[Dollface]

I’m on the so called “interest list” with a local Rolex AD for an OP 31, silver dial. I want a simple mechanical watch that I can wear every day, that will work and last for 30 years, and will go with everything. It’s only been a few weeks but already I can feel myself getting twitchy and annoyed- I mean, I have the money, I’ve shopped in the store for 20 years, using their repairs department too, and I don’t believe the ladies sizes to be that sought after. This randomness in allocation doesn’t sit well with me, I understand that Rolex want to create a “scarcity” but surely they could make watches to order?

Anyway, what would be the best alternative suggestions if I’m still here in 12 months? I’m looking for high quality and a 30-32mm dial diameter.

 

[vkalia]

If you are ok used, check for some Breguets - there are some amazing used variants in that dial size, selling for (relative) peanuts. Or a Blancpain Lemans.

 

[bigclive2011]

Best advice is wait for the watch you really want….the small cased Rolex are available, try some other AD’s.

 

[ffritz]

Any mechanical watch with a quality movement will work for 30 years if serviced from time to time. This is by no means a unique Rolex feature.

In that small size, maybe the closest competitor of the OP 31 would be the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra in 30 or 34mm?

 

[afhover08]

TBH, the one you like best after trying them on. No one else's opinion on it matters but tours. I think Omega is hard to beat for the money and an Aqua Terra or Deville would be great. The Grand Seiko snowflake I another awesome option.

 

[oprhodium39]

If someone asks for high quality ladies watch, my first answer would be Cartier.

 

[Dollface]

Any mechanical watch with a quality movement will work for 30 years if serviced from time to time. This is by no means a unique Rolex feature.

In that small size, maybe the closest competitor of the OP 31 would be the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra in 30 or 34mm?

I like that one very much, thank you!

 

[Dollface]

If someone asks for high quality ladies watch, my first answer would be Cartier.

I have a quartz Tank, which I love, but it feels more dressy and maybe not for daily wear.

 

[Moonshine Runner]

[…]
This randomness in allocation doesn’t sit well with me, I understand that Rolex want to create a “scarcity” but surely they could make watches to order?
[…]

Rolex produces and sells about 1,000,000 watches per year, which is about as many as Omega (780,000) and Tudor (210,000) combined. Since the production of luxury watches cannot be ramped up from one moment to the next due to limited resources, especially a lack of qualified watchmakers, I don't understand why the rumor is so persistent that Rolex would artificially tighten its production – quite apart from the fact that a production to order is completely illusory.

By the way, the best alternative for a Rolex that I can't get would be the watch that I like best, and to find out which one that is, I would go to the watch dealer and / or have a thorough look around C24 and the various manufacturer websites.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Plenty of options in that price range. JLC would be my first look.

 

[bth1234]

You don't need a Rolex to last 30 years. What you want is to pick a classic design that you think might still be attractive to wear in 30 years. Some designs can get dated.

 

[Emphasis]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought an OP 31 would be one of the easier Rolex models to get your hands on? Perhaps trying a different AD would be helpful if you're set on getting that particular watch.

 

[JMVNYC]

Best advice is wait for the watch you really want….the small cased Rolex are available, try some other AD’s.

This. Not hard to get at all. Got one for my mother in law. Walked in and it was in stock at the AD in New Orleans. Was told less than a month home
In New Orleans - getting one for my niece for high school graduation. Great watches at a great price in my opinion.

as a whole I think Rolex is a great deal at msrp. Not a good deal at gray market prices.

 

[One-Seventy]

I’m on the so called “interest list” with a local Rolex AD for an OP 31, silver dial. I want a simple mechanical watch that I can wear every day, that will work and last for 30 years, and will go with everything. It’s only been a few weeks but already I can feel myself getting twitchy and annoyed- I mean, I have the money, I’ve shopped in the store for 20 years, using their repairs department too, and I don’t believe the ladies sizes to be that sought after. This randomness in allocation doesn’t sit well with me, I understand that Rolex want to create a “scarcity” but surely they could make watches to order?

Anyway, what would be the best alternative suggestions if I’m still here in 12 months? I’m looking for high quality and a 30-32mm dial diameter.

Perhaps it's not what you meant but your question implies the Rolex is not considered primarily a "watch", which may be quite an accurate statement for some Rolex buyers .

Being on an eternal waitlist for a midsized DJ just shows how little the store thinks of you. Buy a watch from a good - arguably better - watchmaker, such as JLC or Omega. Also, anything will last 30, 40, 50 years or more if it's looked after. As other have said, you don't need a Rolex for longevity. A Tissot will easily outlast you if you look after it.

 

[thx67]

Hold out for the Rolex. If youve found a decent AD you wont be waiting long. My AD have a handful in store for purchase although theyre marked as "exhibition only". Just keep putting your head round the door now and then to let them know youre still wanting one as the ADs get hundreds of Rolex enquiries each day and they dont have the time to wade though a list of callers as most of them are just casual walk by enquiries. Best of luck

 

[Pongster]

I’m on the so called “interest list” with a local Rolex AD for an OP 31, silver dial. I want a simple mechanical watch that I can wear every day, that will work and last for 30 years, and will go with everything. It’s only been a few weeks but already I can feel myself getting twitchy and annoyed- I mean, I have the money, I’ve shopped in the store for 20 years, using their repairs department too, and I don’t believe the ladies sizes to be that sought after. This randomness in allocation doesn’t sit well with me, I understand that Rolex want to create a “scarcity” but surely they could make watches to order?

Anyway, what would be the best alternative suggestions if I’m still here in 12 months? I’m looking for high quality and a 30-32mm dial diameter.

I dont think Rolex SA itself created the scarcity. They have been churning out a million or so watches annually.

and Rolex watches are readily available new. Just not at retail at ADs.

 

[blondie]

Cartier and JLC come to mind.

 

[Spikemauler]

Omega AT

 

[FBPB]

Omega Constellation Globemaster

 

[Dollface]

You don't need a Rolex to last 30 years. What you want is to pick a classic design that you think might still be attractive to wear in 30 years. Some designs can get dated.

This is very true! I think the OP is plain enough to last that long?