What is "entry level" Rolex?!
I have seen on forums and people talk about "entry level" Rolex models and I am genuinely intrigued and want to hear fellow Crunchers' take on what you consider as "entry level" models.
I find it interesting because - aside from 'Oyster Perpetual' models - I read the 'Explorer' or 'DateJust' being a good "entry level" but in what sense, exactly?
Pricing-wise, the Two-Tone Explorer 36 is, in fact, pricier than say a Stainless-Steel GMT Master II:
And then, the DateJust 36 can go up all the way into lower-mid level range within the entire Rolex line-up:
And then, obviously, there is the base Stainless Steel Submariner just for reference:
Like, I am not naive and completely acknowledge that GMT-Master II and Submariner isn't something you can just easily walk into an AD and grab one but just curious as to what/how people categorise "entry level" when recommending a Rolex timepiece!
Thanks for reading 🤗
Commenced watch collecting in late 2022 when I began looking for an "accomplishment" timepiece. I am quickly realising how dangerous this hobby is as it can be very addictive!
Take a look at the AirKing 126900 - i would say that this is an entry level Rolex
To me the word “entry-level” means “least expensive” rather than how complicated (or not) the piece is. I wouldn’t consider anything precious metal entry-level. Rolex would be OP and stainless steel versions of the Datejust.
People tend to use the term for the OP, Airking or Explorer. So to me, the common understanding is based on price. But they all have the same movement as the Sub and Sea Dweller. They just have the added complication of a timing bezel and a Glidelock in the clasp; both of which add to the price. Precious metals do the same.
Take a look at the AirKing 126900 - i would say that this is an entry level Rolex
Not sure why but the Rolex line-up, in the Australian website at least, I can't see the AirKing....... 🤔
Not sure why but the Rolex line-up, in the Australian website at least, I can't see the AirKing....... 🤔
Entry level = (neo)vintage.
To me the word “entry-level” means “least expensive” rather than how complicated (or not) the piece is. I wouldn’t consider anything precious metal entry-level. Rolex would be OP and stainless steel versions of the Datejust.
that’s my opinion too! 👌🏽
OPs and SS DJs
Entry level is a bit more literal when it comes to Rolex. The watches that they allocate to first time buyers to ‘enter’ into the Rolex world before being able to acquire the more in demand sports models i.e. GMT II, Skydweller, Daytona etc.
Generally these are OPs, steel DJs and Explorers.
The irony is you can walk in and buy most precious metal high ticket items such as gold or two tone watches as these shift slower, so an eager AD will sell without any prior history.
Entry level is a bit more literal when it comes to Rolex. The watches that they allocate to first time buyers to ‘enter’ into the Rolex world before being able to acquire the more in demand sports models i.e. GMT II, Skydweller, Daytona etc.
Generally these are OPs, steel DJs and Explorers.
The irony is you can walk in and buy most precious metal high ticket items such as gold or two tone watches as these shift slower, so an eager AD will sell without any prior history.
Yeah, pretty much everything you've said I agree... what I do find interesting, then, is specifically the Explorer II (Black or White) because it really is Rolex's "entry" Stainless Steel GMT watch but price-wise it is above Stainless Steel Submariner and somewhat not easily attainable at the AD 🤔
The phrase "entry level" doesn't mean anything when it comes to watches. In the literal sense it refers to the floor where the entrance is located. So a priori it makes more sense to talk about the entry level of the building where the Rolex store is located than to talk about entry level in the context of a product catalog.
In effect, you are asking for a definition. A definition for a term that nobody can agree upon what it's supposed to mean, let alone assign a watch to such an interpretation.
Let's say we agree that it's supposed to mean "the easiest point of entry". It could be:
The easiest watch to get from the store: solid gold lady datejust or the like
The cheapest one: steel oyster perpetual or plain explorer
The cheapest watch you can find with no wait at an authorised retailer by checking in your area: likely a two-tone datejust, or two-tone sports model
That still spans almost the entire catalog because "easy" is a loose term. In mathematics these sorts of problems are called ill-posed. It is recommended not to make any attempts at a solution unless you can provide a decent set of prior assumptions. It is how I think we should treat the "entry level watches" issue...
