"Entry level Rolexes..."

[Scapegoat]

I too believe there is no such thing as an entry level...

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by willski

It's just a term which if often based on price relative to other models in the range - don't worry about it.

For example, a Patek 5167 or 5711 is often called the 'entry' Patek, although retail is over $20k. The 'entry' level Greubel Forsey (Signature 1) is over $150,000. Clearly these are only 'entry level' when compared to other models within the brands.

'Entry level' is not the same as an 'entry level watch'. A California T is the cheapest (new) and entry level prancing horse but you wouldn't call it an 'entry' car :)

The Explorer I is a great watch. Who cares if someone calls it an entry Rolex :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

⬆️⬆️Exactly:)

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by lotus425

The cheapest Rolex model starts at $6200
Air King (116900): 6,200 USD
Milgauss (116400): 7,650 USD
Milgauss GV (116400 GV): 8,200 USD
Explorer (214270): 6,550 USD
Explorer II (216570): 8,100 USD
Submariner C - no Date (114060): 7,500 USD
Submariner C - Date LN (116610LN): 8,550 USD
Submariner C - Date LV (116610LV): 9,050 USD
Sea Dweller - SD4K (116600): 10,350 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea (116660): 12,050 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea blue (116660): 12,350 USD
GMT Master II C - LN (116710LN): 8,450 USD
GMT Master II C - BLNR (116710BLNR): 8,950 USD
Daytona C (116500LN): 12,400 USD

There are Oyster Perpetual models available for around $5,000 msrp. I'd say those are entry-level, if that term is being applied to Rolex.

[AdaWit711]

I agree with many others... Your Explorer is an awesome watch ... Who cares what others think?

I recently bought my wife a BNIB 36mm DJ and a "friend" of hers with a 15 year old 26mm TT DJ responded "Nice entry level Rolex" ... My wife was taken aback as she choose the look she liked and wasn't worried about status... Some people buy Rolexes for status, others buy for the beauty and quality they find in the watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AF_Rob]

There are entry level brands certainly. However, I wouldn't get wrapped up in that term when it comes to Rolex or other higher end brands. If anything, I would think of it as their least expensive models. Especially with Rolex, more expensive doesn't mean better. Demand, complexity and materials drive the price of the range, not quality level within the brand. They are all quality pieces. (except the unfortunate folks who get the rare lemon)

Your Explorer is a fine piece which is FAR from entry level. It's a classic. It's probably my favorite modern piece in the range.

[Timesurfer]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Boom.

IMHO the proof is that people that have been colecting for decades s still find the SS prof. And others entaicing and appreciate their nuances... Good lo luck on your journey!

[osamu]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There are Oyster Perpetual models available for around $5,000 msrp. I'd say those are entry-level, if that term is being applied to Rolex.

I agree with this. The OP would be the "entry level" if you're really forced me to use that term.

I've also heard like the Aquanaut called an "entry level" Patek, and the AP Diver the "entry level" AP, but I think it they might be my favorite of the lot, so by no means should "entry level" have a negative connotation. It is just the cheapest model to get you into the brand.

[slipperman]

Tudor

[B737]

Great answers everybody - thank you. I guess that

a - There is no such things as entry level, only different prices
b - If it were such a thing as entry level, what does it really matter when we are talking Rolex and their quality levels in everything that they do

I did a quick search. The term is indeed wide spread - Watch Time was for example doing an article series there they discussed the entry point to famous brands. For Rolex, it was the OP... In the article the more simple bracelet was discussed for example (clasp with no easy link etc) in contrast to the more expensive ones. Doesn't mean much, but it seems that media is using this term a lot.

Again - thanks for all your input and couldn't agree more with you all.

[Spartacus]

Entry-level is a marketing term that refers to a lower priced, lower featured model.

An easy comparison of entry-level to mid-level to high-end can be seen as the OP, DJ, and Day-Date.


Or, Sub-SDK-DSSD.

It really is about price and features, for Rolex precious metal is associated with higher-end. Therefore, SS models at the lower end of the price spectrum are often referred to as entry-level.

[Anthon]

Originally Posted by B737

About the term "Entry level" related to the Rolex line up... Is this a price only thing? Which are the entry level watches? Air King, Explorer and DJ maybe? Myself with a rather big box of watches just bought an entry level Explorer and I guess I'm not alone in this forum. Not important as a subject, but somehow it seems strange to call very iconic models "entry level". Again, price wise maybe. But money was at least for me not a factor when I choosed the Explorer.

