First time post, long time WIS: How I got my first Rolex (kinda long)

[BiG JeEzY]

Hello everybody TRF members and guests alike!

I have been a long time lurker on this forum now and have really enjoyed reading all the posts and replies made by all of the members. I have gotten to know some of the members who have posted frequently and really enjoy being here. I visited a few other Rolex forums online and always found TRF to have the most friendly and outgoing members! Plus I gotta love how I get to use all these smilies!

The watches that I currently own are a P serial white dial Explorer II (16570) from 2001 similar to Mr. JJ Irani's model, and a 5xxxxxx serial "Pepsi" bezel GMT-Master I (1675) from 1978. I also own a vintage Longines automatic dress watch that my dad wore before me. I really love how both Rolexes have the same features but at the same time, a completely different look to suit whatever mood I am in. That's a big plus for me since I love the second timezone feature. All three of my watches are definitely keepers! I currently don't have pictures of them since there are no images saved to my computer but I plan to put up pictures soon! Sorry if I disappointed a few of you already...

My first Rolex was the Explorer II which I got in 2001. The GMT 1 and the Longines were eventual heirloom pieces which my dad passed down to me a couple years ago. I can still remember the very first time I went into an AD with my dad and tried on the EXPII, that was all the way back in 2000. From that moment on, I was completely hooked and I knew that the EXPII had "smiled" at me. I eventually came to recognize other fine brands later on but it was nothing compared to putting on and recognizing Rolex as my very first fine watch. It became my first love in watches. I don't think I will ever feel the same about any other watch. Now I consider myself a WIS thanks to my dad! I enjoy discussing all the different brands, looking at other people's watches in public, looking at my own watch for the longest time and still not knowing what time it is, and trying so hard to keep my watches looking new.

I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about Rolex and have been following the brand for about 7 years now. For example, I know how my EXPII has SEL links and that my GMT has the classic caliber 1575 movement in it which was used in the 70's. However, I always look forward to learning many new things that I have never known before and making many new friends on this wonderful forum!

Thank you very much for reading my first post and looking towards many more to come! Cheers!!!