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2 February 2016, 11:55 AM | #1 |
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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 |
2 February 2016, 12:02 PM | #2 |
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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.
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2 February 2016, 12:04 PM | #3 |
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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 |
2 February 2016, 12:08 PM | #4 |
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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. |
2 February 2016, 12:08 PM | #5 |
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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.
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2 February 2016, 12:12 PM | #6 |
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Don't buy the watch unless you love it. Sounds like you are settling on a model because it fits your budget.
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2 February 2016, 12:14 PM | #7 |
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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. |
2 February 2016, 12:18 PM | #8 |
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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.
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2 February 2016, 12:19 PM | #9 |
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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.
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2 February 2016, 12:20 PM | #10 |
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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.
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2 February 2016, 12:21 PM | #11 |
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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. |
2 February 2016, 12:23 PM | #12 | |
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2 February 2016, 12:29 PM | #13 |
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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. |
2 February 2016, 12:35 PM | #14 |
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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).
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2 February 2016, 12:42 PM | #15 |
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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:
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2 February 2016, 12:52 PM | #16 | |
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2 February 2016, 01:16 PM | #17 |
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Buy only what feels best on your wrist and what sings to you. Break the rule and you'll probably regret it.
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2 February 2016, 01:38 PM | #18 |
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If money were no object, which would you chose?
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2 February 2016, 01:50 PM | #19 | |
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2 February 2016, 01:52 PM | #20 |
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2 February 2016, 02:09 PM | #21 |
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2 February 2016, 02:15 PM | #22 |
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Congrats and welcome!
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2 February 2016, 02:24 PM | #23 |
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If having doubts, why don't you wait until after Baselworld (Mar 17th), in case newer models are introduced eg DJ40?
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2 February 2016, 02:34 PM | #24 |
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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 |
2 February 2016, 02:46 PM | #25 | |
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2 February 2016, 02:58 PM | #26 | |
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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 !
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2 February 2016, 07:56 PM | #27 | |
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2 February 2016, 10:42 PM | #28 |
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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.
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2 February 2016, 11:55 PM | #29 |
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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?
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3 February 2016, 01:08 AM | #30 |
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If you really want a clear caseback you could buy a clear caseback from Thomas Preik for most of the Rolex models.
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