Ode to the Classic Rolex Submariner

[Trepang]

Originally Posted by Michaeli Paulo

Thanks, beachboy17, ttomczak, jlafou1, Phrank, Genevapics, Trepang, Mick Collins 1916, The Libertine, Gradyphilpott, jburson215, and roadie1!!!

I had imagined that my story might be similar to many folks here. Great to read about fellow Submariners, as well.

Mick, I wondered if anyone would notice the Aldens!!! They’re also iconic and classic...

Trepang, was your 50th birthday Submariner also your first Rolex, like me?

When I initially fielded the idea to my wife about getting one, I had tried to “justify” the expense by saying it would be for my 60th birthday, which is this coming October. She said, “there’s no way we’re going to wait for your birthday and leave this hidden away for months!” What a sweetheart! :)

Thanks again, guys!

Yes it was my first Rolex. I am not a flashy guy. I don't wear or even own any other jewelry, drive a F-250, etc..... A Rolex is totally out of character for me,

The Submariner is something I always wanted and I realized I wasn't getting any younger and I was at a place in my like I could buy if I wanted, so I did.

[jimcameron]

Post of the Year, maybe decade!!!

[faimag]

Nice personal story! Enjoy your sub!

[jay_kay]

Congratulations and what a story.

The 14060m is my favourite Rolex. I have been around everything over the past 10 years but the 14060 is THE one for me. Mine is a 2012 and when it arrived with me it was like new. I wear it a lot.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Michaeli Paulo

I really appreciate all of your kindness and support, Swaye, sydny2, El Cascarrabias, august1410, Timeless Quality, GarbanzoNegro, Brew, and chester01!!!

Never did I expect such praise and I’m truly honored and humbled.

The Rolex Submariner is such an iconic classic, it really deserves to be recognized.

This is certainly an active forum!!!

Michael

Us Navy guys and Rolex lovers have to stick together!

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thank you for your kind replies, vesnyder, Kyle3130, air king, sombra, Nothingfancy01, mmalek1, Anthony808, broham84, Justinmg, burnthesehills, ferrissteve11, Monty22, RtTime, rjstuf001, HighlandWatch, maylebox, jimcameron, faimag, and jay kay!

So great to read similar stories about your love for the Submariner!

It makes me think of the film, “Jerry Maguire.



Jerry is trying to get his only client, Rod Tidwell to remember back to why he decided to play football in the first place, before he got lost in all of the contracts, money, agents, sponsors, etc....Remembering his simple love for the game.

That can happen to me, too...I came here with a simple love for an iconic watch which was connected to the memories of my youth. Soon, I was embroiled in “grey markets, SS shortages, flippers, scam artists, insurance, over-polishing, waitlists and fakes.”

I don’t want to lose sight of that innocence surrounding my lifelong dream of the Rolex Submariner.

Thank you for sharing your stories of that simple love.

Michael

[NLYogi]

Great Homage read, thank you for taking the time to share your appreciation.

[Mr.Rolex1]

Nice post!
I love all my subs

[BisonHead]

What a lovely post, really enjoyed reading your story. One of the nicest posts i have read on here

Well done Sir for achieving your dream. Wear it well.

[a_plus1234]

Great story and pics. Congrats on your sub. Can't put a price tag on how it makes you feel when you strap it on your wrist. Priceless

[Tony8959]

My first was a SubDateC after initially walking in and looking at datejusts, but being drawn to the Sub. It was then a decision to decide between the 114060 and 116610. Which I went back and forth on. Luckily they were both in the case at the time.

Congrats on your iconic watch ! In today’s age of so many buying and flipping it’s nice to see someone acquire a piece that they’ll enjoy!

Welcome to the club!

[Thuilln]

I think you more than deserve it. Wear it well and proudly!

[Joemck]

Great post. Love the history of the watch in all aspects and never tire of hearing it rekindled. Your passion for this classic is well noted. Thank you for your service & best wishes for years of enjoyment.

