The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 2 February 2016, 11:55 AM   #1
Valencia_
"TRF" Member
 
Valencia_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 151
Just Ordered my First Rolex - Two Questions

Hello,

I just ordered my very first Rolex - a 114300 OP. Can't stand the excitement. Will post pics when I get it. I do have two questions, though (and please forgive me for the dumb questions - remember, I'm new to Rolex):

1. Why DON'T Rolex watches come with a crystal back case? Are the movements not polished as well as other brands'? Is there an official (or "unofficial") reason for this?

2. I ordered the OP for a couple reasons: a. I've always admired the brand; b. I was trying to stay within a $5-6K budget (give or take a few hundred); and c. I read many times how the 114300 was the best watch in the market for about $5K. Now, after browsing around this site, and consequently the Rolex site, I find the DJ II, smooth bezel (116300), which is only about $1,300 more, but bigger at 41MM (which I like)... and, of course, now I'm thinking I should spring for the DJ II. Thoughts? Should I stick with the 114300, or should I see about exchanging it (if that's even possible) for the 116300?

I'd like to hear your perspective.

Thank you, everyone. By the way, this site has been SO educational, and helpful. Love reading all the threads and looking at all the pics.

Juan
Valencia_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:02 PM   #2
mudd
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Texas
Watch: 114060
Posts: 435
Rolex does not showcase their movements, nor are they finished to do such. That being said, they are time proven workhorses that will outlive us. In regards to your choice, it appears you are having second thoughts which is not good. For a bit more I would definitely look at the Dj II and a SubC no date. The explorer I is also another great option.
mudd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:04 PM   #3
Toaster
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: US
Watch: Exp II 1655
Posts: 190
Although more experienced members will chime in, my advice would be if you are having doubts, wait. If you are working with an ad and are a serious buyer, wait, try on anything and everything, wait some more, save some more and repeat. See which piece keeps popping up in your mind. Personally i use the date function a ton, but may add the OP as a slightly less casual option.
Pull the trigger when you are not sure but damm sure. That being said this itch comes back a lot sooner than you think especially if you hang around forums like this one. Other advice would be to check out preowned and gray sellers esp on this forum as your 5k budget will go much further. Happy hunting.


Sent from my VS876 using Tapatalk
Toaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:08 PM   #4
Speed
"TRF" Member
 
Speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 19,706
You've got your case back answer.

Re OP...if you feel like you are settling, you may find yourself flipping later for a bit of a loss.

May be better to buy what you really want. No regrets.
Speed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:08 PM   #5
Daytona88
2024 Pledge Member
 
Daytona88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: USA
Watch: 5712
Posts: 2,614
good luck! I would be sure that you really love the first Rolex that you purchased and not just because it is a price that you feel comfortable with.
Daytona88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:12 PM   #6
DJTOSUB
"TRF" Member
 
DJTOSUB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Boston
Posts: 662
Don't buy the watch unless you love it. Sounds like you are settling on a model because it fits your budget.
DJTOSUB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:14 PM   #7
kromdom
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 530
your first and already having second thoughts/doubts before the watch is in your hands?????

I am guessing you have done your research and ideally have tried one or two before pulling the trigger. Follow your heart, cancel this purchase, do not settle and buy the watch that really sings to you. My 2 cents.
kromdom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:18 PM   #8
droptopman
"TRF" Member
 
droptopman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: Mark
Location: Washington State
Watch: SUBS and GMT's!
Posts: 9,664
Good advice given. I would add.
Go and try on a bunch of models. Looks and price are two variables but watches wear differently. Comfort and wearability should also be important factors when selecting a watch.
If you have not reached the "I know this is the one" phase yet, you might want to keep researching.
Especially being your first one.
__________________
Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today?
Ty: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score.
Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers?
Ty: By height.
droptopman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:19 PM   #9
Bluside
2024 Pledge Member
 
Bluside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,081
I really like my OP 39mm. They are very nice basic watches. I have the blue face one. You may end up like a lot of us and get a few different models.

Bluside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:20 PM   #10
Valencia_
"TRF" Member
 
Valencia_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 151
No, I love the 114300. I really do. It's gorgeous, and I can't wait to get it. It's classy yet causal, understated, and it is a magnificent machine. Just wanted to hear you experts' thoughts on the two watches.
Valencia_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:21 PM   #11
Boothroyd
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Boothroyd's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Watch: Wilsdorf(s)
Posts: 10,257
The model you selected is a very solid watch. What color dial did you order? The Explorer is black dial only, and the same movement as the watch you ordered. Do you need/want a date? The DJII is a great model as well, but have you looked at all the dial choices?

