ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

CharlieG · 15 March 2009, 03:34 AM

This is the one the started my obsession. I purchased it from a pawn shop in NYC in 1986 and paid $1,100.00. I was walking by and they had watches and other jewelry hanging in the front window. I was 20 and $1,100.00 was a lot to a college kid. I left a small deposit and scraped up the rest. Two weeks later I picked up my beloved watch. I had no idea what I was buying but it was love at first site. As you can tell by the stretch in the bracelet I got my use out of this watch. I think I wore it day and night for a while!! It served me well and other than a cleaning and replacement crown it has never needed anything else.
Its a 16013 with a 6 mill serial and dates to 1980-81.
To this day, I don't even know if I got a good deal or ripped off but I could care less and will never part with it :thumbsup

JJ Irani · 15 March 2009, 03:36 AM

Hey Charlie,

Guess what? If I had hung on to my very first Rolex purchased brand new from an AD way back in Oct. 1980, it would have looked like the one above.....except that it had a coffee brown dial.

JJ

CharlieG · 15 March 2009, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Charlie,

Guess what? If I had hung on to my very first Rolex purchased brand new from an AD way back in Oct. 1980, it would have looked like the one above.....except that it had a coffee brown dial.

JJ

Wish you still had it?

If you remember, what was the MSRP back then?

JJ Irani · 15 March 2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieG

Wish you still had it?

If you remember, what was the MSRP back then?

Hmmmm.....let's see now. I had purchased it in Teheran (Iran) at the time for 180,000 Iranian Rials......and back then 72 Rials = 1US$.......so......

That would be US$2500 brand new from a Rolex AD. Expensive, I know.....but those were the prevailing prices at the time in Iran.

JJ

Paul B · 15 March 2009, 04:19 AM

Same watch and I still have it.

Bought it new in 1987, 16013 9 mil serial, but on an all steel Jubilee.

I was 27 and had to have it, I had researched it to death. Bought it at Birks here in Canada, and was able to pay so-much a month interest free for a few years.
$2700 plus tax IIRC, but I drove to the next province and had it shipped to save the tax.

Paul

rustedmetal · 15 March 2009, 04:28 AM

16234 w/ slate roman dial. Bought new in 93'. Only watch I've purchased from an AD. At the time though, I was able to get 28% off.....started out at 25% + 3% with cash. I don't wear it much now, but I can't bring myself to sell it.

Dan Pierce · 15 March 2009, 04:33 AM

Still have my DateJust but it's only been mine for about 4 years.

dP

Subexplorer · 15 March 2009, 04:37 AM

My first Rolex was a 5513 Sub no date, which my parents presented me in my 18th birthday, on September 1966.
This was a watch I long dreamed of, and badly wanted to own.
Unfortunately, I don´t have any more.

On 13 of February 1977, I was approached by two armed individuals when descending my car.
They took me and my car with them at gun point (very scary!!), only to let me go some 25 blocks away from the picking point.

Before descending, they asked to give them my watch.
I was very calmed up to that moment, though very scared inside, and I almost cried when they asked that!!
I told them: Take my car, take my wallet and go (which they actually did!) but please leave my watch as it has a great emotional value to me as a present from my parents.

Their short answer was easy to understand: "dame el reloj o sos boleta" which in our slang Spanish traduces something like "gi´me the watch or you are a corpse".
Looking at the wrong end of their revolver, was enough to convince me they spoke seriously.
So I lost my beloved Sub, after eleven years of enjoying it a lot.

I was scared to death, and very upset for the loss. So upset, I felt sick. This happened early in the morning, and I spend all afternoon sick, and couldn´t sleep that night.

The following day my wife, worried seeing me so bad, and without telling me anything, went to an AD by herself and bought me another Sub.
She didnt know about different models of Subs (neither me in those days) so she asked for a Submariner, and was given and bought a 1680, on the 14th of February 1977, following day to the robbery.