I guess I just dont like the term.

It's the other way around: the more expensive Rolexes are way more overpriced for basically the same movement as in the Explorer. Even better: the movement in the Explorer is more advanced than in some other more expensive Rolexes!

Money WAS a factor when I bought my Explorer. Not that I could not afford a more expensive watch, but just because the more expensive watch had nothing more to offer than different looks. So why pay the premium if you are happy with the way the Explorer looks?

[TripLockG]

Do I have my 'entry level' PM Rolex sports (16628 YG Yachtmaster) watch on today - this is least expensive PM sports to acquire ?


We all by watches , not for the price , but for the technical/quality/aesthetic and general feeling of happiness they bring.

Wear your new watch in good health .

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by Splash

I can live with "entry level":

Must be a struggle. 😊


Very sweet car.

[THC]

Originally Posted by willski

Compared with Greubel Forsey, most PP are "entry level" 😝🤗😁


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow Will... No joke ..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Greubel-Fors...UAAOxydyxSP5jI

[amh]

Of course there are entry level Rolex models, just as with any other product, and the price is accordingly less. The functionality is the same. Defining features on the entry models:
- No gold, diamonds
- Limited selection on dial, bezel, bracelet
- Fewer complications

When you buy a car it's the same thing - the models are tiered according to what you get and what you pay. The basic features are the same (engine, drive train) but with higher end models you get some frills.

Should one feel bad whether driving a Geo Metro vs a BMW? No - drive whatever is appropriate for your individual situation. I drive a Honda Accord, but I'm spending most of my income on retirement savings and my kids' school instead of expanding my watch collection. Life is better with a balance.

I bought my wife a SS Lady Date as her starter Rolex, knowing fully that it as an "entry" model. (She turned around and said she wanted more bling! So now she has more bling )

Originally Posted by AdaWit711

I agree with many others... Your Explorer is an awesome watch ... Who cares what others think?

I recently bought my wife a BNIB 36mm DJ and a "friend" of hers with a 15 year old 26mm TT DJ responded "Nice entry level Rolex" ... My wife was taken aback as she choose the look she liked and wasn't worried about status... Some people buy Rolexes for status, others buy for the beauty and quality they find in the watch.

While a correct statement, not a very cool thing to say, and ironic considering her older watch! I'd spend more time with friends who care about the person not the accessories.

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

No such thing as an Entry Level Rolex. Just different models with different prices.

Enjoy your Explorer!

x2. Additionally, entry level is all relative. I'm not sure many people out there consider a $5k+ watch to be entry level.

[gav329]

I have to agree entry level is the wrong thing to say about watches. Entry level can apply to cars ie no elec windows, no heated mirrors, no sunroof etc. This is a term I find highly offensive to us who have SS Rolex models. A recent post suggested if you have SS you are an entry level buyer. However why if the watch only tells the time ie oyster but it's in YG or WG it isn't entry level? The material is down to taste and what suits you. I suit SS and wouldn dream of owning a YG Rolex even if I could afford it. My sub I've owned since I was 21 in 1995 it's SS and my explorer 2 from 2014. I bought them when I I could afford them and find it offensive someone suggests they are entry level watches because of the material they are made. Entry level in general I think is a terrible way to describe a watch in all honesty. Enjoy your explorer, my good lady has one it's beautiful enjoy it!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[peterskinner]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

could i have a basic Ferrari please

Ferrari won't sell you a 'base' model; expensive options are part of the package.
With Rolex, quality and design is equal on all models. That is one of the things that makes Rolex such a great brand. They don't do second class.

[amh]

Originally Posted by gav329

I have to agree entry level is the wrong thing to say about watches. Entry level can apply to cars ie no elec windows, no heated mirrors, no sunroof etc. This is a term I find highly offensive to us who have SS Rolex models. A recent post suggested if you have SS you are an entry level buyer. However why if the watch only tells the time ie oyster but it's in YG or WG it isn't entry level? The material is down to taste and what suits you. I suit SS and wouldn dream of owning a YG Rolex even if I could afford it. My sub I've owned since I was 21 in 1995 it's SS and my explorer 2 from 2014. I bought them when I I could afford them and find it offensive someone suggests they are entry level watches because of the material they are made. Entry level in general I think is a terrible way to describe a watch in all honesty. Enjoy your explorer, my good lady has one it's beautiful enjoy it!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have a SS model and I'm not offended. You can also choose not to be offended.

