You only truly need one Rolex

[Nads786]

For those that have a Sub and a GMT, does it seem like that has significant overlap? It's the same dial structure with an additional hand and then a non-click bezel.

I feel like if I had a GMT or a Sub my other watch would be either a Polar Explorer 2 or Explorer 1 so there is some variety.

[cdm765]

I have GMT and can’t wait to get a Sub. The Sub is an itch that is impossible to scratch with anything else (I’ve owned them before)!

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

Thanks all for contributing with your views.

Just to clarify, I don't mean being a one warch guy. That to me would be far too difficult. What I'm thinking is I could own just one Rolex and one model from my other favourite brands, within reason.

Keep the collection small and don't hoard more Rolex watches than I need. I don't mean "need" as a real necessity of course, but more like a way to scratch that Rolex itch with just one model and be done with it.

The same could apply to other brands, one Seiko as a beater or GS as a dressy sports watch, one Omega as a chrono, one PM dress watch for those special occasions, etc. Whatever you might like or work for you, but just one Rolex.

Going by this logic my collection covers my needs:

Explorer - Dress watch since I wear it on Jubilee
Tudor Black bay - Sport/beater watch
Tudor Chrono 79270 - Travel watch (has 2 timezones, date & a chrono)
Freres Chronograph - Vintage watch that I wear less frequently

The Breitling Chronomat doesnt really have a category but its neo-vintage

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by cdm765

I have GMT and can’t wait to get a Sub. The Sub is an itch that is impossible to scratch with anything else (I’ve owned them before)!

Aren't they very similar? We're talking about basically a monochromatic bezel and 1MM of thickness.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It suddenly dawned on me … you haven’t even worn the SD43

Very true, Brian, you got me there . I'm saving my SD43 for when I turn 50 in 1 1/2 year. However, if I follow through with my logic, I would sell the YM and the TT Sub, in which case I'd start wearing the SD43 before my 50th. Truth be told I've tried the watch on a few times around the house to take some wrist shots and have a feel for it, like a few minutes once every quarter or so, when I take it out of the safe and wind it. It's still unsized and fully stickered. Having just one Rolex would be the perfect excuse to pop its cherry and forget about the whole birthday thing. Not wearing it is harder than I thought.

I really like the idea of having just one Rolex and one watch from each of the other brands I like, namely Omega, Breitling, VC. Maybe later get my first TAG, Panerai, Grand Seiko etc, but downsize the Rolex trio first.

[zi464]

To have Sub date , GMT , Daytona and Explorer 1 is part of my dream.
Currently own the Sub date and GMT.

Any other additional is bonus

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

I'd say two for when the other is away for servicing. Also practically speaking I think 2 may be enough for Rolex because there is some overlap in design for a lot of their models. You probably don't need BOTH a Sub and GMT or both a GMT and Exp II. You probably only need one of an Exp I, OP, or DJ.

The classic 2-watch combo of a Sub and DJ would probably be enough.

Valid point, there's is design overlap between several sports models.

Although Sub + DJ is a great combo, only one can stay so for me it'd be the Sub between these two. The classic looking piece would have to come from another brand, like JLC for example.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

My parents grew up during the depression. I am well schooled on the the subject of what I do and don’t need. A childhood of enforced frugality lead me down the wayward path of acquisition. I buy Rolex because I want to, need never enters the equation.

I'm from a similar background and I somewhat agree, it's mostly a want, except for that very first Rolex for which I badly needed to scratch that itch, if that makes sense.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Sprite

Are we talking one Rolex or one watch? If I’m going to have multiple watches why not multiple Rolex?

Multiple watches, one Rolex. Because one of each brand is enough?

[TheVision]

imo, the sub is the quinessential Rolex ...but the older non ceremic version. It was strictly meant as a daily driver ..no polish bits, no ceremic, nothing to flex about...just a good looking watch that does what it does best. One of my non WIS friends owns one for over 10 years and its running fine without any service.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

I like to have some diversity.

I've got an explorer 2 and I don't think there is another brand that does anything quite like it.

I've got a speedy and I think that's the best chrono you can buy (calm down Daytona owners)

I'd like a proper pilots watch and whilst the air king, sky-dweller or GMT would fit that bracket. I'm more inclined to get a Stowa b., Longines Zulu or one of a number of Breitlings

I think the iconic divers watch is the sub, but I've got an explorer so you could add a Blancpain

Basically, Rolex do a reference to cover most types and complications and if you're set on Rolex then they make amazing watches.

But I'd prefer to have more brands and different history/stories in my collection

That's EXACTLY what I mean. One significant model from various brands and watch categories you like. So you keep that Explorer II which is perfect for you and that's it when it comes to Rolex.

[SDGT3]

After I got my 3rd Rolex I started to contemplate this same question. My SD43 is my rugged, go through anything everyday, but the Blusey signified a milestone. Was going to sell the Daytona when the wife said she wanted it, so there you have it.

[BobtheViking]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

That's EXACTLY what I mean. One significant model from various brands and watch categories you like. So you keep that Explorer II which is perfect for you and that's it when it comes to Rolex.

So if you were to cull 2 of yours to get to 1, which one would you keep and what else would you add?

SD43 covers the divers watch and, I think, is a special reference from Rolex. So the sub can go, and the yacht master is very similar so that can go as well!

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by The Novice

I don't even own a Rolex yet but I WANT one. I certainly don't need one.
Once it is established I don't need the first one how can you argue that I only need one?
I think we are all here for something that goes beyond need.

