Why I want a Rolex..and a couple of questions

[gatward_sohn]

My first post and I should say first that having read through a few posts on this forum prior to signing up I love the enthusiasm and love for their watches that comes shining through the posts of the members here.


What has got me thinking about 'high-end' mechanical watches is the fact that I currently have a Seiko 5 (7S36 movement) that keeps incredibly good time (and is pretty much a copy of a Yachtmaster). That got me looking through the catalogues of various companies from Breitling to Vacheron Constantin, and researching online. As of now am pretty much decided on a Rolex because, in no particular order:
a) Tradition is important to me - Rolex is (still) an independent company and not (as eg VC is now) an arm of some conglomerate, which turns the name from a signifier of unbroken tradition into a brand name (albeit a prestigious one)
b) Rolex makes its own movements - some higher end watches (even prestigious names like eg Blancpain) use generic ETA movements
c) I like that Rolexes share a 'family identity' in appearance
d) They are robust, which is imp as I'm buying a watch for daily wear rather than as a collectible
e) good resale value if I tire of it and choose to sell it

Of course I'm fully aware there's ultimately no 'logical' reason for buying a Rolex or any other 'expensive' watch. I believe the combination of quality/aesthetics/pride of ownership (by which I do not mean snobbery, which I deplore) are their own justification.

Specifically it's probably the Yachtmaster or a Datejust or Day-Date model. I was originally attracted to the Yachtmaster in 18K yellow gold, but have decided that for me it's a bit too 'bling' to wear on a daily basis, so that leaves the choice between the somewhat understated model in steel / platinum or the day date in 18K white gold, as they are around the same price. Probably the latter is the best choice for me as the bezel on the YM (which I love!) isnt going to be of much practical use to me, while knowing the day is a nice useful feature. Havent finally decided yet.

A couple of quick questions from a newbie:

What's the difference between a "Date" model and a "Datejust" model?

How does an "AirKing" differ from basic Oyster Perpetual model?

[Gaijin]

Welcome.

Someone way more knowledgable than me will be along shortly to answer your questions.

I can tell you this. The Datejust is just slightly larger than the Date.

[frostie]

The datejust is 36mm whereas the date is 34mm

[SSD]

And the Air King is slightly smaller at 34mm. Welcome! Enjoy your stay!

[gatward_sohn]

Thanks for the welcome and the info, guys.

I think I'm going to like it here

[CPTL]

Welcome!!

DJ is 36mm; Date is 34mm. Was discussed briefly on another thread last week.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...+date+datejust

You might also be confused about the YM and YM-II vs the Day-Date (also called the President). From memory regarding general pricing...
YM in steel and platinum is around $8k.
YM-II (only made in gold) is around $30k.
Day-Date in white gold is around $25k.

So, if you like the DD and have the means, get after it. However, the YM steel/platinum is about a third of the price--and a fantastic watch. One of my favorites!!

[FBender]

Welcome aboard.

I agree with your approach towards purchasing a Rolex.

Just dont get in an arguement with the other half about watches. You will not win and it will cost you double the price of the Roller

Good luck

[Arturo]

I agree on the Platinum YM. What a fabulous first Roller for you without overspending, and you would get a dignified watch without too much bling...but enough Rolex confidence to go forward and conquer....

[nsolga]

Platinum YM is very nice - I'm sure JJ will be by to drop off some nice pics for you!

[Terry Newton]

The Yacht Master is an awesome watch. The platinum bezel is beautiful and gives it a whole lotta class. The gold bezel is equally as impressive with the white face.

I have not regretted buying my first Rolex. I stare at it daily and it gives me a lot of joy. Most people never notice what kind of watch you are wearing anyway. It's definitely a personal statement that you'll be thrilled with.

Welcome.

Terry Newton

[fear]

Hello.

[Earl]

Hi and welcome to TRF

[gatward_sohn]

@CPTL
Thanks for the info on pricing. I was quoted the Yachtmaster in 18K yellow gold and the Day Date in white at about the same price. I'd assumed the YM in steel/platinum was the same price as the other too. Thanks for putting me right!

@ Terry Newton
I have not regretted buying my first Rolex. I stare at it daily and it gives me a lot of joy. Most people never notice what kind of watch you are wearing anyway. It's definitely a personal statement that you'll be thrilled with.

Great sentiments, especially when you said: "I stare at it daily and it gives me a lot of joy." Just having the rolexes on my wrist to try was such a pleasure, so actually owning one will I'm sure be a constant source of joy for me too.

@F Bender
Will take care to avoid such arguments - thanks for the heads up!

@Arturo
'Dignified' is a great word for the YM in steel / platinum. My thoughts exactly.

@nsolga, Fear, Earl
Thanks for the welcome!

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF!!

The Pt. YM is one helluva good looking watch and can be had for around US$7000 or thereabouts - much cheaper than the YG model or the DD one.

