Newbie Guidance..

[gerry100]

About 30 yrs too late I've decided to buy my Rolex.

I've wanted one since reading Casino Royale and nearly bought one in the 90s when a Submariner was $1500.

With inflation looming, I think this might be the time to buy. This will be left to my son ( I'm 70). Not expecting to make money but like my cars, I expect good retained value.

Narrowed down to a Steel Submariner date or Explorer II to be purchased new from an authorized dealer.

Inputs/suggestions appreciated

[MTdweller]

Go for the Sub. It’s extremely versatile and if you are going to own one Rolex, that’s the one IMO.

[MannySDG]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forums! Just wanted to mention and sort of asked if you are aware of how difficult it can be for a first time buyer to source a Sub or Explorer II from an Authorized Dealer? Just don't want you to be disappointed that once you make up your mind which watch you want to go with that you can't just walk into a Rolex store and pick one up. Unless you go grey dealer and pay above retail.

[Ihatecheese]

Welcome. Definitely worth spending an hour going thru the forum so you can be prepared for the current state of play with the watches, which are very popular to watch and non watch fans making it difficult to purchase via authorised shops. Ultimately need to decide whether the watch is worth you spending more than retail, to receive soon Vs a long wait time

[DougFNJ]

Curious, which Explorer 2 are you looking at? This might work to your advantage by the way. If you go to your AD and put in that you want one of either, you may just get a call and the one you get the call on first makes your decision easy. You really cant go wrong either way, they are both great watches.

[Oxfordian]

Welcome, go for the watch that sings to you most not what anyone tells you to buy.

If, and its a big if, you can get to an outlet that has these watches for sale as used but brand new in box or mint and they are current models, try the watches on, the style is very different and one may suit you better than the other.

Good luck in your search.

[jamesbondOO7]

Would go for an Explorer II 40mm 16570, but as you want to buy new, probably the submariner.

[RazorD]

Understanding you may not have a purchase history with an AD, I’d suggest you walk in and tell your story. Tell them you recognize there are many people ahead of you, but want to know if they’d be willing to call you when the next ones come in just to try on and see how you like them both. This will identify you as not being a flipper and help start to make a connection. You never know what they’ll do for you. At a minimum, you may get the chance to decide in person what looks better on your wrist. Everyone is different, but trying both kn, I personally prefer the sub.

Good luck

[stark1]

Good advice already given above. I'd like to add the following:

1. Can't go wrong with either model, but both are fairly hard to come by at stores as a first time customer.
2. Patience is the key word if you want to build a relationship with an AD and pick up at MSRP. The hunt for one of these is half the fun for some. Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into (by checking out existing threads that discusses this topic).
3. You know yourself better than anyone else, and if you think #2 will be an issue (e.g, you won't enjoy the process of schmoozing sales associates, building relationship, etc.), then just go gray market from the start. It might be worth paying the premium and start to enjoy the watch immediately. The premium on the secondary market for both models is not unreasonable, so it's worth considering.

All that being said, good luck, and welcome.

[1William]

Welcome to the Forum. As suggested you need to do a little research and see what the current market is on the watches you want and the availability. Go to your local AD and get a feel on if they think this is not only possible but probable and the time frame. In the end I think you will either have to go Grey Market or change the brand and model you want. Look at our Trusted Sellers as several have web sites that have the models you want. Great service from them but you will pay a premium for the watch. I use them frequently and they will negotiate and I typically pay market value. If this is a watch to keep and pass on then the resale value should not matter as much. You have waited long enough for this watch. I would find the best example I could, pay the best price I could get and get my watch and start the ownership experience. Good luck.

[m j b]

submariner.

[Tensai]

Sounds like you have lots of threads to go back and read on this forum.
Enjoy the research!

[S’portEye]

Get the Sub. Be prepared to wait for one from an AD or pay the premium from a grey dealer. Only you can decide if the immediate gratification from the grey is worth the money. If the money is not an issue I would get it now. You’ve waited long enough.

[travisb]

Welcome! I'd go to your local AD, introduce yourself and tell them your interests and intentions. Go for the Sub. It was the one you originally wanted. Good luck! I hope to hear good results.

[Rollieboo23]

Sub

Just go grey. Might not be until 72 when you get your watch ;)

Time = money and enjoy your 70s and just buy

[gerry100]

Grey?

[Alfa2109]

The grey/gray market is the secondary market, the reputable “pre-owned” but either unworn or lightly worn marketplace. Check out the classifieds here on TRF and you’ll get a sense of it. If retention of value, rather than significant increase in value, is what you’re looking for, and you have the extra cash to spend on the premium that the Sub and the Explorer both command on the grey market, I’d find the watch you want on the grey market and buy it. You’ll avoid the very long wait for a new one from an AD, and the piece certainly won’t be worth any less when you or your progeny go to sell it in the future. The “how much more” will just be less than it would have been had you bought the watch at MSRP. Of the two watches, I would purchase the Sub if given the choice. It is the more iconic and recognizable of the two — the more classic Rolex. That said, you should know that I don’t prefer either of them. I’m a GMT and Daytona guy when it comes to Rolex’s sports watches.

[gerry100]

Not awake yet, thought it was watch color!

Leery of the grey market, My next step is to visit my local ADs

If it makes a difference, I'm relatively off the beaten path if that matters anymore

I'll update

[datejustrms]

I’d get the Sub.

[garyk]

Your son will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

[Alfa2109]

Don’t be leery of the reputable dealers on the grey market. They’re solid. But, if you go the path of an AD, best of luck to you. Off the beaten path or not, the supply of stainless steel sports models is very limited. And off the beaten path may mean fewer than on the beaten path.

Good luck to you! And enjoy your first Rolex. It’s an addiction.

[clickingdru]

Your child will appreciate your kindness. So thoughtful of you.

[gerry100]

Just picked up an 08 Explorer II black face from my local AD.

Payed a little over "grey "prices but recent service by a Rolex tech at a long established local dealer was appealing . They seem to be straight shooters.
Salesman said this would help me on the Sub list, I dont intend to be a collector or flipper, but then I'm not addicted yet.
My time has become more valuable in more ways than one.

If I come back it's because I'm addicted, if I dont thanks everybody for their help with the hunt

[Malum]

Congratulations on the new to you Explorer Ii . Definitely take your time and enjoy that piece .

[Avs Fan]

Welcome! I've not retained any value in any car....ever. I'm guessing yours are not run of the mill. Can't go wrong with either sub or Explorer II.