What made you buy your first Rolex?

[Hairdude1]

"A crown for every achievement"

[Jim300186]

My mother was looking at Jewlery in a dealer, and I was glancing at them when the assistant asked if I wanted to try on an explorer II. when I tried it on I fell in love with it. I left it and thought about it over night and realised I had to have it, so went back and bought it the next day. So it was my mums fault lol

[armypilot]

Back in 1968 my parents took me to the air show at NAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. I had known from from the age of 3 or 4 that I was going to grow up and be a military avaitor. My grandfather and a few great uncles had been aviators in WW II and Korea and I wanted to grow up and be just like them. While we were walking the flight line looking at the static displays we came upon a Naval Aviator who was manning his aircraft and answering questions. If I remember correctly, his aircraft was an F-8 Crusader. He was standing there, jet black hair, HGU-4/P issue sunglasses, and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows on his flight suit. He had a watch on his left wrist and I thought it was unusual because one side was red and the other was blue. I asked him, "Mister is that a pilots watch?" He turns to me, looks down at his watch, and says, " Well son, as a matter of fact it is. This is a Rolex GMT-Master, this is the finest aviators watch money can buy!" Well, I knew from that point on that if it was the finest aviator watch money could buy, than I would just have to have one. Fast forward to 1981. I've graduated from high school and am in the ROTC program at San Diego State University. I've got a buddy that is going to PCS ( Permanent Change of Station) to Germany. I know AAFES ( Army and Air Force Exchange Services) has a special deal with Rolex for servicemembers to get a discount if they are PCS'd OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) so I coordinate with him to buy a Rolex GMT-Master for me, $630.00 at the time. He purchases it in April 1982 and I have had it ever since. It is a 1980 manufacture ref. 16750. Yes it has gone through a few bezel inserts, new hands, a new mainspring, and a crystal, tore the last one up pretty bad on my last deployment while under a mortar attack on our FOB (Forward Operating Base) but other than that it is original. It has seen me through my entire military career. I will wear it till the day I die and then it will be going to my daughter.

[Rolex time is money]

Originally Posted by armypilot

Back in 1968 my parents took me to the air show at NAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. I had known from from the age of 3 or 4 that I was going to grow up and be a military avaitor. My grandfather and a few great uncles had been aviators in WW II and Korea and I wanted to grow up and be just like them. While we were walking the flight line looking at the static displays we came upon a Naval Aviator who was manning his aircraft and answering questions. If I remember correctly, his aircraft was an F-8 Crusader. He was standing there, jet black hair, HGU-4/P issue sunglasses, and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows on his flight suit. He had a watch on his left wrist and I thought it was unusual because one side was red and the other was blue. I asked him, "Mister is that a pilots watch?" He turns to me, looks down at his watch, and says, " Well son, as a matter of fact it is. This is a Rolex GMT-Master, this is the finest aviators watch money can buy!" Well, I knew from that point on that if it was the finest aviator watch money could buy, than I would just have to have one. Fast forward to 1981. I've graduated from high school and am in the ROTC program at San Diego State University. I've got a buddy that is going to PCS ( Permanent Change of Station) to Germany. I know AAFES ( Army and Air Force Exchange Services) has a special deal with Rolex for servicemembers to get a discount if they are PCS'd OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) so I coordinate with him to buy a Rolex GMT-Master for me, $630.00 at the time. He purchases it in April 1982 and I have had it ever since. It is a 1980 manufacture ref. 16750. Yes it has gone through a few bezel inserts, new hands, a new mainspring, and a crystal, tore the last one up pretty bad on my last deployment while under a mortar attack on our FOB (Forward Operating Base) but other than that it is original. It has seen me through my entire military career. I will wear it till the day I die and then it will be going to my daughter.

Man I wish I had a great story like this to tell. Mine is more simple, I bought a Folex at the age of 13-14 due to Movies reference, when I grew up and had the cash a real Rolex was inevitable.

[serpico6969]

..but it ended ok for me. I was perusing my local craiglist a few years back when I saw a rolex (forget the model) for sale. Contacted the seller who worked in a local mall and set up the meeting at his place of work. Picked up the watch, gave him the cash and immediately took it to a Jeweler in the mall who promptly identified it as a fake. My stomach dropped. I called the seller and told him what I was told. He denied it but was willing to meet me for refund. He gave me some story that he got it from an Uncle and he had no idea it was fake. I later saw it re-listed so I called it out on craigs.

