There's a huge problem with Rolex's entry level watch 

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Insane aftermarket prices & AD unavailability are such a turnoff to the Rolex brand.

Yep, this is exactly correct. Went to several Rolex stores in search of the OP and was literally laughed at. Was for a special occasion in my life and was pretty disappointed. Was given a deal on an omega lady seamaster aquaterra and have no regrets! It's been a wonderful everyday option and for me hit most of the boxes you mention in this video.

I wanted an OP36 once, for about 10 minutes. Then I was cured for good. It went something like this: 1. OP seems nice. 2. Check prices. 3. Double check these weren't for gold watches. 4. Checked what else was for sale at those prices. 5. Concluded I will never even consider any Rolex at these prices.

The overall major problem with this watch is, you can't buy it. All Rolex watches have a 2 year wait list around where I live, so I have decided not to buy Rolex.

I absolutely love this OP. I've always found other Rolex watches to be a bit too flashy. There's something very classy about OP's understated looks. Also the pink dial is very elegant.

I'm sorry I love Rolex but they are getting out of hand. People are paying 8 to 10k in some cases for a 36mm watch with no complications. I suppose as long as people are dumb enough to pay such an amount they will keep cranking that price up. But at this point it's just beyond ridiculous. There is nothing special about it other than getting ripped off. For 10k you could get something really nice from JLC, Breguet, Omega, Zenith just to name a few. And they will give you a lot more bang for your buck than the OP. I like the OP and think it's a great little watch. But for the current price people really are paying into the advertising hype and nothing else.

This feels like the old Jenni Elle videos that I love! Not to say that I don't like the more recent ones, but I think the best ones are with Jenni just being honest, enthusiastic, and have a little bit of comedy which she does so well :)

"We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object, and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion, and run after it, till their attention is caught by some new folly more captivating than the first." I wouldn't call Rolex a folly by any means. Their products are genuinely high quality and have inherent value, but the fixation on them in recent years suggests a "madness of the crowds" event, which hopefully will die down sooner or later. Maybe there'll be a new Tesla or something next year...

Rolex today has become a caricature of itself. And the way they revitalized Tudor as a means of pushing Rolex’s prices even higher without doing anything else is simply a joke. Too many people want to be fooled.

I've been wearing a 36mm for over a year now, it's a great size. The Breitling Chronomat 36 is a more accessible alternative to the OP, and also features a date and timer bezel. The bracelet is quite blingy for a man, as is Breitling's way, but it's good for certain occasions and is not integrated.

I so agree woth EVERYTHING said here Jenni! Perfect in depth assessment of this watch. The sad thing about Rolex is you can’t even get the entry level pieces anymore. 😅🤦🏻‍♀️ sad time to be a Rolex fan girl.

The watch I wear the most is my medium Cartier Santos. In addition to its history and versatility, it has a quick-release system at the lugs so I can swap out the bracelet with a leather strap without any tools or even putting on my glasses.

I was buying an OP36 as a GADA watch. There is no dealer where I live, so I contacted the 3 ADS farther away. One did not respond at all, one told that you might get on the waiting list if you come to visit (distance is 500km) and one said wait to be about 2 years. It is not AD’s fault they don’t have watches but I felt like stupid when I even made a mistake asking about them. If I spend € 5,000 on a watch I also want a pleasant experience. I don’t start praying and building special relationships. If luxury is this then it is not for me.Let Rolex sell their watches to others. I can find at least as nice watches for the same money. People are too hyped about Rolex and many are just thinking value going up. For people who don’t know much about watches, Rolex is the only brand. I prefer to be less noticeable and buy something completely different.

My most worn watch in the collection is the Rolex AirKing. I just love the ‘odd’ dial and it’s so so comfortable. I’ve got dings snd scratches on it also that just adds to it being mine.

I love 36mm watches (IBWC represent!) and love the look of the OP but my local AD didn't have any and I didn't want to buy the previous gen model to get a reasonable price. So instead I ordered a Traska Commuter and got a Longines Legend Diver in 36mm in the meantime!