This is the same Sub date (COSC of course) I own till today, though I have it semi retired now, because I´m afraid to have it stolen too.
This is not a Red Sub! But the 1680 was fairly new model here in Argentina in those days, and costed more than the 5513 I had previously.

I was very happy when she surprised me with the new watch, and appreciated very much her action. Anyway, I´ll never recover from my loss of that watch that reminded me of my Parents, now gone.
I registered the robbery at the Police Station and also at the local Rolex Offices, but never had news of it. I still miss that beloved watch!!

Kind regards, Abel
This is my present Sub from 1977:

kyle L · 15 March 2009, 04:48 AM

I'm keeping this one forever!

CharlieG · 15 March 2009, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subexplorer

My first Rolex was a 5513 Sub no date, which my parents presented me in my 18th birthday, on September 1966.
This was a watch I long dreamed of, and badly wanted to own.
Unfortunately, I don´t have any more.

On 13 of February 1977, I was approached by two armed individuals when descending my car.
They took me and my car with them at gun point (very scary!!), only to let me go some 25 blocks away from the picking point.

Before descending, they asked to give them my watch.
I was very calmed up to that moment, though very scared inside, and I almost cried when they asked that!!
I told them: Take my car, take my wallet and go (which they actually did!) but please leave my watch as it has a great emotional value to me as a present from my parents.

Their short answer was easy to understand: "dame el reloj o sos boleta" which in our slang Spanish traduces something like "gi´me the watch or you are a corpse".
Looking at the wrong end of their revolver, was enough to convince me they spoke seriously.
So I lost my beloved Sub, after eleven years of enjoying it a lot.

I was scared to death, and very upset for the loss. So upset, I felt sick. This happened early in the morning, and I spend all afternoon sick, and couldn´t sleep that night.

The following day my wife, worried seeing me so bad, and without telling me anything, went to an AD by herself and bought me another Sub.
She didnt know about different models of Subs (neither me in those days) so she asked for a Submariner, and was given and bought a 1680, on the 14th of February 1977, following day to the robbery.

This is the same Sub date (COSC of course) I own till today, though I have it semi retired now, because I´m afraid to have it stolen too.
This is not a Red Sub! But the 1680 was fairly new model here in Argentina in those days, and costed more than the 5513 I had previously.

I was very happy when she surprised me with the new watch, and appreciated very much her action. Anyway, I´ll never recover from my loss of that watch that reminded me of my Parents, now gone.
I registered the robbery at the Police Station and also at the local Rolex Offices, but never had news of it. I still miss that beloved watch!!

Kind regards, Abel
This is my present Sub from 1977:

Sorry for your original loss but what a great valentines gift

alant · 15 March 2009, 04:55 AM

Bought in 1992! Still fantastic!

GoldenBear · 15 March 2009, 05:08 AM

Still have my 1st SS Sub, bought in 1991. Can't imagine I'll every get rid of it.

The GMT Kid · 15 March 2009, 05:09 AM

This is the 16710 that I bought new in 2000. It has been worn daily until just recently when I added a 16013 to my collection. I'm getting ready to send this to the RSC in Beverly Hills.

Matrim604 · 15 March 2009, 05:13 AM

Still have my first Rolex.

Rolex Lover · 15 March 2009, 06:56 AM

You are so lawyal, folks:)))))))))))))))

kcmo · 15 March 2009, 06:58 AM

Great stories and pics everyone! Charlie, your DJ looks very well-loved! Love the white roman dial!

My first was a 16234 DJ which I no longer have; sold it to upgrade to the newer style DJ.

Jazz · 15 March 2009, 07:06 AM

This was my first Rolex and I will never part with it: -

BeeMee · 15 March 2009, 07:15 AM

Still have my first one - look at my signature picture. Bought it new in 1979.

Originally had a Champagne dial with stick indicators. Had Rolex in NY change the dial to the Blue Roman one in 1989 at the time of a regular service.

I still have the Champagne dial and the original hands, but they cannot be used again.