The phrase "entry level" doesn't mean anything when it comes to watches. In the literal sense it refers to the floor where the entrance is located. So a priori it makes more sense to talk about the entry level of the building where the Rolex store is located than to talk about entry level in the context of a product catalog.
In effect, you are asking for a definition. A definition for a term that nobody can agree upon what it's supposed to mean, let alone assign a watch to such an interpretation.
Let's say we agree that it's supposed to mean "the easiest point of entry". It could be:
The easiest watch to get from the store: solid gold lady datejust or the like
The cheapest one: steel oyster perpetual or plain explorer
The cheapest watch you can find with no wait at an authorised retailer by checking in your area: likely a two-tone datejust, or two-tone sports model
That still spans almost the entire catalog because "easy" is a loose term. In mathematics these sorts of problems are called ill-posed. It is recommended not to make any attempts at a solution unless you can provide a decent set of prior assumptions. It is how I think we should treat the "entry level watches" issue...
Yeah, I see what you mean... kinda like discussing "what is a luxury watch" never ending I guess 😅
Yeah, pretty much everything you've said I agree... what I do find interesting, then, is specifically the Explorer II (Black or White) because it really is Rolex's "entry" Stainless Steel GMT watch but price-wise it is above Stainless Steel Submariner and somewhat not easily attainable at the AD 🤔
The Exp 2 is still a steel sports model so I wouldn’t put that in the Rolex entry level group.
Entry level Rolex are the watches the AD may sell you without purchasing history. You could say it's the less popular models and odd sizes that aren't as in demand as the Sub, GMT or Daytona.
Although, to some people, an OP is the best Rolex and the only design they might want, so it's unfortunate that "entry level" always carries a derogatory connotation.
That would be the cheapest.
for me, an entry level watch is a watch that a person can afford to buy in order to access a brand. I have no doubt that for some people $100,000 would be considered entry level. For others it would be a lot less.
I'd consider the OP entry. I don't believe there are upgrade options, as there are on the DJ. Before 2007, it was the AK.
Nothing, because you don’t get „entry“
Stainless Steel OP.
Yes ditto Stainless Steel OP. Cheapest and most available
Nothing, because you don’t get „entry“
I saw your profile, looks like you know your GS stuff! Once GS boutique opens where I am (because I am looking to get one) maybe you can give me some advice 😅
Entry level Rolex are the watches the AD may sell you without purchasing history. You could say it's the less popular models and odd sizes that aren't as in demand as the Sub, GMT or Daytona.
Although, to some people, an OP is the best Rolex and the only design they might want, so it's unfortunate that "entry level" always carries a derogatory connotation.
For new customers, these things were the entry-level from the AD's point of view. 🤣 That is until they were unironically discontinued.
OP and steel DJ are considered entry level Rolex
It's the Rolex AD will allow (require) you to buy before they'll "allow" to be put on the wait list for the one you actually want.
An Oyster Perpetual in its cheapest configuration
I despise the phrase “entry level”. It’s used by people to justify snobbery and one upmanship, especially when used by people selling you something!
Nothing remotely entry level about a Rolex or any 5k plus watch FFS…
Perspective.
I despise the phrase “entry level”. It’s used by people to justify snobbery and one upmanship, especially when used by people selling you something!
Nothing remotely entry level about a Rolex or any 5k plus watch FFS…
Perspective.
I get where you are coming from but as fellow Cruncher has said "entry level" could be defined as whatever the AD offers you without any purchase history like a full precious metal variants 🙂 could be anything it sounds like!
I get where you are coming from but as fellow Cruncher has said "entry level" could be defined as whatever the AD offers you without any purchase history like a full precious metal variants 🙂 could be anything it sounds like!
Sure there’s always context… but most of time it goes with snobbery.
Sure there’s always context… but most of time it goes with snobbery.
Well, sure, fair enough. For avoidance of any doubt, I'm not sure if you were insinuating that I was being snobby - for obviously starting this post - but I genuinely started because there seemed to be varying opinions as to what an "entry level" actually meant 🤷🏻♂️
Well, sure, fair enough. For avoidance of any doubt, I'm not sure if you were insinuating that I was being snobby - for obviously starting this post - but I genuinely started because there seemed to be varying opinions as to what an "entry level" actually meant 🤷🏻♂️
Nah not at all, I would have made it more obvious if I was aiming fire at you 😂