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thank you, NLYogi, Mr.Rolex1, BisonHead, a_plus1234, Tony8959, Thuilln, and Joemck!!!

It’s so nice of you all to read my story and leave such warm words.

Rode down to Liberty Station today.



The Naval Training Center where I went through boot camp and subsequent schools. The base closed down in 1997 and was converted into shops, restaurants, art galleries, markets, museums, monuments, movie theaters, etc. and is now called, “Liberty Station.”

Sad that the base had to close, but it’s nice that they retained the original architecture and layout of the base for the most part.

They even preserved the old training ship called the “NeverSail!” This land bound vessel was used for all kinds of training and drills.



One outstanding monument is the “Eternal Patrol” memorial. There are 52 of these individual monuments honoring those Submariners who gave their lives for their country.



Each black stone gives the story of the Submarine as well as the names of the crew members who are now on “eternal patrol.”



It’s a very moving experience to read the stories of these brave souls who gave their lives unselfishly for others.

If you’re ever in San Diego, Liberty Station may be well worth a visit!

Michael

[greanie]

Great post! Love the read.

Fellow bubble-head here! From Groton to San Diego (point Loma).
I hope to add a Submariner back to my collection, I’m hoping I cherish it the next time around as much as you do.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SeaAndSky]

Welcome aboard the forums. That's a beautiful watch.

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thank you, greanie and SeaAndSky!

“Cherish” is a great word to describe my feelings toward this Submariner!

I find myself looking at my watch often throughout the day...sometimes even to check the time!!! :)

Thanks again,

Michael

[Michaeli Paulo]

Since the Submariner is my only watch and a daily wearer, I’ve no need of a winder or display case.

But I was happy to learn from another thread about the green Rolex velvet pouches.



I found one on eBay; they’re plentiful there, but hard to find with the insert plate. This pouch works great to safely store my Submariner at night on my nightstand!

[Golden Ellipse]

Great post and spot-on sentiments.

[cop414]

Fabulous thread, thank you Sir for your service and congratulations on the classic Submariner.

[rod727]

Well done.....enjoy your watch and thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[Gladiat0r]

Excellent thread. The submariner truly is a masterpiece. Thank you for sharing your story my friend. Congratulations.

[Quinnf]

Looks great! Great post!

[faldoc]

Thanks for your service.

You deserve your new Submariner!

[Dsmith1974]

That’s the spirit!

10460M > 110460

[BlueNote]

The pouch is great for temporary storage and the insert is important to protect the case back from scratches.

[T.Rex]

My views exactly!........Hopefully Rolex will return one day to the classic lines of the 14060. Not to diss the 6-digit but, the 5-digit IS the Submariner in my eyes.

Great post by the way (such passion)

regards

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thank you, Golden Ellipse, cop414, rod727, Gladiat0r, Quinnf, faldoc, Dsmith1974, BlueNote, and T.Rex for taking the time to write your kind words!!!

Originally Posted by T.Rex

My views exactly!........Hopefully Rolex will return one day to the classic lines of the 14060. Not to diss the 6-digit but, the 5-digit IS the Submariner in my eyes.

Great post by the way (such passion)

regards

If Rolex ever does return the Submariner to it’s more classic design, while retaining the latest upgrades, then I will most likely become a “two watch guy!!!”

Thanks again and God bless you,

Michael

[Pacha]

Thank You Brother for your service. Congratulations on a fabulous watch!

[T.Rex]

Originally Posted by Michaeli Paulo

Thank you, Golden Ellipse, cop414, rod727, Gladiat0r, Quinnf, faldoc, Dsmith1974, BlueNote, and T.Rex for taking the time to write your kind words!!!



If Rolex ever does return the Submariner to it’s more classic design, while retaining the latest upgrades, then I will most likely become a “two watch guy!!!”

Thanks again and God bless you,

Michael

For sure!

best regards