How did you decide on which Rolex model you purchased / intend on purchasing?

[Yazo]

My 1st 2 Rolex purchases were my Air Kings. Once I started to research Rolex a bit I read about the rich history of the AK's. They were used by the British Pilots in WW2, and being prior military (Air Force) myself my decision was a no brainer, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. The 14010M's were an easy decision as I love the engine turned bezel!

IMHO the TTDJ is the quintessential Rolex. I remember being about 8 or 9 and seeing my uncle with 1 - I believe that was the 1st time I had actually seen a Rolex. So the 1601 that I own is actually a birth year watch born the same year as me (1980). The other TTDJ (the 16013) I bought was because I have to have 2 of everything - it's a weird little "thing" I have.

Now I don't really have a story as to why I purchased the Explorer I except that it's a pretty cool freaking watch - well Kyle's awesome pictures of his Explorer may have influenced me!

[Speed]

I always loved the Sub. Thought they were outta my reach and I got a Seamaster (which I flipped yesterday). Both great watches, but I wanted the style and the history of the Sub...

NEVER considered used...but when I saw the savings on TRF / met up with a great seller, the rest was history. Got a MINT Series Y / last-of-the-lug hole Subs!!!

Nice thoughts on the Air King Yazo...

[JEC]

I like the simple, classic style of a no-date model. I've never liked the cyclops, it just shouts "look at me, I'm wearing a Rolex!". So that left me with a no-date Sub, an Explorer I, an Air King, or an Oyster Perpetual.

I always lean towards vintage watches rather than new ones. Price is a concern as well, and I always prefer to buy something that will keep a steady value rather than depreciate right out of the box.

I prefer the oyster bracelet, I've never been a fan of the jubilee. So it had to have an oyster band.

I wanted something different, and with so many subs around, I figured an Air King/Explorer/OP would be my choice.

The Explorer was out of my price range. I would want an 1016 and they have spiked in value in the last few years.

I leaned toward the Air King as the best balance. Then I heard my friend wanted one with a blue dial. So that's what I looked for - it was different, elegant, and I knew I could flip it to him in the future. I looked for one that was being privately sold with original dial and hands, to me a vintage watch is worthless with a replacement dial/hands. Found one, made a deal, and bought it immediately.

That's about the most rational irrational purchase I've ever made. Rationalizing the purchase of a watch that costs more than 50$, and is more than 30 years old, is pretty ridiculous if you think about it.

[timeisfathaoftruth]

For many years I have admired the sub. Last fall I spent a lot of time at a few ADs just looking,,,then I started trying on a few...Had it down to 2 subs...went back a couple of more times and I ended up buying (from somewhere else) the one that kept looking back the longest to me (a blkTTsub)....but I still can't forget the the blue sub that I left behind,,,,I will pick her up next, maybe this spring.

[ESKO]

I bought a DD because:
1. It is Yellow Gold and I wanted a Yellow gold watch.
2. It was a Rolex and it was quality
3. I like the day and date functions, so I never forget what time and date it is.
4. The classic elegance of the president bracelet is, to me, the most stylish bracelet a watch can offer!

[R1@160@alltimes]

Come, on....you just got to have the Sub

[ESKO]

Originally Posted by R1@160@alltimes

Come, on....you just got to have the Sub

I DID!!!
It was Ham and Cheese on Italian Bread!!






HAHAHHA

[ParisDakarBmw]

I have always admired Rolex for making great watches. I never purchased one because of the price. I would always see people glowing after getting a new Rolex, and I decided to get a nice watch. I stepped up from the Air king, DJ, a 5508, and most recently the GMT Pepsi. I need one with a little more size on it, and like the new GMT, and would like a SS with solid blue ceramic. I'm a Rolex, Breitling man for the high quality product.

[JohnBoy]

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

I have always admired Rolex for making great watches. I never purchased one because of the price. I would always see people glowing after getting a new Rolex, and I decided to get a nice watch. I stepped up from the Air king, DJ, a 5508, and most recently the GMT Pepsi. I need one with a little more size on it, and like the new GMT, and would like a SS with solid blue ceramic. I'm a Rolex, Breitling man for the high quality product.

Its Bandit and a Pepsi - sorry Paul.....duh!

For the OP, I always liked the looks of the Datejust, have three of them now, and recently expanded my interests to include a GMTII. Don't know whats next...the economy and a little medicated foot powder have cured my itch for the time being.

[Mrdi]

Mine came in a Cracker Jack Box.
Thought the box was a little heavy,
but my lady has a strange sense of humor.

[MikeyTX]

Originally Posted by Mrdi

Mine came in a Cracker Jack Box.
Thought the box was a little heavy,
but my lady has a strange sense of humor.

(coke spew ............. )

[kgglonghorn]

Originally Posted by Yazo

My 1st 2 Rolex purchases were my Air Kings. Once I started to research Rolex a bit I read about the rich history of the AK's. They were used by the British Pilots in WW2, and being prior military (Air Force) myself my decision was a no brainer, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on them. The 14010M's were an easy decision as I love the engine turned bezel!

IMHO the TTDJ is the quintessential Rolex. I remember being about 8 or 9 and seeing my uncle with 1 - I believe that was the 1st time I had actually seen a Rolex. So the 1601 that I own is actually a birth year watch born the same year as me (1980). The other TTDJ (the 16013) I bought was because I have to have 2 of everything - it's a weird little "thing" I have.

