How I Got My First Rolex

[9*9*3]

I haven’t been a TRF member long nor have I posted but once but have learned a lot and enjoyed the first time owner stores.

So, in the hopes of helping other aspiring Rolex owners I wanted to share how I was able to get mine.

For background I own two watches. A Glycine Airman I bought in 1969 while in Saigon during the Vietnam War. The other is a Patek Philippe purchased in 1979 while traveling in Europe.

I have worn each regularly over the years and have had them serviced when needed. However, they are not safe for the water which takes me to the present.

We own a time share in Maui and visit 30+ days a year. My morning routine is to leave around 6:00AM, walk the two miles to Blackrock, snorkel for a while then visit Starbucks on Kaanapali Beach before returning home.

Each morning my wife asks “when will you be back”? Me, “I’m not sure” and she says “text me when you know”. My response “not taking the phone, don’t want to get it wet or worry about it”. Then it's "at what time should I begin to worry". Typical answer "Don't, I'll be fine". No sharks at Blackrock".

Flying home from our last trip I mentioned that if I had a waterproof watch I could wear while in the water I would know the time and could get back when you expect me so you won't have to worry. She liked that idea and I started my research. Looked at many watches online, went to dealers, tried styles on but kept coming back to the Sub No Date.

After visiting an AD a week ago she tells me that is a lot of money for an occasional snorkel watch. I agree but it’s a Rolex, it will last my lifetime and our sons plus it will complement my other two watches. Still not getting the warm and fuzzy.

Next ploy “I'll get a used one for a lot less than the AD is asking”. She says “can you do that"? Hook up, I have her now. I really get serious. Read some more, looked at the classifieds, and other threads about buying. Tried to buy one from a member but he changed his mind.

Then I see it. The perfect watch at the right price.

Thanks to David at http://http://davidsw.com/ for this beautiful 144060 G. Here it is along side the two old timers. I think it fits in nicely.