If you get the date just as proposed people with occasionally notice it because of the cyclops, if you get a no date perpetual pretty much only you will know.

Having owned both (in Sub), I much prefer the no date. It hardly ever attracts attention, which I like!

Expensive luxury items are basically "worth it" if you think they are. No one needs them, whether it be an expensive car/boat/watch/you name it but the desire for them fuels the economy. I've never worn an expensive watch because my dad did not wear a watch at all, (or any other jewelry), even though he spent $$ on other things like schit through a goose.

I'm a $40 Timex guy because I like knowing what time it is without constantly looking at my iPhone. I spend $$ on restaurant meals in a way that many here would consider insane if they eat always at home. I always find it interesting the way that people choose to spend their $$, not everyone likes or cares about the same things.

If it makes you happy, go for it. Life is short. :cool:

Here's the thing, and it's somewhat a bit of trivia.

Rolex watches were smaller, then they started designing them larger. For example, the DateJust went from 36mm to 41mm. The smaller, less gaudy fell out of favor... Today however it is making a resurgence, due to concerns like yours. People don't want a big watch on the wrist normally. So be sure and check sizing when you look at them.

Some reading...
https://www.fourtane.com/2015/07/13/are-new-rolex-watches-bigger/

datejusts are still made in the classic 36mm size as well, perpetuals are available in 36 as well. 39mm perpetual is a sensible middle ground IMHO

the large watch ERA is definitely coming to an end. Rolex was guilty in participating but to a much smaller extent than most companies

I bought a used Submariner about twelve years ago and it’s now worth at least twice what I paid back then. If you buy used, make sure you get the original box and papers.

-e.

Worth is not the right word.

Clearly it is not 'worth' the premium over a $25 watch that does the same thing, and probably better. It's not justifiable as a value proposition. It's a piece of jewellry that will hold it's value. Probably.

If you 'want' one and can afford it go for it.

I have two Rolex watches. my wife gave me a Sub 3 years ago on our wedding day and I bought one this year to celebrate my 30th birthday.
for me they are worth the money and I really enjoy wearing them. there are very few objects you can buy today, use every day for 40 years and it will be worth more in the future.
I plan on passing them down to my children years from now for them to enjoy... (or sell for hookers and blow) it could go either way, lol.

Congrats You're only 50 once and its important to mark that milestone.
Are they worth the money ? who knows. I bought my 60's Rolex sub for my 28th birthday after finishing a really big job 19 years ago. It was inexpensive at that time because the really hot rolex were the explorer 1 and II especially the 1655 'Steve Mcqueen'. (Ironic really because McQueen never wore the 1655, he wore the 5512 european version)
Full disclosure These days i don't wear it much because the prices have gone nuts. But also i find my 80's 7176s Porsche Design chrono just a much more comfortable and affordable watch.

I was ready to buy a Daytona, and went to an authorized retailer to try it on again, and it just looked too small on my wrist. I was not looking for huge or anything, just did not fit the way i wanted.

I'm toying with the idea of a Deepsea, but finding one is tough.

Lots of good comments in here.

I was kinda thinking OP is thinking about a new one.

A used one changes everything. It is an awesome choice.

FWIW...........

I had a datejust SS fluted bezel bought in Frankfurt airport in 85 for $625. I was 27.

SS/gold was $1,400 but did not have the credit limit on my card. LOL. Solid gold - $4k. Back when you could buy a baby Benz for $10k if you did the Europe delivery thing. Reagan. Dollar was strong like a boss.

Traded the SS for a couple of root canals and various dental work in my kid's head last year.

It was a good run. Loved the thing but wearing it tapered off. Honestly, because I have an IPhone that tells time.

I didn't care for the thickness of the Deepsea I tried on...

Is a Rolex worth it?

Not to me

It was real thick Jeff?

It was, yes. On my wrist, that is. But it was sooooo sharp!

It’s all about you, your opinion and your personal values.
I wore a Tudor Submariner for about 15 years - every day.
That watch is very special to me as it was a “significant” gift from my folks for graduation.
That one needs a service and I have been reluctant to spend the $$$. Might do it pretty soon, though.
For our 10th anniversary, my wife bought me an Explorer. (I had gifted her a mid-size datejust the year before).
That explorer is an awesome watch. Goes with everything, and with the separate 12-hour hand (Love let the GMT), it’s very functional for travel.
I’m a lousy golfer - and messed it up with a botched shot this year. Big tip, guys - this is not a watch to wear golfing if you’re like me.
That explorer has more than doubled in value since 2004. Still looks new - I’m pretty careful with it.
Will be going to the factory for a service soon. Only use either authorized dealers, or send them in to Rolex. As I understand it, the price is different based on complexity for a service. Factory service is now guaranteed for 2 years.
In the meantime, I bought a NOS Air King, which is a 36mm dial. Nice, classic, simple watch. I don’t have huge wrists, and this one is a pretty good choice for me. The “New” Air King is bigger - I think 38mm. Also a nice looking watch.

Never regretted the spend on any of these, and we are not rich by any means.
I just really appreciate a nice watch - regardless of what others think.

One will probably go to my son someday.

If you're really considering it and have the funds, just do it.
I recently dropped the hammer on a Tudor Black Bay and couldn't be happier. There's just something about a high end precision machine, whether it's a car, spoon or watch.

I bought my Submariner date used back in 2000 for $2,500. Wore it a lot for years but the novelty wore off and I put it away, except for special occasions.

I recently gave it to my son after his graduation from uni.

I wear a Seiko Submariner type watch as my DD. $225 I think it was.

I just sold my two-tone gold bezel Submariner and Cartier Santos two weeks ago. My daughter and SIL politely declined them as wedding gifts. I haven't worn them in a decade. To me they're just flashy man-jewelry. I have a Garmin GPS golf and activity watch that I wear golfing and hiking, but that's it.

Used the money to fund my grandsons 529 college saving plan. Far better than sitting in a safe.

I have a few and rotate them regularly. Other than what's already been said, a nice watch helps open doors. I work in an industry where the smartwatch is king (tech), but there are still a lot of people who wear nice mechanical timepieces. You tend to spark up conversations and instantly have something to talk about and nerd out on, and that makes you memorable when you're a young professional on the way up. Buy used and buy right, the watch will appreciate in due time as long as you don't bang it up too badly.