First Rolex Sub/ExpII Dubai/Singapore

[ROLEXUS]

Hi all,

Looking at buying my first Rolex. Will probably be the only one I ever buy as i'm not really a collector or enthusiast but just want to have a nice watch which I can keep with me for many years to come. Have basically narrowed my selection down to either a Sub date or an Explorer II which seem to be the most suitable watches for a first (and only) time buyer. Both watches offer a blend of sportiness and elegance and are appropriate for all occasions. I know in the end it comes down to personal choice but overall which one would you guys recommend out of these models in terms of comfort and durability (resistance to scratches). Also are there any major differences between the two (apart from looks) which I should take into account when making the decision??
I'll be travelling to Europe in the next week stopping in Singapore and Dubai which is where i'll be looking at buying (from an AD of course). Does anyone know the current rrp for both models in these cities and how much of a discount I could expect with some serious haggling??
Also what's the go with the Rolex SS bracelets?? I'm guessing they're hollow links as they feel very flimsy when compared to the solid feel of an Omega??

Thanks

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

Personally, I would go for the SS Sub Date as your first Rolex.

As for scratch resistancy, I'm afraid both can get easily scratched. However, if you scratch the bezel of the Explorer II, it's tougher to restore than if you scratch the bezel of the Sub Date. Therefore the Explorer II bezel is often exchanged completely.

If the bezel of the Sub Date gets scratched, often a mere change of the bezel insert makes the watch look like new again. As for the rest of both watches, most scratches can be polished out during service.

Singapore is reportedly a good place to buy Rolex watches ("low" MSRP as compared to other countries). I hope others will chip in with exact MSRP's of the SS Sub Date and Explorer II.

Best of luck!

[Haole]

If you're going to get one and only one, the Sub Date is the quintessential Rolex. You won't be disappointed and will always wear a chronological icon on your wrist.

[lorsban]

Which watch you buy depends on what you're into. If you travel a lot, I'd recommend the Explorer II because of the dual-time function. If you're more of the sporty type, then go for the Sub.

Here's another thing, if you want something instantly recognizable as a Rolex, get the Sub. If you want something more subtle, get the Explorer II. If you care about resale value, get the Sub. If you plan on keeping your watch, get the Exp II - although you can of course keep both watches, the Sub probably gets better resale.

Singapore has good prices. They have a lot of stores there. One place I went to that had a few AD's was Lucky Plaza in Orchard Road. Dealers can knock off up to 25% from retail - I'm not sure if they can offer higher discounts than that but you can try.

Best of luck! You'll be happy with either watch so just pick the one that you feel you'll wear more often.

[Asian Sub]

I had the Explorer 2 which is just bought a month ago which i recently sold and got the Sub Date. When i had the Explorer 2, i always thought that there was something missing or i was not completely satisfied and somehow regretted. I now have the Sub Date with late Z series and i think this will be with me for a long long time

[DSJ]

Hard for me to say. I love them both.

Do you own any other watches - if so, what are they?

If this is your ONLY watch you will EVER wear and own, I would say the Submariner.

But I LOVE my Explorer II, and if you already have a diving watch, or your activities are more diverse, the Explorer II might be the better fit.

[ROLEXUS]

Thanks guys,

Any Aussies bought their watch overseas and then been hit with GST as they brought it through customs into Australia??

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, PAL!!!

Hope you enjoy your stay here!!!
Both is GREAT watch!!! Whatever you choose, please post some pics if you already get it!!!

[ROLEXUS]

Well i'm back and am now the proud owner not of a Submariner, nor an Explorer II but an M series GMT IIc purchased in Dubai. The GMT really smiled at me in the display case and I loved the more solid substantial feel it has when held in the hand which neither the Sub nor Explorer have (still can't get over the flimsy cheap feel of their bracelets and clasps). Sure it cost a bit more but i'm sure it will be worth it, it's a really nice watch to look at and for me showed a perfect balance between versatility and presentability. It's probably the only Rolex i'll ever buy so i wanted something that would be right for all occasions and am pretty sure i've found it. The 24 hour hand has already been very useful and I love the ease in which the hours can be set forward or back when changing timezones. It's running very well currently at -1s/per day which i'm happy with.

Oh, for anyone travelling to Dubai I recommend you check out the Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons Rolex boutique in the Mall of the Emirates. They have a huge range and the salespeople are very knowledgeable and helpful. I compared the GMT, Sub and Explorer for a good 2-3 hours before finally making my choice. As a 24 year old I'm rarely taken this seriously by salespeople of many luxury (read expensive) goods but to the staff at Seddiqi it was no problem and they had straight honest answers for any questions I had. Price was well well below the $8800 aud which they sell for in Sydney largely thanks to the strong AUD/Dirham exchange. Here's some pics instore taken on my phone.

[Lol-x]

I second your choice of the GMTIIC

[dotcomakazee]

Great choice. I have had every model of Rolex sports watch and the GMT IIc is my favorite of all. Now I'm lusting after a vintage GMT Pepsi as a 2nd watch.