JimSnyder · 15 March 2009, 07:23 AM

One just like this was my first. Bought new from the AD in 1985 for $450 just after I was married. After the kids started popping out

it got pushed out the door. I always missed it, so last year I was able to replace it with this one

Xenophon · 15 March 2009, 09:37 AM

My first Rolex (a GMT) and my care free optimism and sunny disposition abandoned me twenty three years ago

rkb · 15 March 2009, 09:47 AM

I got my first 16 years ago, sold it a couple weeks ago. It was a Tudor Submariner 7928. Great watch, kept great time. The second was a SS DJ and it went to pay for some rockin' carbon fiber bike wheels. Just got my third, a new Explorer 1, I'll be keeping this one...

Mthwatch · 15 March 2009, 10:19 AM

Do you remember which day, JJ? I was born on the 19th of October in 1980!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Charlie,

Guess what? If I had hung on to my very first Rolex purchased brand new from an AD way back in Oct. 1980, it would have looked like the one above.....except that it had a coffee brown dial.

JJ

hwilsdorf · 15 March 2009, 10:43 AM

My first Rolex purchased in Dec 2004. I was salivating over it for about 3 months outside AD windows. Then only after 5 months of ownership I was already sick of it. Realized the bling isn't for me replaced with an SS SD.

I found the price was steep then. Paid $4,360.00 bnew.

hflee55 · 15 March 2009, 11:03 AM

still have my GMTII from 2003.

Lion · 15 March 2009, 11:52 AM

Everybody, Thanx for the pictures and stories to go with them!!!
My, first one was bought 2 years ago so no history as of yet!!!

CharlieG · 15 March 2009, 12:20 PM

Thanks for sharing, it was fun to read

dramsey · 15 March 2009, 12:49 PM

Yep! Bought in 1978 for $1,250:

Andad · 15 March 2009, 01:00 PM

My old DJ 1601, 276****. Can't remember exactly when I bought it but around 1975.

JJ Irani · 15 March 2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mthwatch

Do you remember which day, JJ? I was born on the 19th of October in 1980!!

2nd Oct. 1980 - it was my 34th birthday......and the day my wife and I got our very first Rolex watches!! She was 31 at the time.

Boopie · 15 March 2009, 03:56 PM

I plan to keep mine forever...my husband got me my SS/platinum ladies' Yachtmaster in February 2001, just before the Valentine's Day of our 10th anniversary year. It was a lot of money, but we married relatively young (at 22) while still in college, so our wedding bands are plain gold, with no diamond. I like to think of my watch as the diamond, but I enjoy it a heck of a lot more than a rock.

15 March 2009, 03:34 AM	#1
CharlieG "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Charlie Location: NY Posts: 1,135	First Rolex- still have it? This is the one the started my obsession. I purchased it from a pawn shop in NYC in 1986 and paid $1,100.00. I was walking by and they had watches and other jewelry hanging in the front window. I was 20 and $1,100.00 was a lot to a college kid. I left a small deposit and scraped up the rest. Two weeks later I picked up my beloved watch. I had no idea what I was buying but it was love at first site. As you can tell by the stretch in the bracelet I got my use out of this watch. I think I wore it day and night for a while!! It served me well and other than a cleaning and replacement crown it has never needed anything else. Its a 16013 with a 6 mill serial and dates to 1980-81. To this day, I don't even know if I got a good deal or ripped off but I could care less and will never part with it :thumbsup

15 March 2009, 03:36 AM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Hey Charlie, Guess what? If I had hung on to my very first Rolex purchased brand new from an AD way back in Oct. 1980, it would have looked like the one above.....except that it had a coffee brown dial. JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

15 March 2009, 04:28 AM	#6
rustedmetal "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Matthew Location: Mn Watch: 16234 16600 Posts: 512	16234 w/ slate roman dial. Bought new in 93'. Only watch I've purchased from an AD. At the time though, I was able to get 28% off.....started out at 25% + 3% with cash. I don't wear it much now, but I can't bring myself to sell it. Attached Images

