What made you buy your first Rolex?

[Armyguy03]

I hung a picture of a 116610 on my wall during my deployment to Afghanistan 2013-2013. During the deployment I purchased a Seiko SKX009 & 007. They were my first automatic watch. For the previous 9 years I'd worn a Suunto. That watch went with me to South America, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and countless field exercises and Airborne jumps.

In 2013 I started with a DJ (purchased on post deployment leave from Honolulu Time), then went to Ben Bridges in Ala Moana mall and got a 116610. I walked in, pointed at the Sub and said "I'll take that please." The sales staff beamed, presuming that this would be the easiest sale of his day.

Fast forward, I no longer own the 116610 or the DJ, and have fallen in love with my divers and GMT, all < 5 digits. Now that I am back in Afghanistan, I am wearing my trusted SD on a NATO (Maratac). I've contemplated purchasing a DD upon my return, but I figured that it would make it more special to wait till retirement from the service before I do.

After reading a lot here and across the interweb, I have learned a lot about Rolex history and am proud to be associated with a brand that pushed the boundaries of R&D. Now that I am a 100% WIS, I come across a lot of older gentlemen who wear the brand, and I often share a few words. Their stories and admiration is unlike any I've seen or heard before. A lot are single owners, which often compels me to sell my other pieces and enjoy one for the next 10 years so I too can have stories attached to one piece. However, my addiction won't allow, therefore I must share the love.

We are burdened by time. I figure it's best to track it with something I highly value.