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Old 10 October 2014, 05:19 AM   #1
Bfd70
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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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Old 10 October 2014, 08:19 AM   #2
red.earth
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Congratulations!! A superb choice.
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Old 10 October 2014, 09:14 AM   #3
judson
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Cool. Nice story.
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Old 10 October 2014, 09:24 AM   #4
Boothroyd
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Excellent choice!! Congratulations!
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Old 10 October 2014, 09:52 AM   #5
Jack T
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Great choice, I wish you all the best, enjoy every tick of the movement.
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Old 10 October 2014, 09:56 AM   #6
diracpoint
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Great journey!!! Looking forward to the pics!!!
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:06 AM   #7
mtb
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Congrats! :)
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:11 AM   #8
T01
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:12 AM   #9
HogwldFLTR
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Great write up; I'm waiting for the pictures. Thanks!!!
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:23 AM   #10
Urosfan
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Congrats
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:32 AM   #11
sea-dweller
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Congrats!
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:36 AM   #12
SUBversive
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That's a very passionate story ... You deserve it! Congrats.
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:37 AM   #13
fastfras
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Wonderful addition to the family, a heirloom your son will cherish.
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:37 AM   #14
5080
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Good on you!

You got one for all the right reasons.
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:55 AM   #15
tkerrmd
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Chose a great watch!
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:57 AM   #16
viper9669
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Congrats!!
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Old 10 October 2014, 10:58 AM   #17
watchwatcher
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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.
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Old 10 October 2014, 11:20 AM   #18
Len S
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Congrats on your latest addition and a great post. Can't wait for some pics.
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Old 10 October 2014, 11:47 AM   #19
cop414
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Congrats, great story! Can't wait to see the pics, welcome to TRF.
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Old 10 October 2014, 11:46 AM   #20
Time Collector
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Congrats!
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Old 10 October 2014, 11:50 AM   #21
Nidal
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Any pics please


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Old 10 October 2014, 11:53 AM   #22
Bfd70
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Jack and his new Explorer

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Old 10 October 2014, 12:17 PM   #23
Rickn
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The Explorer I is just classy. Love it
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Old 10 October 2014, 12:22 PM   #24
Dashimmy
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That's great! Enjoy and I hope your son loves wearing it to college!
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Old 10 October 2014, 12:54 PM   #25
Hairdude1
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Congrats!
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Old 10 October 2014, 12:55 PM   #26
Boothroyd
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That's a great pic!! Congrats, again.
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Old 10 October 2014, 01:10 PM   #27
theloxmyth
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Seeing your son with it on makes me smile.

Good choice!

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Old 10 October 2014, 01:27 PM   #28
Jazz ham
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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!
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Old 10 October 2014, 01:43 PM   #29
Ryuden
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Congrats...

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Old 10 October 2014, 02:37 PM   #30
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Congratz!
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