15th Anniversary and my first Rolex -Explorer!

[HickoryStick]

I don't know who decided a watch was the appropriate gift for a 15th Anniversary, but I am glad someone came up with it.

I'll give you my story....but please feel free to scroll down if you just want to see the pic instead. ;)

My father passed away a few years ago and I received his old Timex watch. It didn't have any monetary value but it meant a lot to me and I wore it everyday for a year before it finally stopped ticking...so much for taking a licking. I bought an identical watch and had the internals put into the case of my father's old watch to get it going again, but I stopped wearing it because I knew it would eventually stop working again if I continued to wear it.

I have two boys and this experience really made me think about what I'd like my kids to receive when my time comes. So I researched watches and knew I wanted a mechanical. After discussing it with my wife, I ended up buying a Tissot PR100. I liked the fact that it was essentially a plain watch...not something to go out of style anytime soon. At the time, I looked at Rolex, but I was afraid to even try one on since they were way out of my price range.

As much as I liked (and still like) the Tissot, my dream was to one day buy a Rolex. I thought this would be a watch that my kids would some day really appreciate and (hopefully) eventually give to one of their kids. My wife knew my feelings and reason for wanting a Rolex and she agreed that our 15th wedding anniversary would be a great time (excuse?) to buy one. So, after a year of waiting, our 15th anniversary has finally come!

I have very thin wrists and prefer watches 40mm or less. I'm not a flashy guy but I do like quality. So for me, the Explorer was the perfect choice.

My kids are too young to understand the difference between my Tissot and my Rolex, but I know they will when they are older. I love the fact that I was able to get the Explorer while they are still so young so they will see it on my wrist for much of their lives before they receive it one day. My only dilemma now is that I have one Rolex and two boys...sounds like a good excuse to get another Rolex some day.

[dgPltt]

Very nice story and great choice.

[bbressler]

Congrats on your new Explorer. When I bought my 214270, the jeweler said that "modern Rolexes can be expected to last 100 years or more, this will be in your family a long time." It's a nice thought that our kids can still enjoy them after we are gone. Here's hoping you and I can enjoy them most of that century though!

[Time Exposure]

Congrats on 15 years! Our 15th is in November!
And congrats on the Explorer!
I like the idea of wearing one watch my child can associate with dear old dad. For me, not likely to happen after 30 years of flipping!
I would think one watch would be left for the eldest, but I guess that's something you'll figure out down the road. For now, more pleasant thoughts on the memories your watch will share with you and your family. Enjoy it in the best of health and happiness!

[luvsub]

Congrats

[thomaspp]

awesome!

[HickoryStick]

Here is another pic of my new Explorer.

[HickoryStick]

My old Tissot and my new Rolex.

[HickoryStick]

another angle...

[HickoryStick]

An Explorer in a 4x4 truck...seems fitting

[alubin]

Originally Posted by HickoryStick

another angle...

I love that you bought your first rolex today and you already take CONSIDERABLY better pictures than I do. Congrats on a great piece and welcome!

[T01]

Congrats!!

[gbpritf]

Originally Posted by HickoryStick

My only dilemma now is that I have one Rolex and two boys...sounds like a good excuse to get another Rolex some day.

That would only be fair. Congratulations!

[gbpritf]

Originally Posted by HickoryStick

My only dilemma now is that I have one Rolex and two boys...sounds like a good excuse to get another Rolex some day.

That would only be fair. Congratulations!

[vitalsignsrn]

Congratulations on both momentous occasions...your anniversary and your 1st Rolex. Cheers!

[KBM]

THIS is what tradition is all about. Congrats on starting yours!

[barad55]

very nice watch! congrats! that's a clean pic btw.

[HickoryStick]

Using a flashlight and a sharp angle, I managed to get a pic of the LEC at 6 o'clock

[pinkelle21]

Cool story and great watch! Congrats👍

[Friar]

Wow, you are good to get that picture of the elusive LEC. For your second Rolex, you could get an Explorer II. Two boys, two Explorers. That's what I did except we have one daughter who sees no need for a watch as long as she has her cell phone. :-)

[HickoryStick]

Originally Posted by Friar

Wow, you are good to get that picture of the elusive LEC. For your second Rolex, you could get an Explorer II. Two boys, two Explorers. That's what I did except we have one daughter who sees no need for a watch as long as she has her cell phone. :-)

I like the way you think...and I like the polar Explorer II. Maybe for our 20th...

[AASH]

Nice watch; congrats!

[Nycturbovr6]

Great pic!

[Alexwwjd]

Congratulations! If you get one watch every 5 years starting on your 15th., by the 50th. anniversary you will have 8 watches!

[mikkolopez]

Congratulations. That is a nice heirloom piece once you passed it onto your kids.

Sent via Telepathy

[HACKNSACK44]

Congrats!!

[sebastien1975]

Cool story. Thanks for sharing.
I think your 2nd boy would love a sub. :)
My 4-year old boy loves playing with the rotating bezel of my SD. I am sure he will have fond memories of the watch when it becomes his.

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by HickoryStick

My only dilemma now is that I have one Rolex and two boys...sounds like a good excuse to get another Rolex some day.

Either that or have more children so you have a good excuse to get even more Rolex some day!

Thanks for sharing your story.

Congrats on the new watch and your 15th anniversary.

[Rolexpharm]

Great reason to get one. Rolex would definitely be great for posterity. Great choice as well

[cop414]

Great story, great watch and the beginning of a great tradition! 50 years from now your great grandson will be looking through pictures and will see your Explorer in the pic as well as on his wrist. I hope to do the same!