GMT for my dad, or a Sub for me?

[mitcht]

Hello TRF!

Before I go into my question, I would like to introduce myself… My name is Mitchel, I’m 23 years old and have been a timepiece enthusiast since I first held my father’s Rolex when I was fresh out of the oven.

I’ve been seriously considering buying my own Rolex for the past five years, but it seems with buying a house, paying tuition, getting engaged, and buying new cars, it has always been put on the back burner.

I’m in a bit of a pickle and need some advice on what I should do.

As mentioned above, I grew up playing with my father’s TT GMT 16713 (early 80’s) whenever the watch wasn’t on his wrist, which wasn’t very often. He would always tell me that his watch would be mine some day…. It was only 7-8 years ago that he ended up selling his GMT in order to handle a curve ball in life. Whenever we talk about his Rolex (currently) I can see his eyes light up and feel his passion for the brand.

He’s currently fifty-five years old and will be retiring in roughly ten years if everything goes to plan. He has an excellent income and is more than capable of purchasing his own watch, however most of his income is being put towards retirement at this point, simply because growing up with a stay-at-home mom, and three kids puts a strain on your income

Here’s my problem… I want a ROLEX within six months.

After five years of research and probably around a year of browsing these forums, I’ve narrowed it down to a 16610LV, or a Deep Sea… I cannot choose which way to go, nor have I tried either on in person; only in my head thousands of times. In an ideal world, I wish I could have both, so perhaps I will get one then the other in the future.

However, that being said, I'm considering buying my father a 16713 GMT before I spoil myself with my own watch. I feel that if my dad died without a Rolex on his wrist, and I was wearing one, I could never forgive myself because I could no longer surprise him.

So what do you think? Should I continue to set aside some money for my own Rolex, or should I give my dad back the Rolex that he so graciously gave up to support our family growing up.

I’m getting married next year and feel I deserve something to celebrate the occasion, but am torn about how my dad would feel…

Thoughts? Comments? GMT For my father? OR 16610LV/Dee Sea for me?

Thanks,

Mitch

[Grumpy Badger]

Nice post!

Of course it must be your decision but, given the tone of your post, I think you'd be happier getting one for your father than yourself. The fact that you are, as yet, unsure of which watch YOU want supports that, IMO.

I say buy your dad his watch! I'm also almost sure that, since you say he's doing well in his own right, you might just find he repays the compliment!

[purcellj]

Mitch,
In my experience, regret is one of the worst emotions. I doubt you would regret buying for your dad.
John

[mboverst]

Honestly, get your dad the watch. You can get one for yourself and be very excited for those first couple of weeks with your shiny new toy, but it'll just be something you put on everyday to keep time after that.

Every time you see your father wearing the Rolex you surprised him with will be much more rewarding for as long as he's around.

[DCgator]

Very tough but you made it easy. Buy your dad a Rolex GMT (perhaps a pre-loved one) and show him that you really "get it" - meaning you were aware and truly appreciate the sacrifices he's made for his family. You're still young and have many years to buy yourself a Rolex or two. Thanks for sharing this story about your dad. Sounds like he knew his priorities.

[barstoolman]

Myself, being 58 years old with a 25 year old son, I would be much happier if he bought the watch for himself..............most fathers would feel that way. As much as it would make you happy and feel good inside to buy the "Old Man" a Rolex, at the end of the day, a father's love for his son would dictate that the son be happy...........so don't worry........there should be and won't be any regrets. Your father will be more than proud that you were able to buy yourself and afford a Rolex. His pride in you will far exceed the happiness you might feel for buying one for him. A beautiful thought and gesture by you, nonetheless.

And one more thing.......stop thinking and worrying about your Dad dying. He's got too much life in front of him!!!!

[Fiery]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

Nice post!

Of course it must be your decision but, given the tone of your post, I think you'd be happier getting one for your father than yourself. The fact that you are, as yet, unsure of which watch YOU want supports that, IMO.

I say buy your dad his watch! I'm also almost sure that, since you say he's doing well in his own right, you might just find he repays the compliment!

