ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Submarino · 9 July 2012, 01:39 AM

If I wasn't able to convince you of getting an AP Diver with my thread at the Cayman Islands, I hope this one does. If I still don't, at least I know you would want to go visit Playa del Carmen and stay at the luxurious all-inclusive Grand Velas (where we stayed). Now, when I say 'all-inclusive' it is not what some of you might be thinking. This is a grand class all-luxury 'all-inclusive' that only serves premium liquor, high-end cuisine a la carte (only one out of seven restaurants is a buffet) and a very strict dress code at all restaurants where no dress shorts or open shoes are even allowed. Not to mention their Spa, which is one of the best in the world.

Very few of you know that I am originally from Mexico City and that I grew up between Mexico and NYC. Going 'home' always puts a big smile on my face. To be quite frank this is our second time at Grand Velas and no other place we've stayed in the world beats their hospitality, service and level of cuisine in just one place. Believe me, we've stayed at some fancy places around the world!!!

Some of the things that we enjoyed were the amazing variety of Ceviches (shrimp, bass, green sea snails, squid, octopus and conch), 'Aguachile de Camaron' (one of my favorite dishes when it comes to fresh seafood in Mexico), one of my favorite beers not available in the U.S. named 'Montejo' (local brewery from Yucatan now owned by Grupo Modelo), delicious desserts, Habanos (this time I enjoyed my Partagas), Sambuca Nero, Anís Chinchón, Henessy, 'Pan Dulce' ('conchas' are my favorites), 'Nieve de Guanabana' (Guanabana sorbet), Pitahaya (close relative to Dragon Fruit) and other delicious spirits and foods.

Another highlight of our trip is that I was able to have a mini-GTG with our friend Gerardo aka GerardoG. We had a great time smoking our cigars, sipping our drinks and talking about watches non-stop. That day he was wearing his TT SubC and I obviously had my Diver on. Unfortunately I wasn't able to put his on as he has very small wrists but my AP looked fantastic on him. Gerardo, time to get a Diver!!!

Also in one of the pictures you'll see my AP next to a big fish egg that had been deposited on the shore by the tide.

In summary, it was an amazing trip, my watch performed as expected and had a great time in Mexico.

Enjoy the pics!!!

Trouble15 · 9 July 2012, 01:43 AM

Great pics, thanks for sharing!

mb23 · 9 July 2012, 01:54 AM

Looks like a lot of fun, and a beautiful place! Great wrist shots!

HL65 · 9 July 2012, 01:58 AM

Great pics Hal and looks like a great time!! Thanks for sharing...

GerardoG · 9 July 2012, 02:10 AM

Dear Mr H

It was a pleasure meeting you, and spending all afternoon smoking a Montecristo 2 and a Partagas D4, with scotch and cognac as well as talking watches, made for a great day!

I am happy to hear you had a good time in Mexico, and on watch related issues, you got me thinking on AP and maybe now you are consideing a YG Daytona!

As a side note, on the wrist issue, you have big wrists!!

Gracias nuevamente por tu tiempo, espero que podamos coincidir muy pronto. Un abrazo!

alexlt730512 · 9 July 2012, 02:17 AM

nice photos

Dickson Lim · 9 July 2012, 02:26 AM

Nice photos Hal! Looks like a lot of fun!

MrJ320 · 9 July 2012, 02:48 AM

Looks like a great vacation and thanks for sharing the photos. The Diver also looks great and looks like it's right at home on the beaches.

Cheers,
James

FremStar · 9 July 2012, 02:52 AM

Daaaaaaaaammmmmm! Seriously looks like a GREAT time Hal! Wow! Thanks for sharing with us!

k123e2001 · 9 July 2012, 03:02 AM

WOW!! looks fun

seattle1978 · 9 July 2012, 03:04 AM

great pictures! thanks for sharing!

texex91 · 9 July 2012, 03:05 AM

Wow Hal, you are on a vacation roll, making us all jealous!

Beautiful pics and gotta love the diver!

Submarino · 9 July 2012, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Dear Mr H

It was a pleasure meeting you, and spending all afternoon smoking a Montecristo 2 and a Partagas D4, with scotch and cognac as well as talking watches, made for a great day!

I am happy to hear you had a good time in Mexico, and on watch related issues, you got me thinking on AP and maybe now you are consideing a YG Daytona!

