Rolex help/advice needed!

[Stubbsy]

Looking at getting a Rolex however every time I browse I end up changing my mind and can't get a definite front runner! So looking to find the main differences between each model.
Here is my shortlist
GMT
Sub
Sea dweller
Explorer 2

Probably out the list I lean towards the sea dweller most but this just looks like a more expensive sub , only difference I can see is the small date.
I do like the sub but not sure on the cyclops, my understanding is you can get a small date sub but they seem pretty rare and guess there is a premium on them as opposed to cyclops sub?
Explorer 2 is nice again cyclops date though!
I am sure I could live with the cyclops date the issue is I haven't seen too many in the flesh so my preference at the moment is the small date model.
GMT is nice also as I like the second time zone feature similarly why I have the explorer 2 on my shortlist.
Tough decisions some guidance /advice would be much appreciated!

[anonymous-user]

Stubbsy said:

GMT - 100m WR, 2 or 3 timezones depending on model, possibility of bi-colour bezels (Red and Black, or "Coke" for example.

Sub - 300m WR for all but the earliest, still fits under shirt cuffs, whilst all are iconic watches this is possibly the symbol of a nice watch - certainly the definitive diver. Black bezel unless precious metal Sub, which has blue for example/or unless more recent LV and ceramic models where green bezels are on steel watches. Dial usually black.

Sea dweller - 600m and over WR, quite thick, no cyclops, not my cup of tea as 300m is quite enough for me, but great engineering.

Explorer 2 -100m WR, most under the radar, has the ability to display two timezones - often a Rolex for those who know their watches more than usual. (Although no guarantee and many collectors and eminent watch chaps love plain Submariners). Fixed steel bezel, cyclops, white or black dial - recent one is bigger than others 42mm vs 40mm. Often good value.

Probably out the list I lean towards the sea dweller most but this just looks like a more expensive sub , only difference I can see is the small date. - More water resistant through thick case etc.

I do like the sub but not sure on the cyclops, my understanding is you can get a small date sub but they seem pretty rare and guess there is a premium on them as opposed to cyclops sub? - No, although the Cyclops can be removed as seen on some Rolex forums. There is also a version without a date. Don't worry about the Cyclops IMO, you don't notice it after even a little while, but I actually quite like it - makes the watch a bit more interesting, the way the light can play off it.

GMT is nice also as I like the second time zone feature similarly why I have the explorer 2 on my shortlist.
Tough decisions some guidance /advice would be much appreciated! - In that case either GMT or Explorer II sound like your choices, although I often find myself timing cooking/travel/general stuff with my Sub's bezel, so perhaps something to consider.

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with any of the excellent aforementioned models, my two points being that I have come to really appreciate the iconic Cyclops, and that the Sea Dweller lovely though it is, is a thicker watch than most for little gain unless it's what you want/you dive a lot/you appreciate the extra engineering/have other watches for fitting under shirt cuffs.

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 14th August 00:06

[anonymous-user]

I'd get the gmt (red black bezel) or the sea dweller just because they are slightly less faked than the submariner but any of the three would be iconic watches that will hold their value.

You won't go wrong with any of them but the sub might be the easiest to get for the right price?

[Stubbsy]

Thanks for the replies I should have mentioned I think going to try and go new/recent unworn - subs are coming in at about 4.5k, GMT and sea dweller start at 5kish.
So the sea dweller is slightly thicker, interesting to know - I need to find a place that has them all in stock but don't want to look like a time waster going in there trying them on when I have no intention of buying !

[SteveC72]

I picked up a DJII recently and went for a new one. There wasn't a massive difference between that and used prices and I wanted to be the original owner and have my details on the paperwork.

Also, the warranty from Rolex is 5 years.

On topic, I'd go GMT.

[hilly10]

To the OP Rolex only do a Cyclops Sub or non date, what you may have seen is a watch were the cyclops glass has been removed, there are a few about.

[markiem8]

You can take the cyclops off yourself if you have the nerve, I did it on my anniversary sub without any damage.

[Nigel_O]

Do you really need a watch to tell you the date?

If not, go for the no-date Sub - cleaner appearance to my eyes (and despite the cyclops, my eyes couldn't see the date anyway, so it was superfluous....)

[Fas1975]

Try them all on, back to back in an AD if you can as you will then be able to see which one you like best as they are very different once on your own wrist. I personally loved the BLNR until I tried it on and thought it didn't look right on me. Same for the blue faced yachtmaster, but when I tried a white faced DJ II! It just looked amazing.


Few months later, I was still lusting after a BLNR as it just looked so good in pics, again, tried one on and I just wasn't feeling it, tried an all black GMT II and it looked perfect, so bought that instead


Take your list to a dealer and try them all on, will guarantee a couple will fall by the wayside as they won't look right on you.

[FarQue]

Nigel_O said:

Do you really need a watch to tell you the date?

If not, go for the no-date Sub - cleaner appearance to my eyes (and despite the cyclops, my eyes couldn't see the date anyway, so it was superfluous....)

We're all different: I wouldn't want a watch without a date feature, and for me, Rolex IS the cyclops.