+1. I'm sure the 16713 would make not only your dad, but both of you very happy. Surprising someone with a truly great present is a great thing. Later on, when you buy your first Rolex, you will feel great everytime you put it next to your dad's 16713. BTW, for the price of a new DSSD you may be able to buy two pre-loved 16713's. Matching watches for dad & son would be amazing, wouldn't it?

[Annan]

You sound like a good son. I think you already know the right thing to do......buy your dad a Rolex.

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

Myself, being 58 years old with a 25 year old son, I would be much happier if he bought the watch for himself..............most fathers would feel that way. As much as it would make you happy and feel good inside to buy the "Old Man" a Rolex, at the end of the day, a father's love for his son would dictate that the son be happy...........so don't worry........there should be and won't be any regrets. Your father will be more than proud that you were able to buy yourself and afford a Rolex. His pride in you will far exceed the happiness you might feel for buying one for him. A beautiful thought and gesture by you, nonetheless.

And one more thing.......stop thinking and worrying about your Dad dying. He's got too much life in front of him!!!!

I hear what you're saying but I reckon there's a better than evens chance his old man is planning to give him a Rolex as a wedding gift anyway...

[frank32]

get your dad his rolex. my 20 year old son has just bought himself an audi tt sports car.when he got it home he gave me the spare key and said anytime you need the car take it.i have a works van.he nos how much time and money i spent on him and his 2 sisters.no new car for me but the run about in the drive is good.so get your old man a rolex.a very proud dad.

[SonnyAK]

For the price of the DSSD, you could purchase him a really nice 16713 and yourself a great Submariner - both pre owned...Present his to him, while at the same time showing him your new watch too!! He'll be super excited for the both of you, as you will be too...it will be something you both will remember for the rest of your lives. Even if it takes a bit longer to make it happen, financially, this would be the road I would take :-)
You can always start saving, from that point, for the DSSD, or the LV...Good luck with your decision and please let us know how it turns out!!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

myself, being 58 years old with a 25 year old son, i would be much happier if he bought the watch for himself..............most fathers would feel that way. As much as it would make you happy and feel good inside to buy the "old man" a rolex, at the end of the day, a father's love for his son would dictate that the son be happy...........so don't worry........there should be and won't be any regrets. Your father will be more than proud that you were able to buy yourself and afford a rolex. His pride in you will far exceed the happiness you might feel for buying one for him. A beautiful thought and gesture by you, nonetheless.

And one more thing.......stop thinking and worrying about your dad dying. He's got too much life in front of him!!!!

x2

[hsfrank]

Originally Posted by DCgator

Very tough but you made it easy. Buy your dad a Rolex GMT (perhaps a pre-loved one) and show him that you really "get it" - meaning you were aware and truly appreciate the sacrifices he's made for his family. You're still young and have many years to buy yourself a Rolex or two. Thanks for sharing this story about your dad. Sounds like he knew his priorities.

x1000!!

[rolexsweep]

get your dad the watch!! all fathers deserve so much more.

[chachee]

Many of our fathers gave up so much for us in life, and your father sounds like he is one. I would buy the GMT for him.

[Megalobyte]

Also, if you do buy him a GMT, it'll be yours again sone day anyway. :) Seriously, you give the watch to him, some day long into the future we hope, you get it back, then one day your son gets it, 3 generations.

[chiko323]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

Myself, being 58 years old with a 25 year old son, I would be much happier if he bought the watch for himself..............most fathers would feel that way. As much as it would make you happy and feel good inside to buy the "Old Man" a Rolex, at the end of the day, a father's love for his son would dictate that the son be happy...........so don't worry........there should be and won't be any regrets. Your father will be more than proud that you were able to buy yourself and afford a Rolex. His pride in you will far exceed the happiness you might feel for buying one for him. A beautiful thought and gesture by you, nonetheless.

And one more thing.......stop thinking and worrying about your Dad dying. He's got too much life in front of him!!!!

X2. I think it would mean a lot to your dad to see that he has passed down a love of the Rolex brand down to his son and he would be even more excited to see a Rolex in the next generation of his family than another for himself.

[mitcht]

I appreciate all your feedback guys. I have some time to think about this decision, but it seems that by writing it on paper my true feelings speak loud and clear.