Do you want a brushed bracelet or do you like polished center links (PCL's)? Do you think you would get use out the Easylink feature?

Just a few questions you may want to ask yourself.
Boothroyd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:23 PM   #12
Valencia_
"TRF" Member
 
Valencia_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 151
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boothroyd View Post
The model you selected is a very solid watch. What color dial did you order? The Explorer is black dial only, and the same movement as the watch you ordered. Do you need/want a date? The DJII is a great model as well, but have you looked at all the dial choices?

Do you want a brushed bracelet or do you like polished center links (PCL's)? Do you think you would get use out the Easylink feature?

Just a few questions you may want to ask yourself.
I ordered the gray rhodium dial OP. Love that color combo.
Valencia_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:29 PM   #13
Boothroyd
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Boothroyd's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Watch: Wilsdorf(s)
Posts: 10,257
That is a very cool watch, and very versatile.

I have a smooth-bezel, black stick DJII…they have a great looking silver stick model also. Those might be "closest" to what you ordered if you move to a DJII. Spend some additional time at the Rolex site, and try one on at the AD would be my advice.
Boothroyd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:35 PM   #14
davestan
"TRF" Member
 
davestan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 504
The 114300 is the entry level Rolex, but a very nice watch. I personally prefer the DJ II larger size (my favourite is the fluted bezel model with the beautiful blue face 116334).
davestan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:42 PM   #15
joe100
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,838
The 114300 is the perfect Rolex. Don't let anyone sway your decision with that "entry level" nonsense. Anyone who says that is off base. It's a fantastic, no-nonsense machine that's extremely well made. The color makes it different and you can't go wrong with the rhodium dial.

Where did you order yours? Mine came from Finks at SouthPark.

Here is mine:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg image.jpg (103.8 KB, 832 views)
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 12:52 PM   #16
Valencia_
"TRF" Member
 
Valencia_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 151
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
The 114300 is the perfect Rolex. Don't let anyone sway your decision with that "entry level" nonsense. Anyone who says that is off base. It's a fantastic, no-nonsense machine that's extremely well made. The color makes it different and you can't go wrong with the rhodium dial.

Where did you order yours? Mine came from Finks at SouthPark.

Here is mine:
Very nice, Joe! Beautiful! Heck, I don't care if it IS "entry level". So what? It is a gorgeous, well-made watch that will keep on ticking well past I'm dead.
Valencia_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 01:16 PM   #17
Copasetic
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Real Name: Howie
Location: Florida
Watch: Varies
Posts: 578
Buy only what feels best on your wrist and what sings to you. Break the rule and you'll probably regret it.
Copasetic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 01:38 PM   #18
Bafflingbs
"TRF" Member
 
Bafflingbs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Howard
Location: Md.
Watch: 116610ln
Posts: 223
If money were no object, which would you chose?
Bafflingbs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 01:50 PM   #19
chaisson
"TRF" Member
 
chaisson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Canada
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 358
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
The 114300 is the perfect Rolex. Don't let anyone sway your decision with that "entry level" nonsense. Anyone who says that is off base. It's a fantastic, no-nonsense machine that's extremely well made. The color makes it different and you can't go wrong with the rhodium dial.

Where did you order yours? Mine came from Finks at SouthPark.

Here is mine:
That's one sweet looking watch.......
chaisson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 01:52 PM   #20
sensui
2024 Pledge Member
 
sensui's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 12,437
Quote:
Originally Posted by Valencia_ View Post
I ordered the gray rhodium dial OP. Love that color combo.
No regrets. Should be a versatile piece that'll last you many years. You should just enjoy the ride and not be thinking what if....there's no way your face won't light up the moment the watch arrives.
sensui is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 02:09 PM   #21
Valencia_
"TRF" Member
 
Valencia_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 151
Quote:
Originally Posted by sensui View Post
No regrets. Should be a versatile piece that'll last you many years. You should just enjoy the ride and not be thinking what if....there's no way your face won't light up the moment the watch arrives.
Valencia_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 02:15 PM   #22
Naz737
"TRF" Member
 
Naz737's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Real Name: Matt
Location: FL, USA
Watch: Sub 16610T
Posts: 715
Congrats and welcome!
__________________
16610
Naz737 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 02:24 PM   #23
pd999
"TRF" Member
 
pd999's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London, UK
Posts: 356
If having doubts, why don't you wait until after Baselworld (Mar 17th), in case newer models are introduced eg DJ40?
pd999 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 02:34 PM   #24
HiloBeMagical
"TRF" Member
 
HiloBeMagical's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Fort Worth
Watch: Rolex 6205
Posts: 243
Quote:
Originally Posted by davestan View Post
The 114300 is the entry level Rolex, but a very nice watch.
I'm sure the "entry level" description here was in no way meant derogatorily, but I'm not sure if the term is really applicable.

