Where did you buy your vintage Rolex?

[Scary Hat]

There are certain times that stand out in my life. The day I got married
(nearly 35 yrs ago, same sweet bride!) and the dates my two sons were born.
But I also remember when I bought my now vintage rolex submariner.

It was at a jewelry store in King City. I had been looking for pocket watches as I bought and sold them back then. I asked the owner if he had any, and he
accused me of being from "The City" and thinking that people in rural towns did not know anything about watches, like I wanted to "steal" his railroad watches.

I assured him that was not my intent, and thanked him for his time, and
then he said " Since you are in the trade, I will sell you a Rolex at my cost".

I had 3 subs to choose from and two GMT's. I choose a sub and left very happy. I have worn it almost daily since!


What about you? Where did you get your vintage Rolex?














Tom

[jjmcd]

Some from private sellers found on timezone, some dealers and individuals on ebay, some from dealers found on the web, some from local "bricks and mortar" watch and jewelry dealers.

[pusscadour]

The story behind mine is one of my favourite things so thanks for giving the opportunity to share (sorry, it's a big long)!

My mum worked at Welwyn Department Store (now John Lewis) as a textile buyer from the late 60s to mid 70s, and in the late 60s she went out on a double date with her best friend from work. This girls boyfriend happened to be my dad's best friend and that's how he and my mother met.
Over the next years they dated and married, and during this time my dad said it was his dream to own a Rolex.
Then on Christmas eve 1973, my mum saw a Rolex in the store where she worked that was on sale due to being the previous years model. She still couldn't afford it, so spoke to the manager of the jewellery department who gave her an employee discount on top of the sale price and a decent payment plan.

My dad wore every day for the rest of his life (except the one time it went for service) until 2 weeks before he passed away, the cancer had made him too week to lift his arm when wearing it.
Some up my last memories of my dad are of him sitting up in bed trying to shake the watch to keep it running!
In the final weeks my dad made me take the watch to an AD to have the strap adjusted for me (though it only need the divers links folded differently), and the night he passed away I picked up the watch from his bedside table, told him thanks and promised I would look after it for him.

[Keeperoftime]

Originally Posted by pusscadour

The story behind mine is one of my favourite things so thanks for giving the opportunity to share (sorry, it's a big long)!

My mum worked at Welwyn Department Store (now John Lewis) as a textile buyer from the late 60s to mid 70s, and in the late 60s she went out on a double date with her best friend from work. This girls boyfriend happened to be my dad's best friend and that's how he and my mother met.
Over the next years they dated and married, and during this time my dad said it was his dream to own a Rolex.
Then on Christmas eve 1973, my mum saw a Rolex in the store where she worked that was on sale due to being the previous years model. She still couldn't afford it, so spoke to the manager of the jewellery department who gave her an employee discount on top of the sale price and a decent payment plan.

My dad wore every day for the rest of his life (except the one time it went for service) until 2 weeks before he passed away, the cancer had made him too week to lift his arm when wearing it.
Some up my last memories of my dad are of him sitting up in bed trying to shake the watch to keep it running!
In the final weeks my dad made me take the watch to an AD to have the strap adjusted for me (though it only need the divers links folded differently), and the night he passed away I picked up the watch from his bedside table, told him thanks and promised I would look after it for him.

Wonderful and moving story. While I am sad to hear of your loss (losing a parent I would imagine is never easy) it is wonderful to hear that a watch served it's original owner well and continues to serve his Son.

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by Keeperoftime

Wonderful and moving story. While I am sad to hear of your loss (losing a parent I would imagine is never easy) it is wonderful to hear that a watch served it's original owner well and continues to serve his Son.

x2 Amazing story! Tom (OP), the few vintage pieces in my collection have come from local folks in NYC and one gent in Beantown. Not really anything spectacular, however, I will be back on this thread when I find the 1655 I have been looking for going on 2 years now...

[Dr. Robert]

My "vintage" Rolex watches (a 1601 datejust & 2 1655 explore 2's) were bought new in Hong Kong (watch heaven) 1963, 1973 & 1974 respectively......they became vintage over the years.....like me.

[harry in montreal]

I have loved my 3 pawn shop purchases (air king date, 16600, and datejust).

my favorites have been among my 4 ebay purchases; 7021/0 and Winn Dixie AK.

Harry

[RLXSTR]

Very moving. I felt the spirit of my own father as I read your story. Thank you so much for sharing. Your story truly made my Monday. - Donald

Originally Posted by pusscadour

The story behind mine is one of my favourite things so thanks for giving the opportunity to share (sorry, it's a big long)!

