Men’s Rolex - recommendations needed

[Veecheaux]

Hi Folks,

My husband and I were gifted his and hers Rolexes (gold and stainless Oyster model) as an engagement present from my parents in 1993. My husband never really took to his (finding it heavy and uncomfortable), and the watch was left in its original box on a shelf for years—until Hurricane Katrina, when it was stolen from our house after evacuating. We now have our own soon-to-be son-in-law we are looking to gift a Rolex to, or any like-brand watch. A quality timepiece that holds its value, but should be lighter in weight than the Rolex Oyster. I would appreciate any and all recommendations.

A New Orleanian

[Napoleon]

I don’t think you’ll find too many that wear lighter than that (assume it was a Datejust model)… but a full stainless steel Datejust model on jubilee bracelet feel very slightly lighter. Another option would be a 36mm Explorer.

[MichelleP]

How about a Date-Just with a Jubilee bracelet? Although I don't think your soon to be son-in-law will find a Rolex with Oyster bracelet too heavy so a Sub would be a a good choice

[996marty]

All of my favourite watches are sports watches and are either Rolex or vintage Tudor and have held their value or increased because I’ve had them years but that’s not a guarantee that always happens. A five digit Rolex watch is a good size in my opinion

[BillA]

How big is he? A 36mm might not be the right size.
Secondly, getting a new Rolex has its difficulties as you probably know, but you could go grey market and pay a premium, up to you. Of course there are other brands.
Finally, picking out a watch to satisfy his taste could be tough. If you still want to go this route, maybe you could drop some hints and see his reaction. For all you know, he may not like wearing a watch. I know many married men who wear neither their wedding band nor a watch.
Just re-read your post, you want something lightweight, perhaps look at Cartier, they have beautiful pieces and lightweight.

[Cauhauna]

The correct answer is Submariner Date.

This is one of the most iconic watches of all time, will never go out of style, and can be worn for any occasion.

[kilyung]

Titanium Tudor Pelagos

[Calatrava r]

Sorry to hear your husband's Rolex did not suit him and was later stolen being unworn. The new Rolex are actually heavier with the solid links. You may to check out other brands.

Welcome to the Forum.

[joli160]

Definitely stick to Rolex and a SS Submariner is a great choice. Rolex is the brand to go to. By no means is a SS Submariner heavy. Full gold ones are heavy.

A new one cannot be bought from an AD without a long waiting game and everything that comes with it.
Check out the boutique sellers in the for sale section on TRF and buy a new unworn 126610 from them. It’s a small premium for a lifetime enjoyment and a drama free buying experience.
Personally I would never gift anything second hand so previous models are out of the equation.

[ratty]

I think your husband's experience is relevant here. He was gifted a watch he didn't want and didn't wear by the sound of this, are you sure you want to do the same to your son in law?

I know it takes the surprise out of things, but it might be better to ask if he actually wants a watch as a gift.

[codecow]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Titanium Tudor Pelagos

This is a great answer, I was waiting for someone to chime in on titanium. You get the “big” look without the big weight. Unfortunately the Rolex YM titanium will not be easy to get, so this is a great option.

[KatGirl]

Just because your husband had an issue, with the weight of his Rolex, years ago, does not mean your son-in-law will. If I were to pick out a Rolex, without knowing a man’s taste, I’d get him the iconic black dial Submariner date. You really can’t go wrong with that choice. A 41 mm Datejust is another good choice, but a dressier piece, and a younger guys might consider it a bit old fashioned.

Kat


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[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by Cauhauna

The correct answer is Submariner Date.

This is one of the most iconic watches of all time, will never go out of style, and can be worn for any occasion.

I’d go Submariner, no date but that’s a personal preference because I have other Rolex watches with a date complication.

If you want light, other than the brand new titanium yacht master, which is presently extremely difficult to find,, Rolex isn’t your brand unless you don’t get a metal bracelet

Rolex offers watches on leather straps and also a rubber type called Oysterflex. They are substantially less heavy.

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by ratty

I think your husband's experience is relevant here. He was gifted a watch he didn't want and didn't wear by the sound of this, are you sure you want to do the same to your son in law?

I know it takes the surprise out of things, but it might be better to ask if he actually wants a watch as a gift.

This…

Obviously a lot of guys here have many watches, but there are also “one watch” guys….some opt for the sporty Submariner and GMTs, and others are DateJust guys. Either line is perfect. As you mentioned weight, I’m sticking with the SS lines. But, of course, there is the SkyDweller, which mixes sport and classic lines, and the Day Date, Daytona, etc.

My husband has a Submariner and a GMT. He loves them both, and I know he has no desire for a DateJust. If I gifted him a Day Date, I’m certain he wouldn’t wear it. A friend is a major Rolex collector, and he pretty much sticks with the sportier watches as well. I know another guy who absolutely loves his rose gold SkyDweller, and has no interest in the sports watches.