Hello Jenni!! Earlier in this year my adult niece wanted the Candy pink OP. It just wasn't available, but the dealer was extremely helpful, and we got the Black dial, which she has grown into liking very much. It's funny, a few years ago, I called the dealer to buy my "annual" Rolex purchase. The dealer said they had a white and a black OP39. I reluctantly chose the white one. Now, I am so glad I got that model. Looking forward to your shop opening, Jenni. Best, Randy-Illinois

I recently reached out to an authorized dealer in regards to the OP 41 with a black dial. Upon my request, I was informed that all future watches we’re already spoken for and was not given an option to be added to a list. It has become borderline impossible to even get into Rolex with an AD that you have no relationship with, for a watch that isn’t even a “professional” watch. I will still be trying to get this watch but it is disappointing to see this is how they do business now.

It is ridiculous to pay €15000 for an OP. For that money you can buy an Omega AT, SMP and a PO that’s on par quality wise and better looking in my opinion. For some it’s most important to have a rolex no matter what.

That pink OP is outstanding. Great balance and color. Would love to pick one up for my better half, but not at the inflated triple retail market prices. That said, for me, the one watch to own if only had one would be the Datejust. Close in design, aesthetic, size and price but an added useful complication.

Loved the thumbnail 😃 Also yes, 36mm is a great size. I recently saw the 36mm and the 41mm OP with the mint dial in a grey dealer’s shop window. The 41mm is really too large for this design.

If Rolex is going to continue engaging in this sales strategy, they may as well start charging what the second-hand market is charging, and make the money themselves. Why kid everyone?

I was recently shocked to see the 41mm "Tiffany blue" OP going for (and selling at) just over $18K, which is 3 times retail. It's just insane. We're already seeing the growth of non-Rolex brands in the market as people cannot get Rolex watches. My Rolex AD said they had 3 women's watches in the whole store, and it's been pretty much like that for the last 3 years. I wonder how that will impact the brand in the long run as people may become loyal to those alternate brands.

Jenni, thank you for the video. Always appreciate the quality, content, and formula of your reviews. I agree with you and thank your for calling out some of the concerns I had about features of the OP, especially compared with the 36 Explorer, which I was fortunate to get from my AD instead of the OP. I do prefer both the smooth bezel of the explorer and the safety clasp, neither of which are in the OP. The bezel and the sides are indeed scratch magnets but I tell myself it adds to the character. The movement is amazing: I’m averaging still within +/- 5 per month. On your negative point, I would encourage viewers to be patient. Indeed the Omega or a Tudor are readily available but by waiting and through genuine interest to build a relationship with an AD they will likely receive the Rolex they’re looking for. I also like the size and lack of date cyclops that are common between the OP and Explorer: these help them to be a more conservative flex than wearing a DJ or larger Sub that can get some negative attention.

I have to agree about long power reserve being a factor in what gets worn. It's Seiko SARB033 (it often gets compared to Rolex Date and comes out on top when price is considered), with 50 hour power reserve, the classic Rolex alternative for

Jenni you nailed it! I wish Rolex would shift production to get the OP color dials into its ADs for new buyers to the brand. Since Rolex isn’t inclined to do so I found other manufacturers that are far more affordable for every day watches.

Hey Jenni, great point that you made there and mirrors my own personal experience of buying the green dial OP 36 this summer. I tried getting on a waitlist for it myself at couple ADs, but understood that it would take years before I could get it. For an entry model it's just crazy. I decided had to play their game then - I asked a business partner of mine who has a great relationship with them to help me by putting in a good word (that I am a big horology fan etc.). Long story short, the watch arrived 2 months later this summer and I have been wearing it almost daily. Sometimes the joy of owning my first Rolex watch is soured by the memory of what I had to do to get it, so that is a shame.

One tip to avoid scratches and dings: Never wear rings on the opposite hand that are made of harder material then your watch. Since I work a lot with my hands, I bought a tungsten carbide ring, a small faceted piece that due to its natural darker colour and mirror polish sparkles like diamonds in every light. Thing is it is also almost as hard as a diamond and just a bit more heavy than gold. That becomes a problem just as soon as you casually brush the cuff away that is covering your watch. It hammers dents in every 316L steel watch I have owned since, with minimal effort. I first started noticing that my watches had these peculiar dings in precisely the same places. Too bad the ring had to go.

