Buying my first Rolex

[achillea]

Hi all,
I am looking to buy my first Rolex and seem to be torn between the Oyster Perpetual, the new Air King, or the Date Just smooth bezel, oyster bracelet, and blue face....

In an ideal world, I would keep this watch forever as it will have a special meaning being my first one

However, I'd like to also have confidence that if I needed to sell it anytime, that it would hold its value

I am not a huge fan of the Submariners to be honest, but open to your suggestions and thoughts on this topic

Many Thanks
Achillea

[mattyb]

I had the same thoughts as you except I don’t like the air king. I wanted something I would keep forever as my first Rolex.

Have you tried any of them on? As soon as I tried the smooth bezel Datejust I new instantly that’s what I wanted. The date function is important for me, and the clean lines of the Datejust with blue face made it suitable for all occasions. I know there’s a lot of love for the fluted bezel but it looked ridiculous on me.

Don’t worry about value, you can’t keep forever and worry about the value of an item. Get what makes you happy.

[Gospodin]

Keep in mind the OP does not have the 5mm Easylink extension. It really comes in handy in hot / cold weather.

[zjd168]

of these 3 I would pick the dj. The date function is very useful

[Hpozzuoli]

I would go with the DateJust. It’s iconic and be can worn for any occasion. I, however prefer the fluted bezel.

[mjclark32]

For a one and only: DJ41
Good luck!

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by achillea

I am not a huge fan of the Submariners to be honest, but open to your suggestions and thoughts on this topic

Many Thanks
Achillea

That statement can get you banned around here.

Of the watches you're looking at, I think the DJ is going to work the best for what you're looking for...but hey, that's me. Go with what you like.

[harvey]

Of the three, I would choose the airking. Be warned it doesn't picture great but wears and looks good on the wrist. And value wise it's a great buy.

Full disclosure I'm not a fan of DJs in general. Have fun choosing.

Note go out and try them all. Fortunately for you availability shouldn't be an issue in the Midlands.

Welcome to the forum.

[achillea]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

That statement can get you banned around here.

Of the watches you're looking at, I think the DJ is going to work the best for what you're looking for...but hey, that's me. Go with what you like.

Don't get me wrong Larry, I do appreciate a Sub

[minute_man]

Another vote for the DJ41.

[achillea]

Originally Posted by harvey

Of the three, I would choose the airking. Be warned it doesn't picture great but wears and looks good on the wrist. And value wise it's a great buy.

Full disclosure I'm not a fan of DJs in general. Have fun choosing.

Note go out and try them all. Fortunately for you availability shouldn't be an issue in the Midlands.

Welcome to the forum.

I think you are right - will try and see if I can get them on the wrist and see which one feels right.

[hothothaven]

I think trying them on is key, and at least 2 out of three of those models are readily available for the trying (and a black dial OP or Explorer would give you a pretty good impression of the Air King, even if 1mm smaller.) I say this because I went into a shop once intending to get a white dial explorer ii and walked out with a black GMT master because it was what looked right and fit right.

But have you given the explorer any thought. Its kinda like the OP, but with a couple more bells and whistles, a rich heritage, and a lot of people seem to keep them for a very long time

[achillea]

Originally Posted by hothothaven

I think trying them on is key, and at least 2 out of three of those models are readily available for the trying (and a black dial OP or Explorer would give you a pretty good impression of the Air King, even if 1mm smaller.) I say this because I went into a shop once intending to get a white dial explorer ii and walked out with a black GMT master because it was what looked right and fit right.

But have you given the explorer any thought. Its kinda like the OP, but with a couple more bells and whistles, a rich heritage, and a lot of people seem to keep them for a very long time

I have never really thought of the Explorer - I like the 39mm version but my mind is not yet made up on the Explorer 2

I feel its a big deal for me to choose as its my first one

[UNIONCITY62]

DateJust for sure ...41 the perfect size.

[RHIII]

DJ 41 for sure. It’s a great reference


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[siempreko]

Put them on your wrist... and listen... they will let you know which one belongs on your wrist!


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[jlevitt9]

I had the same dilemma as you as I recently purchase my first one a few months back. I was SURE I wanted the Explorer 2 Polar (5 digit). Tried it on, and low and behold, it just didn't sing to me.

Guidance from forum members is good, but what really brings you a smile when you try it on is most important!

Josh

[jlafou1]

I would suggest trying on the 39mm Explorer I if looking for a one watch collection that isn’t a submariner. I think you’ll be happy with either the Exp or DJ.

[A-Wax]

If you need the date function (and don't mind the cyclops) the DJ sounds like your thing. I bought an OP39 as my "forever Rolex" and don't regret it!

[acfcheung]

Can't go wrong with the DJ

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[uniqueMR]

Datejust

[Stalex]

Go with the Datejust, better functions in date and versatile too.

[achillea]

Does anyone know when they will stop making the Hulk?

[jltait]

The ss DJ36 with blue roman dial is my only rolex currently, though of course always looking to expand. It's a fantastic piece and I don't know what I'd do without the easy link. For that reason alone I'd go DJ over OP. It's a classic. Like most models, if you buy grey market or slightly used you won't be too much out if you decide to sell it for something else down the road.

[nutsxperia]

My vote goes to datejust blue face!

[JackN]

Dj 41 100%

[rolexandrolex]

i like the date just.

[jagwar.jim]

I was going through the same thing in recent months, buying for a birthday so would be a keeper for the rest of my life.

Your best bet is to try them all on, and just go with whichever sits with you best. People will have their own ideas on what they prefer, and the functions of a watch affect its practicality, but ultimately you'll know if for you, for example, having a date window is a must or not.

I see you are from the Midlands, I am too. A Watchfiinder has just opened in the Bull Ring in Birmingham, which can help for trying on some of the harder to get pieces. It'll help you decide what works for you.

Best of luck finding what you want. Let the process of deciding take as long as it takes, the important thing is you find the right watch for you :)

[Overwound]

Originally Posted by siempreko

Put them on your wrist... and listen... they will let you know which one belongs on your wrist!


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Exactly! Opinions can be helpful but nothing beats trying them on, especially for a person's first Rolex.

I have a 36mm OP which is not popular around here but it's right for me.

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by achillea

Hi all,
I am looking to buy my first Rolex and seem to be torn between the Oyster Perpetual, the new Air King, or the Date Just smooth bezel, oyster bracelet, and blue face....

In an ideal world, I would keep this watch forever as it will have a special meaning being my first one

However, I'd like to also have confidence that if I needed to sell it anytime, that it would hold its value

I am not a huge fan of the Submariners to be honest, but open to your suggestions and thoughts on this topic

Many Thanks
Achillea

Look on watchrecon.com to see what they are selling currently for used and you'll learn something about value retention. That said, if there is a market crash / economic decline all bets are off on those values staying the same.