Which Rolex would you choose and why?

Quattro Libre · 11-06-2009, 12:19 PM

After pondering a Tag Monaco I am now considering a Rolex instead. With a budget of around 5K, the following 3 seem to be in and around my price range. Which would you choose and why? What are the pros/cons of each of these models?

Also, I've never bought a watch this expensive before (and I know this isn't even expensive by many of your standards). I would like to buy it locally at an authorized dealer; is there any room to move on the MSRP price?

1. Explorer:

2. Milgauss:

3. Air King:

Thanks a lot; the wisdom of this board is appreciated! I'll be honest in saying that I like the Explorer the best of the 3... But I do like the other 2 as well.

Bob Rouleau · 11-06-2009, 12:56 PM

The classic Rolex is the Submariner. On the other hand it is a little sporty for dress wear. If I wzs to have only one, it would be the Explorer II with GMT and date with white dial. Classy, functional and rugged. Unless you need to resistance to magnetic fields, the millgauss is of questionable benefit unless you really like the look.

These days, deals can be had on Rolex watches even at authorized dealers. They are discreet about it, since Rolex does not take kindly to discounting. You might also consider buying a used one. A used watch returned to rolex for a sevice will come back looking and operating like new.

best,

Crazy Canuck · 11-06-2009, 01:38 PM

Explorer I or Milgauss ... both nice watches and both are simple, look good and not gaudy. Go with which one you like the best. Rolex are remarkably durable watches.

As Bob said discounts are available for virtually anything but a SS Daytona.

Go see the dealer at West Edmonton Mall. They have lots of stock and the guy knows his stuff. My friend picked up a white Daytona SS last June there.

medtech · 11-06-2009, 03:37 PM

I say the Explorer b/c it has a classic clean look that will never go out of style. Downside is it doesn't have the date.

An alternative that is under $2 grand and looks even nicer IMHO is the Tag Carrera Twin-Time Automatic.

Wachuko · 11-06-2009, 03:40 PM

May I suggest visiting Timezone and posting the same question....

Not into Rolex... would have preferred the TAG or a Breitling but can understand the desire for one. From the three, just on pure looks, I like the Milgauss and then the Explorer... don't care for the looks of the last one.

Quattro Libre · 11-06-2009, 03:59 PM

I'll be honest with myself in saying that part of the desire of the Rolex is in the name itself but at the same time I do really like the watches above as well. I've been wearing the same Movado as my daily watch for the last 12 years so heck, having hour markers will be a step up for me.

I also have a vintage omega and rado and a Tag golf watch for when I attempt albeit very poorly to play golf.

The classic looks of the above 3 appeal to me. I can't see them ever looking terribly dated.

Oh, and Bob, while the Submariner is a most excellent watch I want something that would be a little more dressy and a little less sporty... And it is slightly out of my price range too I believe.

Thanks for the suggestions thus far, I appreciate them.

Bob Rouleau · 11-06-2009, 04:04 PM

Quattro - I believe I mentioned the fact that the Sub may be too sporty. My second choice is the Explorer although I prefer the II with the date. If a three hand watch is acceptable then I would go Explorer. As far as I am concerned, Rolex is a higher quality watch than TAG or Breitling, neither of which build their own movements. This is not to dis them, they are fine watches, just a notch down on Rolex.

Quattro Libre · 11-06-2009, 04:18 PM

You did mention that Bob. Apologies if I sounded like a jerk. I do appreciate the comments! Chris, I will go and check out the place in West Ed Mall (do you know who the dealer is by chance)?

EnigmaWmn · 11-06-2009, 04:25 PM

I like the Milgauss (because I wear the white face one). Overall, all three models are nice, but if you care having something that you'll rarely see on others, Milgauss is it (try getting the one with green face). You should be able to get a nice discount at an authorized dealer very easily.

perfectlap · 11-06-2009, 05:51 PM

If you're going to go for broke on Rolex get yourself a classic that is a lot more limited in numbers like say a stainless steel Daytona with white dial. Two years ago you couldn't get one without waiting and paying up. As soon as the stock market crashed that all changed. You'll spend more but that will always be a coveted watch.

