Two tone Rolex choice: Submariner vs Daytona vs Day Date

Question pretty much says it all. Which one would you choose out of the three and why? What are your thoughts on the other two? I need to choose a graduation gift (I know, I am privileged) and my family has told me I can pick any rolex (makes me spoiled, I am aware). I will not wear this at the office so do not take that into consideration.

Thank you all for your feedback!

36 Comments
 

Would do a steel Daytona. Though unless your family is super connected with watch dealers, I doubt they will be able to get you one at retail. There is a multi-year waitlist for them.

If not able to get a Daytona, get a steel Submariner, but again doubtful you'll be able to get one at retail from an authorized Rolex dealer.

Which basically leaves you with having to settle for a Day Date, assuming you want your watch brand new from retail.

If you're a baller, get your parents to get you a Yacht-Master 42, or a Patek.

The resale / grey-market is a whole different ballgame, which I can elaborate on if needed.

 

I personally think that non dress gold watches (the Calatrava is an example of a dress watch, sub and daytona are tool watches) make you look tacky, especially when working in finance and if you're younger. Going with an ss Daytona will give you the most versatility as you can wear it golfing, on vacation, and in the office. The same could be said about the sub but it is less formal and are about a dime a dozen these days. The day-date/date just are classics but are, at least in my opinion, very old fashion for everyday wear.

 
Most Helpful

Would say try them on 100x in a row if I could. Those watches couldn’t be more different when you have them on the wrist. They are also wildly different vibes and the datejust comes in a million different options. Pop in to a Torneau and try em all on (great used selection at some). Will be impossible to find all 3 new on a shelf in the same store.

If you are open minded, check out the rolex forum. Handful of guys who are borderline AD’s with thousands of sales. I just picked up a new-old-stock SS Daytona (pre-ceramic). The sub/daytona models that were replaced by the current ceramic versions are much sleeker/lower-profile/smaller case. Really different look (and still under warranty) than the current models. as the other poster said, If you open your mind to the used market it is an entirely different beast. Happy to discuss and recommend dealers. Bunch of guys on my floor have used them successfully.

FWIW, I hung on to the need for my first rolex to be new for a year or two. Couldn’t be more happy choosing to go used even while paying more than the sticker price of a new model.

At the end of the day... Can’t go wrong with those 3. All classics.

 

Makes sense. In that case, check out the rolex forum. Will give you a good idea of the used market $$ and some photos of them in the wild. You are about to enter a massive world of endless serial numbers and subtle differences. Happy searching. Do a little due diligence now and buy something that makes your dick move. Since you are tying it to the graduation and adding sentimental value you likely won’t sell it. Make the right choice.

You are probably in for an eye opener on these ss sport models. Ballpark used numbers: (1) Plain jane ss daytona can easily be 16-20k (circa 2000-present) (2) Subs anywhere from around MSRP to a few K under (3) Datejusts a decent %% discount from MSRP

close your eyes and pinch your cheeks for any coveted serial #’s...

 

I’m not one to sway someone from what they like/don’t like, but are your parents saying it must be a Rolex or is that your preference? Having gone through my fair share of watches I personally believe at these price points there are some great options and it would be a shame to limit it to one brand. If you like the brand that seems fine but from a quality perspective there are many others I would consider.

 

Are you not into Pateks? I think a Calatrava would be a good option and it’s within your listed price range. The Calatrava basically works with any outfit in any setting, which is nice.

If you really want to go with Rolex, I think the GMT-Master II Pepsi is the way to go. It’s a unique one because it’s so damn hard to get. If you don’t care about being unique, I think a sub (two toned since it seems like you’re into that) would be your next best choice. The downside is that every other person in the city has a sub. The Daytona is nice, but I personally don’t love it.

I think the day date and datejust are just too plain looking. Given your other options, I just don’t think picking a day date or datejust makes sense.

 

Don’t do two-tone. Harder to pull off, less versatile, feels like it’s an association to a certain age. I personally feel two tone works better for women (FYI I’m a woman, but I wouldn’t get two tone either). Steel is a clean, classic look that works for the office or casual setting or anything in between. Additionally, you’ll find less of a grey market for two tone should you ever want to sell it, so it could possibly impact its value (if that’s something you care about). Alternatively could go for rose gold + leather bracelet look for something dressier. Either way, keep it one color.

 

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