ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

TheVTCGuy · 7 March 2013, 06:36 AM

First, I know you are going to say: "Pics, or it didn't happen" I say it all the time... You're just going to have to take my word for it, this happened.

Last Thursday evening, my local AD, Ben Bridge Jewler in the UTC mall here in San Diego had a special Rolex event; the Deep-Sea. It was a tribute to the two Rolexes that have made the journey to the bottom of the world, the Mariana's Trench. They had both watches there, on Display (in extremely secure cases!).

The first one went with the Bathyscaphe Triest in (I think) 1963, and the second, with Mr. Cameron several months ago. I was thrilled to be invited, it was a very classy event (how did I get invited?

).

I met Mr. Ed Bridge, son of found Ben Bridge. Mr. Bridge saw the lapel pin on my suit coat, identifying myself as an (ex) Navy Pilot. He came right over, shook my hand and thanked me for my service. Mr. Bridge was in the Navy as a young man and he said had the utmost respect for us fly-boys. It was truly an honor to meet this man, the epitome of class and respect. He is 88 years old, and I wish I looked as good as he did and I am half his age.... (OK, so a little more then half!... Geeeez).

He introduced me to his Son, Marc, who (I believe) is VP of sales for Ben Bridge world-wide. They were two of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and were as humble as could be. They thanked me for being a customer, asked what my experiences in their store was like, how could they improve etc. (asking ME!?

I was being treated as if I were a "whale" customer, having spent millions of dollars or something when in reality, I was just a very low-level buyer). I can understand now why BB is succesful. It was just a very enjoyable evening.

OK, now let's get to the important part... I met the Rolex rep and asked him about Basel.....

First, he gave the most honest answer I've ever heard. He looked me straight in the eye and said: 'I ... Don't.... Know" So, no wild crazy things coming from him. HOWEVER.... I pushed, and asked: "Well, if you had to take a guess, what would you think?" He said:

Rolex seems to release new models after making some kind of anouncement, or publicity thing or ... something. There were two anouncements that caught his eye lately. The first, was that Rolex had an event recently TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSERY OF THE DAYTONA.....

Hmmmmm.......

The second, was there was an article published by Rolex explaining how difficult it was to impregnate red color on the ceramic bezel of the GMT.... He said: "Now why would they come out with an article talking about how difficult a process was.... UNLESS THEY SOLVED IT.

Hmmmmmm............

I asked him about a 42 GMT, Daytona, anything else and he (again, honestly) said: "I really don't know."

So, what the heck, I had a very enjoyable evening and thought I'd throw in a little new-model controversy.

tedscott3 · 7 March 2013, 06:40 AM

I bought my sub at that store. Why wasn't I invited?!

Armyguy03 · 7 March 2013, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedscott3

I bought my sub at that store. Why wasn't I invited?!

x1. I met a Bridge family member in Syracuse NY, couldn't believe the price I got on my 16610 until I told him I got it on the Bay.

themast · 7 March 2013, 06:45 AM

Thanks for sharing... Basel is approaching... we'll soon know if this PEPSI/COKE ceramic GMT II will be come true...

The 50th anniversary Daytona is more likely, I think.

Lagunatic · 7 March 2013, 07:07 AM

That Ben Bridge outfit is a real joke. Id never buy anything from that AD network.

yld2rob · 7 March 2013, 07:08 AM

My AD told me the same thing. Their Rolex rep told them the same thing!

77T · 7 March 2013, 07:10 AM

When I read the title before opening up the thread, I thought you meant this guy

77T · 7 March 2013, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

He said:

Rolex seems to release new models after making some kind of anouncement, or publicity thing or ... something. There were two anouncements that caught his eye lately. The first, was that Rolex had an event recently TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSERY OF THE DAYTONA.....

Hmmmmm.......

The second, was there was an article published by Rolex explaining how difficult it was to impregnate red color on the ceramic bezel of the GMT.... He said: "Now why would they come out with an article talking about how difficult a process was.... UNLESS THEY SOLVED IT.

Hmmmmmm............

I asked him about a 42 GMT, Daytona, anything else and he (again, honestly) said: "I really don't know."

So, what the heck, I had a very enjoyable evening and thought I'd throw in a little new-model controversy.

