My story

[gfengstad]

Ok.. in order to understand my story, I have to go back many, many years ago when I was 11 years old.

I had come home from school and went out to play with my friends. We lived in a small town and it was quite safe. Long story short, I was having so much fun I lost track of everything only to come home having missed dinner. My father was a very strict, tough man and when you were punished, well let me say the rod was never spared. I cried and cried at the unfairness of this proclaiming that I didn’t know the time. How could I? I didn’t own a watch.

A few days later my father came to me. He apologized for his temper and talked to me about the implode respecting dinner time. How my mother worked to prepare a meal and that it was disrespectful to miss it. At the end of that talk, he presented me with one of his watches. A Rolex Datejust. I had no idea at the time the significance of his gift.

Time passed and six years later he was killed in a work accident. I treasured that watch and wore it everyday. In my twenties, after putting myself through school, getting married and having my first child at 23, I found it increasingly difficult to support my family. Sadly, I sold my Datejust to my best friend who just happened to be a watch maker. He warned me and asked more than once if I was sure. I said that I really had no choice. He gave me what he felt it was worth for him to buy, knowing that he had to make some money reselling it.

Well, it’s been just over 30 years since that decision and I never really forgave myself. I’m looking now to buy my Rolex and have been researching a fair bit. The logical conclusion would be to by another Datejust and call it a day but I have to confess I’m really leaning towards the GMT Master II. I know that these watches are difficult to get at an AD (new) and I will likely be on a waiting list.

My question. How long do you think I’ll be waiting for this? I live in Vancouver, Canada.

[Yoda_Eating_Pizza]

Welcome to the forum. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad while you were still so young.

I can't speak specifically for the Vancouver market, just generally. I don't know your financial situation, but the purchase of one could better the odds for the other. You could have the pick of the lot right this very minute in terms of Datejusts, and that purchase would at least get you on you on the AD's customer database. Unless you're willing to go with a trusted seller, that's pretty much the game you have to play at an AD.

[joli160]

You can buy it today from any of the trusted sellers

[jimcameron]

Great story, sorry for your Dad's passing. I think the DJ is as nice a watch as the GMT, so the upside is you can't make a bad decision. Since you've waited so long, get the watch you really want. You've earned it.

[travisb]

Thanks for sharing your story. Try to reach out to a local AD and share the story with them. The same appreciation might be felt. No guarantees but good luck with the search.

[lucid]

great story, thanks for shaaring

[gfengstad]

Ok. So I pulled the trigger. Went to a couple of AD’s today and can’t believe my luck. They showed me an Explorer II they had just gotten in and I have now committed to that purchase. Pick it up tomorrow.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

Thanks for sharing your story. Try to reach out to a local AD and share the story with them. The same appreciation might be felt. No guarantees but good luck with the search.

Welcome to the forum OP

[Meyrin]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

Ok.. in order to understand my story, I have to go back many, many years ago when I was 11 years old.

I had come home from school and went out to play with my friends. We lived in a small town and it was quite safe. Long story short, I was having so much fun I lost track of everything only to come home having missed dinner. My father was a very strict, tough man and when you were punished, well let me say the rod was never spared. I cried and cried at the unfairness of this proclaiming that I didn’t know the time. How could I? I didn’t own a watch.

A few days later my father came to me. He apologized for his temper and talked to me about the implode respecting dinner time. How my mother worked to prepare a meal and that it was disrespectful to miss it. At the end of that talk, he presented me with one of his watches. A Rolex Datejust. I had no idea at the time the significance of his gift.

Time passed and six years later he was killed in a work accident. I treasured that watch and wore it everyday. In my twenties, after putting myself through school, getting married and having my first child at 23, I found it increasingly difficult to support my family. Sadly, I sold my Datejust to my best friend who just happened to be a watch maker. He warned me and asked more than once if I was sure. I said that I really had no choice. He gave me what he felt it was worth for him to buy, knowing that he had to make some money reselling it.

