, AP.
.....
If you were me - entry level Rolex or skip and work towards long term goal?

Welcome!

What I've learned...

Know what you want and go straight to that. I can't tell you how much money has been lost shopping around.

I say, if you want a Rolex for yourself and a DD is what your goal is in the Rolex world of watches, I say go straight to the DD. That way your next purchase can be a JLC or what ever you want, instead of working up to that DD.

Good luck!