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Old 13 August 2010, 06:42 AM   #1
WARVET
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Why I am a Rolex owner

While owning A Rolex for a few weeks does not make one an expert. I would Like to Share my experience as both a new Rolex owner and a GMTII owner.First of all I am 47 years old and for most of my life was one who scorned the thought of spending several thousand dollars on a watch. I thought anyone who would buy one of these must be a foolish person to spend so much on a name only.
Yet through the long years of raising children and paying off the house the name Rolex stuck in my cranium like an unwanted tenant who refused to leave. The name even haunted me and from time to time I reminded myself I didn't want one, Didn't need one, and even felt the need to disparage the cost of the watch, but Rolex was always there like the Black haired beauty who turned me down in high school, you never really get over it so it is human nature to despise what you cannot have.
The seed firmly planted lay dormant until 2009 when I noticed Our unit Commander wore a Two-tone Sub. The watch had a strange effect on me.I could see and sense the quality of the watch, he wore it like only a rolex can be worn. The mans history and character meshes with the great history and character of the watch and they become one in the same. I don't believe the watch makes the man but in his case that watch was as much a part of him as the wrinkles and scars on his body.
The man was kind enough to show me the watch. After seeing my intense interest in his Sub he said he had another Rolex at home that he would bring in to let me wear for a few weeks to see if I liked it. Now lets just say I was very surprised anyone would let me walk off with their Rolex watch but that is the bond of trust we have.
The late 80's Sub date I wore was the finest watch I had ever worn up to that point and the feeling was wonderful. That Sub sat naturally in the center of my wrist with no discomfort at all. To this day I still say that watch is special and is just as good a Sub as was ever made. Although I tried to buy that watch from him he smiled and stated that he loved his watches and would not sell them. Suffice it to say that taking that Watch off my wrist was very difficult and so the hunt was on.
Why Rolex Now? I am in the middle of my life(hopefully).I may well have lived more years than I am yet to live, I have worked hard all my life starting on a farm as a child, I had already served in two war zones, I have owned countless watches unworthy of mention which are all worthless trash by now and hold no place of significance in my memory. I became a Rolex owner because I have earned it and I have come to the point in my life where I appreciate the finer things in life. No more throw away watches.
The GMT II I purchased from A trusted seller on this forum is another work of Art by Rolex, Tough but good looking, It can go to a formal dinner with a change to the black bezel or it can go back to the war zone.I will not go into the details of the watch or argue the GMTII vs GMTIIc, New Sub VS old Sub, those arguments are numerous here and will continue until Kingdom come, although interesting they have no bearing on essence of what makes a Rolex owner unique. The watch imparts a pride of ownership to me that no other watch has given me.I find myself putting the watch on first thing in the morning and not wanting to take it off at bed time.
I was wrong, the name Rolex means something, you are buying the name and the reputation behind the name. Think of all the companies who have sold out by cutting corners, outsourcing cheap labor and cheap parts then stamped with a name that used to mean something, stand for something long ago. Whatever complaints we have, Rolex hasn't done this.
My watch is made by expert craftsman who are well paid. Rolex stands among a handful of companies who have not compromised their integrity, they have stood the test of time and I am proud to call myself a Rolex owner.
And yet the pleasure is in the chase. The hunt is still on, now if I can find that beat up Stainless Submariner with with non SEL links!

Vince Engel


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Old 13 August 2010, 06:47 AM   #2
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Great story. I can totally relate with exception to the fact that I always liked the Rolex brand from the getgo.

I am a Rolex owner because I like the brand, the watch, the design, the people who own it (TRF-ers), and the dichotomy of a popular brand with the respect of boutique operation.

I suspect others on this forum own one for more or less the same reasons.
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Old 13 August 2010, 06:51 AM   #3
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Very well said, Vince!!!! I too, admired Rolex for years, and can't imagine wearing any other brand as those days are long over. For the last 5 years and forever more, it's ONLY Rolex for me. Worth every penny IMO.
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Old 13 August 2010, 06:52 AM   #4
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Great story Vince, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Enjoy your gmt, I always enjoy mine!
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Old 13 August 2010, 07:31 AM   #5
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Vince, great story .... and I hope you enjoy your GMT for many years!
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Old 13 August 2010, 07:34 AM   #6
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Buy the best and you only wince once!
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Old 13 August 2010, 07:42 AM   #7
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Great story and thank you for your service sir
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Old 13 August 2010, 07:54 AM   #8
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Nice story Vince, and you certainly deserve your Rolex!
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Old 13 August 2010, 08:29 AM   #9
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Vince am a vet too and was at OEF and OIF start of the war. As a kid my dad owned a wind up SS Rolex and he was very proud of that watch and wore it every day. I always remembered how much he loved that watch. I finally got my first Rolex in 1990, an Oyster Quartz. A year later I traded up for a TT Thunderbird and I sure felt what my dad did. I loved and still love my beloved T-Bird. Previous to owning the Rolex I had worn only Seiko and Rado watches, which were great watches too. I did not get another Rolex because first everyone had a Sub or a GMT/GMT II, and second I did not want a watch that everybody else had. I started buying IWC, Zenith, Omega, Tag Heuer, Anonimo, Baume and Mercier, and Panerai watches. But when the Deepsea was announced a couple of years ago I was hooked and I knew I would own one. I bought the DS this year and I am freakin very happy I did. It smiled at me when I tried one on for the first time last year. Another one that smiled at me is the TT GMTc.... before I leave for deployment next month I'll own one.
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Old 13 August 2010, 07:49 AM   #10
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Outstanding post sir! Semper Fi

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Old 13 August 2010, 08:12 AM   #11
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Nice Vince Enjoy your GMT
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Old 13 August 2010, 08:20 AM   #12
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Thanks for your service. It always nice to see another Vet such as myself be able to get a Rolex.