For me stainless if a much better material than gold. Gold has value mostly for historical reasons, it's not really useful for anything other than connectors on computer motherboards. It's not even used for fake teeth any more!

If a guy with a full gold watch looks down at me for my SS piece - he can stuff it!

Here's my lowly entry level:

[gav329]

Originally Posted by amh

I have a SS model and I'm not offended. You can also choose not to be offended.

For me stainless if a much better material than gold. Gold has value mostly for historical reasons, it's not really useful for anything other than connectors on computer motherboards. It's not even used for fake teeth any more!

If a guy with a full gold watch looks down at me for my SS piece - he can stuff it!

Here's my lowly entry level:

Hey you're bang on mate, it just rubbed me up the wrong way to be honest. Yes stainless is beautiful on Rolex! Love your GMT, stunning, enjoy it👍🏻


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Solo118]

I do not mind the term nor am I offended, and for the record if I was shopping for a SS non sport Rolex it would be the 39mm OP (until a 40mm DJ comes out!)

[chronoman]

It's a ball buster term. Whatever you have has to sit well in between your ears first and foremost.

[bio guyver]

Rolex is Rolex the king of the watchs the crown any one will see your watch and he'll say waoow you have a Rolex that's enough hehe.

[PatrickJ]

My first Rolex. Entry level.

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by lotus425

The cheapest Rolex model starts at $6200
Air King (116900): 6,200 USD
Milgauss (116400): 7,650 USD
Milgauss GV (116400 GV): 8,200 USD
Explorer (214270): 6,550 USD
Explorer II (216570): 8,100 USD
Submariner C - no Date (114060): 7,500 USD
Submariner C - Date LN (116610LN): 8,550 USD
Submariner C - Date LV (116610LV): 9,050 USD
Sea Dweller - SD4K (116600): 10,350 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea (116660): 12,050 USD
Sea Dweller - Deepsea blue (116660): 12,350 USD
GMT Master II C - LN (116710LN): 8,450 USD
GMT Master II C - BLNR (116710BLNR): 8,950 USD
Daytona C (116500LN): 12,400 USD

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There are Oyster Perpetual models available for around $5,000 msrp. I'd say those are entry-level, if that term is being applied to Rolex.

I have heard a few ADs refer to the new OPs announced at Basel 2015 as the new "entry level" Rolex. However I wouldn't call them entry level. It is probably more accurate to say the least expensive Rolex in their lineup.

Typically in any luxury goods market, the R&D, marketing and sales team will introduce a product that appeals to the first time buyer of that brand, whether it be a Rolex, BMW or a French handbag and label it "entry label". The goal is to appeal to someone's sense of belonging to the "exclusive club" by purchasing a luxury product without spending a fortune. I know a WIS will probably go for the Sub, GMT, Explorer or even the DJ as a first Rolex. But for a non-WIS, the $1000-$2000 difference between the least expensive Rolex and one of the more popular Rolex sports watches can be significant enough to lean towards the Oyster Perpetual.

[Splash]

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

Must be a struggle. 😊


Very sweet car.

Ha- I should have said "I could live with entry level". Can't say I own that beautiful machine.

[motoikkyu]

"Entry-level" strikes me as a bit of a myth, when it comes to Rolex. In the US, they sometimes describe marijuana as a "gateway drug" in the spectrum of recreational pharma. There are similarities. I purchased a 1601 twenty years ago, could be called "entry-level" but, in my case, more of a "gateway Rolex", it has been joined by many others over the years, some in stainless, some in precious metal. I had tried the infamous marijuana some years before I tried Rolex, but somehow managed to avoid the seemingly-inevitable slide into cocaine and heroin. Those are too expensive, the money is better spent on Rolex.

[goin camping]

Timex is entry level.

[RHIII]

We could all probably debate this until (pick your idiom--- the cows coming home...or blue in the face...)

But...I would hesitate to correlate 'entry level' horology starting in the range of thousands of dollars...

....too many other options out there...

Just my .02


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gus2]

I think a lot of people would say that any Rolex under $10K brand new is considered "entry level". Which is ridiculous.