Soon afer that fiasco, I was determined to get a Rolex. Found a redialed Precision on ebay, bought it. It was a nice watch. But, my paranoia got the better of me so I had it appraised and it turned out to be a real 1965 Precision. Truth be told, it was a bit too blinged out for my tastes with MOP dial and diamond markers. I no longer have it as I sold it off to help fund my Exp II. My second was a 1985 Date, hardly worn and sitting around for over 20 years. Bought from a friend for $700 box and papers included and promptly bought it for an overhaul.. 4 weeks and it came back beautiful..and I was hooked...

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Saw a local business owner wearing a blue gold/ss sub (16613) and in love ever since!

[BH13GMT]

Originally Posted by armypilot

Back in 1968 my parents took me to the air show at NAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. I had known from from the age of 3 or 4 that I was going to grow up and be a military avaitor. My grandfather and a few great uncles had been aviators in WW II and Korea and I wanted to grow up and be just like them. While we were walking the flight line looking at the static displays we came upon a Naval Aviator who was manning his aircraft and answering questions. If I remember correctly, his aircraft was an F-8 Crusader. He was standing there, jet black hair, HGU-4/P issue sunglasses, and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows on his flight suit. He had a watch on his left wrist and I thought it was unusual because one side was red and the other was blue. I asked him, "Mister is that a pilots watch?" He turns to me, looks down at his watch, and says, " Well son, as a matter of fact it is. This is a Rolex GMT-Master, this is the finest aviators watch money can buy!" Well, I knew from that point on that if it was the finest aviator watch money could buy, than I would just have to have one. Fast forward to 1981. I've graduated from high school and am in the ROTC program at San Diego State University. I've got a buddy that is going to PCS ( Permanent Change of Station) to Germany. I know AAFES ( Army and Air Force Exchange Services) has a special deal with Rolex for servicemembers to get a discount if they are PCS'd OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) so I coordinate with him to buy a Rolex GMT-Master for me, $630.00 at the time. He purchases it in April 1982 and I have had it ever since. It is a 1980 manufacture ref. 16750. Yes it has gone through a few bezel inserts, new hands, a new mainspring, and a crystal, tore the last one up pretty bad on my last deployment while under a mortar attack on our FOB (Forward Operating Base) but other than that it is original. It has seen me through my entire military career. I will wear it till the day I die and then it will be going to my daughter.

Simply fabulous

My reason is more about being a sucker for product placement as a young boy. Watching James Bond made me aware of the Submariner. The rest is history.

[projectalicere]

My Dad bought one at a really good price when I was younger.... He loved that watch! He kept it and wore it daily for years until he came to live with me and was best buddies with my (ex) boyfriend.... And gave him the watch!
My Dad died this May really unexpectedly and I'm somewhat glad my ex is enjoying it and keeping it serviced. I believe he had it insured as well, it was appraised for $3600.
I was chosen as an egg donor a couple months ago so after I received my compensation I decided to pay bills and use a little for a nice Rolex in memory of my Dad.
It's currently being serviced and after the cost of servicing and what I paid initially, it was only a couple grand - not bad I'd say! Plus I'm insuring it, and it would cost about $7000-10000 to replace it.
I have an addictive personality though and I'm already thinking about my next Rolex....

[time2see]

Nice answer and great story!