I’ve been on the “list” for almost two years. I’ve given up. Had a big birthday this year; 50. Pretty friendly with 3 of the salespeople, but they won’t even tell me if they ever get a Rolex in. Even just to say, yeah, they do come in. I told them I would take pretty much any model. During the last two years I have been loving my Omega Aqua Terra, Tudor BB58, Tudor Royal, a few Breitlings, etc. I refuse to pay aftermarket prices. There are too many wonderful watches out there to justify overpaying triple plus for a Rolex.

Tried to get an OP36 for my wife as a “push present” (first baby) at the end of 2020 - the AD dismissed me immediately and said they’d probably get more in February. That obvious never happened and they wouldn’t even put my name down or anything for one. Just silly.

Rolex just doing what Rolex does best, not giving a toss about consumers.

Honestly, the op is an entry level timepiece with a starting price over 5 thousand dollars...everything about it, from the feel to the look to the clasp screams entry level Rolex when compared to many other luxury timepieces in the same price point and therein lies the problem...buying an entry level time only watch for over 5k. Otherwise, if this didn't say Rolex, it would be worth about as much as a time only timex or seiko imo...

Jenni! Always love your videos, but the tour of the scratches in this video inspired me the most! I wear an Explorer and a Santos, and though I love them to death, I fall into the same category where I don't like my watched scratched (the whole adds character thing) but have to accept that it will just happen. These shiny bezels scratch if I just breathe on them the wrong way. Considering that Candy OP is one of your favourite in your collection, seeing you still love this piece after those impressive dents reminds me why I own these timepieces.

I’d be curious to know how these watches would be reviewed if 1,000 of them had all the branding replaced and they were sold as a new micro brand. It’s so hard to emotionally separate from the feeling of being “lucky” or “special” for being permitted to buy one that it’s tough to evaluate them objectively. Someone get a research grant… wait, they still couldn’t buy the watches…

It's going to be interesting, as a pure learning, to see if there's a limit to where you can take Rolex' strategy. Can they balance it or will people eventually move on? Because I see no end in sight for years to come. They just go stronger and stronger.

awesome points, much appreciated Jenni ! Currently on a waiting list for a 36 black OP as my first luxury watch purchase and watching as many videos as I can about it. Luckily I was able to find a local AD in Northern California that was willing to sit down with me and seemed very hopeful they could appropriate one to me in a few months. Fingers crossed!

Excellent take(s) on the OP 36! Agree with your pluses and minuses. Got mine four years ago at a right-priced $5500 US. Favorite and most worn of my 15 watch fleet. Highly recommend but not at scalper prices. Keep up the great work J-E!

I’d love to see a 40-41mm version of this for folks with larger wrist.

I don't think you can call ANY Rolex watch 'entry level'. It's absurd even to think this.

I have the white grape dial, I love it! Understated and exquisite!

Jenni, to answer your question, I love all my watches. As far as my favorite, I go back and forth between my blue Seamaster 300M, and my new Polar Exp II. I wanted the Seamaster for 25 years before I got it new last year, and it still exceeded expectations. The Polar, though, I just feel something different when I wear it. There is just something about it and sometimes I think it has overtaken the top spot in my collection. COuld be just the honeymoon phase, but I don't think so. The new Batman on jubilee (The Bruce Wayne) rounds out my top 3 in my collection.

5513 Submariner bought NOS in 91. On my wrist 30 years. Perfect one watch for about 25 years but now a bit too vintage for every day beating. I have an Omega Seamaster and Tudor GMT to take the heat if I am up to something rough and tumble.

The OP is a nice watch but not a special one, I would love to get one but I wont pay over MSRP. Omega Aqua Terra is a really good alternative with some nice dials and bracelet options with high end movement and excellent finishing that is on par with Rolex.

I have 2 watches that I just seem to fall back to. An Oris Big Crown Day/Date anniversary green dial in the bronze case, and a Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer. Both are really good, comfortable, easy to wear, and easy to read watches.

