Birthday Watch

The explorer 2 would be my choice

My choice out of those shown is the Explorer 2. Most interesting IMO.

I like the Explorer 2 the most. Followed by the Salmon DateJust with Roman numerals

explorer 2

Explorer 2

Explorer 1 because it‘s the perfect 1 and done watch. Change the bracelet for a strap or a nato and off you go to every occassion.

I wouldn't go for the Milgauss since they fetch a premium due to their discontinuation. The Explorer II only makes sense if you travel quite often between time zones or have family, friends or business in other time zones and if that's the case then a GMT is a must have. Personally the best Rolex in your list is either an Explorer or an Oyster Perpetual. The date just is also great, but the other two just have a better look.

I have a 16570 Polar Explorer II from 1996 and I love it.

Unpopular opinion: My wife told me, if you’re only gonna buy one Rolex..make it a flashy one. That being said… the datejust on jubilee. Based off your posts, you already have 3 black dials.

Just to complicate things: why not do the following?

Get [ instead of milgauss] an omega rail master (or the aqua terra >15000 gauss)

AND [instead of oyster] a Tudor black bay (or gmt, or another line),

AND/OR [instead of explorer 2] grand seiko sbgm245 (or orient starseeker sdj00002w0).

My point is: you can wear much more of the watchstyles that you like if you refrain from the safe and expensive default. I understand Rolex eludes 'class' and 'accomplishment' for people, and this OK, be happy and be you! But Rolex remains a (heavy branded) tool watch. If you like watches, be adventurous. You can always trade up for a Rolex later !

Out of your pics above i'd go explorer 2 or datejust. May i also suggest the iconic submariner ☺️

My advice is to get yourself on the wait list as early as now so hopefully you get the call before your birthday. 😊

Please try not to pay over retail.🤗

If it was me, the salmon datejust or the 16570. Strong preference towards the datejust.

Milgauss!! Stand out a little.

Out of those Explorer 2

I honestly think any of them would be fine. The one thing I would recommend is get new or newly used. Getting a vintage piece is opening a bag of worms. Unless you know about them, it could become a pitfall of mish mash of parts.

Explorer 2 no question

First off - love the plan: buying a milestone watch for a milestone Birthday is a great idea.

You may be able to pick up an OP or Explorer 1 from the AD saving you $$$$. Wait times for these models are less than you might think. Suggest you speak to an AD and see what happens. Make sure you tell them it’s for a milestone Birthday!

No date sub

The milgauss would be my choice for you if you find it as special as I do. I mean just look at it it’s wo weird and cool looking it just fits a 40th birthday 🥳

That salmon DJ is gorgeous, as is the Exp II Polar. I’d go with the Polar personally, but you should make a day of it and try them on to see which you prefer.

No matter the brand, don’t be sidetracked from what you’ve clearly got your heart set on; when you’ve got that itch to scratch, especially marking a life event, you risk making an expensive mistake when you settle — an expensive lesson I learned when I opted for the Aqua Terra because I couldn’t get my hands on a Milgauss at the time. Ended up with two Milgauss and just sold the AT at a massive loss.

If you’ve got a year, an OP or DJ should be realistic goals within that timeframe…especially if you tell the AD it’s to mark a life event — that sometimes moves the needle. On the secondary market right now you should be able to get those models at around or close to retail, so this will be the right time to buy if the AD doesn’t come through.

Whatever you do, avoid Rolex Certified Preowned — it’s daylight robbery!

Crazy idea…which one do YOU like the most? Trust me, you’re less likely to dump it if you picked it yourself (ask me how I know…)

I'd pick the Mil gauss. Probably my favorite Rolex and definitely the most distinct while still being good looking

Explorer 2 for sure

Explorer 1 … one and done … great first piece for all occasions and then grow from there

salmon date just!

I have a polar Explorer II 226570 with the matte dial & hands and the Milgauss 116400GV. You really can’t go wrong with either.

Milgauss, those lightning cannot be mistaken with anything. Hopefuly you are an engineer to go along with the cred.

This is so easy, my favorite modern Rolex is (drum roll, please), Milgauss. Not even close. It a unique watch; unfortunately for the Explorer (I or II) it has become so ubiquitous that it now looks sorta boring to me. That is unless you super splurge and buy a vintage Explorer II ref 1655 (now that’s a watch). But not in the budget for most folks.

explorer 2 for me it’s amazing design and one of the best white dials for me personally

Explorer 2