A Five Year Journey...

[yahoo_mks]

Hi - wanted to share my Rolex story with the good folks at TRF. I was never really a watch guy. Wore them as part of the corporate uniform but took them off on the weekends; kept them for sentimental reasons – an automatic day/date Seiko from my parents for 8th grade graduation (still running after 30+ years), a white face stainless steel Movado from my then girlfriend/now wife, a gold tank Baume & Mercier, matching wedding gifts from her parents. I cherish the people, but knew or cared little about watches themselves.

As I got old(er), I started to look at the possibility of purchasing a watch myself. I knew Rolex as a high quality and aspirational brand, and came quickly to admire the Datejust Turn-o-graph. So much so that I almost purchased one on a business trip to Dubai in 2008. The credit card was out, the exchange rates calculated, the salesperson smiling professionally. I decided to wait, flew home, checked with a few local dealers, and let it go.

Flash forward through the US financial crisis to discovering the Rolex Forum in 2010. As a serial lurker I learned about Rolex and other fine watches, and enjoyed the camaraderie and banter of true watch connoisseurs and my interest in Rolex was reengaged. After two years of watching, learning, and meeting a fine business- (and gentle)man in DavidSW on the Forum, a year ago I became the proud owner of a new DJII, smooth bezel, silver stick.

The Rolex experience was definitely all that was promised. Occasionally reading TRF, and nodding in agreement on the distinct feeling and presence of a fine watch, agreeing or disagreeing with members’ various likes and dislikes, I still didn’t consider myself a watch person. The DJII was awesome, looked fantastic during the times I needed to dress to impress for work, nice dinners out with the family and special occasions. All was good, and I had a nice leather single watch case the DJII called home, safe and relatively scratch free.

Big changes start with small events, and I can’t identify one particular “it” moment. At some point this summer I started wearing the DJII with shorts and a t-shirt, and while walking the dog. Started hitting TRF daily and connected again with all of the serious and semi-serious watch passionistas, and somehow caught the “bug” that so many here are afflicted with. Started considering another Rolex, maybe more sporty and black dialed, that could be on my wrist on weekends or would be more appropriate in a casual setting. Started understanding terms like “PCLs” and “lug holes” and “tool watch”, and learning the reference numbers and histories of different Rolex watches. Started checking my checking account, and as many here recognize as the point of no return, started scanning the TRF For Sale section, looking for DavidSW’s ALLCAP temptations.

Thought I narrowed it down to a classic 14060M, lug holes to make the Rubber B strap changes easily, could almost picture it on my wrist. Then I meandered into the GMTII and spent (enjoyable) weeks researching (thanks Sheldon at Minus4Plus6) and considering and agonizing and learning how others have made their decisions. After an extended flirtation checking out the black dialed Explorer II, and rationalizing through an excellent post by karmatp about the DJII being an excellent all around and sport watch, and that I really didn’t need another, I finally made the decision…

Yes, I’m a watch guy now. Hi, my name is Mark, and I’ve a Rolexaholic for 5 years.

And while I have yet to post an “incoming” email, I’m optimistic for next year. Thanks for the education, encouragement and enjoyment over the years, look forward to many more…