Got Scolded For Wearing 16610LV Last Weekend

[DCGuy1965]

So I work in finance and deal with consumer protection issues that relate to housing. When the great recession hit I was thrust into a world of seeing people in all kinds of distress and had to adapt as did my employer.

Every now and then I'd be involved in outreach programs in the community where I'd volunteer and try and assist people with their financial affairs be it housing, student debt, etc. very rewarding and definitely emotional at times. I'm a big guy at 6'5 and have had to excuse myself due to the heart strings getting pulled and not letting my ego slip tearing up in front of others.

Last weekend I assisted at a local pantry and without thinking about it I had the LV on. Bad bad idea. About an hour in I was pulled aside by the Director who said there's been a lot of rumbling about me sporting a Rolex in this type of atmosphere. I sure didn't mean to offend anyone but did have to acknowledge my boneheaded lack of judgement

I really don't know why the hell I'm writing about this. Yes it's been nagging at me but we've all heard the expression There but for the grace of God go I. I really enjoy reading these threads and admiring the beautiful timepieces on TRF. I guess this just puts it a better perspective. Oh well thanks for reading.

[tkerrmd]

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

[JohnAndrew]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

+1

[Laszlo]

I have a lot of admiration for your character. And sometimes when that guilt or mistake nags, getting it out in some form helps.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Your actions speak louder than any watch you have on
They should have all been talking about what a great guy you are instead of what watch you had on
That watch is not offensive and really surprised anyone there even noticed
Keep up the good fight

X2

[cop414]

Originally Posted by laszlo

i have a lot of admiration for your character. And sometimes when that guilt or mistake nags, getting it out in some form helps.

x100

[melons]

Good on you for helping out folks that need it.

[Shikar]

I am proud of what you do.
No Rolex on this planet can match that !!

Regards.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[anothernewphone]

The idea of "sporting" a watch is pretty ridiculous to me. Who notices that kind of thing if you're not a watch guy? If someone is coming to my aid, I don't care if they're wearing three gold chains and pulling up in a Benz.

[Sunny Arizona]

I work in clinical research and a physician made a comment about me wearing a Rolex and he couldn't afford one. I told him that I don't pay alimony, have a 911 nor ridiculous house payment. He roared with laughter and also added a comment about expensive trophy wives.

[Dan Pierce]

Rumblings about a watch while going out of your way to help others?

Seems like the Director should have talked to the "rumblers" rather than you, IMHO.

You've already taken the high road by helping others. Good for you, keep at it, and wear any damn watch you want while doing it.
dP

[RC2]

Your actions are what counts. Thanks for helping.

[Wllnv19]

Maybe it was the Director who was bothered and no one else. Who else would care what you wore you went to help out good for you!

[Roy7]

Your director may have some merit in what he said. Some less fortunate people while thankful for your work, still see the waste with a watch worth more than their 6-month earnings.

Think of it this way - you can't afford 1 dollar for a McDouble, yet you see someone with so much excess that they are wearing a piece of jewelry worth 8,000 - that's a crap load of McDoubles.

I was in a similar situation. I work in an emergency department, and just one day of wearing my 16613 I felt a little embarrassed. People can't eat, and cant afford medications. I don't have to rub my good fortune in their faces.

There are a thousand reasons why "it doesn't matter what you wear", etc, etc, but at the end of the day if one person feels bad, one person grumbles, why not wear the G-Shock? Wont hurt you.

[Baco Noir]

The disappointment in your own judgement says a lot about your character. You care enough to help and to feel badly that your choice could have affected those you were there to help.

Take is as a lessons learned and move on.

[Ector495]

It was an honest mistake. Sometimes you don't think about it and I can understand that. Try not to let it eat at you so much. I know, easier said than done. You'll be mindful of it next time. No worries, you seem like a nice guy, let your actions speak for you like you already seem to.

[Chainring]

Life has taught me that no matter what good I might be doing, or think that I might be doing, there is always someone out there ready to bring me down to their level. I wouldn't give this a second thought. Just keep doing what you're doing.

[toph]

You are not in the wrong per se but by the same token you don't want to upset people unnecessarily. One of those things in life I guess. Can't please everyone. Your actions speak far louder than a watch if you ask me.

[Rickn]

Honestly, the people that complained should be more intrested in your contributions than what you have on the wrist. Would they be happier if you showed up unwashed and wearing rags? Where is the line drawn?
Find another charity and good for you for doing selfless work

[Jfullm42]

Keep serving, doing good work and loving others! Don't let it bother you to much

[Jack T]

It all about perception...and despite the general support from posters, I'll bet you never do that again.

[brianrx74]

Easier said than done, but don't worry about it. You did a wonderful thing. Volunteering in some form (soup kitchen, etc...) is something I've always wanted to do. After reading this thread, I might strap on the pulsar.

[Castor]

You have no reason to feel guilty about anything! I believe even the Pope & the Dalai Lama "sport" Rolexes.

I'm honoured to be on the same board with someone who helps the less fortunate. Do what you feel is right. If your Rolex feels right, wear it. For my part, the older I get the less I care about what people think of me.

[Castor]

Originally Posted by Castor

You have no reason to feel guilty about anything! I believe even the Pope & the Dalai Lama "sport" Rolexes.

I'm honoured to be on the same board with someone who helps the less fortunate. Do what you feel is right. If your Rolex feels right, wear it. For my part, the older I get the less I care about what people think of me.

They're almost always wrong anyway.

[Rolex57]

They only way that scolding could have any any merit is if you were being paid for your work, but seeing as it's on a voluntary basis, I'd say wear what you want. What are they gonna do? Tell you not to help out???? Go home??? Your help isn't wanted???

Beside, isn't Rolex businesses model a philanthropic model????? I thought 60% of the sale of a watch went to Rolex sponsored charities.

[Castor]

Originally Posted by Rolex57

They only way that scolding could have any any merit is if you were being paid for your work, but seeing as it's on a voluntary basis, I'd say wear what you want. What are they gonna do? Tell you not to help out???? Go home??? Your help isn't wanted???

Beside, isn't Rolex businesses model a philanthropic model????? I thought 60% of the sale of a watch went to Rolex sponsored charities.

[DCGuy1965]

Thanks for the responses. Yes you can bet I'll be more conscientious from now on and use the trusty G-Shock that usually accompanies me to the gym. I really do love helping out when I can. Meet lots of interesting people and it's never a dull moment. But if you could only imagine some of the trials and tribulations some of these folks go through it really makes one reflect. I'll personally never forget when I had to sell my Bluesy back 10 years ago due to hard times. Live and learn I guess.

[Trouble15]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I have a lot of admiration for your character. And sometimes when that guilt or mistake nags, getting it out in some form helps.

[datejusting]

Learn from your mistake, be proud of the good work you were doing and move on.

[Castor]

If you're more comfortable with the G-Shock, then go with the G-Shock. But when I was a kid living in Vegas in the mid 60's we also were in a very, very bad way; my mother occasionally had to decide which of her 5 kids were going to eat that day & we definitely had to rely on charity occasionally. From my experience people have their own problems in life, as you well know, & are generally too absorbed in the day-to-day business of survival to much care what you wear on your wrist.