As a side note, on the wrist issue, you have big wrists!!

Gracias nuevamente por tu tiempo, espero que podamos coincidir muy pronto. Un abrazo!

Gerardo, the pleasure was mine!!! You're not only a fine gentleman but your taste in watches and the stories behind them are just beautiful. Nothing like fine Habanos, good liquor and new friends. Salud hermano!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Watches are the new currency!

Watchonisto · 9 July 2012, 03:44 AM

Great pics

LAJM · 9 July 2012, 04:04 AM

Great pics! Was at Playa del Carmen for a day trip last year on trip to Mexico but did not see that resort.

Peppers90 · 9 July 2012, 04:32 AM

Mr H looks like you had a fabulous time! Great pics and that ceviche looks awesome. That's one of my favorite summertime dishes. And the GtG to match- thanks for sharing!!!

B. Doggy · 9 July 2012, 04:56 AM

Very nice. I've stayed down in Playa del Carmen a couple of times and also enjoy it. I like Secrets Maroma Beach. They are have a killer resort, also with world class food and service.

psv · 9 July 2012, 05:05 AM

Great story telling! Man, I need a vacation soon! :-)

I have to say, that TT Submariner is looking darn good as well and right at home in the surroundings!

TSW · 9 July 2012, 05:13 AM

Amazing pics buddy!

oworkman · 9 July 2012, 06:58 AM

Makes me want to visit! Viva la Mexico!!

edwardk · 9 July 2012, 07:42 AM

Looks like a most excellent time. Thanks for sharing.

emagni · 9 July 2012, 08:37 AM

Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing Hal.

Submarino · 9 July 2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trouble15

Great pics, thanks for sharing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb23

Looks like a lot of fun, and a beautiful place! Great wrist shots!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Great pics Hal and looks like a great time!! Thanks for sharing...

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexlt730512

nice photos

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dickson Lim

Nice photos Hal! Looks like a lot of fun!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJ320

Looks like a great vacation and thanks for sharing the photos. The Diver also looks great and looks like it's right at home on the beaches.

Cheers,
James

Quote:

Originally Posted by FremStar

Daaaaaaaaammmmmm! Seriously looks like a GREAT time Hal! Wow! Thanks for sharing with us!

Quote:

Originally Posted by k123e2001

WOW!! looks fun

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattle1978

great pictures! thanks for sharing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by texex91

Wow Hal, you are on a vacation roll, making us all jealous!

Beautiful pics and gotta love the diver!

Quote:

Originally Posted by r-l-x

Great pics

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAJM

Great pics! Was at Playa del Carmen for a day trip last year on trip to Mexico but did not see that resort.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peppers90

Mr H looks like you had a fabulous time! Great pics and that ceviche looks awesome. That's one of my favorite summertime dishes. And the GtG to match- thanks for sharing!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

Very nice. I've stayed down in Playa del Carmen a couple of times and also enjoy it. I like Secrets Maroma Beach. They are have a killer resort, also with world class food and service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by psv

Great story telling! Man, I need a vacation soon! :-)

I have to say, that TT Submariner is looking darn good as well and right at home in the surroundings!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSW

Amazing pics buddy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by oworkman

Makes me want to visit! Viva la Mexico!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardk

Looks like a most excellent time. Thanks for sharing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emagni

Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing Hal.

Thank you everyone!!! We had a great time indeed. It would be a great spot for an International TRF GTG. We should start thinking about it.

craniotes · 9 July 2012, 09:39 AM

Top shelf booze, Cuban cigars, high end watches and good friends... The only way that it could get any better would be if all of the above went down at a world-class resort.

Oh, wait...

Never mind.

Regards,
Adam

PS - Ordinarily I'm not a fan of two-tone watches, but I'd make an exception for that Sub-C. Gerardo, you wear it well, pencil wrist and all.

fc3s2k · 9 July 2012, 09:52 AM

Looks like you had a terrible time!!
I'm jealous..

Hairdude1 · 9 July 2012, 11:10 AM

Great pics man!!!

jmusser3r · 9 July 2012, 11:11 AM

All these pics just might push me over the edge

Congrats Hal, and it looks like you had an awesome trip!

EdChoi · 9 July 2012, 11:13 AM

Great photos, thanks for sharing, the diver is a great all around travel/vacation piece as well. The beauty of the rubber strap.

