Well, despite the fact I had ordered and was on the waiting list where I live, I am doing a bit of travelling in Japan and was in Osaka and decided to pop into a couple of Rolex stores and lo-and-behold... one of them had what I was looking for... the Oyster Perpetual 39mm in white. Combined with a tax refund, it also came in at around 7% cheaper than the rrp of $5400! Very happy about that as literally nowhere I had previously seen had any stock.
Here's a couple of very quick photos I took while out and about (sorry about the armhair clumps and fingerprints and smudges but it's super humid here and I was sweating buckets, ugh)...
I really like it and the bracelet is very fine looking and easy to work with.. The white face is elegant, perfectly proportioned and is imo a timelessly classic design. The lack of a date function will mean no more annoyance having to change the date every time I don't wear it for a few days.
Rolex apparently have a new movement that they are migrating to their various ranges with a 70 hour power reserve and siicone spring but it comes with the downside that some of the parts (rotor) can't be replaced. As such, I have no regrets about having the older Calibre 3132 which is a proven champ and easy to maintain.
This is a watch that I will be proud to wear when going out smartly, at work, formal or informal. Despite what I think about Rolexes and some of the negative the brand connotations, you cannot help but look at it and say "now that is a nice watch". It is understated and elegant, a gentleman's timepiece.
EDIT - nice little review here that summarizes what I think
http://www.scottishwatches.co.uk/20...l-is-this-the-perfect-all-rounder-from-rolex/
@Richdog great collection. I'd argue you need something like an IWC, or more formal dress watch though...
https://www.iwc.com/fr/fr/watch-collections/portugieser/iw503501-portugieser-annual-calendar.html
That should do it...
Hah cheers mate but that's a liiitttlleee out of my price range.
I think the new Rolex will be formal enough for the ties I have to worry about that.