aquajoe
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Post by aquajoe on Sept 27, 2013 20:15:37 GMT -6
Rolex was just a figment of my imagination until my GF bought me a Tudor when I was 36 I believe. She thought it's a Rolex because it has the Rolex logo in the aftermarket diamond dial and since her bestfriend bought her bf a Rolex, she didn't wanna be outshined. Lol And then I discovered the forums....4 Rolexs, 4 Omegas, Montblanc, Tissot, Baume n Mercier and even a Mickey Mouse watch has then landed on my wrist. HAGWE WWF.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Sept 27, 2013 20:28:11 GMT -6
Damn, I'm a slow starter like carl. I bought my first and only Rolex used in 2007 (it was an '07 too) when I was 45 years old. I had spent 2 years working a job out of town (Columbus, OH) when I was living in Denver. I saved the government over $10 million on a job I was working on and ended up with a 5 figure bonus. I had always admired the history of the brand and the prestige of the brand as well, but never cared for the cyclops, so I ended up with the SD (didn't know about the ND sub at the time). Since then, I have learned that there are many other great brands out there that are just as nice, but lower in production, exceptional quality and less recognizable, which I prefer.
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Post by rw16610 on Sept 27, 2013 21:32:07 GMT -6
25, a Coke GMT II, as a present to myself for earning my Navy Pilot Wings. 25... That was... Uh.... Last year..... Sweet! So yours was also a way to commemorate a great achievement or milestone in your life too! There seems to be no better reminder as you take it everywhere with you and glance at it so many times a day ;-|Not to mention as a pilot the GMT Master II with it's history was hands down the right choice to make! My first Rolex was when I was 43! I have always wanted the best and when I got the chance to buy one I did (Sub date 16610) but sadly just after one year my wife lost her job and the Rolex had to go. As my signature says! Sorry to hear that, Darren. That's the lovely thing about Rolex though. So easy to sell compared to some other watch brands and they do well with the value. Sometimes you never know and having that added peace of mine in case we some day do decide to sell is a major plus. It went for a very good cause at least! I got my first Rolex at 30 and my second one at 35. Oh cool, was that the Explorer II or the LV? My first Rolex was a preowned what I thought was a AIR KING but actually it's an oyster perpetual. I believe I was about 22 or maybe 23 years old when I first purchased it from a friend of mine I used to work with. He sold it to me for about $1200 which was a lot of money back them. I was so proud of myself for finally achieving and buying my first Rolex. My second brand-new Rolex was my submariner which I always wanted to buy before I turn 30. I think I purchased that when I was 28 years old. I still remember the MSRP price That's awesome, Art! Reminds me a lot of how I felt after finally obtaining the thing I spent many hours viewing online. Every time I was stopped at a light coming home from North York in Toronto here I could not help but stare at it in awe. It honestly felt unreal, the only other tangible item that gave me that sort of excitement was driving a Ferrari even though it wasn't mine. Getting mine made me feel like I could do anything. My accessory collecting also represents a time period I would have liked to buy a couple of Rolex watches in but was far too young with no money. I was around 32, found an 18k/ss Datejust in a watch shop freshly serviced (owner of shop was authorized Rolex repairman), struck up a converation with him and his wife, he sold it to me for $1350.00 which was extremely cheap to me. New ones were around 3400-3600 so I thought I got a great deal. Sad part is it started a flipping habit I cannot break. Wear one 6-8 weeks then it has to go. OHHHH, how sick am I. Cool You're not sick! It's hard to decide between just 1 Rolex watch, not to mention all are so similar so it's tough to justify owning several at once sometimes! Buying at those prices it's tough not to flip and move on or up to the next one! At the age of 27. I'm 28 now and I have had 5 subs 2 GMT's and few Tudors. The first was a 16610 M serial. The last of that gen. I really wanted a Rolex after watching Golf, Formula 1 all my life. Its a classic and I cannot go wrong. Then came the 116610. The ceramic sub. I got this because of the more wrist presence and much needed bracelet upgrade. Then came this 116613LB...oh boy, this was just because it was soooo beautiful. Then the addiction started....... That's awesome! Haha, it sounds like the addiction started long before Rolex updated the Submariner! Totally agree that the bracelet upgrade was needed. I don't mind mine so much but at times I debate if it's worth having a second Rolex with the same old style, hollow center link design. It can be kind of annoying at times but these watches are tough to hold a grudge against it seems. Truthfully any of the Professional models that come up for sale locally when I'm ready will do just fine. The Explorer II was not always my first pick (The Submariner was) but could not be happier with it and the GMT function! Cool, another who obtained one in the 30's. 26 for me. A GMT 16710.. Miss that one. Since then...... A lot of flipping. I enjoy it though. Ah yes, I remember seeing pictures of that watch back in the day. You sure did go through a lot but that's all part of the fun! At least you got to own and experience many different Rolex watches. Again, all are so similar it's hard to justify owning several at once even if they're "different" models. I hope