Long journey...

[kilyung]

Forgive me for writing such a long incoming post but I need to get it out of my system.

It's no secret to anyone here that I've been lusting after a YM2 for a while now. My first encounter with the YM2 was in 2008 (a year after its release at Basel 2007). I was working in Florida and meeting a potential sales executive candidate at the Ritz Carlton beach resort in Naples, FL.



Yes, a very casual interview. He showed up promptly and was dressed very smartly in business casual attire (it's FL) with this MASSIVE gold Rolex on his wrist. I'd only seen the YM2 online and it was surprisingly better looking than I had anticipated... beach+ocean+massive gold Rolex=picturesque. However I had not "matured" enough at that point in my horological journey to feel comfortable wearing a YG Rolex.

Fast forward to Basel 2013 and the SS 116680 is introduced. Wow!



Here was a watch that rekindled my fascination with this model. The YG YM2 was still very much somewhere in the back of my mind and I'd since overcome my YG hesitation. However a battle was brewing between my superego-ego-id (Herr Freud would have thought me a basket case). Would I listen to my id and just go for the gold? Or would my superego prevail in dissuading me altogether from such a large and expensive (and arguably unnecessary) timepiece. My ego valiantly tried to mediate between the two using the SS YM2 as a compromise. Quickly, my superego was tossed from the ring but my id and ego were still going all out.

All you guys, who have been picking up YM2s, were not helping (you know who you are!). Being unable to decide, I looked to my existing collection of precious metal Rolexes for inspiration.



My first precious metal sports Rolex was picked up in 2010. The 116718 YG GMTIIc. It's a fantastic watch and my favorite complication by far. Even to this day, it gets more wrist time than any other Rolex.



Next up in 2011 was the 116619LB WG SubC. Another great reference as it's a sub (not much more to say). I love the color (blue is my favorite color) and the weight is intoxicating. It's a very deceiving watch as it "looks" like any other SubC but most people around me don't know it's special. It's my rough & tumble Rolex (my SS Rolexes hate it).



Lastly in 2012, I got the 218206 Plat DDII. Now this was an odd one for me. I've got other dressy watches (from more "prestigious" brands) but I love the weight and even the size of this massive piece of metal not to mention the relative scarcity of this piece.

So when I looked at this list, here's what I realized...

116718 - I like the look of an all YG watch
116619 - blue looks fantastic on my wrist
218206 - I love heavy watches
Collectively - I like the rarity of wearing the top of a model line

Well when you put it that way, it's obvious the 116680 was going to lose. Furthermore, despite being a fantastic watch the 116680 price is very high for a steel Rolex and about halfway to a gold model. At that point, the decision was as clear as blue skies (although the PP 5980/1R and Rolex Daytona 116506 did and still tug at my consciousness).

Oh but the story goes on! After finally making a decision, I contacted my usual AD and was told that they could order it in (at a great price). Sadly, they called me back a month later and reneged on our deal. I'd never had this issue before (so never needed anything in writing) and have acquired MANY pieces from them in the past. Unfortunately they hired a new sales manager who refused to honor the offer. Even a plea to the AD owner failed. It's bittersweet that this watch caused a rift between my AD and me but 'c'est la vie' and we have parted ways. Anyways after a LONG search and lots of conversation with many great sellers, I finally found the right deal for me. So on this Thanksgiving holiday, I give thanks to Sohail who was kind enough to help me when I was down. Having reached the end of this 5yr saga, I now present the newest addition to my precious metal Rolex family...

heh heh heh!

[samkumar]

WOW ! Always loved your taste Mike. Great post. lot of insight and what a journey. Wear this gorgeous piece in the very best of health.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[GerardoG]

Great post and CONGRATULATIONS!

[opaline460]

Awesome horological journey! Big Congrats!

[themast]

Looks great Mike! And thanks for the whole story... not always linear but it makes sense.

Congratulations for this fantastic addition to your stellar collection.

[psv]

Oh hell yes!!!



I would be like this first



and then I would do this around the Thanksgiving table



And during the dinner I'd be like all



Many congrats, Mike! You got bigger cojones than I do, I would have stopped at the 116718 :-)

[TAKUYA]

Big Congrats Mike!


P.s and you can write the longer posts next time if you want. we enjoy it, no problem at all.

[Puffy]

well done mike! about time dude!!

[Jack T]

Nice watch, and I really do like that Sub...really.

Too bad about the AD, that is a relationship that takes some cultivation.

[Bangel]

Congrats Mike!

An awesome read to celebrate an awesome watch that you've added to your awesome collection!

[kieselguhr]

Big congrats Mike! That's a beautiful watch!

[Rashid.bk]

Mega congrats. I'm definitely waiting for a shot of the four watches together.
And I feel exactly as Patrick. Exactly!

[T.S.Eliot]

Huge congrats Mike you know you deserve it and was worth the wait Great collection all the way

[Jocke]

They have cost you about Ethiopia's gross domestic product.

Congrats Mike, or should I call you Golden Mike?

[Yinger]

Big congrats! Love the story behind it!

[jvo300]

Congrats, Mike! Another killer peice for your collection.

[SLS]

Congrats on the YM 2 Mike. Given your love of precious metal timepieces, I am surprised that an AD would reneg on a verbal agreement...that is tough. Enjoy the YM, it certainly is a beautiful piece.
Scott

[Angrypuppy]

Super watch, congrats.

[FTX I]

Awesome

[Ramiks]

Huge congrats on that magnificent piece..
Enjoy it and wear it in best health

Great write up I really enjoyed reading it..

[teqp]

Big congrats and love the story! Wear in the best of health.

[brandrea]

Absolutely gorgeous collection you have there Mike! Congratulations on your latest (and certainly not your last) Rolex ...

Do I see a Platinum Daytona in your future?

[solesman]

Congrats on your new pick up Mike. You have an amazing collection of watches and I always look forward to seeing your photos and reading your posts. Enjoy in great health.

[Yoda]

Congratulations Mike.

[Lucky777]

Congrats Mike, well deserved!

[Mauiguy]

Superb! Well considered, well thought-out choice. The YMII is a gorgeous compliment to your magnificent collection. Congrats!

[FeelingTheBlues]

Congratulations Mike my friend, we know you've been thinking about buying one for quite a long time. I'm verry happy for you and I think I speak for the rest of us when I say...

...It was about bloody time!

Enjoy it.

[ARTISAN]

great story , great watch,,,, and great collection,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,happy holiday's .

[CWIN]

Wow!! Beautiful reference Mike! Great story and a great ending to an amazing journey. Now all that remains is to buy a yacht to go with it. Congrats!

[perpetualman88]

Beautiful addition Mike Huge congrats.

Another beautiful piece to your already amazing collection

wear it in the best of health