I've bought "entry level" motorcycles, and as my riding skills improved, I moved up and away from entry level.

I've bought "entry level" woodworking tools, but as my furniture building craftsmanship improved I moved up to a shop full of equipment any pro would be proud to own.

In neither of those cases would I go back to using what I used originally. They (both the tools and the bikes) were fine, but having what I now own, I wouldn't go back to them. In each case, going back would be limiting myself. I'd be working under constraints imposed by the tools I'm using for the job at hand.

I can't say that about an Oyster Perpetual. I own a Sea Dweller and a GMT II, and while I could pretty afford whatever I'd like...

...what I'm really leaning toward next is either an OP or an Explorer.

There's just something so "calling to me" about the simplicity, the quiet dignity of those two models that "only tell time" and aren't in the least pretentious about doing so.

I'm thinking maybe rather than "entry level", we should start referring to the OP and the Explorer as "graduate level" Rolexes.

Or, perhaps not. Maybe what's "graduated" is simply the understanding of a man finally old enough to recognize that less really is- (if we can only see it)- more.


Best,
Hilo
HiloBeMagical is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 02:46 PM   #25
Valencia_
"TRF" Member
 
Valencia_'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 151
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiloBeMagical View Post
There's just something so "calling to me" about the simplicity, the quiet dignity of those two models that "only tell time" and aren't in the least pretentious about doing so.

I'm thinking maybe rather than "entry level", we should start referring to the OP and the Explorer as "graduate level" Rolexes. It's certainly a better description of how I feel about them.
That has GOT to be the best description of the OP I've read. You're are 100% dead-on. There is a quiet dignity and lack of pretentiousness to that watch that I simply love. And, yet, it's regal, respected, recognized.
Valencia_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 02:58 PM   #26
joe100
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
joe100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,838
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiloBeMagical View Post
I'm sure the "entry level" description here was in no way meant derogatorily...

...what I'm really leaning toward next is either an OP or an Explorer.

There's just something so "calling to me" about the simplicity, the quiet dignity of those two models that "only tell time" and aren't in the least pretentious about doing so.

I'm thinking maybe rather than "entry level", we should start referring to the OP and the Explorer as "graduate level" Rolexes.

Or, perhaps not. Maybe what's "graduated" is simply the understanding of a man finally old enough to recognize that less really is- (if we can only see it)- more.


Best,
Hilo
I agree.

I just don't understand why things have to be entry level. That's like saying a stainless sub is entry level because you didn't get TT. If you want a 39mm-ish no date SS rolex, they sell one. If you wanted a Sub, you'd get a Sub. The stainless models really aren't that far apart in price anyway, and I sure didn't pick the OP because of the price, I liked the watch !
__________________
It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy.
-TRF Member 6982-
joe100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 07:56 PM   #27
Dubarzy
"TRF" Member
 
Dubarzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Real Name: Wesley
Location: Austin
Watch: 214270
Posts: 630
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe100 View Post
The 114300 is the perfect Rolex. Don't let anyone sway your decision with that "entry level" nonsense. Anyone who says that is off base. It's a fantastic, no-nonsense machine that's extremely well made. The color makes it different and you can't go wrong with the rhodium dial.
Very well said. Valencia, enjoy your new OP!
Dubarzy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 10:42 PM   #28
roadrunner117
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 84
Given the choice of the two, I would go with the 116300. You can get a brand new one from a trusted seller here and still stay within your budget. That's what I did not too long ago. But you can't go wrong with either one.
roadrunner117 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2016, 11:55 PM   #29
T. Ferguson
"TRF" Member
 
T. Ferguson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 7,025
Get the DJII. Nothing wrong with the OP except that it sounds like it is not the one you really want. Get the one you really want - you will be enjoying it for decades. If you're not yet sure, don't buy anything until you are. Ask yourself a couple of questions - do you want a date complication, and do you like or dislike the cyclops?
__________________
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
T. Ferguson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 February 2016, 01:08 AM   #30
REFZ
"TRF" Member
 
REFZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Real Name: Martin
Location: Netherlands
Watch: The Rolex Way
Posts: 1,471
If you really want a clear caseback you could buy a clear caseback from Thomas Preik for most of the Rolex models.
__________________
114060 - 116520 - 126334
REFZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.