to stop at 2 total but that might be tough as I'm always willing to get more of these but we shall see in time! If I keep the pace my next one will be at 40. What do you thing it might be at the moment? One of the updated models or another discontinued classic to go along with the Explorer II and 16610 LV Submariner? Mine first Rolex was a Milgauss, my 60th birthday present to myself. And here is a pic: I must admit, looking at the watch now, it does nothing for me. My Explorer I was the one Rolex I liked the most. Briefly, I had an Air-King, which a friend of mine now has. Great thread! Cheers Carl That's a great way to have celebrated, Carl! A lovely watch but it never really did it for me either personally. It's nice that you experienced it but moved on with your collection. Now you're happy with the pieces in it and enjoying every moment of the rotation ;-|Glad to see you're enjoying this topic Rolex was just a figment of my imagination until my GF bought me a Tudor when I was 36 I believe. She thought it's a Rolex because it has the Rolex logo in the aftermarket diamond dial and since her bestfriend bought her bf a Rolex, she didn't wanna be outshined. Lol And then I discovered the forums....4 Rolexs, 4 Omegas, Montblanc, Tissot, Baume n Mercier and even a Mickey Mouse watch has then landed on my wrist. HAGWE WWF. The forums certainly to add some fuel to this watch fire! I remember when you considered trading one of your Rolex watches (was it the Sea-Dweller?) for the Panerai someone near you had. So many other fine brands out there to enjoy and appreciate, indeed. Right now I seem to be stuck on this brand though and unable to move elsewhere. Damn, I'm a slow starter like carl. I bought my first and only Rolex used in 2007 (it was an '07 too) when I was 45 years old. I had spent 2 years working a job out of town (Columbus, OH) when I was living in Denver. I saved the government over $10 million on a job I was working on and ended up with a 5 figure bonus. I had always admired the history of the brand and the prestige of the brand as well, but never cared for the cyclops, so I ended up with the SD (didn't know about the ND sub at the time). Since then, I have learned that there are many other great brands out there that are just as nice, but lower in production, exceptional quality and less recognizable, which I prefer. So true, one could spend a lifetime collecting and only begin to scratch the surface on what's out there if they collect all ages! Sometimes I do wish other brands still appealed to me like they used to but this virus seems to have me fully infected. You sertaining do have some incredible pieces from other brands, especially the Blancpain! The history behind that brand is simply amazing. I believe them and Vacheron Constantin are among the oldest watch companies still going.
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Post by Jamie on Sept 28, 2013 7:50:28 GMT -6
I bought my Sub when it was new in 2007, I was three months shy of turning 40... Wow what a day, I remember it well and remember the price, too.
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Post by iceman on Sept 28, 2013 9:43:19 GMT -6
My first was my GMT IIc. Impulse buy when picking my suit up for our wedding. Was 12 months old, used & a great price, this was in 2010
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Post by rw16610 on Sept 28, 2013 11:09:23 GMT -6
I bought my Sub when it was new in 2007, I was three months shy of turning 40... Wow what a day, I remember it well and remember the price, too. Nice! Oh my goodness do I ever remember the prices of Submariner's in 2007 as well. I wanted one more than anything else back then and was working extra hours, getting bonuses etc but could not wait anymore for a new watch and got the Omega which I do not regret. Back in 2007 in Toronto the largest Rolex AD in Canada was selling the 16610 Submariner for $5,750.00 INCLUDING taxes, out the door!!!!! I guess that is like 20% or more off of the then MSRP and we had 15% sales tax back then I believe. Can not think of a better time for you to have picked it up! My first was my GMT IIc. Impulse buy when picking my suit up for our wedding. Was 12 months old, used & a great price, this was in 2010 Wow, now that's quite the first Rolex! I remember being at the same AD mentioned above looking at the Submariner and the lady took the GMT out and gave it to me. From that moment on I sort of truly discovered the other pieces. It was so striking, the ceramic bezel incredible, maxi dial was wow and oh my goodness... I would still like one of those to be my next but we shall see! Also, no better time to get a Rolex in my opinion! Makes the best day of your life even better in a sense with the watch you always wanted on your wrist.
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CHIP
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Post by CHIP on Sept 28, 2013 11:42:20 GMT -6
I paid 6200 for a brand new SS White Daytona in 2005, from an AD.
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Post by Jamie on Sept 28, 2013 15:11:11 GMT -6
I paid 6200 for a brand new SS White Daytona in 2005, from an AD. OMG what an incredible deal! The hysteria over those arrived so soon after that...
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Post by rw16610 on Sept 28, 2013 18:05:58 GMT -6
Oh wow! Talk about a good deal on one! It's insane to think how prices could go up so much in just a few years like that.
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Nicko
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Post by Nicko on Sept 29, 2013 5:08:48 GMT -6
I was 19 when I bought my first Rolex. I have some pictures and a really cool story that I will post shortly.