Not sure about the Milgauss but in general with the less expensive Rolex those are very overpriced watches for being mass produced movements. Rolex sells a million watches a year, not very exclusive given the price of entry. You can get a certified COSC watch for a fraction of the cost of a Sub from many other brands. I think the Tag Carrera uses a Valjoux 7750 base movement. If you drive a hard bargain you can probably get one for $1300. Quite a good price for an automatic chronograph.

Wachuko · 11-06-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Rouleau

Quattro - I believe I mentioned the fact that the Sub may be too sporty. My second choice is the Explorer although I prefer the II with the date. If a three hand watch is acceptable then I would go Explorer. As far as I am concerned, Rolex is a higher quality watch than TAG or Breitling, neither of which build their own movements. This is not to dis them, they are fine watches, just a notch down on Rolex.

Just an fyi... Breitling does now...

Quote:

Breitling has unveiled its most recent horologic innovation to the amazement of the watch industry. The new B01 chronograph movement is the luxury watchmaker's first completely in-house manufactured complication. The new features in this movement distinguish it from any other Swiss movement on the market and set a new bench mark for watch-making excellence.

Breitling has always shared a close and essential relationship with aviation, sports, and industry. It is no surprise that the maker of the first wrist chronograph and first fully automatic chronograph would pursue a higher standard of precision in its designer timepieces. By appropriating itself of the entire movement manufacturing process for the B01, Breitling can now oversee every detail of the chronograph's development.

The B01 project has created a revolutionary specialized assembly process that guarantees the integrity of each watch's quality. Movement along the assembly chain is conducted by an ultra sophisticated computer program that monitors and routes each movement throughout the various paths of assembly. The program alternates the movement's components in two phases. The first phase is fully automated and conducted exclusively by precise robotic arms. This ensures a better quality product as these machines have greater precision than a human hand. The second phase directs the components of the movement to a separate facility where partial manual assembly is required. Upon exiting the assembly chain, the movements are sent to the C.O.S.C. for extremely rigorous testing and analyzes.

The caliber B01 is available exclusively in its C.O.S.C certified version, with accompanying documentation to prove its clearance of highly meticulous precision testing. It is considered a high frequency movement at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The new Chronomat B01 features this new movement, and encases it beautifully in stainless steel, steel & gold, or 18k rose gold. This timepiece has been developed with endurance in mind and boasts 500 meters of water resistance. Another feature that has created excitement over this new Breitling movement is an optimized column-wheel device that provides a clean start/stop function without a jump of the hand. The movement is equipped with a 70 hour reserve which is an impressive feat considering its sleek shape. A patented self setting device for the resetting hammers does away with the traditional need to have a watchmaker correct each individual movement.

As the crowning achievement of this great watch manufacturer's 125th anniversary, the caliber B01 ushers in a new era for chronograph movements, and validates Breitling as the world leader in precision time-keeping instruments for professionals.

rijowysock · 11-06-2009, 07:44 PM

couple of notes....

buying from a new AD=rape... try and find a friend with a relationship that cant help you along with a deal..

for example:

Milgauss standard (non green bezel) is 6200MSRP (USD) and they can be picked up any day of the week for around 4-4,5USD.

airking's and standard explorers go for under 3 on a daily basis...

they are all great watches, but i would suggest a classic submariner for a great daily beater... or since it seems like you hate having a date on the watch (none of the three above do) the 14060M submariner is great piece that has barely any modern evolvement.. a very classic looking piece (just got one myself the other day and its superb!)

if you want something modern, u can find a slightly used GMT2C around 5-5,5 (the new GMT with the supercase and ceramic bezel and green accents)

tons of choices out there, rolex seems common but they make a great "tool" watch... very rugged and never stop running..

if you have any questions feel free to ask, if you were stateside id be more than happy to help, the border provides a hinder for me as its difficult to send rolex over the border with Rolex USA being very strict against their "USA market"

as far as the breitling comment about in house movements, its still a 7750 just built by them... not a true "in house" the same way the hublot movements are still 7750's but just built by them.. this is because ETA had to stop selling movements.. etc etc.. gets complicated..

cannot compare a breitling "in house" 7750 to a audemars Cal 2121 tho... the word in house means one thing but to develop a movement in house and build the movement in house are different things..

