First off, the year 2000. Y2K scare, the whole shebang. But Rolex was just chugging along, making some seriously iconic pieces. Think Submariners, GMT-Masters… stuff that still looks killer today. You can find these online, usually for a pretty penny, but hey, it’s a Rolex. What do you expect, right?
I saw this one ad, right? A Submariner Non-Date, black dial, from 2000. They’re saying “usually dispatched within 24 hours.” Like, okay, cool, but who are they kidding? It’s a Submariner. It’ll be gone faster than free pizza at a college campus. I mean, these are timeless designs. I like the non-date, myself. Nice and clean.
And then there’s all this other stuff. Rolex’s official site talking about their “Mentor and Protégés Arts Initiative.” Which, okay, good for them. But honestly, when I’m looking at a 2000 Submariner, I’m not *really* thinking about art initiatives. I’m thinking about James Bond and how awesome that watch would look on my wrist. I mean, let’s be real.
What’s interesting, too, is how the “vibe” of watches kinda shifted around that time. The 2000s was like a bridge, ya know? Between classic and, well, whatever you wanna call what’s going on now. We were getting into this whole digital thing, but people still appreciated a well-made, analog watch. A Rolex from that era kinda embodies that tension, that mix of old-school craftsmanship and a modern world starting to bloom.
I also saw an ad for “luxury watches under $2,000.” And then in the same breath they are talking about Rolex. Like, good luck finding a *real* Rolex for under 2 grand these days, unless it’s beat to absolute hell and back. Maybe a ladies Datejust? But even then, it’s a stretch. They were also talking about used watches, so I guess that could work.
Oh! And this Jorg guy, taking a gander at the best Rolexes of the 2000s… I’d be curious to see *his* list. My guess? A GMT-Master II would definitely be in there. Those things are just gorgeous. And probably a Submariner, duh.