Jenni great video format. Can you highlight some of your others in your collection in the same way?

My one everyday watch is nomos club 36mm. Never had more accurate watch than this. It's only +5s a week! If you don't mind the simple design of the watch then it's probably the best value for your money.

These shots are amazing! Amazing video as always!

I wear a Yema Pearldiver on the week days and an Omega Speedmaster on the week ends. Sometimes I'd wear my Seiko 5 or my Vostok Amphibia. I think the Yema Pearldiver could very well be a one watch collection by itself. I just bought the new Yema Wristmaster Adventurer on Kickstarter and I'm looking forward wearing it on my wrist.

That's just borderline insane. A new 5000 euro watch for 14000? Who buys it for that ridiculous price? If I know that retail is 5000 I would never pay 3 times more. I would get myself another nice used 36mm for around 5000 euro.

I wear my Omega Seamaster as my everyday watch. I work in a warehouse, so it might get a few scratches. But it's meant to be a rough watch, and I try to be careful

"Simplistic dial without making it look boring"...👍 well understood Jenni. Because this is the hard part when making watches... not overloading them while making it just enough sophisticated.

After it got introduced I tried on some of the perpetuals and really liked the turquoise one. Only turn of was that I had to wait about 2 years to get one a day before my birthday J went back at my AD and saw the Tudor Royal day date in blue tried it on and went for it so far it is my most worn watch☺ In my opinion you cant go wrong with a Tudor it is affordable and even for my tiny wrist it sits perfectly

Five years ago, they couldn’t give an OP away.

The day Rolex makes enough watches to satisfy demand is the day many people suddenly realize they never actually wanted a Rolex, not all that much. Not being able to get one is what has people in a feeding frenzy. People don’t even care what Rolex they buy anymore as long as they have a Rolex. It’s not just a watch anymore, it’s a signal to others: “I am not just rich, but I am important.”

I got my OP41 bright blue last weekend after a 2 month wait. It would be nice to be able to pick one up same day, I totally agree, but I am glad I waited because I absolutely adore it. Love your videos!!

Agreed Jenni on the last point on buying. Cheers! time to got for Grand Seiko!!!!

Jenni I just wanted to let you know that I brought my 1st watch in 1970 it was a Rolex Submariner for around $250 dollars at the PX while serving with the Marine Corps. Still have it, it's retired like me.

Wish I could buy one. Guess I'll pick up a San Martin 36mm and imagine I'm wearing a Rolex. Awesome show as always.

Thank you for this video Jenni! Take care!

I really enjoy your channel, you have a nice style. Keep up the 👍 great work.

Another excellent video Jenni! In my opinion, I'd rather enjoy a watch and wear it vs. being worried if there's a scratch or ding here or there. It's all about how wearing it makes YOU feel and I call these watches with imperfections as "well loved". For people looking to flip a Rolex for investment purposes, yes, keep the watch in a safe and don't wear it, however the enjoyment factor is a big zero!

It’s a gorgeous watch and the pink dial really suits your arm. You shouldn’t, however, be paying any more than 4500eur for a watch of this calibre. That’s still a lot of money but you’re paying for a superb movement with a standard Rolex power reserve that most other brands cannot match. The power reserve is essentially why I love my Rolex Milgauss.

I've also been looking for an OP or an Explorer, but they're almost impossible to get at an AD. I'm now daily driving an Omega Constellation Globemaster (Blue dial on bracelet). The 39mm are sort of a sweet spot for me (although I don't doubt a 36mm OP would fit me perfectly as well) and I got it on the gray market at a fantastic price, even below OP retail. Now that I've been wearing it for the better part of a year, I wouldn't even swap it for an OP if I had the choice!

Love the video quality in your videos!

I agree. If you can’t buy one, then it isn’t a great entry level watch or any level watch.

My everyday watch is an orient mako II. In reality, it's probably +- 2s a week. I'm over Rolex. My next watch will be either a Tudor GMT (M79830RB-0001) or a Grand Seiko.