Originally Posted by armypilot

Back in 1968 my parents took me to the air show at NAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. I had known from from the age of 3 or 4 that I was going to grow up and be a military avaitor. My grandfather and a few great uncles had been aviators in WW II and Korea and I wanted to grow up and be just like them. While we were walking the flight line looking at the static displays we came upon a Naval Aviator who was manning his aircraft and answering questions. If I remember correctly, his aircraft was an F-8 Crusader. He was standing there, jet black hair, HGU-4/P issue sunglasses, and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows on his flight suit. He had a watch on his left wrist and I thought it was unusual because one side was red and the other was blue. I asked him, "Mister is that a pilots watch?" He turns to me, looks down at his watch, and says, " Well son, as a matter of fact it is. This is a Rolex GMT-Master, this is the finest aviators watch money can buy!" Well, I knew from that point on that if it was the finest aviator watch money could buy, than I would just have to have one. Fast forward to 1981. I've graduated from high school and am in the ROTC program at San Diego State University. I've got a buddy that is going to PCS ( Permanent Change of Station) to Germany. I know AAFES ( Army and Air Force Exchange Services) has a special deal with Rolex for servicemembers to get a discount if they are PCS'd OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) so I coordinate with him to buy a Rolex GMT-Master for me, $630.00 at the time. He purchases it in April 1982 and I have had it ever since. It is a 1980 manufacture ref. 16750. Yes it has gone through a few bezel inserts, new hands, a new mainspring, and a crystal, tore the last one up pretty bad on my last deployment while under a mortar attack on our FOB (Forward Operating Base) but other than that it is original. It has seen me through my entire military career. I will wear it till the day I die and then it will be going to my daughter.

[incontrol]

A couple of watch forums I started to look at just a few years ago. I never really wanted one but the enabling finally got to me. Now, I would not mind having a couple more!

[subtona]

The true catalyst was a dead battery in my dress watch...i had put on my suit for a wedding & as i was walking out i decided to grab my nice watch... It had stopped...i decided i would never buy another watch that used batteries again & thus began my road to rolex.

[MikenAZ]

When I first laid eyes on her she spoke to me , it was love at first sight.

[TheMethod]

Always wanted one since my friends wear Rolex & AP even though they're younger (in 20's). Got a nice bonus check and used that to buy my first Rolex and a European vacation.

[Invictus Maneo]

When I saw Sean Connery as James Bond when I was a kid. Fell in love with the Sub even though I had no idea what it was aside from a really cool divers watch. I asked for one for Christmas that year as I recall (lol). Went from divers watch to divers watch but always lusted the Rolex but could never justify the purchase with other things going on in my life (marriage, 1st house, kids, career stagnation). In 1998 my mom died and left me a bit of money. I wanted to get something with it to remember my mother (and father) by. Something I would cherish but also use. The 16610 seemed liked the perfect fit and while my wife and kids were out of town on vacation I went to an AD and purchased it as well as a really nice blue faced Tudor for my wife (that was to soften the wrath I thought I would get for making such a large purchase having two very young kids).
I have never regretted it, wear it daily and it reminds me of my parents when I look at it. I am not, nor never have been a big jewelry guy and aside from my wedding band it is the only piece of jewelry I wear. Before joining this forum I never thought I would want another watch but after meeting you fine folks I realize that I most emphatically do! I think a DJII may be in my future! At least I hope so!

[flyinghell34]

Because real men wear them....

[bparone]

I always wanted a durable watch that I could wear anywhere and anytime and never worry about a battery. I originally had a Seiko (which actually had a better automatic battery reserve than any Swiss watch I've seen). When I finally got a job that I had set my sights on 12 months earlier, which included a paid move to continental Europe, I decided I needed, and wanted, a nice watch which I could use as a sole watch and wear in every circumstance and never have to think about buying another one. I bought an Omega Seamaster (James Bond type whatever decimal point code that is).

I was just hired for my ultimate dream job which I spent almost 7 years mentoring and training myself for but within my company. I'm sure I'll change my mind BUT, this is a job I wanted for 10+ years, worked actively to qualify for, never thought I would be good enough to achieve (had to take a week off to prepare for role play interviews, presentations, etc), and can't think of any job I'd rather have. When I got the job, I decided to buy a high quality watch (DJ2) which can take me from Boardroom to kids playroom and everything in between. It was an 'accomplishment watch' but, also one which I thought made financial sense since none of the other watches 'spoke to me' and I could sell this one for high residuals should my mind change.

My next watch (DSSD) is for either for my next promotion which could happen sooner than I ever expected or for an award of recognition for some significant achievements with my client which could impact the industry as a whole. Either would be major goals that have been achieved when I didn't have pressing financial needs like moving country l, starting a family, etc as well as taking 4-5 years minimum to realize.

