My Rolex buying experience.

[East Bay Rider]

I have been shopping at the same jewelry store in Barrington, RI for almost 20 years. I would comparison shop elsewhere but always came back to the same store due to the superior quality of their items compared to others. They are reputed to be expensive in the area but you just can't compare a real jeweler to the places at the mall. You understand.
Understand that I'm strictly small potatoes at that place. I've seen folks buy Patek Phillipe watches, Rolex's and even a $18,000 clock. I usually buy a charm to add to my wife's bracelet a couple of times a year and occasionally a bracelet, a nice ring, earings or a necklace but nothing really HUGE.
The owners and their salesman were always very friendly. Whenever I shopped there I would take some time to drool over the Rolex display and they would indulge me and answer questions about Rolex, Patek and other automatics. In fact on occasion they would give me a trade magazine or some pamphlets to study. When I walk in the store they always say "Hi Bill" even if they are waiting on other customers. I've always appreciated that.
Well last month my wife went there and bought me a GMT-II. I had always told her that if she ever went there just to tell them who she was and they would take care of her. They did.
The next day I went back to the store to fill out the warranty and check the sizing. When I walked in the guys there were all excited to see me, laughing and joking that now that I was an owner they needed to teach me the secret Rolex handshake etc.
I know it's only a watch but that store is the only place I know of where all the residents understand and appreciate the mechanical nature of the watch and aren't hung up on the cost of such things.
So it really was a great experience overall.