My grandfather wants me to buy a Rolex

[kilyung]

Explorer is an excellent watch.

[skyyuniverse]

Welcome. I'm new here myself so this is my 1st welcome. I just got a new Sub last week, it was a choice between that and Explorer. Can't go wrong with either of course. I had to go try both on and the Sub just appealed to me more. Maybe go look at some in person, it made it easier for me. Good luck.

[james1787]

Welcome and sorry for your loss. I'm with the others in saying head to an Authorized Dealer and try some on to see which one you like. Of course your budget may also help narrow the selection down (or expand it?)

[belligero]

Originally Posted by Challenger Deep

It's been said above. The Explorer.

I would do something simple and understated, quiet and respectable...like the Explorer. Works in the water, suit, sporting and is a good watch.

Absolutely; the 36 mm Explorer would be tops for an all-arounder. Among current models, I prefer the Oyster Perpetual to the 39 mm Explorer as the versatile, understated, non-trendy choice.

[Mattomatic]

Originally Posted by Invictus Maneo

I did exactly what your describing after my mother died. She had taken me to see James Bond-Thunderball when I was about eight or nine. It was in re-release in the theaters then (I'm not THAT old) and I fell in love with the watch he was wearing, a Rolex Submariner. Had no idea what a Rolex even was but I sure did like it. Asked for one for Christmas that year but surprisingly didn't get it, lol.
Fast forward thirty years and I knew I wanted to get something very personal to remember her by and the Sub seemed to be it! Something I'd use daily, could be proud of, and had some significance in remembering her. Fourteen years have passed and I have NEVER regretted it! Probably one of the BEST purchase decisions I have ever made. Had I known how much the price would increase over those 14 years I would have bought many, many more.

My advice is try to find one that reminds you of your grandfather in some way . Go to an Authorized Dealer (AD) and try a bunch on. Unless your absolutely positive about HAVING to own a particular model, go home and think about it for a time before you buy. But if your like most of here on TRF, you will know as soon as the right one gets strapped to your wrist and from that point on, my friend, there is NO going back! You'll be hooked and your wrist will never look the same! Thats a good thing, by the way!
Welcome to the forum and please let us know how this works out.

Thanks for sharing your story!! Great advice. I will let you know how the search goes.

All my best, and thanks again.

[samsam]

Welcome to TRF. We don't know your style and needs. Difficult to recommend a watch without knowing something about the person.
If you like the explorer, it's a good watch. Get it.
If your late grandfather had a Rolex, I would buy the same one to remember him.
You can even go with explorer II which is more youthful and sporty; plus, it has a date function.
If it were me, I would go with GMTIIC black or Explorer II (white or back) or even DJII smooth bezel

Some pictures might help

[red98a4ss]

Rolex Submariner

[AK797]

I agree with the idea of a Rolex theme that reminds you of your grandfather.

So if he liked to adventure then an Explorer, if flying the GMTc, or diving or the sea, Submariner, or cars and racing, Daytona, or dressing up and dining etc, the Datejust or Daydate.

[postalworker]

The new Sea-Dweller 4000.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by Tools

I don't think that you should buy a watch because of the opinions of a bunch of Forum surfers..

I do think that the Explorer is a great choice for a lifetime watch...

[Casey VP-26]

Sorry about your grandfather. He was a wise man and he knew you would think of him everytime you looked at your watch. Whatever your choice, Good Luck.

[strafer_kid]

The beauty of Rolex is that you have a good range of choice and there is usually something there for everyone. As the guys have suggested, go and try a few on. Also take a look around this forum at some of the older models too. Plenty of classics! You may see something in particular that you are drawn to. You can't really go wrong! Good luck with your choice!

[watchwatcher]

Welcome...the Explorer (and Exp II) are wonderful watches. But get what "sings" to you.

[nelsonhtb]

Sorry for your loss of your Grandfather.
You mentioned he is a man of style and charisma, I think Datjust has these qualities.


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[Gaijin]

How big was the inheritance?




Platinum Daytona with the Blue Concentric Dial. .





Sorry. I know I suck. Sorry for your loss.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Make your grandfather proud, don't rush into this. This should be a keeper. He wanted you to buy a ROLEX go try a bunch first. My grandpa was a Captain in the Army, went on the beach in Normandy and came back safe.

My dad was a pilot in the Air Force. They had different taste then I do. But my dad loved my Coke GMT. My Grandad died in 1984 before I bought it. He would've loved it too.

Don't think they would've liked my TT GMT or my WG Sub. Pick one that invokes the memory of your Grandad so when you look at every day you think of him. My Coke brings me memories of my Dad all the time.

Sorry for you loss. I miss both my dad and grandad very much.




Sent -3 or -7

[Ector495]

I would get a Date Just II. Something that resembled his.

[BNA/LION]

An Explorer would be an excellent choice! Look at your local Rolex Authorized dealer and try the ones on you like and get an idea of the price points. You will want to consider both in your decision making process. Happy Hunting! PS- Sorry for your loss. Grandfather was a class act I'm sure.

[Boothroyd]

Make sure you spend some time with the Explorer I on your wrist at an AD, and pivot from there based on your personal tastes. But I think you will find the Explorer I a compelling alternative, and perhaps, representative of your grandfather's taste in watches. But this is a time to get what you think will work best for you long-term.

Keep us posted!

PS--adding this comment after the original: The Explorer has been produced continuously since 1953, with stylistic changes along the way. Any model will change over time, but the Explorer is a good bet to stay in production for many years to come, to your point about the Explorer II.

[iazrollie]

Platona all the way man!

[drjfc62]

The Explorer is a fine choice, but as others have said, go try on a number of different ones. Seeing them in person and on the wrist may confirm or change your initial impression of a watch. I think it's great that you seek to honor your grandfather in this way--he must have been a great man.

[eeh100773]

Just read the title of this thread, and nothing else....

In a word, take his advice. Get one and enjoy the hell out of it.

[Mystro]

The Rolex SS Submariner is the most popular and probably what most aspire to buy when the time comes.

[Capvvc]

I like the TT SubC. It always feels right, even when it's wrong.

[CFAmick]

Study the brand for several months, and decide which watch best represents your grandfather's qualities.

[Mattomatic]

Thank you so much everyone. You've all given me lots to think about. I won't rush this decision, and when the time comes I will be sure to post my new Rolex!

Many thanks all around.

Matt

[GGGMT]

Explorer 1. 36mm or 39mm. Great way to remember your grandpa.

[scramjet]

You might like something like this...

rpm-explorerII.jpg

[Maxtor]

I have an Explorer 1 and it is a great all around watch. Good luck with your choice.

[Hairdude1]

You can't go wrong with an EXI