Help picking up my first Rolex

[Mitchie]

Hi All,

Long time lurker, only just registered an account on this great forum.

I was hoping that I could use some of the advice on here to pick up my first Rolex. I'm thinking about going for a 116234, but I am more than happy to have some feedback from you guys. I'm not sure if I want to pick up a Datejust or go for something else.

This will most likely be a watch that I stick with for a few years, as a Rolex for me is a major investment.

I look forward to some ideas,

Mitch.

[ronburgundy]

Just depends on what you like, if you're wanting more dressy, more sporty, etc. With Datejust there are tons of options.

[REFZ]

Take your time to decide which model you like the most and try some of the models you like on the wrist because pictures and real life is something different.

[Boaters]

I would try the 116610LN Submariner it would be a good place to start. Go to an AD and try on different models you will know which is right ... Good luck

[arinsd]

I agree with going to the AD to try it out.

Sometimes pictures don't do a watch justice or the watch doesn't look as good on you in person. This happened to me... I had 100% convinced myself that since I had smaller wrist I need a 16610. However, when I saw the 116610 ceramic in person I fell in love.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by arinsd

I agree with going to the AD to try it out.

Sometimes pictures don't do a watch justice or the watch doesn't look as good on you in person. This happened to me... I had 100% convinced myself that since I had smaller wrist I need a 16610. However, when I saw the 116610 ceramic in person I fell in love.

Touche...

[cop414]

Originally Posted by REFZ

Take your time to decide which model you like the most and try some of the models you like on the wrist because pictures and real life is something different.

Great advice, take your time and enjoy the process. Congrats in advance!

[Jaycnyp]

My best advice is go to an AD and try on any watch that you like the look of. You will like one above all of the others. I went to my AD to buy a 114060 sub, 216570 Explorer 2 black or a 116520 Daytona black. I tried them all on, was there for 3 hours (I'm friends with the manager so we were chatting for a lot of that too) and walked out with a 214270 explorer that I had never even considered. Now it is my favorite SS watch not just of Rolex, but of any that I've seen. I will be adding PM in the near future, but I can't see myself parting with my explorer ever. Moral is don't buy a watch because someone tells you to or because it's the one you "think" you want. Buy the one you fall in love with. Also, remember that because it looks good in pictures does not mean that you will like the way it looks on YOUR wrist.

[Colin10101]

You definitely need to go to an AD and try them on! This is not a small purchase and you should never base your purchase on photos online. They can be deceptive.

Since you are asking about the 116234, I'll chime in and say you cannot go wrong with that as your first Rolex. It is a beautiful piece, and will go with pretty much any outfit. I have a 116200 and it is the only watch I ever wear.

[mitchellb2005]

I tried on a bunch of different Rolex's before I made my first Rolex purchase just a couple weeks ago. I decided on the Yacht-Master. To me, it is the perfect combo of dress and sport. It also had the precious metal dial and bezel for the price of an all stainless watch and it is a neutral color, so I can wear it with anything.

[Mitchie]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I think it'll be the best that I go in there and have a feel in person for them. Any other suggestions for around $15K AUD at the most?

I just feel the 116234 jumps out to me the most.

How would the AD's feel like a young person heading in there? I'm 19, but I worked extremely hard to have enough money to even be considering a watching like this. It's a grail of mine, so I'd love to spend the time to have a really good look. Will they help me through, or would they take a look at me and not want to spend the time with me because of my age?

[DaytonaOriginal]

Do not talk yourself down...you have worked for it and your money is as good as anybodies.
I think that an AD must try his utmost always...in order to secure future purchases as well.

I also bought a watch of my first earned salary...people thought of me as crazy...I never regretted it.

[beer]

Originally Posted by Mitchie

How would the AD's feel like a young person heading in there? I'm 19, but I worked extremely hard to have enough money to even be considering a watching like this. It's a grail of mine, so I'd love to spend the time to have a really good look. Will they help me through, or would they take a look at me and not want to spend the time with me because of my age?

i was in a similar situation to you at 20 (although ended up losing the money on stocks and not going back to buy the rolex for a few years ) and would say that its a bit of both however the bad staff are in the minority

most of the ADs treated me like any other customer and did not even seem to notice my age, none of them were openly rude however some of them did just ignore me and seem more interested in serving the old men dressed in golfing clothes

[SemperFi]

Hi Mitch and welcome to the forum. All great advice above so just have fun and enjoy the process.

