ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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10 October 2014, 05:19 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 893
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The Explorer plunge... Thanks TRF
I've been "into watches" to some degree for about 9 years. It started when a friend showed me his new Hamilton. From there it was off to the races. Seiko, Hamilton, Fortis, Omega....I started acquiring a decent collections of watches I really liked. I appreciated their beauty and craftsmanship. I loved the research and hunt for the next acquisition.The one thing I didn't like however was seeing watches go unworn, sometimes for months at a time. Also, the hobby felt like it was getting too expensive for a man with a young family and middle class means. I decided to reduce the holdings to two watches. I kept a Hamilton Khaki for work (no desk/suit/tie) and used the proceeds to purchase a used Y series Explorer II, which was my obsession at the time (from hq Milton in San Francisco, great seller). I wore the watch daily for the next 5 years and loved it. Then, a few months back, I was reflecting on an impending birthday. I thought I deserved a gift. I thought about how a new Rolex that had only ever been mine would be a great way to start the decade. The old itch returned. I went on Rolex forum. I lurked. I lusted. So many beautiful watches. I went to the Ad, kicked tires, tried on models. The white grape dial on the oyster perpetual, be still my heart, the blue of the JD II like the sky on the perfect day, the Sub...a classic! Though each brought with it a slight short coming. Too small...too polished...too common. What was I looking for? Well, I wanted a watch that was more casual than business. If I have on a tie someone is likely getting married or buried. Something that I can wear while throwing the ball with my son, then wear while taking my lovely wife for a night on the town. Something classic. The hulk is gorgeous, but after a few years.....I dunno. Then I saw it. The Explorer I. It looked big at first, and in the store light the dial almost looked brown. Still, there was something about it. I went home and searched, and read. Videos, printed reviews, wrist shots by the dozen. I became convinced...obsessed almost. I went to the AD today, not to buy really, but to visit all of the lovely watches. It was there. I put it on. The voice in my head reminded me: life is short, and money is an infinitely renewable resource. I'll take it! Today I made my first purchase of a brand new Rolex. I will follow with a picture tonight. I want the first shot to be of my son wearing it. It's his after all, he's just going to have to let me borrow it for the next 18 years.
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10 October 2014, 08:19 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: UK
Watch: 124273
Posts: 831
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Congratulations!! A superb choice.
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Explorer 124273 | Explorer II 16570 Polar | |
10 October 2014, 09:14 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Watch: changes depending
Posts: 800
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Cool. Nice story.
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10 October 2014, 09:24 AM | #4 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Watch: Wilsdorf(s)
Posts: 10,258
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Excellent choice!! Congratulations!
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Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N |
10 October 2014, 09:52 AM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Jack
Location: The Triangle
Watch: Several
Posts: 6,719
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Great choice, I wish you all the best, enjoy every tick of the movement.
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Sub 116613 LN; GMT 116710 LN; Sinn 104R; Exp 214270; GS SBGM221; Omega AT |
10 October 2014, 09:56 AM | #6 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 1,386
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Great journey!!! Looking forward to the pics!!!
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10 October 2014, 10:06 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Singapore
Watch: Sky/Sea/Land
Posts: 681
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Congrats! :)
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10 October 2014, 10:11 AM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: T
Location: AZ, NV, CA
Posts: 6,490
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Congrats!
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10 October 2014, 10:12 AM | #9 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: Too many to list!
Posts: 33,697
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Great write up; I'm waiting for the pictures. Thanks!!!
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10 October 2014, 10:23 AM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Watch: Me now
Posts: 19,372
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Congrats
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10 October 2014, 10:32 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Dennis
Location: Bay Area - 925
Posts: 40,018
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Congrats!
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10 October 2014, 10:36 AM | #12 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: ri
Watch: Sun Dial
Posts: 14,346
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That's a very passionate story ... You deserve it! Congrats.
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10 October 2014, 10:37 AM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Carmen de Apicala
Posts: 24
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Wonderful addition to the family, a heirloom your son will cherish.
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10 October 2014, 10:37 AM | #14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: TREVOR
Location: St. John's, NL
Watch: LVC
Posts: 136
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Good on you!
You got one for all the right reasons. |
10 October 2014, 10:55 AM | #15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Tom
Location: In a race car!
Watch: ME RACE PORSCHES
Posts: 24,123
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Chose a great watch!
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10 October 2014, 10:57 AM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Real Name: Patrick
Location: SIN
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 5,066
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Congrats!!
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10 October 2014, 10:58 AM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Larry
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Yes
Posts: 35,047
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Congrats on a great reference. Agree with all your comments...and you deserve it, too.
Can't wait to see the pics. |
10 October 2014, 11:20 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Len
Location: SoCal
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 987
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Congrats on your latest addition and a great post. Can't wait for some pics.
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10 October 2014, 11:47 AM | #19 |
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Tim
Location: Pennsylvania
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 72,244
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Congrats, great story! Can't wait to see the pics, welcome to TRF.
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Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED
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10 October 2014, 11:46 AM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Real Name: Anthony
Location: California
Watch: Rolex/AP/Panerai
Posts: 1,641
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Congrats!
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"You can never buy back Time, so spend it wisely." |
10 October 2014, 11:50 AM | #21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: USA
Watch: SubC LV
Posts: 1,821
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Any pics please
Nidal |
10 October 2014, 11:53 AM | #22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 893
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Jack and his new Explorer
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10 October 2014, 12:17 PM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Pittsburgh
Watch: Green Sub
Posts: 604
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The Explorer I is just classy. Love it
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10 October 2014, 12:22 PM | #24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Real Name: Heath
Location: Elkton Ky
Watch: Submariner
Posts: 354
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That's great! Enjoy and I hope your son loves wearing it to college!
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10 October 2014, 12:54 PM | #25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Alex
Location: Chicago
Watch: AP,PP, Rolex
Posts: 37,156
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Congrats!
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Instagram: @Hairdude Watches in Collection 5070R, 5522A, 214270 MK1, 228238 16750, 26401, 5711, 116718, 116710LN, 116300, 16710"Coke", 372, 15300, 15703 (All Flipped) Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member 'WIS-CON' Las Vegas Int'l GTG 2018 |
10 October 2014, 12:55 PM | #26 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Watch: Wilsdorf(s)
Posts: 10,258
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That's a great pic!! Congrats, again.
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Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N |
10 October 2014, 01:10 PM | #27 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 6,382
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Seeing your son with it on makes me smile.
Good choice!
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Craig, The (I'm JUST a) Loxmyth. If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION IS ENABLED. |
10 October 2014, 01:27 PM | #28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 102
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Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and Congrats! I also own the 39 Expl.
I'm originally from the Chgo. "burbs"- Back in the 70's, Lake County was often referred as the "boonies". Go Hawks! |
10 October 2014, 01:43 PM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Miki
Location: SG
Posts: 1,575
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Congrats...
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10 October 2014, 02:37 PM | #30 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: Larry
Location: San Diego, CA
Watch: ROLEX
Posts: 25,655
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Congratz!
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✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron. |
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