ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

m32 · 19 October 2016, 11:13 AM

There are a few moments in our lives where we know is very special. This weekend was one of mine.

As some of you know from my recent threads, I’ve been a Panerai guy for the last 10 years. A couple years ago, I started looking at APs mainly due to a fellow car guy - s14roller. It was a lot more expensive than what I wanted to spend so I tabled that for a few years (but I have still browsed the AP forums periodically).

After a long year at work, I decided to treat myself with my first AP. I didn’t know much of AP at all (and am still learning now) so I looked at a lot of pics and bugged a LOT of people with questions (once again, mainly Jack - s14roller, peter - wx watches, Sam – 911cab, etc). Looked at Panda, new panda, the Beast, Ti-grays theme, and RG rubberclad… all were nice watches but none of them “spoke to me.”

Until… I saw the RB2Ti. Being a car guy, it was easy to be drawn to this LE. I’m not eloquent with words so the best way I can describe it is that I fell in love instantly. Next step… look on ebay to see how much folks are asking. I’ve seen ranges from $42-$55K. Obviously, this was way 2-3x more than the AP’s I was initially looking at but you only live once and I’d rather spend more on something I love and smile every time I wear it than spend less for something I like but not love.

Now that I narrowed it down… the search was on. Once again, bugged Jack and Sam A LOT to learn about the RB2 but finally found one that was a safe queen and being sold by the original owner. I’m happy to say as of this weekend, I’m now a proud owner of my grail AP and am 1 of 1000!

Here are some pics of my trip!

About to head to the airport and Daisy wanted to wish me a safe and good trip

A shot of my Panerai 88 on my flight to NY to meet the seller

One more shot of the 88 at breakfast before meeting with seller at Wempe Jewelers

Success! Of course, my first wristshot (and first stop) was at the AP Boutique

Since my gf and I were born and raised in NY but live in Texas now, we spent the rest of the weekend hitting up our old hangout spots (with obligatory wrist shots!)
Central park

Rockefeller center

Times Square

Freedom tower

Breakfast at Big Wongs in Chinatown

Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo

Lunch at Jullianos

Obligatory pano of manhattan

After picking up my grail roo, reliving old memories and seeing how the city has evolved, it was time to go home and back to the daily grind.

Thanks to all who have helped and advised me on my first AP roo with a special thanks to Sam, Nad, Aviv and Jack. I feel truly blessed to pick up my grail… I hope that every time I wear it, I will be reminded of God’s goodness and to continue to work hard and enjoy life with people I love.

Edwin

Dolor Doc · 19 October 2016, 11:17 AM

Wonderful post. Many congrats! Looks great on you!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rebel · 19 October 2016, 11:22 AM

Great pics.

Coffes4closers · 19 October 2016, 11:22 AM

Inspiring! I hope to follow a similar path towards my AP grail as well some day. Thanks for sharing!

AK797 · 19 October 2016, 11:25 AM

Many congrats, an epic piece! I picked up my grail AP recently so know how great and contented one feels.

Tay821 · 19 October 2016, 11:41 AM

Big congrats on your grail

RolexAviator · 19 October 2016, 11:57 AM

Congrats!

nick c · 19 October 2016, 12:03 PM

Stunner congrats

singe89 · 19 October 2016, 12:09 PM

Congrats and a truly awesome story! That's what obtaining a grail is all about. Wear it in good health.

onkyo · 19 October 2016, 12:10 PM

Great watch , great dog, great NYC shots. Enjoy your watch !!!

RW16610 · 19 October 2016, 12:31 PM

Congrats and enjoy in good health! Thanks for sharing that with us, I love seeing pictures of New York

gmt3 · 19 October 2016, 12:38 PM

Congrats on getting your grail! Even sweeter to be able to visit all your "old hangout spots" with it. Thanks for sharing!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kentheevil · 19 October 2016, 12:42 PM

Congrats ! That's one cool piece for sureee

propedderkustom · 19 October 2016, 12:54 PM

Beautiful but damn it's huge!

r8t3d_M · 19 October 2016, 01:10 PM

Congrats on acquiring your grail, enjoy it!

schwoo · 19 October 2016, 01:15 PM

Great post! Very happy for you.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

multimedia · 19 October 2016, 01:21 PM

Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing.