[Wcdhtwn]

I was obsessed with the BLNR until I tried it on and didn't like it on as much as the NR. I love the BLNR in pictures still. Like it's been said, go try some on and see what you like on your wrist.

[reno1910]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

I was obsessed with the BLNR until I tried it on and didn't like it on as much as the NR. I love the BLNR in pictures still. Like it's been said, go try some on and see what you like on your wrist.

Exactly the same response I had...

Each time I visited, I came away with a new favorite. I went back three times with a watch in mind to buy. First the 39mm Explorer, then Milgauss, then GMT, then back to the Explorer.

In the end I bought a used 36mm Explorer (mainly from trying a variety of friends datejusts watches)... a used 36mm Explorer worked well for both my wrist and my budget.

A datejust is a classic and the larger DJ2's are stunning in there own right.

I'm not a big datejust fan since everyone I know has them... but I have got to have a Model #1603. I just love that bezel... screams retro and vintage.

There are several DJ vintages that are extremely affordable used. A lot of that savings can go towards your next purchase.

New or used is a great first choice.

Good luck!

[beer]

Agree don't make a decision based on internet pictures. And don't make a decision on first visit - go to the AD half a dozen times at least, with a week or so between each visit to contemplate the purchase. If they are not accommodating choose a different AD, or maybe visit a couple different ADs anyway to view the watch in certain environments (lighting, etc)

You can like certain watches more in real life and indeed vice versa - can see a watch you liked on the internet and then dislike it in real life (like online dating? )

[Norms]

just because you're young doesn't mean they won't give you the service you deserve, and they're paid to give. however, if they do treat you less than 100% just take your money elsewhere. rolex dealers aren't rare by any means. I'm 22 myself and i just bought my Z blue milgauss. you really need to go and try some on before you know your style and what fits you best. i have a GMTiic and a DJii as well, for me personally the date just style wasn't something i can wear everyday. the GMT with the more diver look and them milgauss fits that everyday role quite well. also for a younger guy the 36mm was too small for me so you really have to go in there and try some stuff on. i might suggest the Explorer 1, its 39mm. its a fantastic everyday/allday watch. easy to dress down on the bracelet or nato, but also easy to dress up with a nice strap. the new Oyster Perpetuals at 39mm is also something that might work for you.

[Formula1]

The 116234 is a great watch. I debated for years going back and forth between a DJ, Submariner, GMT, and a DJ II. I am glad I got the 116234 as my one and only watch that I wear everyday.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Mitchie

How would the AD's feel like a young person heading in there? I'm 19, but I worked extremely hard to have enough money to even be considering a watching like this. It's a grail of mine, so I'd love to spend the time to have a really good look. Will they help me through, or would they take a look at me and not want to spend the time with me because of my age?

Always take a laminated bank statement.

[Racerdj]

Don't rush it and try several on. You cannot go wrong with a Sub!

[Jaycnyp]

If the AD doesn't treat you well because of your age walk out and go to a different one. They are trying to earn YOUR money, not the other way around!

[Mr. K]

If you feel like something jumps out at you, that is worth something.

[prs77]

The 116234 is one of my personal favorites and it's probably going to be my next purchase. You should go to a dealer and try on all the watches that appeal to you. Buy the watch that you want to wear, even if it's not the popular choice. You don't want to end up with buyer's remorse because you purchased something that other people thought was great, but that you didn't like as much as something else.

[DCgator]

Happy hunting! I hope you get the watch that makes you happy to wear it.

[Mitchie]

Thank you so much for all the advice guys, off to the AD this weekend.

Just a quick question, how much AUD (ballpark) should I be looking at for the 116234? Would be a little better if I knew what I should be expecting retail when I head in. :)

[malnik]

Don't messing around with buying basic Rolex. You need to shell out some serious money and buy the best one now and get this watch dilemma out of your life for good. I recommend a White Gold DayDate.