What was your introduction to Rolex ?

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by HtK

While on vacation in St. Martin in 1984, my grandfather bought two identical s/s Air-Kings, one for each of his sons (my dad and uncle). My uncle wore his all the time; my dad never did. It sat in the box, untouched, unfitted. As a teenager, I always thought he was crazy, that he should show off his watch, that he owned a ROLEX for god's sake - what was he thinking.

It sat untouched for 9 years - until I graduated college in 1993 when he and my mom gave it to me. Seems like he had held it for safekeeping until then. It went with me all over the country, on crazy trips, locked in friends' glove compartments at crappy campgrounds. It went with me to Israel when I taught summer school. It went with me to Venezuela for a law school externship (where my fellow extern bragged about his sub, and I kept my watch under my sleeve). Through good and bad relationships, houses, apartments. I took the Bar Exam in it. Wore it to my wedding and the funerals of two of my grandparents - including the grandfather who bought it for me. I wore it under my scrubs when my daughter was born.

And then I left it in a gym locker unlocked overnight. And it's gone. I was heartbroken and still am. Even as I type this I find myself a bit moved. Fortunately it was covered by insurance and I used the proceeds to buy my awesome new Milgauss. I try to look at it like it's not the THING but the concept that means something, and that this new watch will be something to give my child to carry on. It pains me that another family will have a similar heirloom without having to "earn" it, so to speak (not the money, but the history and all that one goes through to make something important). But my love for the brand endures and I can think of no other watch I would care to own.

What a story... I can understand your feelings. I have an Explorer with similar sentiments. Not a gift, got it myself, but it has seen A LOT, including the birth of two kids, and now I am getting concerned about using it since I do not want to lose it. I am even looking at getting another Explorer... to use instead... really silly, since it would get a story of its own.

To make things less complicated I find that your "concept" is a fine idea . Rolexes are made to be used, and enjoyed every day.

Best,

A

[Singslinger]

My introduction to the brand came from watching TV commercials in the 1970s where they advertised the watch's ruggedness, especially how the crown screwed down tight like the hatch of a submarine. From then I knew I wanted one (watch, not submarine) ...and so bought my first in 1987.

[steengeo]

I had admired the Rolex watches and brand for years, so when I turned 30 (14 years ago), I chose to give myself a Rolex. It was the GMT Master.

[Atomant]

Well mine's nothing spectacular, I first get to see a ROlex on the top right hand corner of our local papers. At that age, I was thinking to myself 'What kind of men get to wear this watch'. I am wearing one today.

[nauticajoe]

It was back in '98 when a buddy of mine was sporting out his new Sub date. At that point, it was time to save for one!

[HtK]

ACCE,

You got it. You have to wear it constantlly - you never know when a new memory might be made. I am much more into hearing the stories about "this was my dad's, he wore it every day until he gave it to me when I turned 18" rather than "it sat in a vault." They are made to be enjoyed constantly, for sure.

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by haakon59

My own introduction to Rolex was not as personal as your story. Instead, I merely stopped to admire some watches in a shop window and became fascinated with the Submariner. I can't say why it stood out so much to me, it just did and I have remained fascinated ever since.

Pretty much the same story for me only it was an Exp II instead of the Sub. But, it's still a favorite of mine!

[DSJ]

Popular culture through shows like Magnum, PI, James Bond, Miami Vice. In real life through seeing them on people's wrists.

[usergiovi]

June 1975 for my 18 birthday a Date 1505,after a14060 for my first day of work,some months ago a Milgauss for my new house.Bye.

[Tunacan26]

I LUSTED FOR A ROLEX IN THE LATE 80'S. MY THEN GIRLFRIEND TERMED IT "ROLEXIA." SHE BOUGHT ME ONE WHILE WE WERE IN ST. THOMAS IN 1988. I sold it years later! Awful. Looking to get anouther one ASAP.

[lee2375]

After one year in business, we were doing decently well, I bought a used K series 16610...been downhill ever since