TimeOnHand · 9 July 2012, 11:39 AM

Hal...

Those are some awesome photo's mate... you really know how to take great pictures!

Looks like a fantastic holiday destination as well...

Thanks for sharing...

Cheers!

Cru Jones · 9 July 2012, 11:45 AM

great show, man. nice work,

9 July 2012, 01:39 AM	#1
Submarino "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Mr. H Location: Dallas Watch: them for me! Posts: 7,180	AP Diver Back from Playa del Carmen, Mexico!!! If I wasn't able to convince you of getting an AP Diver with my thread at the Cayman Islands, I hope this one does. If I still don't, at least I know you would want to go visit Playa del Carmen and stay at the luxurious all-inclusive Grand Velas (where we stayed). Now, when I say 'all-inclusive' it is not what some of you might be thinking. This is a grand class all-luxury 'all-inclusive' that only serves premium liquor, high-end cuisine a la carte (only one out of seven restaurants is a buffet) and a very strict dress code at all restaurants where no dress shorts or open shoes are even allowed. Not to mention their Spa, which is one of the best in the world. Very few of you know that I am originally from Mexico City and that I grew up between Mexico and NYC. Going 'home' always puts a big smile on my face. To be quite frank this is our second time at Grand Velas and no other place we've stayed in the world beats their hospitality, service and level of cuisine in just one place. Believe me, we've stayed at some fancy places around the world!!! Some of the things that we enjoyed were the amazing variety of Ceviches (shrimp, bass, green sea snails, squid, octopus and conch), 'Aguachile de Camaron' (one of my favorite dishes when it comes to fresh seafood in Mexico), one of my favorite beers not available in the U.S. named 'Montejo' (local brewery from Yucatan now owned by Grupo Modelo), delicious desserts, Habanos (this time I enjoyed my Partagas), Sambuca Nero, Anís Chinchón, Henessy, 'Pan Dulce' ('conchas' are my favorites), 'Nieve de Guanabana' (Guanabana sorbet), Pitahaya (close relative to Dragon Fruit) and other delicious spirits and foods. Another highlight of our trip is that I was able to have a mini-GTG with our friend Gerardo aka GerardoG. We had a great time smoking our cigars, sipping our drinks and talking about watches non-stop. That day he was wearing his TT SubC and I obviously had my Diver on. Unfortunately I wasn't able to put his on as he has very small wrists but my AP looked fantastic on him. Gerardo, time to get a Diver!!! Also in one of the pictures you'll see my AP next to a big fish egg that had been deposited on the shore by the tide. In summary, it was an amazing trip, my watch performed as expected and had a great time in Mexico. Enjoy the pics!!! Attached Images __________________ WATCHES ARE THE NEW CURRENCY!/ MEMBER 27491/OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED OLD TIMER /AP OWNERS CLUB MEMBER Instagram @watchcollectinglifestyle

9 July 2012, 01:58 AM	#4
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	Great pics Hal and looks like a great time!! Thanks for sharing... __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

9 July 2012, 02:26 AM	#7
Dickson Lim "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: planet Posts: 1,517	Nice photos Hal! Looks like a lot of fun! __________________ Dream the impossible, and make it possible!

9 July 2012, 02:52 AM	#9
FremStar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Gotham City Watch: Wall Street Posts: 9,954	Daaaaaaaaammmmmm! Seriously looks like a GREAT time Hal! Wow! Thanks for sharing with us! __________________ "Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!" "A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern "In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon "Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung

9 July 2012, 04:56 AM	#17
B. Doggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Bryan Location: Oregon Posts: 7,399	Very nice. I've stayed down in Playa del Carmen a couple of times and also enjoy it. I like Secrets Maroma Beach. They are have a killer resort, also with world class food and service. __________________ Rolex / Panerai / Omega

9 July 2012, 01:43 AM	#2
Trouble15 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Steve Location: USA Watch: A few Posts: 8,884	Great pics, thanks for sharing!

9 July 2012, 01:54 AM	#3
mb23 Banned Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Michael Location: Westchester, NY Watch: Audemars Piguet Posts: 4,744	Looks like a lot of fun, and a beautiful place! Great wrist shots!

