Considering my first Rolex
Considering my first Rolex
Author
Discussion

samu23

Original Poster:

42 posts

188 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
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Hi All

I am considering the purchase of my first Rolex as a treat to myself and for my 25th Birthday. I am no watch expert and currently wear a Tag Formula 1 watch, I really like the look of the new Air King launched at Baselworld 2016.

As a newbie to the watch scene, what are your opinions of this as a first Rolex?



I am by no means expecting this to go up in value, but what could I expect residuals to be in the medium term?

This watch retails at £4,150, however I would likely be able to get a significant discount as a close family member works for an AD, just not in the watch department!

There seems to be a lot of models to choose from so open to any other suggestions!

Cheers,

Sam

CardShark

4,262 posts

209 months

Friday 25th March 2016
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There isn't such a thing as an ideal first Rolex IMO - if you like it then go for it, if you don't then don't! Having said that, if you're new to the brand and would rather have something discreet then the new Air King makes a good case for itself. Steel sports models tend to hold their value better than others as a general rule and if you can get a discount then that would certainly offset any depreciation, it's a bit early to tell how that exact will fare though.

Have you seen the revised Explorer? That'd be another model worth considering.

Some Gump

13,018 posts

216 months

Friday 25th March 2016
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OP,
If you want it, get it. It's for you to wear and enjoy and nothing more or less. There's loads of utter tripe spouted in forums re. Watches, but they're just nice jewellery. No choice you make I what to wear is better / worse than any other.

Congrats on having the means at 25. Hard work pays off smile

andy tims

5,606 posts

276 months

Friday 25th March 2016
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Nice watch - go for it.

rog007

5,831 posts

254 months

Friday 25th March 2016
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I really, really like that; but then I'm a sucker for watches (read Rolexes!) with a dab of colour on them!

HarrySmash

459 posts

169 months

Friday 25th March 2016
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A nice place to be and happy birthday.

That is a smart looking watch, the only the thing that would put me off is the lack of a date window - but that's my issue.

Buy, wear & enjoy.

ExplorerII

279 posts

164 months

Monday 28th March 2016
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Get yourself to a boutique and try them all on, take photo's, walk away and take a couple of days to consider. The watches that fit into your price bracket, of course.

BUT also pop into a used Rolex dealer and try on the older (classic) models, you may be surprised.

Good luck.

pistonheadforum

1,214 posts

151 months

Monday 28th March 2016
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I also prefer the Explorer (more classic) and was surprised to see that the Explorer is actually smaller than the Air King which has grown to 40mm diameter size. Crazy!

That Air King dial is nice but, for me, the novelty and complexity of the dial would wear off and I'd rather have something simpler.

For a descrete Rolex have a look at some of the Oyster Perpetual models. Still love my Oyster Date for a descrete watch even though the crazy fashion of today says 34mm is for sissies!


CardShark said:
Have you seen the revised Explorer? That'd be another model worth considering.

Vanguard21

279 posts

164 months

Monday 28th March 2016
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The revised ExplorerII has grown to 42mm.

Grobag

125 posts

165 months

Monday 28th March 2016
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Quick newbie question, liking both the refreshed for 2016 Air King and Explorer too, anybody know when they're likely to be in the shops?

Vanguard21

279 posts

164 months

Tuesday 29th March 2016
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The Explorer 42mm has been in the shops since 2012.

Ikemi

8,610 posts

235 months

Wednesday 30th March 2016
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As someone around your age, I'd say the Air King is a bit ... err ... old man? I'd be looking at Subs and Explorers, but as others have said, it's only you that will be wearing the watch! Try a few on, take photos and have a good think about what you like/dislike about each model you've narrowed it down to! smile

I personally think a Sub/Explorer will look good on your wrist now, as well as in 20 years time, and in 40 years time ...

As for the new Air King in your post, I like the colourings applied to the crown logo and 'Rolex' font. I'm not so keen on the change in numerals ('9' to '50'), and the differing fonts used. It's a bit messy, imho.


bobbybee

889 posts

184 months

Wednesday 30th March 2016
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Vanguard21 said:
The revised ExplorerII has grown to 42mm.
The Explorer I 39mm has been revised this year, gone are the solid gold 3, 6, 9 arabics and have been replaced by lume filled ones.
The hands set, or at least the minutes hand has grown in width and length so it meets the minute track

mouseymousey

2,642 posts

267 months

Wednesday 30th March 2016
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I'd also be interested to know when the new Air-King is in the shops. I keep meaning to phone some shops but have completely failed to do so yet.

Grobag

125 posts

165 months

Wednesday 30th March 2016
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Vanguard21 said:
The Explorer 42mm has been in the shops since 2012.
Ok thanks, but looking at the website an updated version is due out for this year, just wondering when it will be in the shops.

I'm Rick james

250 posts

183 months

Friday 1st April 2016
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With regard to the new Air King I half fancied one, I've currently got a 2002 Air king and love it - this to me looks great.

I enquired with my AD who said he expects limited stock in June with July/August when he starts getting a few more. I'm on the list!


don logan

3,991 posts

252 months

Friday 1st April 2016
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Explorer 2 grew to 42mm years ago and I havn't heard of an update for this year or rumours about a future update!

Explorer 1 has grown THIS year at Basle but I'm assuming not in the shops until September?

Is this new Air King really going to be in the shops sooner than September, I bet it's going to be very popular!



Edited by don logan on Friday 1st April 10:39

gvij

365 posts

154 months

Saturday 2nd April 2016
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As a classic 2001 air king owner and president owner I can only say I do not like that dial. Whilst the green rolex logo and pure black dial are lovely the air king lettering is too large and the numbers on the dial are confusing and a mess. Ie nothing like a pilots watch should be coupled with the metal bracelet. The classic air kings on leather could pass as a piston engine pilots watch of old imho. This is similar to mine a 14010m http://s213.photobucket.com/user/RolexEnthusiast/m...
Have a look at the gmt master as well. Saying all that splurging all that money on a watch should be a happy occasion and you should buy whatever you want most.

pistonheadforum

1,214 posts

151 months

Sunday 3rd April 2016
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Interesting.

After a 10min browse round the Rolex website it appears that they no longer do the Perpertual Oyster Date 34mm at all. The only closest option is the Oyster Perpetual 34 which carries no date wheel.

The fashion of larger watches appear to be here to stay.

GoateeDirector

21 posts

127 months

Monday 4th April 2016
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Nothing says "I've made it" like a sub or dweller