Well, it’s been just over 30 years since that decision and I never really forgave myself. I’m looking now to buy my Rolex and have been researching a fair bit. The logical conclusion would be to by another Datejust and call it a day but I have to confess I’m really leaning towards the GMT Master II. I know that these watches are difficult to get at an AD (new) and I will likely be on a waiting list.

My question. How long do you think I’ll be waiting for this? I live in Vancouver, Canada.

That's a sad story. I lost my dad when I was a bit older, 23. You get over it, life goes on, but you never forget. When I was about 7 or 8 I missed Sunday lunch (in spite of being warned!) while my Uncle and Aunt were visiting, because I was out playing with my gang. I got 25 variations of merry hell from father, just like you did! But the next day he bought me my first watch, a simple Timex. Had it all through school, until my dad bought me an Omega Seamaster when I was 18, as a present for being accepted by Oxford University. Anyway, do enjoy your Explorer, it´s a great, tough watch!

[Allinthegame]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

Ok. So I pulled the trigger. Went to a couple of AD’s today and can’t believe my luck. They showed me an Explorer II they had just gotten in and I have now committed to that purchase. Pick it up tomorrow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the Explorer 2 was a great choice . Post some pictures if you have the time sir I’m sure everyone in this thread would love to see your new watch , And congrats

[akilis]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

Ok.. in order to understand my story, I have to go back many, many years ago when I was 11 years old.

I had come home from school and went out to play with my friends. We lived in a small town and it was quite safe. Long story short, I was having so much fun I lost track of everything only to come home having missed dinner. My father was a very strict, tough man and when you were punished, well let me say the rod was never spared. I cried and cried at the unfairness of this proclaiming that I didn’t know the time. How could I? I didn’t own a watch.

A few days later my father came to me. He apologized for his temper and talked to me about the implode respecting dinner time. How my mother worked to prepare a meal and that it was disrespectful to miss it. At the end of that talk, he presented me with one of his watches. A Rolex Datejust. I had no idea at the time the significance of his gift.

Time passed and six years later he was killed in a work accident. I treasured that watch and wore it everyday. In my twenties, after putting myself through school, getting married and having my first child at 23, I found it increasingly difficult to support my family. Sadly, I sold my Datejust to my best friend who just happened to be a watch maker. He warned me and asked more than once if I was sure. I said that I really had no choice. He gave me what he felt it was worth for him to buy, knowing that he had to make some money reselling it.

Well, it’s been just over 30 years since that decision and I never really forgave myself. I’m looking now to buy my Rolex and have been researching a fair bit. The logical conclusion would be to by another Datejust and call it a day but I have to confess I’m really leaning towards the GMT Master II. I know that these watches are difficult to get at an AD (new) and I will likely be on a waiting list.

My question. How long do you think I’ll be waiting for this? I live in Vancouver, Canada.

to be honest , the waiting lost for ss GMT is hopeless unless you spend a lot before...

[Hendrikus]

I would suggest you look at the modern Datejust 41. They are stunning watches, have all of the modern features you might want, and you can get one now. The link to what you had from your father will always be there.

You can always add a GMT at another time. I was in a not dissimilar position to yours - different facts, but in essence a Datejust reminded me of someone. It is the watch I put on when I just want to smile.

Welcome to the Forum.

[Little machines]

Thanks for sharing. Sorry about the passing of your Dad at a young age. I would suggest the DJ 41 beautiful watch. Good luck !

[10klakes]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

Ok. So I pulled the trigger. Went to a couple of AD’s today and can’t believe my luck. They showed me an Explorer II they had just gotten in and I have now committed to that purchase. Pick it up tomorrow.


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Excellent choice- did you get the black or polar dial?

[gfengstad]

Originally Posted by Allinthegame

I think the Explorer 2 was a great choice . Post some pictures if you have the time sir I’m sure everyone in this thread would love to see your new watch , And congrats

I keep trying to post a picture but apparently I have not contributed my 10 post limit yet.

[mand2240]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

I keep trying to post a picture but apparently I have not contributed my 10 post limit yet.