My mum worked at Welwyn Department Store (now John Lewis) as a textile buyer from the late 60s to mid 70s, and in the late 60s she went out on a double date with her best friend from work. This girls boyfriend happened to be my dad's best friend and that's how he and my mother met.
Over the next years they dated and married, and during this time my dad said it was his dream to own a Rolex.
Then on Christmas eve 1973, my mum saw a Rolex in the store where she worked that was on sale due to being the previous years model. She still couldn't afford it, so spoke to the manager of the jewellery department who gave her an employee discount on top of the sale price and a decent payment plan.

My dad wore every day for the rest of his life (except the one time it went for service) until 2 weeks before he passed away, the cancer had made him too week to lift his arm when wearing it.
Some up my last memories of my dad are of him sitting up in bed trying to shake the watch to keep it running!
In the final weeks my dad made me take the watch to an AD to have the strap adjusted for me (though it only need the divers links folded differently), and the night he passed away I picked up the watch from his bedside table, told him thanks and promised I would look after it for him.

[Dr. Robert]

These were my father's.......left to me after his death......I always smile when I wear them & I wear them a lot!

[Scary Hat]

Pusscadour-

What an awesome and moving story of your mom and dad and your Rolex.
I am sorry for the loss of your dad. Mine has been gone many years, but thinking of him alway makes me glad to have been his son. I'm sure your dad was glad that he could leave his watch to you so that each time you checked the time, you would think of him

[Scary Hat]

FremStar- The Search for your 1655 sounds epic! I will you luck!

Dr. Robert: I had to laugh a bit about how your watches have become vintage like yourself. I only recently found out when I was getting my watch serviced that it is vintage (therefore, so am I!). Glad to see you have and wear your dad's watches as well!

Harry in Montreal: I love going to pawnshops looking at watches, however, I find that there are better deals in the SF Bay Area with our local vintage watch shops. (HQ Milton, SF and the Watch Shoppe, Walnut Creek, CA).
Solid people and fair prices.
I'm certainly not an expert, so I have avoided Ebay for watch purchases. I'm
glad you got some good deals online!

Tom

[azguy]

Originally Posted by FremStar

x2 Amazing story! Tom (OP), the few vintage pieces in my collection have come from local folks in NYC and one gent in Beantown. Not really anything spectacular, however, I will be back on this thread when I find the 1655 I have been looking for going on 2 years now...

Is this considered the start of an incoming thread

[Michael M.]

Most of mine have been internet purchases, but I've been lucky to meet a few inner dealers.

[Scary Hat]

Originally Posted by azguy

Is this considered the start of an incoming thread

It is all good!

Tom

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by Scary Hat

What about you? Where did you get your vintage Rolex?

As a young teenager I rode my BMX bike to the jewelry store that sold them and bought my GMT.

[hatidua]

I bought my first Rolex in Singapore in 1984, a 5513 from Tai Hong Hung, on Orchard Road, in Lucky Plaza. I probably went into the shop and looked at the various Rolex Sub's & SD's 50 times before buying one....I was 16. I bought the 5513 as it was the cheapest Rolex Sub available and the 5513 used up just about every piece of paper in my wallet! Brand new, $420.

[FremStar]

Great stories thus far. My favorite is Dr. Roberts as I remember the full story he has shared with me via PM many moons ago! Trying inspiring stuff...

Originally Posted by Scary Hat

FremStar- The Search for your 1655 sounds epic! I will you luck!

Thank you Tom!

Originally Posted by azguy

Is this considered the start of an incoming thread

Sonny C... Only if the one I am looking for comes along, I don't want to settle

[Scary Hat]

Originally Posted by greekbum

As a young teenager I rode my BMX bike to the jewelry store that sold them and bought my GMT.

Nikos, what a great story. You have had the Rolex bug for a long time!
It is interesting that you recognized quality and purchased one at such a young age

Tom

[Scary Hat]

Originally Posted by hatidua

I bought my first Rolex in Singapore in 1984, a 5513 from Tai Hong Hung, on Orchard Road, in Lucky Plaza. I probably went into the shop and looked at the various Rolex Sub's & SD's 50 times before buying one....I was 16. I bought the 5513 as it was the cheapest Rolex Sub available and the 5513 used up just about every piece of paper in my wallet! Brand new, $420.

It is funny, but I know that most people who buy a Rolex, especially when they are relatively young, always remember the place, the cost, everything.
It is, and was for me, a major milestone in my life.
Sounds trite, but for me, very true!


Tom