I envy TRF guys who travel with their Rolex

[junamuan]

My work requires me to travel from my home in Vancouver, BC to remote far away places, where gold and diamond deposits are usually found - Africa, Russia, South America, etc.

Aside from safety concerns, I don't see the need to wear a Rolex in this type of environment. I envy TRF guys who travel with their beloved Rolex. Business trips for me means Breitlings, Tags and Vostok (Russian diver watch).

I'm now in Magadan, Russia and for the first time brought my Speedy with me and am happy. But God knows how I miss my Rolex - they are in dark isolated locked vault. I can only imagine how lonely are they now.

Good thing is, after 3 long weeks on camp feasting on camp foods, my long trek back home starts tomorrow.

PS needless to say, I also miss my wife and kids. And my bed. And the smell of home.

Here are some photos -

Russian watch when in Russia


My service vehicle (I meant the white pickup truck)


Speedy on the way to Magadan, Russia


Somewhere in Siberia - Temp hovers from -25 to -45°C. There's nothing else to do but work. eat. sleep. repeat. They work 12hrs straight for 2months then go home to the warm embrace of their family. Heading back to work after a month. I have nothing but admiration to people living and working in this part of the world.


Somewhere in Africa - the fourth largest diamond mine in the world. It has massive pit that if you look closely right in the middle, those huge hauler trucks look so tiny (not referring to truck on the foreground).

[aproo]

Wow, cool pictures and insight. Thanks..!

[chad362wiley]

great pics and insight. Thanks

[glamorama]

Cool! Used to travel a lot to similar places for work, miss it.

What about an older polar explorer II? Nobody notices it.

[RHJ]

Great pictures and my admiration has this people too!

[Gunbucker]

I travel with my Patek, because nobody seems to care about a svelte boring looking watch that's not big, nor blingy, and does not have the words "Rolex" on it. True story.

Thanks for sharing, stay safe, and hope you get united with your Rolexes soon!

[Cru Jones]

Great pics, thanks for sharing.

[DanMdR]

Great pics! Just think about it this way. Your travels force you to enjoy some non Rolex pieces.

[SebaH]

Wow, that CAT vehicle! Thanks for sharing.

[junamuan]

Originally Posted by DanMdR

Great pics! Just think about it this way. Your travels force you to enjoy some non Rolex pieces.

Agree. Gives me time to appreciate my other pieces, but that means, I get to spend more 'meaningful' times on the road off the beaten tracks.

[junamuan]

Originally Posted by SebaH

Wow, that CAT vehicle! Thanks for sharing.

If not mistaken, it's a Cat 7495 Rope shovel. Yes, they are huge. I heard they cost more than $30m a piece.

[1William]

Interesting work experience. I would use this as an chance to explore some watch brands that would work in the difficult environment you work in. I would look at the Seiko Turtles and the Prospect line-up. Great value and cool watches. Each trip you could buy one and wear it and not break the bank and have several rugged work watches.

[Bt122]

OP you work for Anglo? I’m big fan of miners.

[junamuan]

Originally Posted by 1William

Interesting work experience. I would use this as an chance to explore some watch brands that would work in the difficult environment you work in. I would look at the Seiko Turtles and the Prospect line-up. Great value and cool watches. Each trip you could buy one and wear it and not break the bank and have several rugged work watches.

That's a good idea.

[junamuan]

Originally Posted by Bt122

OP you work for Anglo? I’m big fan of miners.

No. I'm working for a software company that specializes in open pit mining. I actually love my job.

[Bt122]

Originally Posted by junamuan

No. I'm working for a software company that specializes in open pit mining. I actually love my job.

Cool man I can see business is picking up these days :).

I’ve never seen blockcaving. Just a bunch of diagrams. But have seen open pits which is always impressive.

[Hamish]

Cool photos
Thanks for sharing

[brandrea]

Very interesting Jun, thanks for sharing

Wouldn’t an explorer be the perfect watch for this type of work and travel

[Art 1]

Interesting, thanks.

[jenedla]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[stockae92]

you can most certain travel with quality watch without getting unwanted attention.

Speedmaster is a great choice. Others that comes to mind would be Seiko Prospex or Grand Seiko, Breitling Aerospace EVO, Ball watches.

I don't travel with Rolex because I have enough to worry about (when traveling with family) and I don't want my watches to be one of them.

[DanMdR]

Just a thought. Do you guys think that putting an Explorer (or any other under the radar rolex) on some kind of leather, rubber, fabric strap or nato would call less attention to the watch? Might be a good idea if someone is nervous about traveling with their rolex.

[tudorbaja27]

Great pics! I love travelling - for work and pleasure. Though my work hasn't taken me to the places you mention!

[AndyWright]

I prefer warm weather destinations when I travel. But It's great that you enjoy what you do, that is all what life is about. BTW very cool pictures.