15 March 2009, 04:33 AM	#7
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,216	Still have my DateJust but it's only been mine for about 4 years. dP Attached Images __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

15 March 2009, 04:37 AM	#8
Subexplorer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Abel Location: Down South Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,234	My first Rolex was a 5513 Sub no date, which my parents presented me in my 18th birthday, on September 1966. This was a watch I long dreamed of, and badly wanted to own. Unfortunately, I don´t have any more. On 13 of February 1977, I was approached by two armed individuals when descending my car. They took me and my car with them at gun point (very scary!!), only to let me go some 25 blocks away from the picking point. Before descending, they asked to give them my watch. I was very calmed up to that moment, though very scared inside, and I almost cried when they asked that!! I told them: Take my car, take my wallet and go (which they actually did!) but please leave my watch as it has a great emotional value to me as a present from my parents. Their short answer was easy to understand: "dame el reloj o sos boleta" which in our slang Spanish traduces something like "gi´me the watch or you are a corpse". Looking at the wrong end of their revolver, was enough to convince me they spoke seriously. So I lost my beloved Sub, after eleven years of enjoying it a lot. I was scared to death, and very upset for the loss. So upset, I felt sick. This happened early in the morning, and I spend all afternoon sick, and couldn´t sleep that night. The following day my wife, worried seeing me so bad, and without telling me anything, went to an AD by herself and bought me another Sub. She didnt know about different models of Subs (neither me in those days) so she asked for a Submariner, and was given and bought a 1680, on the 14th of February 1977, following day to the robbery. This is the same Sub date (COSC of course) I own till today, though I have it semi retired now, because I´m afraid to have it stolen too. This is not a Red Sub! But the 1680 was fairly new model here in Argentina in those days, and costed more than the 5513 I had previously. I was very happy when she surprised me with the new watch, and appreciated very much her action. Anyway, I´ll never recover from my loss of that watch that reminded me of my Parents, now gone. I registered the robbery at the Police Station and also at the local Rolex Offices, but never had news of it. I still miss that beloved watch!! Kind regards, Abel This is my present Sub from 1977: __________________ 50 Years of ROLEX Passion! Grail Rolex: 5508 c. 1959 "Bond" Sub.

15 March 2009, 04:19 AM	#5
Paul B "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: Canada/NY Watch: Don't go there... Posts: 366	Same watch and I still have it. Bought it new in 1987, 16013 9 mil serial, but on an all steel Jubilee. I was 27 and had to have it, I had researched it to death. Bought it at Birks here in Canada, and was able to pay so-much a month interest free for a few years. $2700 plus tax IIRC, but I drove to the next province and had it shipped to save the tax. Paul

15 March 2009, 04:48 AM	#9
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	I'm keeping this one forever!

15 March 2009, 04:55 AM	#11
alant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Alan Location: Netherlands Watch: Submariner Date Posts: 238	Bought in 1992! Still fantastic! Attached Images

15 March 2009, 05:08 AM	#12
GoldenBear "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Francisco Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,480	Still have my 1st SS Sub, bought in 1991. Can't imagine I'll every get rid of it. __________________ ____________________________________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner Rolex SS Submariner Breitling Emergency Mission They are just watches, wear 'em. ____________________________________________

15 March 2009, 05:09 AM	#13
The GMT Kid Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: S.F. Peninsula Watch: what you say! Posts: 815	This is the 16710 that I bought new in 2000. It has been worn daily until just recently when I added a 16013 to my collection. I'm getting ready to send this to the RSC in Beverly Hills. Attached Images

15 March 2009, 05:13 AM	#14
Matrim604 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 578	Still have my first Rolex.

15 March 2009, 06:56 AM	#15
Rolex Lover Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Ahmed Keraidy Location: Cairo,Egypt Watch: Submariner 16610 M Posts: 816	You are so lawyal, folks:)))))))))))))))

15 March 2009, 06:58 AM	#16
kcmo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Karis Location: USA Posts: 19,377	Great stories and pics everyone! Charlie, your DJ looks very well-loved! Love the white roman dial! My first was a 16234 DJ which I no longer have; sold it to upgrade to the newer style DJ.