9 July 2012, 02:10 AM	#5
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Dear Mr H It was a pleasure meeting you, and spending all afternoon smoking a Montecristo 2 and a Partagas D4, with scotch and cognac as well as talking watches, made for a great day! I am happy to hear you had a good time in Mexico, and on watch related issues, you got me thinking on AP and maybe now you are consideing a YG Daytona! As a side note, on the wrist issue, you have big wrists!! Gracias nuevamente por tu tiempo, espero que podamos coincidir muy pronto. Un abrazo!

9 July 2012, 02:17 AM	#6
alexlt730512 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1,248	nice photos

9 July 2012, 02:48 AM	#8
MrJ320 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: James Location: Toronto Watch: IG: @j.project Posts: 2,194	Looks like a great vacation and thanks for sharing the photos. The Diver also looks great and looks like it's right at home on the beaches. Cheers, James

9 July 2012, 03:02 AM	#10
k123e2001 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 794	WOW!! looks fun

9 July 2012, 03:04 AM	#11
seattle1978 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA Watch: APs Posts: 561	great pictures! thanks for sharing!

9 July 2012, 03:05 AM	#12
texex91 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: . Posts: 17,898	Wow Hal, you are on a vacation roll, making us all jealous! Beautiful pics and gotta love the diver!

9 July 2012, 03:44 AM	#14
Watchonisto Banned Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Alex Location: European Union Watch: AP, ROLEX, PP, PAM Posts: 4,344	Great pics

9 July 2012, 04:04 AM	#15
LAJM "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Larry Location: Canada Watch: Explorer II Posts: 270	Great pics! Was at Playa del Carmen for a day trip last year on trip to Mexico but did not see that resort.

9 July 2012, 04:32 AM	#16
Peppers90 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Shannon Location: USA Watch: AP & Rolex Posts: 2,264	Mr H looks like you had a fabulous time! Great pics and that ceviche looks awesome. That's one of my favorite summertime dishes. And the GtG to match- thanks for sharing!!!

9 July 2012, 05:05 AM	#18
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	Great story telling! Man, I need a vacation soon! :-) I have to say, that TT Submariner is looking darn good as well and right at home in the surroundings!

9 July 2012, 05:13 AM	#19
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Amazing pics buddy! __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

9 July 2012, 06:58 AM	#20
oworkman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Around........ Posts: 544	Makes me want to visit! Viva la Mexico!! __________________ Difficulties break some men but make others. Nelson Mandela

9 July 2012, 07:42 AM	#21
edwardk Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Edward Location: Sherwood, AR Watch: TT Sub Slate Serti Posts: 144	Looks like a most excellent time. Thanks for sharing.

9 July 2012, 08:37 AM	#22
emagni "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: on Earth Watch: ing TRF Posts: 1,284	Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing Hal. __________________ Watches: More than my fingers can count

9 July 2012, 09:39 AM	#24
craniotes Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Ad Rock Location: Manhattan Posts: 621	Damn, now thats what I call living! Top shelf booze, Cuban cigars, high end watches and good friends... The only way that it could get any better would be if all of the above went down at a world-class resort. Oh, wait... Never mind. Regards, Adam PS - Ordinarily I'm not a fan of two-tone watches, but I'd make an exception for that Sub-C. Gerardo, you wear it well, pencil wrist and all.

9 July 2012, 09:52 AM	#25
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	Looks like you had a terrible time!! I'm jealous.. __________________

9 July 2012, 11:10 AM	#26
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Great pics man!!!

9 July 2012, 11:11 AM	#27
jmusser3r "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Jon Location: Iowa Posts: 288	All these pics just might push me over the edge Congrats Hal, and it looks like you had an awesome trip!

9 July 2012, 11:13 AM	#28
EdChoi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Eddie Location: VA Posts: 356	Great photos, thanks for sharing, the diver is a great all around travel/vacation piece as well. The beauty of the rubber strap. __________________ instaGram: ehDchoi

9 July 2012, 11:39 AM	#29
TimeOnHand "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Hong Kong Watch: Rolex Air-King Posts: 4,468	Hal... Those are some awesome photo's mate... you really know how to take great pictures! Looks like a fantastic holiday destination as well... Thanks for sharing... Cheers! __________________ Instagram: timeonhand1010

9 July 2012, 11:45 AM	#30
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	great show, man. nice work,

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