Big CONGRATS on finding your grail AP. It looks great on you.

Cheers,
Joe

BNA/LION · 19 October 2016, 01:23 PM

Very Nice!

josephashburnnn · 19 October 2016, 02:00 PM

Wonderful collection you've got there!

Luv2XcelR8 · 19 October 2016, 02:20 PM

Very nice. Keep posting photos!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tomas Eriksson · 19 October 2016, 02:26 PM

Congrats, stunning piece!

TheRolexKingofLV · 19 October 2016, 02:51 PM

Great story and pics

benlee · 19 October 2016, 02:56 PM

Great Post! Big Congrats and welcome to AP!

Hrmmm · 19 October 2016, 03:09 PM

Congrats! Looks great!

conkers · 19 October 2016, 03:25 PM

Congrats! What a great entry to the AP world!

lapince · 19 October 2016, 05:09 PM

Awesome piece, cool dog too, congrats

DeeTee · 19 October 2016, 06:50 PM

Went straight to the Bentley and skipped the S Class on that one!
You got THE one!

hbrogers · 19 October 2016, 08:21 PM

That's an absolute stunner, "wear it in good health" as they say.

1William · 19 October 2016, 08:41 PM

Congratulations.

masterserg · 19 October 2016, 09:19 PM

Epic! Congratulations!

19 October 2016, 11:13 AM	#1
m32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 205	Once in a lifetime... my journey to acquire my grail (lots of pics) There are a few moments in our lives where we know is very special. This weekend was one of mine. As some of you know from my recent threads, I’ve been a Panerai guy for the last 10 years. A couple years ago, I started looking at APs mainly due to a fellow car guy - s14roller. It was a lot more expensive than what I wanted to spend so I tabled that for a few years (but I have still browsed the AP forums periodically). After a long year at work, I decided to treat myself with my first AP. I didn’t know much of AP at all (and am still learning now) so I looked at a lot of pics and bugged a LOT of people with questions (once again, mainly Jack - s14roller, peter - wx watches, Sam – 911cab, etc). Looked at Panda, new panda, the Beast, Ti-grays theme, and RG rubberclad… all were nice watches but none of them “spoke to me.” Until… I saw the RB2Ti. Being a car guy, it was easy to be drawn to this LE. I’m not eloquent with words so the best way I can describe it is that I fell in love instantly. Next step… look on ebay to see how much folks are asking. I’ve seen ranges from $42-$55K. Obviously, this was way 2-3x more than the AP’s I was initially looking at but you only live once and I’d rather spend more on something I love and smile every time I wear it than spend less for something I like but not love. Now that I narrowed it down… the search was on. Once again, bugged Jack and Sam A LOT to learn about the RB2 but finally found one that was a safe queen and being sold by the original owner. I’m happy to say as of this weekend, I’m now a proud owner of my grail AP and am 1 of 1000! Here are some pics of my trip! About to head to the airport and Daisy wanted to wish me a safe and good trip A shot of my Panerai 88 on my flight to NY to meet the seller One more shot of the 88 at breakfast before meeting with seller at Wempe Jewelers Success! Of course, my first wristshot (and first stop) was at the AP Boutique Since my gf and I were born and raised in NY but live in Texas now, we spent the rest of the weekend hitting up our old hangout spots (with obligatory wrist shots!) Central park Rockefeller center Times Square Freedom tower Breakfast at Big Wongs in Chinatown Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo Lunch at Jullianos Obligatory pano of manhattan After picking up my grail roo, reliving old memories and seeing how the city has evolved, it was time to go home and back to the daily grind. Thanks to all who have helped and advised me on my first AP roo with a special thanks to Sam, Nad, Aviv and Jack. I feel truly blessed to pick up my grail… I hope that every time I wear it, I will be reminded of God’s goodness and to continue to work hard and enjoy life with people I love. Edwin

19 October 2016, 11:22 AM	#3
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,254	Great pics. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

19 October 2016, 01:21 PM	#17
multimedia "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Joe Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,835	Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing. Big CONGRATS on finding your grail AP. It looks great on you. Cheers, Joe __________________ "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." - S.J.