Anyway, I will probably need at least one dress and one casual Rolex. Anything beyond that is just superfluous.

Agreed, all watches are superfluous. However, we're watch fanatics so I'll consider that first Rolex as a "need". After that, any other Rolex is mostly a want. What I'm saying is stick with that one Rolex you really want and move on to other brands for that chrono you might like, that dress watch, pilot watch or whatever picks your fancy, within reason.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

I'm a one Rolex guy with my Explorer, but being honest my Tudor 79270 is pretty much a 5 digit Rolex and my black bay has similar DNA.

That's OK, one Rolex.

[MichelleP]

I have 9 Rolex watches as well as other brands...AP, Omega, GO and Cartier. I was a one watch person for a long time. I always think I should just sell some but every time I go through what I have, I can't seem to let go of them. I finally traded in my Hulk for the YM 37 RG since I hadn't work the Hulk but maybe once or twice in the last 3 years. I think when I get closer to retirement, I will have to let some go.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by cdm765

I don’t NEED any Rolexes. A luxury watch is absolutely not a need and I have no false perceptions of that being the case.



A Rolex is a WANT for me and as long as I have taken care of what matters in other areas of my life, I’m happy to indulge with multiple. I also get a great deal of joy out of research and engagement with the watch community and ownership makes me enjoy that even more. I don’t regret a cent I have spent on watches for myself or others. I’ve gifted Rolexes to family and that has made our time together and experiences all the more memorable for me.

The joy and engagement can be found inside the Rolex realm and out. You keep your favourite Rolex in the collection along with watches from other brands.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by BKScripto

Waiting on a Rolex GMT. That paired with my speedy will do me fine for a while. Perhaps a sky dweller sometime in the future but I gotta land that GMT first haha

GMT + Speedy is a great combo. If you get the SkyD later, would it replace the GMT?

[Fuselierpa]

I’m trying to “curate” down a lot of stuff. I will never sell the DJII that’s in my profile pic - it was my 25th anniversary gift from my wife, and honestly I just love the thing. But I have accumulated too many other non-Rolex watches that I like a lot but don’t really love. I am thinking about maybe getting to a collection like this:

DJII. (All-rounder)
My IWC Pilot Chrono Le Petit Prince (pilot watch)
My Speedy (for all the reasons everyone should have one)
Add a Sea Dweller (luxury diver)

I also keep an inexpensive Seiko Turtle around for golf, chores and other situations where I’m genuinely beating on my watch.

Maybe time to let go of all the others. Some aren’t actually worth much, but they don’t get worn much either.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

So if you were to cull 2 of yours to get to 1, which one would you keep and what else would you add?

SD43 covers the divers watch and, I think, is a special reference from Rolex. So the sub can go, and the yacht master is very similar so that can go as well!

I'd keep the SD43 indeed and sell YM40 and TT Sub. The SD43 would cover my need for that one Rolex slot in the collection.

Down the road I would contemplate adding watches I like from other brands within reason, keeping the collection contained and trying to stick to the one watch per brand ethos.

[JJGreen]

Depends how many watches you want/have. Give me three, four total, and I might have (need) one Rolex. Give me 15-20 and I would probably have five.

[Wee-Willie]

I have 3 & love that number:

1999 Air King...I wear it during yard work.
2022 YG Day Date 36....I wear on special occasions.
2023 Blue OP 41...bought today..wear on day to day.

Enough for Me!!

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by Wee-Willie

I have 3 & love that number:

1999 Air King...I wear it during yard work.
2022 YG Day Date 36....I wear on special occasions.
2023 Blue OP 41...bought today..wear on day to day.

Enough for Me!!

Congratulations on your OP41!

[ELLimon]

Us watch guys like to have many shiny things.

I hace 7 and want more. Gota have them all!

[Cru Jones]

“Rolex” and “need” are two words that should not be in the same sentence, IMHO, unless that sentence is “No one needs a Rolex”.

I do, however, want several. ;-)

[BobtheViking]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

I'd keep the SD43 indeed and sell YM40 and TT Sub. The SD43 would cover my need for that one Rolex slot in the collection.

Down the road I would contemplate adding watches I like from other brands within reason, keeping the collection contained and trying to stick to the one watch per brand ethos.

So that's one covered, what else are you having?

Diver - Rolex SD43

Pilot -

Chrono -

Dress -

Field -

[amh]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

No more ADs, greys, chasing the dopamine.

The FOMO-driven hype wheel can be exhausting It certainly helps to take a step back and watch some Warren Buffet videos ("Don't buy anything you don't need!!")

[BKScripto]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

GMT + Speedy is a great combo. If you get the SkyD later, would it replace the GMT?

No not at all. SkyD is unique enough (design wise) on its own to have in addition to the GMT. I’m way over skis here lol as I’m still trying to get the gmt from the AD. It’s coming though!

[NachoNeal]

I've always thought three was the correct number.
A dress watch. An every day watch. And a beater.
But honestly any basic rolex could do all three.

[alphadweller]

Originally Posted by BobtheViking

So that's one covered, what else are you having?

Diver - Rolex SD43

Pilot -

Chrono -

Dress -

Field -

I have several divers and dress watches from other brands. These are the two categories I like the most. Could add a chrono (TAG) and a pilot watch (IWC) down the road, but right now I'm more about reducing the Rolex watches.