That being said, if I were tasked with buying a Rolex for a guy under 35 today, I’d go with the SS Submariner. I think it would have the highest success rate.

[Rolex1982]

I would go for the sub no date. Very elegant balanced watch which is timeless and will always be in style.

Happy hunting for your son in law!

[77T]

Originally Posted by Veecheaux

A quality timepiece that holds its value, but should be lighter in weight than the Rolex Oyster. I would appreciate any and all recommendations.

Welcome to the forum.

Coming in at half the weight of a 41 mm Oyster Perpetual is the new Yacht-Master 42mm in Titanium.




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[TBS]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Titanium Tudor Pelagos

I second the Pelagos. Great watches.

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[xrole]

Originally Posted by Veecheaux

Hi Folks,

My husband and I were gifted his and hers Rolexes (gold and stainless Oyster model) as an engagement present from my parents in 1993. My husband never really took to his (finding it heavy and uncomfortable), and the watch was left in its original box on a shelf for years—until Hurricane Katrina, when it was stolen from our house after evacuating. We now have our own soon-to-be son-in-law we are looking to gift a Rolex to, or any like-brand watch. A quality timepiece that holds its value, but should be lighter in weight than the Rolex Oyster. I would appreciate any and all recommendations.

A New Orleanian

OP I am sorry but unless your son-in-law is already loaded then I would not buy them a Rolex, just give them cash instead. Starting a new marriage is tough and expensive and everything costs money such as houses, cars, honeymoons. Having 6-12k trapped inside a Rolex may be of great sentimental value TO YOU (it's your emotion driving this purchase), but it will likely be impractical for him and your daughter. Give them money to spend.

Originally Posted by ratty

I think your husband's experience is relevant here. He was gifted a watch he didn't want and didn't wear by the sound of this, are you sure you want to do the same to your son in law?

I know it takes the surprise out of things, but it might be better to ask if he actually wants a watch as a gift.

How does her husbands experience translate to her future son in laws? They are not the same person.

[Dodgertwin]

I’d recommend the titanium Tudor Pelagos 39. By far the lightest watch I have that can work in both casual or dressy situations. It doesn’t break the bank at $4.7K.

[Little machines]

Submariner!

[jamesbondOO7]

The most comfortable of all Rolexes would be this one, the 16570.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

Rolex, mechanical watches are heavy(relatively speaking) unless they are made from titanium as others have pointed out.

[THC]

Originally Posted by Veecheaux

Hi Folks,

My husband and I were gifted his and hers Rolexes (gold and stainless Oyster model) as an engagement present from my parents in 1993. My husband never really took to his (finding it heavy and uncomfortable), and the watch was left in its original box on a shelf for years—until Hurricane Katrina, when it was stolen from our house after evacuating. We now have our own soon-to-be son-in-law we are looking to gift a Rolex to, or any like-brand watch. A quality timepiece that holds its value, but should be lighter in weight than the Rolex Oyster. I would appreciate any and all recommendations.

A New Orleanian

Howdy, Neighbor… Happy Mardi Gras // welcome to TRF

I echo the Submariner

[travisb]

Maybe a SS Datejust on jubilee bracelet? Wears smaller and lighter and can be used in any and all situations.

[TinFoilCat]

If it is weight that matters then titanium is a good option, like others have said, the Tudor Pelagos is a great watch and the 39mm model would work if he has a smaller wrist…. I would be a little surprised though of the SS Sub was too heavy, it wears beautifully and is such an icon that it will never look old or out of place.

[ratty]

Originally Posted by xrole

...

How does her husbands experience translate to her future son in laws? They are not the same person.

Don't you try to learn from other people's experiences?

[EmJay]

36mm datejust on jubilee

[Flypanam]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Titanium Tudor Pelagos

This is a good consideration, especially for the lightness. The 42mm Pelagos is on the larger size and looks very much like a tool watch. I have one and love it, but it's not exactly versatile. The newer 39mm Pelagos would be a good option for OP if weight is a real concern.

In terms of the titanium yachtmaster that was mentioned... lol. Good luck getting one of those from an AD or elsewhere for anywhere near retail.

Originally Posted by Cauhauna

The correct answer is Submariner Date.

This is one of the most iconic watches of all time, will never go out of style, and can be worn for any occasion.

Agree with this as an option, especially a 5 digit sub. The newer ones are wonderful, but in terms of a wearable size, great versatility, and charming looks I think a neo-vintage sub or sub date in good condition with a recent service is awesome. You can wear one anywhere, and though it's not a dress watch, popular opinion is that it looks good in a formal setting. Although... I guess I'm biased.

A datejust is another good option, though it does look more dressy. It can absolutely be a daily-wearer depending on one's style.

[codecow]

Another decent watch would be a Tudor Black Bay ceramic. Ceramic case with a strap is going to be light.

[xrole]

Originally Posted by ratty

Don't you try to learn from other people's experiences?

Not when it comes to things that are entirely personal and subjective, no.