I want each of my watches to have a story associated with them. I want them to have a significance to me or, a legacy I can pass down to my kids in the form of a watch which symbolizes never giving up on your dreams, no matter how many setbacks one encounters, an achievement that takes years to achieve, or an achievement people tell you is impossible. A watch has nothing to do with any of this but, the ability to buy something of longevity and that symbolizes a realized goal is intangible in what it represents but, is also priceless in the value one feels from it; as far of the object itself is concerned, something which 'speaks to you and is so beautiful, is an added bonus; being an architect (IT), a beautifully engineered watch in also something that such a person can really appreciate and enjoy, even if fairly few other people can. Rambling over...

[Monaldo88]

Ever since i graduated from University and my father bought me my first time piece which was a Chopard Mille Miglia GMT i was hooked on watches. I really wanted a watch that i would purchase on my own as a milestone for the future, e.g. first job. I got my first job, saved up and bought my first Rolex Sub C 1166110LN. I always knew Rolex was a great watch and also a fantastic brand with a highly luxurious image. Although this was the case, at the time i never really desired one until i read about them and tried one on. The fact that the steel and the build quality of the watch was so good is what made me want to get one, combined with the fact that Rolex is a symbol of success and progression in your life. I know there are other more sophisticated watch makers out there, the Pateks, Breguets, A.Lange & Sohne whom make very complex and highly sought after watches. BUT the fact Rolex make their watches PERFECT and simple is what drew me towards them. I also read about their HQ and where they make their watches on a podcast which blew me away!

P.S. i heard that the kitchen Rolex has in their factories for the employees is bigger than some shop floors of other watch maker factories! WOW!

Monaldo88

Rolex Submariner C 116610LN, Chopard Mille Miglia GMT

[vitalsignsrn]

I loved the style. Was so classic which gave me peace of mind that in another 40yrs, my watches would continue to be classic and desired. I don't have a crystal ball…but seems like the original ND Sub is very much respected today since its birth in the 1050s. :-)

[fullcourt]

Got mine as a gift from some very good friends....

[mr.president1]

The shear quality of Rolex just swept me off my feet!

[fliphandywork]

I wanted a Rolex because of the name. Now, many Rolex watches later, I appreciate the build quality and timelessness of Rolex designs.


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[drfaulkner]

My 1st one was the 25 year service award from my company.

[b5audia4]

Because I wanted to buy my first grownup men jewellery/toy :)

And I have tried to purchase one on two other occassions, but never ended up pulling the trigger. So I finally bought it this year.

[truelover]

Never looked at Rolex until the first time I tried it on my wrist.

Then it got me addicted!

[Token74]

I had always wanted one because I was in my teens (easily influenced) during the 'Yuppie' era (the glorious 80's).

However, having escaped the nasty world of corporate employment a few years ago, I started to rebel against anything that was in any way linked to that world (stopped buying Mercs and BMW's and started buying old Land Rovers, swapped my smart shirts for comfortable sweaters etc)...and for this reason, when I started getting into watches about three of four years ago I was totally turned off Rolex because I associated them with a world I no longer wanted to be associated with. I was very dismissive of friends who had them, suggesting (ignorantly) that they knew nothing about watches and had just bought the brand.

Then, when I started to get a bit geeky about watches, I spent an evening reading the history of Rolex and all about Hans Wilsdorf.

This is why I bought my first, my second, and why no doubt I will buy more.

It's true that I like the way they look, I love their marketing, and the sport watches suit me better than most other watches of similar cost / quality. But most of all, I like the history and what the brand really stands for.

[mmusa]

I think it is simple just because it is rolex

[AAP8]

I loved watches and I could finally afford it ...

[mlastic]

Always loved watches and always thought that rolex was the pinnacle in watches. The reason I chose a rolex is beacuse all the haters talking mad shit about rolex and not even knowing about it's history, innovations, style and quality. A few people in my circle of friends are a bit ignorant when it comes to time pieces and they think just because you drop 10k on a watch it should scream "LOOK AT ME!" Before I got mine I was chatting to a friend that had just bought a IWC Portuguese ( beautiful piece ) and he was talking all this non-sense about rolex and the people that wore them, mind you I knew more about that watch he had paid 15k for than he did and THAT was the moment when I decided on a rolex.

[opawlows]

My first one was actually purchased when I was born (16760) by my parents and given to me on my highschool graduation. I loved the look of them growing up, and was surrounded by them as my father and his business associates were always wearing them.They were all successful, so to me it was the epitome of success!

[Fiery]

Back then I considered Rolex professional models the best mechanical sports watches out there. And I still do today