I will commit to buying his watch first!

It seems as though the market for a 16713 GMT isn't terrible and a gently used one can be had for the $4000 range--a bargain considering.

Perhaps this could even be a Christmas present? Or do you guys feel we should celebrate both of us getting a Rolex at once? (Thus waiting longer) That does seem like a great idea...

[Perdu]

Good man. You only have one dad.

[mboverst]

Hmmm I would think if you got him one solo it would appear as if you saved up and were planning to do something nice for him. As opposed to getting them at the same time, like you wanted a Rolex and decided that you might as well get the poor ol' man one at the same time.

Just a thought.

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by SonnyAK

For the price of the DSSD, you could purchase him a really nice 16713 and yourself a great Submariner - both pre owned...Present his to him, while at the same time showing him your new watch too!! He'll be super excited for the both of you, as you will be too...it will be something you both will remember for the rest of your lives. Even if it takes a bit longer to make it happen, financially, this would be the road I would take :-)
You can always start saving, from that point, for the DSSD, or the LV...Good luck with your decision and please let us know how it turns out!!

X2
best of both worlds.

[onryo]

I'd love to buy my dad a Rolex one of theses days, but it's not an option at the moment. I'm hoping to do it for his next major birthday, but that's still 6 years away so I've got a little time to plan. The only problem is that if I buy dad one, I'll have to get mom one too...

[Lanfor]

I think buying your dad a rolex would be a great gesture and the look on his face when you give it him and how great it makes you feel will be priceless

[Megalobyte]

Anybody remember how proud Morty was when Jerry had the means to buy him a Cadillac? :)

Of course, then Jack accused Morty of misappropriation of funds...

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by mitcht

I appreciate all your feedback guys. I have some time to think about this decision, but it seems that by writing it on paper my true feelings speak loud and clear.

I will commit to buying his watch first!

It seems as though the market for a 16713 GMT isn't terrible and a gently used one can be had for the $4000 range--a bargain considering.

Perhaps this could even be a Christmas present? Or do you guys feel we should celebrate both of us getting a Rolex at once? (Thus waiting longer) That does seem like a great idea...

Good for you. I was with the "buy your dad one" camp until I read barstoolman's post and then completely on the fence I'm glad you decided
before I weighed in.

I'd give it sooner than later. It will let you focus on saving for yours that much sooner (you are young so plenty of time). Maybe it'll also trigger some ideas for a wedding present from him (not that that's why you're doing this).

[DucS2R]

I am 59 and have given each of my sons a good watch (one an Omega Speedmaster and the other a Panerai Base). Like most successful dads at my age I have most of what I need, though I did buy myself a sub c for my impending 60 th birthday and feel like a kid again, sort of...

If one of my sons gave me a fine watch for my birthday I think I would totally break down given the sacrifice I would know it involves at a young age and early career. Do it, son, and you will give your dad the greatest present he could ever receive. Not the Rolex, but the fact that he has a son who loves him enough to make a major personal sacrifice.

Good job!

[Jinder]

Nice that your thinking about your father! I just got my dad a 116710 GMT, I'm getting my 116713 GMT in a few days.

[hoops10]

You will be much happier if you purchase your father the GMT. When you look at all the sacrifices he made your family while you were growing up, this would be an easy decision for me.

[Jinder]

Originally Posted by hoops10

You will be much happier if you purchase your father the GMT. When you look at all the sacrifices he made your family while you were growing up, this would be an easy decision for me.

Well said mate!

[docmarioce]

Originally Posted by mitcht

I appreciate all your feedback guys. I have some time to think about this decision, but it seems that by writing it on paper my true feelings speak loud and clear.

I will commit to buying his watch first!

It seems as though the market for a 16713 GMT isn't terrible and a gently used one can be had for the $4000 range--a bargain considering.

Perhaps this could even be a Christmas present? Or do you guys feel we should celebrate both of us getting a Rolex at once? (Thus waiting longer) That does seem like a great idea...

To give your Dad his GMT is a great idea. I think you should wait after giving him his and get yours later.

Best,