Welcome to the club, heck of a story, and Congrats.
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Old 13 August 2010, 08:35 AM   #13
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First of all, I cannot say in a few words how much I appreciate you and others for serving our country. I don't say it cause it's trendy, but because I mean it from my heart. Thank you Vince.

Second........that is a fantastic story. Better than mine to be sure, and right up there with some of the best I've heard here. Welcome.

It is different wearing a ROLEX isn't it?

Cheers Brother, I wish I could buy you a beer!

EDIT:

I meant to ask. Why did you choose the GMT instead of holding out for a Sub? Think you will keep both when you find one? No Sub for me yet, but I want one.
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Old 13 August 2010, 01:53 PM   #14
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I can't say for sure, The GMT seems to make more sense in my job as Airfield Manager. I set the bezel to Zulu, is very useful.I like the Sub very much and want to get one as soon as possible. Thanks for all your responses

EDIT:

I meant to ask. Why did you choose the GMT instead of holding out for a Sub? Think you will keep both when you find one? No Sub for me yet, but I want one.[/QUOTE]
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Old 13 August 2010, 11:02 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by WARVET View Post
I can't say for sure, The GMT seems to make more sense in my job as Airfield Manager. I set the bezel to Zulu, is very useful.I like the Sub very much and want to get one as soon as possible. Thanks for all your responses

EDIT:

I meant to ask. Why did you choose the GMT instead of holding out for a Sub? Think you will keep both when you find one? No Sub for me yet, but I want one.
[/QUOTE]

Cool, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I know GMT's used to be a popular thing with Pilots and associated folks, but do you see many of them around?
Curious....
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Old 13 August 2010, 11:09 PM   #16
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Thank you for sharing, great story
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Old 13 August 2010, 09:44 AM   #17
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Very cool story... wear your watch in good health and congrats!
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Old 13 August 2010, 09:49 AM   #18
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Wonderful story. My discovery of Rolex took many years more than you, but now I'm enjoying both my GMT IIC and Sub Date. Wear it in good health.
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Old 13 August 2010, 09:59 AM   #19
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great story Vince... enjoy it to the max...
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Old 13 August 2010, 11:14 AM   #20
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Could not agree more...just bought my first Rolex Submariner 1986 3 weeks ago at age 42
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Old 13 August 2010, 11:19 AM   #21
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Congrats Vince - enjoy it and wear it in good health. I learned early on in life about Rolex, and after college, when I got my first job, I was lucky enough to get a bonus that I spent on a GMT Master 16750. That was 25 years ago, and the watch is still my most prized possession. I bought a used Sub No Date a couple years ago and I alternate the two. I turn 50 in 2 years and I plan on treating myself to one more...Ceramic Sub? GMT IIc? Two tone? not sure yet.
I agree with all the points you make on the quality and history of this fine company. Welcome to TRF and once again, enjoy the beautiful new watch!
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Old 13 August 2010, 12:38 PM   #22
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Inspiring story. Thanks Vince. Good things come to those who wait.
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Old 13 August 2010, 02:18 PM   #23
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Great story. Brought back active duty memories (1962-1983). I wore my Sub during that period. My first watch was a pocket watch bought a a corner drug store. I liked to wind it up and hear it tick. I'm guessing that a lot of us Rolex people were interested in watches as kids, and that interest evolved into admiring and hoping to own a Rolex. Thanks for your service to our country.
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Old 13 August 2010, 03:14 PM   #24
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Great story !! enjoy your GMT sir !!
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Old 13 August 2010, 03:47 PM   #25
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Beautiful write up, Vince.

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Old 13 August 2010, 11:19 PM   #26
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Attitudes can changes, especially when one becomes enlightened.

By keeping an open mind you learned the truth about Rolex watches. The feeling only gets better, good luck on getting that vintage Submariner.
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Old 13 August 2010, 11:43 PM   #27
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great read VInce! thanks mate. Do you have any pictures of your GMT? Need to see what you have
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Old 14 August 2010, 12:07 AM   #28
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Cool, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I know GMT's used to be a popular thing with Pilots and associated folks, but do you see many of them around?
Curious....


One of our pilots has an older GMT and I asked him how much he used the hour hand change, he said he never used it, he just liked the watch.In my experience The GMT function is not really necessary for our military pilots with all the new technology available. However I do see as many Subs as I do GMT.Rolex owners immediately recognize each others watch, where most people could really not care less. We really are members of a private, exclusive club. Most people just don't get it but we do.
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Old 14 August 2010, 12:26 AM   #29
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Originally Posted by WARVET View Post
Cool, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I know GMT's used to be a popular thing with Pilots and associated folks, but do you see many of them around?
Curious....


One of our pilots has an older GMT and I asked him how much he used the hour hand change, he said he never used it, he just liked the watch.In my experience The GMT function is not really necessary for our military pilots with all the new technology available. However I do see as many Subs as I do GMT.Rolex owners immediately recognize each others watch, where most people could really not care less. We really are members of a private, exclusive club. Most people just don't get it but we do.
I use the multi timezone functions on the GMT all the time when communicating with associates around the world and certainly when traveling. The rotating bezel and 2nd timezone functions are essential features for me.
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Old 14 August 2010, 02:10 PM   #30
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Vince ~ very nice read...congratulations on the watch, wear it in good health... let's see your new beauty!
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