if you buy used or on the forums/etc be sure to check references and do your homework before sending money ;-)... lotta people kinda give up common sense sometimes and they end up losing money.. look or post counts and long time membership ;-)

like i said feel free to PM me if anything i can do.. i think if your a no date guy you'd really love a 14060M submariner or even the new "perpetual" which now comes in the 36mm case with the new clasp... if a date guy GMT2C or a classic sub is nice.

remember as basel in 2010 the steel ceramic submariner comes out too!.. but not in stores till aug 2010.

rijowysock · 11-06-2009, 07:49 PM

best thing about a rolex is that you can walk into an AD.. 10 years later.. hand him 100$ bill and pick your watch up in a few hours looking like the day you bought it... they refinish amazing!..

i had a 8 year old GMT2 pepsi i gave to a friend recently.. 100$ and 5 hours later and you would have sworn it just came out of the showcase.. so PLEASE, do us a favor and beat the living shit out of whatever you end up choosing.. EVERYDAY!

Quattro Libre · 11-07-2009, 03:52 AM

Riley, when you say you can pick up these watches in question at the prices you're talking about, where does one look? I assure you though that whatever I end up buying will be well used! As I said in an earlier post, I'm still wearing my Movado that I bought 12 years ago and I still love that watch. I bought it as a grad present for myself when spending $1000 on a watch seemed unfathomable. Ha!

I do like the Submariner but it isn't the type of watch I'm looking for in this case. Some of my other watches do have dates and honestly it's not a feature that I really care about that much. I kind of like the look of the clean dial in a way.

Most likely I will get an Explorer. I keep looking at the 3 pictures and I keep liking that one best. Then again, the Air King doesn't look too bad either. Decisions...

So now I want to know where these sub-3K ones are available? Oh, and I want it to be new. I want to be the one to beat the shit out of it.

Oh, one more thing I forgot to ask... If you buy a watch that isn't from an AD and then you need to have it serviced, do they tell you to take a hike? I'd like the peace of mind knowing that it will be taken care of. One man's tool watch is another man's luxury watch it would seem...

raspritz · 11-07-2009, 01:59 PM

The classic Rolex is the standard stainless steel submariner. It is also perhaps the Rolex that best suits your price range and self-description. It is built like a Sherman tank (I ski, climb, and scuba with mine), and I have never had anybody look askance whether I wear it with a wetsuit, jeans, or a tux with tails.

11-06-2009, 12:19 PM	#1
Quattro Libre User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 42	Which Rolex would you choose and why? After pondering a Tag Monaco I am now considering a Rolex instead. With a budget of around 5K, the following 3 seem to be in and around my price range. Which would you choose and why? What are the pros/cons of each of these models? Also, I've never bought a watch this expensive before (and I know this isn't even expensive by many of your standards). I would like to buy it locally at an authorized dealer; is there any room to move on the MSRP price? 1. Explorer: 2. Milgauss: 3. Air King: Thanks a lot; the wisdom of this board is appreciated! I'll be honest in saying that I like the Explorer the best of the 3... But I do like the other 2 as well.

11-06-2009, 12:56 PM	#2
Bob Rouleau Administrator Still plays with cars. Lifetime Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Montreal Posts: 9,012	The classic Rolex is the Submariner. On the other hand it is a little sporty for dress wear. If I wzs to have only one, it would be the Explorer II with GMT and date with white dial. Classy, functional and rugged. Unless you need to resistance to magnetic fields, the millgauss is of questionable benefit unless you really like the look. These days, deals can be had on Rolex watches even at authorized dealers. They are discreet about it, since Rolex does not take kindly to discounting. You might also consider buying a used one. A used watch returned to rolex for a sevice will come back looking and operating like new. best, __________________ ..Bob Frozen North Rep & ceramic rotor roaster Hey, wait for me! racing.