So well observed, and I can recall your undiluted joy in the former video as you opened the Rolex BOX. A significant purchase should be an enjoyable experience and not a dismal memory. For the time being I will take pleasure in looking at your Candy pink Oyster Perpetual...one day, post covid sanity may prevail and I will see an OP in a window at recommended retail price.

I have the OP 36mm, decent watch with a great bracelet. I also have the Omega Aqua Terra. The Omega has a better movement, water resistance, anti-magnetism, detailing on the case dial. It has a clear case back with detailing on the movement. Summary, Rolex makes the best bracelets. Nearly forgot & the easiest to scratch steel.

Seems in mint condition. Are you sure you wear it? :-) very good piece of content as always and congrats for the 200k

Thank you Jenni. This is a good video and in the same time it is disapointing. What you pointed out as "pro/cons" are real. And for this price and prestige, there shouldn't have any cons (exept the price itself) Then, the last point is the one that just happen to me. I went at my regularly shop, and I said "I would like to check what kind of watches could be perfect for my next birthday. And as it is a decade pointbreak, I am thinking about getting a Rolex." He didn't even tried to escape about the bad point. He told me, "Oh, if you want one, it will be for the next decade birthday !" And that's all, I've not seen any one at the end. So, I am not willing to get one anymore even if I could go to the second hand market.

I absolutely love your channel. You do an amazing job of telling the facts about a watch while making it interesting. Thank you for all that you do.

Beautiful timepiece and great review (as always), Jenni. Vielen Dank!

Honestly I stopped considering Rolex for Any watch less than $15000 USD. I want to pay retail prices and with Rolex there is no way. I’d rather buy 3 watches from Omega, Breitling, IWC, Tudor or Panerai and be fully contented with what I bought.

I have the Tudor BB36 with the silver dial. It has an ETA movement rather than an in-house, but in every other way it is a perfect watch. the 36mm is a great size, as I've aged my wrist size has declined. The watch keeps excellent time and the finish is fantastic. The watch is perfect for everyday, and I didn't have to wait for years on a list for the chance to buy one.

I really enjoy my OP 41 Black for many of the reasons that Jenni mentions. 1. It is simple (classic) without being boring. I bought and wear this watch for me. It really does fly under the radar in the town I live. 2. Mostly brushed so I can wear it without the worry of polished areas to scratch. Just like Jenni, mine has held up well. 3. Keeps time within a couple seconds per day. Do wish it had a micro adjust clasp. I find that I adjust my Seamaster at least daily for that perfect fit. Cannot get that with my OP. I was very fortunate that I have such a great local AD. Took about six months with monthly visits for it to be my turn. Feel very greatfull. This one is a keeper for me.

Great video, I love the OP. So much so that I have 2, the Coral Red and Turquoise. I rotate my watches but my DD and WG GMT Meteorite get a once a week wear. I like to wear the OP's on weekends.

When you got this watch, it brought tears to my eyes with that lovely story. I had hoped to get one for my wife. Sadly, then, when I actually started pondering a Rolex I learned how impossible it is to buy one. As such, she is getting a GO seaq instead.

Simple solution - buy an older version 😉 I just bought a 1965 OP with a tropical dial for £2,700 and it's beautiful and will definitely last me a lifetime. Surprising how a 34mm watch can look so good on a big guy like me.

Great video! I love the 39mm 114300 polar dial OP!

Regarding the scratch concern, I watched a video by US Army Ranger who was given a Rolex by his uncle when he finished his training. The uncle pointed out that the young soldier paid nothing for it, and was told to 'treat it that way'. That Rolex lasted him through years of rough service and looked it.

I actually compared an OP with a Grand Seiko SBGM 221 in terms of finishing. The GS trounced it. I used a loupe.

The biggest problem with the OP is that GS exists.

My 2019 36mm white dial OP is my favorite watch but doens't get the most wrist time since work remote most days. My main wear is a Gshock 5600 since it's my gym watch.

