Ode to the Classic Rolex Submariner

[1911 Man]

There is no bad reason for wanting a Rolex. True, it isn't "Just a watch." I loved reading your story. Most on here have their own personal Journey to owning a Rolex story, and I love reading all of them. Enjoy your treasure, congrats on finally obtaining it, welcome to the forum, and Thank you for your service.

[Pw92676]

Fantastic read. One of the best posts I’ve read in a while. Amazing pics and great story. Congrats!

[Michaeli Paulo]

Floored by all of the positive and kind replies!

Looking forward to taking some more pics! These were all iPhone shots, but I’m breaking out the digital camera for the next ones!!

Fortunately, unlike me, the Submariner is so photogenic!

Thank you, Rashid.bl, aksd, Indy11, tatery, DoDe, 1911 Man, and Pw 92676!

God bless you,

Michael

[The Libertine]

What a great post, and it’s posts like this one that TRF needs a lot more of nowadays!

Thank you for your service.

[burnthesehills]

Beautiful watch and great story. Thanks for sharing and congratulations.

[SeaAndSky]

Welcome aboard the forums. That's a beautiful watch.

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thank you, greanie and SeaAndSky!

“Cherish” is a great word to describe my feelings toward this Submariner!

I find myself looking at my watch often throughout the day...sometimes even to check the time!!! :)

Thanks again,

Michael

[Michaeli Paulo]

Since the Submariner is my only watch and a daily wearer, I’ve no need of a winder or display case.

But I was happy to learn from another thread about the green Rolex velvet pouches.



I found one on eBay; they’re plentiful there, but hard to find with the insert plate. This pouch works great to safely store my Submariner at night on my nightstand!

[cop414]

Fabulous thread, thank you Sir for your service and congratulations on the classic Submariner.

[Chris Nelly]

The BEST post I have ever read this forum. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and congrats!

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by Pw92676

Fantastic read. One of the best posts I’ve read in a while. Amazing pics and great story. Congrats!

[DJ2020]

So nice to read such a great story. Well done!
Big congratulations and enjoy your watch for many years to come.

[beachboy17]

what a great story....once you get the watch you have been searching for, you appreciate it that much more....i have a story like that with regards to an old tudor sub that i was searching for over 18 months.....

enjoy your submariner....

[mountainjogger]

Simply awesome post.

You passion runs for this watch runs deep. And exemplifies the best of this hobby and this forum.

Thank you for the time you took to put this together.

[ttomczak]

Great story, but the pictures make it awesome.

And great truck btw, from one taco owner to another.

[Michaeli Paulo]

Originally Posted by ttomczak

And great truck btw, from one taco owner to another.

Thanks! Close guess! But actually mine’s an ’02 Tundra; my wife has an ‘01 Tacoma.

My Tundra was part of what helped me realize I’d prefer the more classic Submariner. The older Tundras are smaller, more refined with classic lines and design. The newer Tundras are bigger, more blocky and angular...more modern looking, perhaps?

Realizing this helped me see the similarities with my Submariner decision. I like classic, vintage, antique, traditional things!

Michael

[jlafou1]

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing your story. I own a 114060 as my daily and it’s been perfect!

[Phrank]

Superb post and a great read, that’s what’s its all about and was similar to my story.

Problem became, why stop at just one...:-)

18 months later since I put my first Rolex on, the joy hasn’t faded.

[Genevapics]

Wonderful story. I can imagine the smile on your face when you received your Submariner. That would have been one priceless photo. Enjoy your watch... and thank you for your service.

[Trepang]

I too was in the US Navy Submarine service. Did 26 years. I was a Sonarman, retired in 2014 and now work for DOD/DON and run a charter boat on the side.

I got my Submariner back in March for my 50th birthday. I went with a Sub Date, sometimes I second guess myself and wish I had went with a No Date, the classic, instead but I do catch myself looking at the date when signing paperwork or checks.

Congrats on your watch.

[MickCollins1916]

Great thread, and excellent watch! Congrats on the pickup.

( I also like your Alden Indy boots pictured in the thread. We apparently have similar tastes.)

[GradyPhilpott]

You made a great choice, OP. Congratulations!

I was blessed to acquire my 14060M(Random) in December 2011, just a couple of months before the 114060 was introduced at Basel.

[jburson250]

Thanks for the extraordinary story Michael!
When I joined the Navy in '66, my folks gave me a Submariner 5512. It's retail price was $195 - the same as the old ad in post #1.
I proudly wore - and beat the hell out of - the Sub over the next eight years in the propulsion plants of USS Enterprise and USS Long Beach.
The 5512 is still with me today, as listed below in my signature along with its more modern mates.
I'm delighted you finally found your Submariner.
Thank you for your service.
Best Regards,

[roadie1]

Love it! Thanks for posting!

[Michaeli Paulo]

Thanks, beachboy17, ttomczak, jlafou1, Phrank, Genevapics, Trepang, Mick Collins 1916, The Libertine, Gradyphilpott, jburson215, and roadie1!!!

I had imagined that my story might be similar to many folks here. Great to read about fellow Submariners, as well.

Mick, I wondered if anyone would notice the Aldens!!! They’re also iconic and classic...

Trepang, was your 50th birthday Submariner also your first Rolex, like me?

When I initially fielded the idea to my wife about getting one, I had tried to “justify” the expense by saying it would be for my 60th birthday, which is this coming October. She said, “there’s no way we’re going to wait for your birthday and leave this hidden away for months!” What a sweetheart! :)

Thanks again, guys!

[Trepang]

Originally Posted by Michaeli Paulo

Thanks, beachboy17, ttomczak, jlafou1, Phrank, Genevapics, Trepang, Mick Collins 1916, The Libertine, Gradyphilpott, jburson215, and roadie1!!!

I had imagined that my story might be similar to many folks here. Great to read about fellow Submariners, as well.

Mick, I wondered if anyone would notice the Aldens!!! They’re also iconic and classic...

Trepang, was your 50th birthday Submariner also your first Rolex, like me?

When I initially fielded the idea to my wife about getting one, I had tried to “justify” the expense by saying it would be for my 60th birthday, which is this coming October. She said, “there’s no way we’re going to wait for your birthday and leave this hidden away for months!” What a sweetheart! :)

Thanks again, guys!

Yes it was my first Rolex. I am not a flashy guy. I don't wear or even own any other jewelry, drive a F-250, etc..... A Rolex is totally out of character for me,

The Submariner is something I always wanted and I realized I wasn't getting any younger and I was at a place in my like I could buy if I wanted, so I did.

[vesnyder]

Michael - Thanks for the post and thanks for your service. I loved reading the story and glad to be a fellow enthusiast with similar appreciation of the brand.

Wear in good health!

[Kyle3130]

Welcome to this great forum and thank you for your service! All of the reasons you cited are why I chose to buy my 14060M over 6 years ago. I have warn it all day, every day since. It is “My Submariner” and I know how you feel! Congrats on finding yours and to a lifelong bond with it!

[air_king]

Great watch yes, but an even better story. Thanks for posting it and thank you for your service. Wear it in good health sir.

[sombra]

Fantastic post! Could be a sticky