Thanks Paul - adds to the mystery - a Ferrari-Red ceramic bezeled 50th Daytona has been my guess over on the Basel thread. You are the first to provide triangulation on my prognostication.

kilyung · 7 March 2013, 07:18 AM

I've bought plenty of jewelry there but no Rolexes... sadly they won't budge much on discounts.

themast · 7 March 2013, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

Thanks Paul - adds to the mystery - a Ferrari-Red ceramic bezeled 50th Daytona has been my guess over on the Basel thread. You are the first to provide triangulation on my prognostication.

A "LaFerrari" Daytona with grand complications: kinetic energy recovery system and magneto rheo(ro)logical suspensions!

Price tag will be higher than the car and production will be limited to 498 pieces...

SWISSAHOLICS · 7 March 2013, 07:40 AM

how difficult it was to impregnate red color on the ceramic bezel of the GMT.....hmmm....now that's interesting....do I smell Ceramic Coke bezel?

newbieincali · 7 March 2013, 07:52 AM

Wow I wish I could have spoken to them. I had some specific items like just a general lack of knowledge of any of their products even beyond Rolex. Overall they have been very good and respectful whenever I have walked in to browse.

Casey VP-26 · 7 March 2013, 08:01 AM

This should be very interesting, I hope they both come True. Thanks for sharing.

Jsan20 · 7 March 2013, 11:22 AM

X2

Hairdude1 · 7 March 2013, 01:50 PM

Thanks for sharing! I would love to see an updated Daytona

threemonkeys · 7 March 2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagunatic

That Ben Bridge outfit is a real joke. Id never buy anything from that AD network.

X2. But back in the day they were highly regarded in Seattle, though. Now they are a joke.

I bought my first Rolex Christmas Eve (1997) in downtown Seattle. I remember talking to Herb Bridge and I, somewhat hesitantly, mentioned that I was buying a 'poor man's Rolex' as it was an Air King. Mr. Bridge set me straight and said I shouldn't feel that way because my watch was a Rolex. I thought he radiated class.

Sorry for the hijack. Sounds like a great event, Paul.

Speed · 7 March 2013, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

The second, was there was an article published by Rolex explaining how difficult it was to impregnate red color on the ceramic bezel of the GMT...

He said: "Now why would they come out with an article talking about how difficult a process was.... UNLESS THEY SOLVED IT.

Where was this "article" published by Rolex??? I don't recall anyone here getting wind of it. Does Rolex publish anything - apart from their "Spirit" advertorial?

Cesium133 · 7 March 2013, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

Rolexwatch · 7 March 2013, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

When I read the title before opening up the thread, I thought you meant this guy

Me too. I thought this will be some kind of joke.

The Joker · 7 March 2013, 11:26 PM

He said impregnate

RolexDivers · 8 March 2013, 12:54 AM

I never buy from BB either or any other AD for that matter. I use them for windowshopping only and I come back to TRF Sales forum for my purchases.

tkc324 · 8 March 2013, 01:04 AM

Very cool story. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for Basel.

Kingair · 8 March 2013, 01:24 AM

Thanks for sharing Paul !

HAGOne

snowpea · 8 March 2013, 02:22 AM

Thanks Paul, only a month away!

7 March 2013, 06:36 AM	#1
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	I met Mr. Ed and Marc Bridge (of BenBridge Jewlers) at Rolex event First, I know you are going to say: "Pics, or it didn't happen" I say it all the time... You're just going to have to take my word for it, this happened. Last Thursday evening, my local AD, Ben Bridge Jewler in the UTC mall here in San Diego had a special Rolex event; the Deep-Sea. It was a tribute to the two Rolexes that have made the journey to the bottom of the world, the Mariana's Trench. They had both watches there, on Display (in extremely secure cases!). The first one went with the Bathyscaphe Triest in (I think) 1963, and the second, with Mr. Cameron several months ago. I was thrilled to be invited, it was a very classy event (how did I get invited? ). I met Mr. Ed Bridge, son of found Ben Bridge. Mr. Bridge saw the lapel pin on my suit coat, identifying myself as an (ex) Navy Pilot. He came right over, shook my hand and thanked me for my service. Mr. Bridge was in the Navy as a young man and he said had the utmost respect for us fly-boys. It was truly an honor to meet this man, the epitome of class and respect. He is 88 years old, and I wish I looked as good as he did and I am half his age.... (OK, so a little more then half!... Geeeez). He introduced me to his Son, Marc, who (I believe) is VP of sales for Ben Bridge world-wide. They were two of the nicest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and were as humble as could be. They thanked me for being a customer, asked what my experiences in their store was like, how could they improve etc. (asking ME!? I was being treated as if I were a "whale" customer, having spent millions of dollars or something when in reality, I was just a very low-level buyer). I can understand now why BB is succesful. It was just a very enjoyable evening. OK, now let's get to the important part... I met the Rolex rep and asked him about Basel..... First, he gave the most honest answer I've ever heard. He looked me straight in the eye and said: 'I ... Don't.... Know" So, no wild crazy things coming from him. HOWEVER.... I pushed, and asked: "Well, if you had to take a guess, what would you think?" He said: Rolex seems to release new models after making some kind of anouncement, or publicity thing or ... something. There were two anouncements that caught his eye lately. The first, was that Rolex had an event recently TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSERY OF THE DAYTONA..... Hmmmmm....... The second, was there was an article published by Rolex explaining how difficult it was to impregnate red color on the ceramic bezel of the GMT.... He said: "Now why would they come out with an article talking about how difficult a process was.... UNLESS THEY SOLVED IT. Hmmmmmm............ I asked him about a 42 GMT, Daytona, anything else and he (again, honestly) said: "I really don't know." So, what the heck, I had a very enjoyable evening and thought I'd throw in a little new-model controversy.

