No White Whale, the Last Dinosaur

[AdamW]

I know it’s a love it or hate it thing with Rolex collectors, but I’ve always been in love with the Datejust black and silver Tuxedo with a roulette dial. From the very first photo I saw of one more than a dozen years ago, I knew instantly that it was something that I eventually wanted to have.

Unlike a lot of folks, I’m not into buying used watches. I just want the experience of having something that was only mine. The awesome anticipation of going to the AD, finding the watch, trying it on, and on, and on… And then making the purchase. I’ve been very fortunate to have an AD that over the years based on our relationship, (aka me buying more and more watches), takes very good care of me in terms of generous discounts. But since the Datejust Tuxedo 116234 had gone the way of the Dinosaur 7 years ago, I knew finding a new one was not likely and I buried my dream.



3 years ago I was at a concert at a casino and there was a Rolex store in the complex. And there, in the window was a BRAND NEW Datejust Tuxedo, jubilee with fluted bezel (the only combination on that watch that I ever could imagine). How could that be? New? So in I went, tried on my precious and fell in love. Unfortunately at the time my heart said yes, my wallet said no. So back it went into the case.



Flash forward to this past August. Same casino, same Rolex store and sure enough, same Tuxedo! The sales clerk said it had been there for years, and not only hadn’t it ever been sold, nobody had in her memory ever asked to have it taken out of the case!!!! Unreal. I still couldn’t afford it. Home I went.



However, since we had moved into the new year this month, I was pretty close to buying a watch without having to destroy my bank account. I couldn’t stop thinking about the Datejust. Now some casino ADs aren't like a regular AD. The Rolex store at Foxwoods is owned by the casino and they don’t discount. Ever. Not a penny. They won’t even ship to your home to save you the tax. And since I’ve never actually paid full retail for a luxury watch and I would get hives just thinking about it, I began my search to find another, somewhere in the hinterlands of the country, either gray market or not.

Now I’m kind of OCD, so when I say I searched, I mean I searched. I spent days online, checking every reputable dealer, every trusted seller, and called every AD in three states. And I came to the conclusion that this one, the one I saw at the casino was likely the last new 116234. But was it still there? Surely someone took it home months ago.

 No, I can't pay sticker!!!!!

Yesterday morning I found out that a college friend had passed away. She was a beautiful spirit and at 58 was taken from this world far too soon. But losing my friend, just put things in perspective. I saw the news on Facebook. got in the car.

Life is short. Never miss an opportunity to tell the ones you love how you feel about them because you never know when they may be gone. Life is way too short. So I drove an hour an a half to the casino.

 I had no idea if the watch was still there. They have a policy of not confirming on the phone what their stock is (silly). So when I walked in the door, was asked if I could be helped and I said I was interested in a Tuxedo they used to have, the woman said, “I remember you! You came in last summer!” I asked her how she could possibly remember that and she replied “nobody has asked to see this watch since.”

Well what can I say, I guess I’m only one with really good taste!

I bought it. I paid full retail. I don’t care. As far as I know there isn’t another NOS Datejust silver and black Tuxedo out there and if there is I don’t want to know. The hunt was real. The struggle was real. And losing my friend made mortality for me more real.

So now I have my dinosaur. When I look at it I will always think of my friend, my great time in college far too many years ago and I will be reminded that time goes by too quickly. Love each other. Be kind. And take care of yourself. We only go around once.

Peace,

Adam

[indy16zo6]

Great story with an unfortunate portion on your friend. Super congrats. I love it personally. Can’t say I’ve ever seen one in person. Enjoy it!


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[danwatchdill]

Congrats on the watch. Guess it was meant to be!

[Dubshack]

Awesome story, thanks for sharing. And killer watch.


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[tpool]

Your story really hit home with me. I’m glad it waited for you! I’m at that point in life too & completely understand. Enjoy that beautiful piece; it’s classic.


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[blevine]

Beautiful watch. Is it in fact a roulette dial? Can you post of pic of it with the red date showing.

Sorry about your friend and I like your positive message.

[AdamW]

Originally Posted by blevine

Beautiful watch. Is it in fact a roulette dial? Can you post of pic of it with the red date showing.

Sorry about your friend and I like your positive message.

Thanks! Here's the red date for you!

[Toony]

Congrats on a great watch! Great story.

[GreatScott]

So do you get a 5 year warranty on it? First one I have seen, it is really beautiful.

[AdamW]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

So do you get a 5 year warranty on it? First one I have seen, it is really beautiful.

Yes, full 5 year warranty

[HogwldFLTR]

I have a bit of a soft spot in me for Rolex concentric dials. Very nice. Wear it with good memories!!!

[HONDABBQ]

Great story. Sorry about your friend. Congrats.
Let's see that roulette date!

[BT1985]

Big fan if that dial. Congrats!


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[judson]

Awesome story and watch. Thank you for sharing.

[Nikrnic]

Thank you for sharing. That Tuxedo is oozing with character.. Looks Great...

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[TVal07]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Thank you for sharing. That Tuxedo is oozing with character.. Looks Great...

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Agreed - it’s got a ton of character and it’s a departure from the everyday datejust. Great story, great perspective. Enjoy the hell out of it.

[brandrea]

Love it! We don’t see enough of those here

[Odie-r]

Great story. A friend of mine always says 'life isn't a practice round'. Glad you got what you wanted. Congrats!

[ChrisMy]

Great story ! Congrats on your watch


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[Anthonyw]

Thanks for sharing Adam...great story and lots of wisdom there


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[GradyPhilpott]

[inadeje]

I can’t I’ve ever seen one, I mean never...however, for that very reason, It is very cool indeed. Is this the only version they make with the circle in the center or are there other outer colors too? I like it.

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I can’t I’ve ever seen one, I mean never...however, for that very reason, It is very cool indeed. Is this the only version they make with the circle in the center or are there other outer colors too? I like it.

I saw one in Rome in 2007 or 2008. It was black and salmon dial 2 tone rose gold, jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel. I almost pulled the trigger but I was uncertain whether it was a good deal, the exchange rate and how much tax and duty I’ll have to pay when I got back to Canada. It was our last day in Rome and I just didn’t have time to do all the research. Internet wasn’t as easy back then. It was a gorgeous watch I still think about it once in a while.

By the way congratulations to the OP. You did the right thing. You only live once and the fact that very watch was still there for you after all these time has passed only means it’s meant to be yours.

[AdamW]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I can’t I’ve ever seen one, I mean never...however, for that very reason, It is very cool indeed. Is this the only version they make with the circle in the center or are there other outer colors too? I like it.

They also made one with a lighter silver outer ring and a darker silver color inner. Plus they had two tone for both models.

[tle156]

I have to say that your story makes my day. Thank you for sharing and please enjoy your watch in a good health.

[s.m.b.]

[Watch This]

I always liked that dial.

[Navarino]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.

Reading your post made me think this is just one of those purchases that was meant to be. I am glad you were able to finally pull the trigger on a watch you've sought after for so long. Here's to you enjoying it in the best of health!

[kcmo]

Great post....huge congrats to you as it was surely meant to be! Enjoy your grail for the rest of your life!

[schoolboy]

That is one beautiful piece.

Thanks for sharing the story.

May she Rest In Peace:

Thanks for the positive message in your narrative.

Enjoy wearing the watch in good health.