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Nicko
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Post by Nicko on Sept 29, 2013 5:32:00 GMT -6
Okay, I have to hunt down the pictures, but here goes the story. As most of you know I was in the Navy from 1982 until 2005. I was stationed in Sardegna Italy. While I was stationed in Italy I fell in love with the Rolex brand, specifically the Submariner, which is why this is basically the only Rolex that I will ever own. Where I was stationed many James Bond films were produced one film in particular, From Russia with Love was filmed about five minutes from my house and many other films were shot on the winding twisty roads that they have there. Anyway I'm getting a bit sidetracked. I was 19 years old and about ready to leave Italy for my next destination, Spain. I of course was broke but I did not want to pass up the opportunity to purchase a Rolex on the island. I went to the Rolex dealer and had a look around of course being a lover of James Bond films I wanted a Rolex Submariner. At the time the watch was a bit too expensive for me, I believe it was priced at about $1400. I came armed with three months of advanced pay, and after drinking about half of that, paying debts and basically having a good time, I had approximately $600 left to my name, this was 1984 mind you, $600 was a lot of money back then. Okay, getting sidetracked again. I arrived at the Rolex shop and tried to speak to the owner and my best broken Italian. I could not get him to come down on the Submariner, even if I could I did not have enough money. So I looked around and I spied a beautiful Rolex Day Date. This particular watch had beautiful Champagne dial, I loved the watch and immediately asked if I could purchase it. The shopkeeper was ecstatic he immediately pulled the watch out for me to try on. Of course I was all about 120 pounds and I had stick wrists and needed the band adjusted. I agreed on a price and purchase the watch I believe about $550 after the conversion price from Lira. The shopkeeper told me we would go to his home to get the band adjusted. Since it was lunchtime. I arrived at his house and his wife had lunch already made. He invited me to sit down and have lunch with him and his family. Afterwords he went to a workshop that he had at his house and adjusted the band for me. When he was finished he gave me back the watch, I thanked him and his family for lunch and said my goodbyes. I wore the watch every day up until about 1997 or so when we came upon hard times and I decided to sell the watch. I put the watch upon eBay and I believe I sold it for about twice what I paid for it originally. I regretted selling the watch and went without a Rolex until 2007 when I purchased my first ever 16610 Sub! I've been hooked ever since. When I find the pics of me and the watch I will post them here. Hope you enjoyed the story.
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Post by rw16610 on Sept 29, 2013 19:59:07 GMT -6
Okay, I have to hunt down the pictures, but here goes the story. As most of you know I was in the Navy from 1982 until 2005. I was stationed in Sardegna Italy. While I was stationed in Italy I fell in love with the Rolex brand, specifically the Submariner, which is why this is basically the only Rolex that I will ever own. Where I was stationed many James Bond films were produced one film in particular, From Russia with Love was filmed about five minutes from my house and many other films were shot on the winding twisty roads that they have there. Anyway I'm getting a bit sidetracked. I was 19 years old and about ready to leave Italy for my next destination, Spain. I of course was broke but I did not want to pass up the opportunity to purchase a Rolex on the island. I went to the Rolex dealer and had a look around of course being a lover of James Bond films I wanted a Rolex Submariner. At the time the watch was a bit too expensive for me, I believe it was priced at about $1400. I came armed with three months of advanced pay, and after drinking about half of that, paying debts and basically having a good time, I had approximately $600 left to my name, this was 1984 mind you, $600 was a lot of money back then. Okay, getting sidetracked again. I arrived at the Rolex shop and tried to speak to the owner and my best broken Italian. I could not get him to come down on the Submariner, even if I could I did not have enough money. So I looked around and I spied a beautiful Rolex Day Date. This particular watch had beautiful Champagne dial, I loved the watch and immediately asked if I could purchase it. The shopkeeper was ecstatic he immediately pulled the watch out for me to try on. Of course I was all about 120 pounds and I had stick wrists and needed the band adjusted. I agreed on a price and purchase the watch I believe about $550 after the conversion price from Lira. The shopkeeper told me we would go to his home to get the band adjusted. Since it was lunchtime. I arrived at his house and his wife had lunch already made. He invited me to sit down and have lunch with him and his family. Afterwords he went to a workshop that he had at his house and adjusted the band for me. When he was finished he gave me back the watch, I thanked him and his family for lunch and said my goodbyes. I wore the watch every day up until about 1997 or so when we came upon hard times and I decided to sell the watch. I put the watch upon eBay and I believe I sold it for about twice what I paid for it originally. I regretted selling the watch and went without a Rolex until 2007 when I purchased my first ever 16610 Sub! I've been hooked ever since. When I find the pics of me and the watch I will post them here. Hope you enjoyed the story. Wow, I truly did! Thanks very much for posting this Truly a feel good story and totally explains your Submariner obsession! Can not think of a better way to enjoy ones first Rolex than the AD owner taking you to have lunch with his family and sizing the watch for you in his home workshop. That's truly incredible! I hope you find the pictures soon but even without them that was awesome!
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Post by urtossen on Oct 2, 2013 6:58:51 GMT -6
36 . . . a brand new 16610
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Post by rw16610 on Oct 2, 2013 14:06:43 GMT -6
Nice, another member who picked up the 16610 first. If it were possible for me to go back in time to 2007 and do it all over again I might have been in the same boat. A lot of people (locally in Toronto at least) seem to be holding onto them or something as a lot do not pop up for sale now.
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Baco Noir
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Post by Baco Noir on Oct 2, 2013 17:27:20 GMT -6
45 and a Z series 16600
Sent from my DROID RAZR using proboards
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