11-06-2009, 01:38 PM	#3
Crazy Canuck Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 7,374	Explorer I or Milgauss ... both nice watches and both are simple, look good and not gaudy. Go with which one you like the best. Rolex are remarkably durable watches. As Bob said discounts are available for virtually anything but a SS Daytona. Go see the dealer at West Edmonton Mall. They have lots of stock and the guy knows his stuff. My friend picked up a white Daytona SS last June there. __________________ Chris M. PCA National DE Instructor I'm Canadian eh. <---- click here eh '05 Porsche 997 Carrera S Coupe - Atlas Grey '04 Porsche 996 GT3 - Guards Red '03 BMW 540i M w/6 Speed Manual - Black/Tan '00 Vette Convertible - Millenium Yellow '73 Triumph TR-6 - Yellow SOLD

11-06-2009, 03:37 PM	#4
medtech Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cali Posts: 1,879	I say the Explorer b/c it has a classic clean look that will never go out of style. Downside is it doesn't have the date. An alternative that is under $2 grand and looks even nicer IMHO is the Tag Carrera Twin-Time Automatic. __________________ '06 Cayenne S '05 996 C4S - Sold "Dog is my Co-Pilot."

11-06-2009, 03:40 PM	#5
Wachuko Professor of Pending Projects Rennlist Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 7,506	May I suggest visiting Timezone and posting the same question.... Not into Rolex... would have preferred the TAG or a Breitling but can understand the desire for one. From the three, just on pure looks, I like the Milgauss and then the Explorer... don't care for the looks of the last one. __________________ Drive Safe! Jaime Diaz (a.k.a Wachuko) '83 911 Schieferblaumetallic SC Coupe -> Transformation '91 964 C4 Wide-Body Cabriolet '09 BMW X5 xDrive35d MaxJax low-ceiling two-post lift Missed but never forgotten: '02 996TT Seal Gray '04 VW Golf R32 '97 993 C2S Vesuvius Metallic with Aerokit '87 951 Rennlist Member 020402-3738

11-06-2009, 03:59 PM	#6
Quattro Libre User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 42	I'll be honest with myself in saying that part of the desire of the Rolex is in the name itself but at the same time I do really like the watches above as well. I've been wearing the same Movado as my daily watch for the last 12 years so heck, having hour markers will be a step up for me. I also have a vintage omega and rado and a Tag golf watch for when I attempt albeit very poorly to play golf. The classic looks of the above 3 appeal to me. I can't see them ever looking terribly dated. Oh, and Bob, while the Submariner is a most excellent watch I want something that would be a little more dressy and a little less sporty... And it is slightly out of my price range too I believe. Thanks for the suggestions thus far, I appreciate them.

11-06-2009, 04:04 PM	#7
Bob Rouleau Administrator Still plays with cars. Lifetime Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Montreal Posts: 9,012	Quattro - I believe I mentioned the fact that the Sub may be too sporty. My second choice is the Explorer although I prefer the II with the date. If a three hand watch is acceptable then I would go Explorer. As far as I am concerned, Rolex is a higher quality watch than TAG or Breitling, neither of which build their own movements. This is not to dis them, they are fine watches, just a notch down on Rolex. __________________ ..Bob Frozen North Rep & ceramic rotor roaster Hey, wait for me! racing.

11-06-2009, 04:18 PM	#8
Quattro Libre User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 42	You did mention that Bob. Apologies if I sounded like a jerk. I do appreciate the comments! Chris, I will go and check out the place in West Ed Mall (do you know who the dealer is by chance)?

11-06-2009, 04:25 PM	#9
EnigmaWmn Just call me Pops Rennlist Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 1,689	I like the Milgauss (because I wear the white face one). Overall, all three models are nice, but if you care having something that you'll rarely see on others, Milgauss is it (try getting the one with green face). You should be able to get a nice discount at an authorized dealer very easily.

11-06-2009, 05:51 PM	#10
perfectlap Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 7,422	If you're going to go for broke on Rolex get yourself a classic that is a lot more limited in numbers like say a stainless steel Daytona with white dial. Two years ago you couldn't get one without waiting and paying up. As soon as the stock market crashed that all changed. You'll spend more but that will always be a coveted watch. Not sure about the Milgauss but in general with the less expensive Rolex those are very overpriced watches for being mass produced movements. Rolex sells a million watches a year, not very exclusive given the price of entry. You can get a certified COSC watch for a fraction of the cost of a Sub from many other brands. I think the Tag Carrera uses a Valjoux 7750 base movement. If you drive a hard bargain you can probably get one for $1300. Quite a good price for an automatic chronograph. __________________ http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2008/12/more-cra-idiocy/ http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/rep...-bartlett.html "MR. KRAUTHAMMER: Well, look, the Copenhagen Summit is about something I believe actually exists: global warming and human influence on that." TRANSCRIPT