19 October 2016, 01:23 PM	#18
BNA/LION 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,648	Very Nice! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

19 October 2016, 02:20 PM	#20
Luv2XcelR8 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Real Name: Tyler Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 495	Very nice. Keep posting photos! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Instagram: heinz_nation

19 October 2016, 11:17 AM	#2
Dolor Doc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: 'merica Watch: AP 15400 Posts: 151	Wonderful post. Many congrats! Looks great on you! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

19 October 2016, 11:22 AM	#4
Coffes4closers "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NYC Posts: 326	Inspiring! I hope to follow a similar path towards my AP grail as well some day. Thanks for sharing!

19 October 2016, 11:25 AM	#5
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,369	Many congrats, an epic piece! I picked up my grail AP recently so know how great and contented one feels.

19 October 2016, 11:41 AM	#6
Tay821 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: USA Posts: 913	Big congrats on your grail

19 October 2016, 11:57 AM	#7
RolexAviator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: USA Watch: 126610LV Posts: 324	Congrats!

19 October 2016, 12:03 PM	#8
nick c Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 26,846	Stunner congrats

19 October 2016, 12:09 PM	#9
singe89 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Jim Location: Orange County, CA Watch: Rolex, AP & Patek Posts: 3,747	Congrats and a truly awesome story! That's what obtaining a grail is all about. Wear it in good health.

19 October 2016, 12:10 PM	#10
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	Great watch , great dog, great NYC shots. Enjoy your watch !!!

19 October 2016, 12:31 PM	#11
RW16610 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Rommel Location: Toronto Canada Watch: 116710LN Posts: 9,202	Congrats and enjoy in good health! Thanks for sharing that with us, I love seeing pictures of New York

19 October 2016, 12:38 PM	#12
gmt3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Mike Location: Magic Mountain Watch: Rolex, AP & Others Posts: 100	Congrats on getting your grail! Even sweeter to be able to visit all your "old hangout spots" with it. Thanks for sharing! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

19 October 2016, 12:42 PM	#13
kentheevil "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Real Name: Ken Kelvins Location: bkk Watch: 116610LV Posts: 587	Congrats ! That's one cool piece for sureee

19 October 2016, 12:54 PM	#14
propedderkustom "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex, AP, Patek Posts: 299	Beautiful but damn it's huge!

19 October 2016, 01:10 PM	#15
r8t3d_M "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Real Name: Felipe Location: NYC Watch: Me ;) Posts: 2,894	Congrats on acquiring your grail, enjoy it!

19 October 2016, 01:15 PM	#16
schwoo "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 186	Great post! Very happy for you. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

19 October 2016, 02:00 PM	#19
josephashburnnn "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Watchaland Posts: 52	Wonderful collection you've got there!

19 October 2016, 02:26 PM	#21
Tomas Eriksson "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Stockholm Watch: 15707CE Posts: 2,027	Congrats, stunning piece! __________________ State of the union: 5066A,15400ST,15707CE,116610LN,26470OR and a few other…

19 October 2016, 02:51 PM	#22
TheRolexKingofLV "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Real Name: Trace Location: Vegas/Bay Area Posts: 9,234	Great story and pics __________________ Official Host "The Penthouse Party" Las Vegas 2018 Instagram @tracenunes

19 October 2016, 02:56 PM	#23
benlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Ben Location: SIN & JKT Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 9,874	Great Post! Big Congrats and welcome to AP! __________________ Follow me on Instagram : benlee789

19 October 2016, 03:09 PM	#24
Hrmmm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: CA Watch: AP 26401RO Posts: 32	Congrats! Looks great!

19 October 2016, 03:25 PM	#25
conkers "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Roger Location: Hong Kong Watch: Too many! Posts: 6,116	Congrats! What a great entry to the AP world!

19 October 2016, 05:09 PM	#26
lapince "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Mars Watch: 5712 Posts: 11,509	Awesome piece, cool dog too, congrats

19 October 2016, 06:50 PM	#27
DeeTee "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Los Angeles Watch: Netflix Posts: 3,978	Went straight to the Bentley and skipped the S Class on that one! You got THE one!

19 October 2016, 08:21 PM	#28
hbrogers "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Mass Posts: 67	That's an absolute stunner, "wear it in good health" as they say.

19 October 2016, 08:41 PM	#29
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,764	Congratulations.

19 October 2016, 09:19 PM	#30
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,437	Epic! Congratulations! __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)