Thanks for the Video. About the last point, I have to say it's quite something. I have been to several AD, including a Rolex store. They were always very welcoming and taking the time to explain the situation...I have to say they always seem very confused with the situation but nobody ever laughed at me for asking. Most of the store only have exotic model that they can actually sell such as full gold with diamonds and mother of pearls...alright that's quite different from what I am looking for (and frankly totally out of my budget anyway). The Rolex store was the only one that actually had the watches in the store (several steel datejusts 36 and 41 + several steel OP 36) but the commercial insisted, very politely, on the fact that they were just here for showcasing and that they have 0 stock. I asked if there was at least a way to try a few ones on the wrist to see how they look...but that was also complicated. Even if I wanted to be on a wishlist...how am I supposed to commit to spending thousands of euros on something I never actually tried or saw? I stayed a bit in the store and everybody was told the exact same thing about any watch they were asking about. On the other hand, in the Omega boutiques you are welcome to try any of their model. I tried 5 different seamasters in the Omega store, they allowed me to take pictures of them on my wrist, the lady even hold the different models in her hand for me to take pictures (I am not even talking about Breitling...you feel like Napoléon when you walk out of the store). I really love the look of the OPs and DJ from Rolex but I absolutely don't want to use the grey market and I still can't understand the complex and exclusive love parade you have to go through for a retailer to accept you spending thousands of euros in their store. I didn't think it would happen but, as a lot of us apparentely, I am looking more and more in the direction of Omega.

Holy click bait Batman !

I agree with you Jenni. You can’t find one at msrp new and used they go for $8k-$10k or even more. Way too expensive for a 36mm time only watch. It’s a stunning watch. But there are other similar watches like the Tudor Black Bay 36 for $3k-$4k, Omega Aqua Terra for $4k-$5k and the Nomos Club for $1.5k. It makes way more sense to buy one of those as your versatile time only watch and something like a Black Bay 58 for under $4k. That gives you a two watch collection that’s way better than just one OP36 for less than a used OP36.

Had a grape red '36 - there are great watches and often over looked. Still looked good on my 7 1/2 inch wrist. So a balanced design. A true "do anything" watch. Really versatile.

Hi, is it nice time to buy 41 OP silver/black/blue? What price is normal to buy, about 10k€?

The biggest problem is simple, you can't buy it from Rolex

The problem with Rolex is that I have entered several Rolex ADs with a Journe, VC or Breguet on my wrist and have been ignored or treated with an odd mixture of indifference and derision. Rolex doesn’t know what they are anymore.

Hi Jenni, nice to see how you convey happiness in your videos. Most things we do in this world are for others, comes the day when we do something for ourselves! It’s a time limited gift of life that we are all blessed with. And what a joy that the world is full of watches that don’t tell the real time!

I owned the 36 op with the white and the maxi case made the size work much better than the older 114270 explorer and the dial was much more beautiful but the issue I had was they made the case maxi but left the markers too small for the case and the proportions felt off to me

I don't mind the scratches. They give the watches character

Entry level Rolex? No such thing anymore!

For myself I find the explorer ii 40 or 42 mm white dial the most balanced under the radar sports watch I am interested in the whole of Rolex catalogue.

Thanks for your time ⌚, cool information

The OP is Rolex's only attractive watch. The balance of their collection are big, clunky, and unimpressive.

So hard for watch enthusiasts to be enthusiastic about Rolex anymore isn’t it Jenni? Shame because they still make some lovely pieces especially this one. Having briefly wasted my times seeing if I could source a 36 and a 34mm for my and my wife’s 30th Anniversary I quickly moved on to Omega Aqua Terras and actually delighted that I did as, even at RRP, personally I think they’re a better watch.

You have a beautiful OP, Jenni. I recently purchased my first Rolex - a DJ 41 from an AD. The demand for Rolex greatly exceeds the supply, so the insane grey prices. I love my DJ and am grateful that I only waited 4 weeks to get it, but I would not pay grey prices for one. Mine keeps perfect time and marked a significant achievement in my career. All the ADs in my town told me unless you have prior Rolex purchase history, it is virtually impossible to get a Rolex now. So I consider myself fortunate.

I appreciate the time spent on editing (transitions, countdown graphics, lighting, backdrop, etc.) along with the creativity with the ‘MTV Cribs’ drop. Thanks for adding some fun to it all, God bless!