11-06-2009, 07:44 PM	#12
rijowysock Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Palm Harbor Posts: 1,114	couple of notes.... buying from a new AD=rape... try and find a friend with a relationship that cant help you along with a deal.. for example: Milgauss standard (non green bezel) is 6200MSRP (USD) and they can be picked up any day of the week for around 4-4,5USD. airking's and standard explorers go for under 3 on a daily basis... they are all great watches, but i would suggest a classic submariner for a great daily beater... or since it seems like you hate having a date on the watch (none of the three above do) the 14060M submariner is great piece that has barely any modern evolvement.. a very classic looking piece (just got one myself the other day and its superb!) if you want something modern, u can find a slightly used GMT2C around 5-5,5 (the new GMT with the supercase and ceramic bezel and green accents) tons of choices out there, rolex seems common but they make a great "tool" watch... very rugged and never stop running.. if you have any questions feel free to ask, if you were stateside id be more than happy to help, the border provides a hinder for me as its difficult to send rolex over the border with Rolex USA being very strict against their "USA market" as far as the breitling comment about in house movements, its still a 7750 just built by them... not a true "in house" the same way the hublot movements are still 7750's but just built by them.. this is because ETA had to stop selling movements.. etc etc.. gets complicated.. cannot compare a breitling "in house" 7750 to a audemars Cal 2121 tho... the word in house means one thing but to develop a movement in house and build the movement in house are different things.. if you buy used or on the forums/etc be sure to check references and do your homework before sending money ;-)... lotta people kinda give up common sense sometimes and they end up losing money.. look or post counts and long time membership ;-) like i said feel free to PM me if anything i can do.. i think if your a no date guy you'd really love a 14060M submariner or even the new "perpetual" which now comes in the 36mm case with the new clasp... if a date guy GMT2C or a classic sub is nice. remember as basel in 2010 the steel ceramic submariner comes out too!.. but not in stores till aug 2010.

11-06-2009, 07:49 PM	#13
rijowysock Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Palm Harbor Posts: 1,114	best thing about a rolex is that you can walk into an AD.. 10 years later.. hand him 100$ bill and pick your watch up in a few hours looking like the day you bought it... they refinish amazing!.. i had a 8 year old GMT2 pepsi i gave to a friend recently.. 100$ and 5 hours later and you would have sworn it just came out of the showcase.. so PLEASE, do us a favor and beat the living shit out of whatever you end up choosing.. EVERYDAY!

11-07-2009, 03:52 AM	#14
Quattro Libre User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 42	Riley, when you say you can pick up these watches in question at the prices you're talking about, where does one look? I assure you though that whatever I end up buying will be well used! As I said in an earlier post, I'm still wearing my Movado that I bought 12 years ago and I still love that watch. I bought it as a grad present for myself when spending $1000 on a watch seemed unfathomable. Ha! I do like the Submariner but it isn't the type of watch I'm looking for in this case. Some of my other watches do have dates and honestly it's not a feature that I really care about that much. I kind of like the look of the clean dial in a way. Most likely I will get an Explorer. I keep looking at the 3 pictures and I keep liking that one best. Then again, the Air King doesn't look too bad either. Decisions... So now I want to know where these sub-3K ones are available? Oh, and I want it to be new. I want to be the one to beat the shit out of it. Oh, one more thing I forgot to ask... If you buy a watch that isn't from an AD and then you need to have it serviced, do they tell you to take a hike? I'd like the peace of mind knowing that it will be taken care of. One man's tool watch is another man's luxury watch it would seem...

11-07-2009, 01:59 PM	#15
raspritz User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Denver Posts: 64	The classic Rolex is the standard stainless steel submariner. It is also perhaps the Rolex that best suits your price range and self-description. It is built like a Sherman tank (I ski, climb, and scuba with mine), and I have never had anybody look askance whether I wear it with a wetsuit, jeans, or a tux with tails.