15 March 2009, 07:06 AM	#17
Jazz "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Raymond Location: London, UK Watch: Sub Date 116610LN Posts: 686	This was my first Rolex and I will *never* part with it: - __________________ Rolex OP 116300 Datejust II - Random Rolex OP 116610LN Sub C - V series Rolex OP 116200 SS DateJust Z series - lost/stolen Rolex OP 16613 TT 'Bluesy' M series Rolex OP 16600 SS Sea-Dweller M series Rolex OP 116523 TT Cosmograph Daytona Z series Rolex OP 16610 SS Submariner Date Z series - lost/stolen Santos de Cartier TT 2004 silver dial (Limited Edition)

15 March 2009, 07:15 AM	#18
BeeMee "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT IIC Posts: 153	Still have my first one - look at my signature picture. Bought it new in 1979. Originally had a Champagne dial with stick indicators. Had Rolex in NY change the dial to the Blue Roman one in 1989 at the time of a regular service. I still have the Champagne dial and the original hands, but they cannot be used again. __________________ Rolex GMT IIC SS, Tudor Grantour Chrono, 18K/SS, Breitling "Old" Navitimer", SS. Rolex Day-Date, Bark Finish (recently gifted to son #2) Rolex Daytona, 18K/SS (recently gifted to son #1)

15 March 2009, 07:23 AM	#19
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,726	One just like this was my first. Bought new from the AD in 1985 for $450 just after I was married. After the kids started popping out it got pushed out the door. I always missed it, so last year I was able to replace it with this one Attached Images __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

15 March 2009, 09:37 AM	#20
Xenophon 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Xenophon Location: UK Posts: 2,728	My first Rolex (a GMT) and my care free optimism and sunny disposition abandoned me twenty three years ago __________________ The sea! The sea! Θάλαττα! θάλαττα!

15 March 2009, 09:47 AM	#21
rkb "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Russell Location: Seattle Metro Watch: EXPORER II Posts: 605	No on first or second- I got my first 16 years ago, sold it a couple weeks ago. It was a Tudor Submariner 7928. Great watch, kept great time. The second was a SS DJ and it went to pay for some rockin' carbon fiber bike wheels. Just got my third, a new Explorer 1, I'll be keeping this one... Attached Images __________________

15 March 2009, 10:43 AM	#23
hwilsdorf Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 106	My first Rolex purchased in Dec 2004. I was salivating over it for about 3 months outside AD windows. Then only after 5 months of ownership I was already sick of it. Realized the bling isn't for me replaced with an SS SD. I found the price was steep then. Paid $4,360.00 bnew.

15 March 2009, 11:03 AM	#24
hflee55 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Andy Location: Kuala Lumpur, MY Watch: Me Watching You!! Posts: 3,260	still have my GMTII from 2003.

15 March 2009, 11:52 AM	#25
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Everybody, Thanx for the pictures and stories to go with them!!! My, first one was bought 2 years ago so no history as of yet!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

15 March 2009, 12:20 PM	#26
CharlieG "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Charlie Location: NY Posts: 1,135	Thanks for sharing, it was fun to read

15 March 2009, 12:49 PM	#27
dramsey "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Reno Posts: 76	Yep! Bought in 1978 for $1,250:

15 March 2009, 01:00 PM	#28
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,533	My old DJ 1601, 276****. Can't remember exactly when I bought it but around 1975. Attached Images __________________ E

15 March 2009, 03:56 PM	#30
Boopie "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 3,952	I plan to keep mine forever...my husband got me my SS/platinum ladies' Yachtmaster in February 2001, just before the Valentine's Day of our 10th anniversary year. It was a lot of money, but we married relatively young (at 22) while still in college, so our wedding bands are plain gold, with no diamond. I like to think of my watch as the diamond, but I enjoy it a heck of a lot more than a rock.

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