Need your input: Rolex for my brother-in-law

[blacke90]

Wanted to get you guys opinion before I make a purchase. My bro-in-law is a frugal type guys who loves the outdoor. He’s a practicing physician. The man summited mt. Kilimanjaro and recently enjoys scuba diving. He doesn’t see the point of any luxury item and always buy things for their utilities. He wears no brand name items of any sort except his AirPods. With that said, I’ve been wanting to buy him his first “luxury” watch under $10K, preferably ~$5-7K range. Was thinking of whether I should go for bnib or a vintage piece. A vintage Explorer I or II (since he summited a mountain) would be cool or a basic submariner no date? Thoughts? He’s over 6’ and slim. Maybe a birth year watch for the man? Thanks!

[DonBateman]

That guy has an Explorer written all over him. Might I ask, why get him a Rolex if he does not value those types of things?

[opawlows]

Originally Posted by DonBateman

Might I ask, why get him a Rolex if he does not value those types of things?

I was thinking the same thing. Sounds like he'd appreciate some sort of adventure or experience to a watch.

[t65tampa]

Explorer II - understated, useful, and beautiful. Get him a new one. Will last him the rest of his life.

[airpeace]

gshock

[abozz]

explorer or Tudor BB58!!

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by DonBateman

That guy has an Explorer written all over him. Might I ask, why get him a Rolex if he does not value those types of things?

Excellent question indeed. I assume he would appreciate one item, a Rolex in this case, that will last him a life time. Thus why I want to buy a Rolex for him as a gift, in addition he can take it with him on future adventures to come.

[schoolboy]

I feel like a new Sub Date or Sub would be cool.

He could do anything outdoors with it and it kinda nods toward his recent scuba diving hobby??

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by airpeace

gshock

A classic. Much thanks.

[herts9]

explorer II

he can hike in it, travel with it, submerge it... sounds like the perfect fit for somebody being rugged in the outdoors

[GradyPhilpott]

I would suggest a five-digit Sub, freshly serviced.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by herts9

explorer II



he can hike in it, travel with it, submerge it... sounds like the perfect fit for somebody being rugged in the outdoors

Initially thought of Explorer II (a great piece), but the recent diving interest threw me off in terms of selection.

[Air Rescue 5]

I would go explorer for sure, but maybe not vintage. He’s over 6’ tall, the 39mm would suit him. Once he learns the history of the explorer, I think any mountaineer would appreciate it.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I feel like a new Sub Date or Sub would be cool.

He could do anything outdoors with it and it kinda nods toward his recent scuba diving hobby??

Yep, been leaning towards the Sub as of recently.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by abozz

explorer or Tudor BB58!!

I forgot about the Tudor 58. Thanks for reminding me. Exactly why I started this thread!

[DonBateman]

Originally Posted by blacke90

Excellent question indeed. I assume he would appreciate one item, a Rolex in this case, that will last him a life time. Thus why I want to buy a Rolex for him as a gift, in addition he can take it with him on future adventures to come.

Fair enough. I think an Explorer I, maybe slightly vintage would be a good choice. He could put on a nato which would not stick out. The explorer is the outdoorsman watch.

[H25B]

I wish you were my brother in law. Mine sucks.

[Zuger]

Sounds like a no non-sense kinda guy. I would get him the new 6-digit Rolex sub - no non-sense, tough, james bond. The water proof oyster case is useful as he scrubs in. The sweeping second hand is useful as he counts pulse. In case he doesn't like it, he can easily sell for something else. Plus who doesn't like a Rolex especially as a gift!

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by DonBateman

Fair enough. I think an Explorer I, maybe slightly vintage would be a good choice. He could put on a nato which would not stick out. The explorer is the outdoorsman watch.

This is a good choice. I can give the watch on nato for a low key look. Thanks for your input.

[BigBoy17]

Dont buy him anything... buy your self another watch

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by Zuger

Sounds like a no non-sense kinda guy. I would get him the Rolex sub - no non-sense, tough, james bond. The water proof oyster case is useful as he scrubs in. The sweeping second hand is useful as he counts pulse. In case he doesn't like it, he can easily sell for something else. Plus who doesn't like a Rolex especially as a gift!