Now I don't really have a story as to why I purchased the Explorer I except that it's a pretty cool freaking watch - well Kyle's awesome pictures of his Explorer may have influenced me!

it looks like you are short one Explorer!!!

[Yazo]

Originally Posted by kgglonghorn

it looks like you are short one Explorer!!!

*rubs hands together*

Soon my friend.... soon :)

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories!!

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by Yazo

*rubs hands together*

Soon my friend.... soon :)

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories!!

Time for a vintage 1016...

[Yazo]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Time for a vintage 1016...

[submariner16610]

Looks,popularity,history and resale value.. i have a daytona ss 116520 and a 16610 sub. and planning on getting a gmt ceramic as my next one..(if i won't be tempted with panerai)

[Esexx]

Originally Posted by submariner16610

Looks,popularity,history and resale value.. i have a daytona ss 116520 and a 16610 sub. and planning on getting a gmt ceramic as my next one..(if i won't be tempted with panerai)

I feel your pain. I wanted to get a Coke, however I am extremely tempted with a Pam 111, 312 or 005 sporting a Rod Monana V1 strap.

I feel the pull of the Dark Side!!

[submariner16610]

Originally Posted by Esexx

I feel your pain. I wanted to get a Coke, however I am extremely tempted with a Pam 111, 312 or 005 sporting a Rod Monana V1 strap.

I feel the pull of the Dark Side!!

i'm really planning on getting a gmt2 ceramic but the pam 312,or the pam 88 is holding me back. lol.. So i just took my time and didn't pull the trigger yet. lol..It's a hard decision...

[Leasky]

I am very happy with my current collection and my next purchase will be a 118238 YG DD with a diamond MOP face.

To me, they are the ultimate Rolex and my father wore one for almost 20 years - which had a huge influence in my love for the watch and the Brand from a very early age.

I will then be "complete" and can die a happy man.......

[HL65]

I started collecting them over 20 years ago--1989. I have had a good 25 plus since then--from my first DJ TT -to a few YG DD's-to a Plat DD-to Gold Sub-to multiple Daytonas--YG--WG-SS-to SS GMT's both Ceramic and Pepsi--to my trio today--Sub LV, GMTll Pepsi and WG Panda Daytona. I collect many different kinds of watches--AP's, Panerai's, Vacheron, IWC, Lange Sohne, JLC etc...Rolex was my first and one of the main staples in my collection. Next Rolex--DSSD and a WG Sub some day when prices come down in secondary market. Addictive little habit is this watch collecting for us men!!! Wife has 2--Oyster TT w/ rhodium dial and a WG DD with rhodium diamond dial--has no interest in any more watches--but doesn't mind my collecting!!

[PeteNYC13]

I fell in love with the SS Sub, had a picture of it above my desk for about a year - visited every AD that I found while traveling for work, finally pulled the trigger and have never looked back.
We were talking on a thread yesterday about how many folks seem to have a Sub as their first, I am in GREAT company!

-Pete

[kyle L]

Actually it was funny how I picked the Explorer, I just had a budget and it fit my budget. It wasn't until i started photographing it that I realized it's beauty.

[NavitimerNut]

I walked in an AD and I saw the GMTIIc. The rest was history

[mpkRolex]

Ever since I got into the Rolex fever which was 4 years back I admired the Daytona. Basically I like chronographs and wanted a rolex with a chronograph. I couldnt afford one initially so I got a Speedmaster which I still have. That did not stop my desire for a Rolex Daytona but I couldnt affort one at the time. So finally after a year I managed to save enough to buy a F series Explorer II white. I flipped that to a D serial 16610 Sub which still have. My quest for white SS daytona grew stronger day by day until finally this year I saved enough to get a used D serial SS daytona 116520. I am so happy with the purchase that I dont crave for any other Rolex at the moment. I am fully satisfied with the Sub and Daytona I have. The only thing that tops it at the moment is a non-rolex grail. It is a Breguet with classic complication..ahh.

[Evan614]

I saw a Yatchmaster a few years ago and dreamed of owning a Rolex (a brand that is known by 100% of the population.) Finally one day I decided I was going to buy. the rest is history. Now I am looking for a 14060 gently used Z or newer. The my grail: Daytona TT Yellow MOP maybe another year or so from now.

[Lol-x]

First it has to be stainless steel.
Next it has to be 40mm.
Then it has to be a sports model.
Then the price has to be right and the condition excellent+++.

OMG I just got 2 watches today, but maybe they will not be for me.......one new, one vintage!!! Oh wow

[Yazo]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

First it has to be stainless steel.
Next it has to be 40mm.
Then it has to be a sports model.
Then the price has to be right and the condition excellent+++.

OMG I just got 2 watches today, but maybe they will not be for me.......one new, one vintage!!! Oh wow

What'd you get Stevo???

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

First it has to be stainless steel.
Next it has to be 40mm.
Then it has to be a sports model.
Then the price has to be right and the condition excellent+++.

OMG I just got 2 watches today, but maybe they will not be for me.......one new, one vintage!!! Oh wow

Any hint's there Steve??

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

First it has to be stainless steel.
Next it has to be 40mm.
Then it has to be a sports model.
Then the price has to be right and the condition excellent+++.

OMG I just got 2 watches today, but maybe they will not be for me.......one new, one vintage!!! Oh wow

Is it for the giveaway!?!?!

[Yazo]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Is it for the giveaway!?!?!

At least you didn't call it a raffle this time!

Only kidding!!