I've had mine for 2½ months now and enjoying it immenseley!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by gatward_sohn

(...)As of now am pretty much decided on a Rolex because, in no particular order:
a) Tradition is important to me - Rolex is (still) an independent company and not (as eg VC is now) an arm of some conglomerate, which turns the name from a signifier of unbroken tradition into a brand name (albeit a prestigious one)
b) Rolex makes its own movements - some higher end watches (even prestigious names like eg Blancpain) use generic ETA movements
c) I like that Rolexes share a 'family identity' in appearance
d) They are robust, which is imp as I'm buying a watch for daily wear rather than as a collectible
e) good resale value if I tire of it and choose to sell it
(...)

Welcome to TRF!

Couldn't agree more! Those reasons are why I chose Rolex!

[JBat]

Welcome to TRF, GS! You've narrowed your selection down to a couple of fine choices. The SS/Platinum is a great choice, but you'll be happy with whichever watch you choose.

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by gatward_sohn

I was originally attracted to the Yachtmaster in 18K yellow gold, but have decided that for me it's a bit too 'bling' to wear on a daily basis

Welcome aboard

as far as the YM goes, I do see your point. I have seen the full 18K in it's natural habitat...did look a tad over the line...and this comes from someone who had a DD at one time. My comment is if you have seen the TT YM? I saw one in a picture, kind of liked it....the wife said "EEEWWW!" so I went back to shopping for a Sub. I was at an AD last night and they had the exact TT YM I saw in the picture...and that was a DAY-UM nice watch! Appeared to me to have the perfect balance of bling and steel

[BigHat]

dupe

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by gatward_sohn

My first post and I should say first that having read through a few posts on this forum prior to signing up I love the enthusiasm and love for their watches that comes shining through the posts of the members here.


. As of now am pretty much decided on a Rolex because, in no particular order:
a) Tradition is important to me - Rolex is (still) an independent company and not (as eg VC is now) an arm of some conglomerate, which turns the name from a signifier of unbroken tradition into a brand name (albeit a prestigious one)
b) Rolex makes its own movements - some higher end watches (even prestigious names like eg Blancpain) use generic ETA movements
c) I like that Rolexes share a 'family identity' in appearance
d) They are robust, which is imp as I'm buying a watch for daily wear rather than as a collectible
e) good resale value if I tire of it and choose to sell it

Of course I'm fully aware there's ultimately no 'logical' reason for buying a Rolex or any other 'expensive' watch. I believe the combination of quality/aesthetics/pride of ownership (by which I do not mean snobbery, which I deplore) are their own justification.

As you're just getting started a Rolex is a good choice. Fine watches, I own two of them.
That said, you may wish to continue your studies. Quite a few high-end makers use their own movements. When they use a 3rd party movement like ETA it most often gets major modifications. Also, don't forget that Rolex found the Zenith El Primero good enough to use in the Daytona for a number of years.

[MAC4130]

Welcome toTRF! I gotta tell you I am pretty new to it myslef but it is a great Forum, you learn a lot from everyone! The Collective Intelect on Rolex here is amazing!
You live, you love, you laugh!
I agree with your reasoning 100%!
And I beleive you are right a bout the gold Yatch Master and don't think you where reffering to the Yatch Master II. Anyway they both look too flashy for every day use for me at least. This watch is arround 20 to 22 k.
The Yatch Master in steel and Platinum looks great! will not draw too much attention and except for those in the trade and you no one else will know that bezel is Platinum! You can combine with suit or denim and look great!
I hope you get your Rollie soon!

[applebook]

Just a correction, BlancpaiN does not use ETA movements. All movements are either in-house or F. Piguet, which is heads and heels above anything from ETA/Valjoux/Lemania.

[cocopeep]

Originally Posted by gatward_sohn

Thanks for the welcome and the info, guys.

I think I'm going to like it here

Careful, I find this addictive

[Tombstone]

A fine choice I too like JJ love my YM. It is the crown in my Rolex collection. Welcome to the forum glad your here.

[topcat30093]

Welcome to the forum, I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do.
It can become quite addictive!!!!
I throughly endorse your sentiments, on the traditions & positive's of owning a Rolex watch.
With regards to your personal choice, you can't go wrong with whatever you buy.
Personally & I maybe a bit biased here ,but I would go for the DD, it is a classic watch that has remained virtually unchanged since it was first introduced in the 50's

[f16570]

Welcome and enjoy whatever you choose. The YM is a class act.

[Joey_V]

Love the YM... my next Rollie if the powers let be.

[Jimbits76]

BUY A ZENITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm hoping that if I mention them enough on a Rolex Forum somebody will notice and send me a free one!!!!!!!!

Welcome to TRF...I'm with JJ, the Platty is a beaut!!!!!!!

J

[Baptistman]

Originally Posted by gatward_sohn

b) Rolex makes its own movements - some higher end watches (even prestigious names like eg Blancpain) use generic ETA movements
c) I like that Rolexes share a 'family identity' in appearance
d) They are robust, which is imp as I'm buying a watch for daily wear rather than as a collectible
e) good resale value if I tire of it and choose to sell it

John, welcome. All those point you mention are exactly why I love the Rolex brand.