Can’t beat the liquidity of Sub.

[Navarino]

Given the background you provided I would go with new over vintage (keep it simple). I think an EXP, EXP II (probably the black dial), or Sub would all be excellent choices!

Awesome gift on your part!

[BakerView]

Originally Posted by Zuger

Sounds like a no non-sense kinda guy. I would get him the new 6-digit Rolex sub - no non-sense, tough, james bond. The water proof oyster case is useful as he scrubs in. The sweeping second hand is useful as he counts pulse. In case he doesn't like it, he can easily sell for something else. Plus who doesn't like a Rolex especially as a gift!

Given your description the "Rolex" branding might be an issue for him. A Tudor BB Heritage would be good.
If you're sure the Rolex branding is not an issue then I agree with this post and make it a 114060 (no date). A bit more subtle. On first blush I thought the Explorer I would be perfect but then you threw in diving. All are great gifts. You're a great bro.

[burnthesehills]

Explorer I or II all day long.

Actually the Explorer I may be the better choice considering the mountaineering connection and simpler design with no GMT complication.

[DeeTee]

Budget aside the new Breitling Emergency.
If you guys aren’t familiar with it, it’s a last measure tool.

[77T]

I’ll skip models and go to what you said about him...

Have you considered what a frugal, non-luxury watch guy will sense when he sees the first overhaul bill? By 5-10 years from now it’ll top $800 and might easily be $1000 for the basic work.

Just sharing to ask a question you hadn’t addressed in your first, or subsequent posts.

If he has AirPods then he has an iPhone. Maybe ask him why he doesn’t have an Apple Watch...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’ll skip models and go to what you said about him...

Have you considered what a frugal, non-luxury watch guy will sense when he sees the first overhaul bill? By 5-10 years from now it’ll top $800 and might easily be $1000 for the basic work.

Just sharing to ask a question you hadn’t addressed in your first, or subsequent posts.

If he has AirPods then he has an iPhone. Maybe ask him why he doesn’t have an Apple Watch...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I gifted him the AirPods for Christmas. We spoke about Apple Watch, but he wasn’t into it. He used the AirPods the most when he goes for his daily jog.

You brought up a good point about service fee and my plan was to take care of that down the road as well. I wouldn’t want to burden someone with that “hidden” cost down the road. Thanks for bringing up the service fee.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by FidalgoBay

Given your description the "Rolex" branding might be an issue for him. A Tudor BB Heritage would be good.
If you're sure the Rolex branding is not an issue then I agree with this post and make it a 114060 (no date). A bit more subtle. On first blush I thought the Explorer I would be perfect but then you threw in diving. All are great gifts. You're a great bro.

I thought about this variable as well. Tudor would be a good as it avoid one wearing a “Rolex”.

A Explorer I or II would be an option as it doesn’t look like a DJ and a black Sub.

Black Sub (no date) new or preown OR old Sea Dweller with NATO would be great as well as they lack the cyclop.

At the end of the day, I just want to get something nice for my bro in law. He’s been nothing but kind and loving to my sister and my family. Something that will last for awhile. It’s the thoughts that count anyway right?

[77T]

Originally Posted by blacke90

I gifted him the AirPods for Christmas. We spoke about Apple Watch, but he wasn’t into it. He used the AirPods the most when he goes for his daily jog.

You brought up a good point about service fee and my plan was to take care of that down the road as well. I wouldn’t want to burden someone with that “hidden” cost down the road. Thanks for bringing up the service fee.

OK understand better now.

My functional physician watch suggestion has always been a DJ Turn O Graph with the Roulette Date Wheel.



Or just fluted



Oh...and classic 36mm - the pillar upon which all Oysters rest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Jhowton23]

if he doesnt value branding- go for tudor. why not get him and yourself matching tudors and explain the quality of them but he can comfortable wear it without much recognition. and it can give you both something to bond over. you get to share your watch enthusiasm and it takes his humility (idk if thats the right word) into consideration to stay in his comfort zone as well.