That is a great watch. Congratulations!

You are super lucky to have been able to pick that up on the spot like that.

[jb335]

Don't beat yourself up over selling the original DateJust. You had to do what you had to do in order to take care of your family.

Congrats on the Explorer II. It looks great on you.

[stephentross]

I know the feeling. I was 15. I almost sold his Martin guitar once. But the buyer said figure it out. You’ll never forgive yourself. I still have that guitar now going on 30 years. Congratulations on the new watch. Something for your child one day.


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[junamuan]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

Ok. So I pulled the trigger. Went to a couple of AD’s today and can’t believe my luck. They showed me an Explorer II they had just gotten in and I have now committed to that purchase. Pick it up tomorrow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's great! Would you mind sharing which AD did you go to?

I went to Palladio in Vancouver over the weekend. As expected they don't have any professional sports on display nor in stock. The lady I was speaking to said they no longer accept names to be listed because they have their own VIP list who get the call first regardless.

Nice story, btw. My father was like that too. Strict and gets upset whenever I miss dinner simply because of playing outside. But all good. No complaints.

[gfengstad]

Originally Posted by junamuan

That's great! Would you mind sharing which AD did you go to?



I went to Palladio in Vancouver over the weekend. As expected they don't have any professional sports on display nor in stock. The lady I was speaking to said they no longer accept names to be listed because they have their own VIP list who get the call first regardless.



Nice story, btw. My father was like that too. Strict and gets upset whenever I miss dinner simply because of playing outside. But all good. No complaints.

I also went to Palladio on the weekend. They had nothing other than OP, DJ, etc. No professional at all and I was also told that they are not taking names on a list. Left feeling really ‘second class’ and continued my journey. I had previously visited Montecristo a few days before with no success.

Walked over to Alberni street to GWC and spoke to a very nice lady there. Told her my quest and story and she gratuitously said that yes, actually they had one and had been holding it. She showed it to me and I fell in love. She said she would hold it to end of day for me to decide. After a bit of thinking and a discussion with my best friend from Alberta who is a watch maker, he convinced me. Called her back and said that yea, I would take it.


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[GarbanzoNegro]

Congratulations. Beautiful story.

Any chance to recover the Datejust sold years ago to your friend? This would be amazing, IMO.

[vistec]

Beautiful time piece! Congratulations!


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[gfengstad]

Originally Posted by GarbanzoNegro

Congratulations. Beautiful story.

Any chance to recover the Datejust sold years ago to your friend? This would be amazing, IMO.

Unfortunately, that ship has long sailed. Trust me, I wish as well I could recover it. I would buy it in a second.


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[LDN]

Heart felt story! Thanks for sharing and best wishes!

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by gfengstad

I keep trying to post a picture but apparently I have not contributed my 10 post limit yet.

That’s a beautiful watch congratulations. I think we’re about the same age and I live in Vancouver as well. Did you get yours at Montecristo? As for having to sell your father’s watch back then don’t beat yourself over it. Yes it had great sentimental value and it would had been great if you could keep it. But I think your dad would have been very pleased to know that he gave you something of value that helped you out of a tight spot back then. I think that sentiment carries as much value as having the watch itself because it actually realized it’s value when you sold it.
Wear it in good health!

[Jabbo84]

My parents gave me an Air King when I was in elementary school to prevent this very thing from happening. Therefore I really feel for you, but crying as a grown man to an AD may or may not get you a Rolex. Maybe you should think about another brand

[abozz]

Do not regret it, the family first, I have said that I would never sell my SD, just one exception: Some family or friend emergency.

Nice Explorer II, I love the Big Rolex watches (EXPII, YMII, DSSD and SD43)

[gfengstad]

Originally Posted by Jabbo84

My parents gave me an Air King when I was in elementary school to prevent this very thing from happening. Therefore I really feel for you, but crying as a grown man to an AD may or may not get you a Rolex. Maybe you should think about another brand

Who said anyone was crying as a grown man?


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[reecester]

Thanks for sharing. Great story.