7 March 2013, 07:08 AM	#6
yld2rob "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Real Name: Rob Location: Penna Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,658	My AD told me the same thing. Their Rolex rep told them the same thing! __________________ Rolex Sub-126610LV Rolex Sub- 126613LB Rolex GMT BLRO 126710 Rolex GMT BLNR Rolex Datejust 16220

7 March 2013, 07:10 AM	#7
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,017	When I read the title before opening up the thread, I thought you meant this guy __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

7 March 2013, 07:40 AM	#11
SWISSAHOLICS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Here! Watch: Rolex Posts: 4,366	how difficult it was to impregnate red color on the ceramic bezel of the GMT.....hmmm....now that's interesting....do I smell Ceramic Coke bezel? __________________ 16610LN \| 16613LB \| 16710 Pepsi \| 118238 \| 116500 (White) \| 116500 (Black) \| 116710BLNR \| 116610LV "The one thing I fear most is time; time waits for no one and leaves no options."

8 March 2013, 02:22 AM	#24
snowpea "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Steven Location: Jazoom Watch: Milgauss GV Posts: 1,092	Thanks Paul, only a month away! __________________

7 March 2013, 06:40 AM	#2
tedscott3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: San Diego Watch: 116610LV Posts: 572	I bought my sub at that store. Why wasn't I invited?!

7 March 2013, 06:45 AM	#4
themast "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: US Posts: 2,707	Thanks for sharing... Basel is approaching... we'll soon know if this PEPSI/COKE ceramic GMT II will be come true... The 50th anniversary Daytona is more likely, I think.

7 March 2013, 07:07 AM	#5
Lagunatic Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Ron Location: Laguna Niguel, Ca Watch: Rolex 116613LN Posts: 1,724	That Ben Bridge outfit is a real joke. Id never buy anything from that AD network.

7 March 2013, 07:18 AM	#9
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I've bought plenty of jewelry there but no Rolexes... sadly they won't budge much on discounts.

7 March 2013, 07:52 AM	#12
newbieincali Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 411	Wow I wish I could have spoken to them. I had some specific items like just a general lack of knowledge of any of their products even beyond Rolex. Overall they have been very good and respectful whenever I have walked in to browse.

7 March 2013, 08:01 AM	#13
Casey VP-26 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: America Posts: 2,721	This should be very interesting, I hope they both come True. Thanks for sharing.

7 March 2013, 11:22 AM	#14
Jsan20 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: James Location: Michigan Watch: 116613LB Posts: 861	X2

7 March 2013, 01:50 PM	#15
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Thanks for sharing! I would love to see an updated Daytona

7 March 2013, 11:26 PM	#20
The Joker "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gotham Posts: 9,641	He said impregnate

8 March 2013, 12:54 AM	#21
RolexDivers Banned Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: BIG BEAR, CA Posts: 1,468	I never buy from BB either or any other AD for that matter. I use them for windowshopping only and I come back to TRF Sales forum for my purchases.

8 March 2013, 01:04 AM	#22
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	Very cool story. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for Basel.

8 March 2013, 01:24 AM	#23
Kingair "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA Watch: Not enough ;-) Posts: 21,232	Thanks for sharing Paul ! HAGOne

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