Transitioning from Rolex fan to Rolex maniac obsessive

[jstan9]

Hello All, I posted much of this on a BLNR thread but discovered afterward that I'd not introduced myself.

I'm new to the forum having discovered it in my attempt to buy from Amazon/online the still-hard-to-get GMT BLNR Batman.

I fell in love with the BLNR Batman and went to Amazon about 3,000 times checking them out. I buy *everything* online but there was something a bit 'off' about the way a lot of these sellers responded to inquiries.

I researched and researched (I bought my first and up to three weeks ago only Rolex SS/Platinum Yacht-Master in 2000 from Tourneau in Manhattan on 53rd and Lexington, if memory serves).

In the end, after reading a ton on this forum (this is my first post!), I decided that you ladies and gents knew what you were talking about. If you want it new, and especially if you want a hot, in-demand Rolex, the AD is best. You can see and hold the watch. Yeah, you pay sales tax (which is outrageous in California) but you know *absolutely* what you're getting.

Now, for pre-owned, I've learned from this forum that there are a lot of honorable and respectable dealers. Plus I've discovered your *incredible* classifieds!

When I bought my Yacht-Master 17 years ago it was because I'd been paying Tourneau monthly for an Explorer II (white face) for *two years!* It was a reward to myself for a promotion. After two years, the Tourneau people said they didn't know when my number would come up and that I should just take my money back. There was a mid-sized yacht-master in the window (a topic for another day -- mid-sized vs. 40mm) that literally seemed to glow, it was so beautiful. I've loved that watch and worn it daily (including--foolishly--while doing triathlons) for the 17 years and continue to love and admire its beauty.

But I always wanted that GMT hand. I didn't know anything about the GMT when I was paying for the Explorer II (which must've been on fire in 2000 since Tourneau just couldn't get enough to fill their orders). I wanted a Rolex but was just a guy in a startup and didn't know what I know now (which is probably 0.01% of what the average person on this forum knows! : )

When the Batman came out I knew instantly I wanted it. I walked into the AD here in San Francisco (Shreve & Co on Post street near Union Square). The super nice sales guy asked what I was looking for. I said 'browsing watches.'

'Anything in particular?'

Rolex GMT

'Good choice.' He was wearing a 'coke' GMT from 2005 or 6.

I tried on the 'batman' in the case and was blown away.

I went back two weeks later and it was gone. The sales guy said 'they don't sit long, but I think we just got one. I'll check in back. He emerged with a little ziploc bag with my watch in it. I bought it on the spot three weeks ago and am blown away daily. It is a craft machine work of art that will delight me for decades. It's stunning.

Anyhow, that's my story. This forum has helped me a tremendous amount while I researched this amazing Rolex watch. Thank you all.