ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Bfd70 · 10 October 2014, 05:19 AM

I've been "into watches" to some degree for about 9 years. It started when a friend showed me his new Hamilton. From there it was off to the races. Seiko, Hamilton, Fortis, Omega....I started acquiring a decent collections of watches I really liked. I appreciated their beauty and craftsmanship. I loved the research and hunt for the next acquisition.The one thing I didn't like however was seeing watches go unworn, sometimes for months at a time. Also, the hobby felt like it was getting too expensive for a man with a young family and middle class means. I decided to reduce the holdings to two watches. I kept a Hamilton Khaki for work (no desk/suit/tie) and used the proceeds to purchase a used Y series Explorer II, which was my obsession at the time (from hq Milton in San Francisco, great seller). I wore the watch daily for the next 5 years and loved it. Then, a few months back, I was reflecting on an impending birthday. I thought I deserved a gift. I thought about how a new Rolex that had only ever been mine would be a great way to start the decade. The old itch returned. I went on Rolex forum. I lurked. I lusted. So many beautiful watches. I went to the Ad, kicked tires, tried on models. The white grape dial on the oyster perpetual, be still my heart, the blue of the JD II like the sky on the perfect day, the Sub...a classic! Though each brought with it a slight short coming. Too small...too polished...too common. What was I looking for? Well, I wanted a watch that was more casual than business. If I have on a tie someone is likely getting married or buried. Something that I can wear while throwing the ball with my son, then wear while taking my lovely wife for a night on the town. Something classic. The hulk is gorgeous, but after a few years.....I dunno. Then I saw it. The Explorer I. It looked big at first, and in the store light the dial almost looked brown. Still, there was something about it. I went home and searched, and read. Videos, printed reviews, wrist shots by the dozen. I became convinced...obsessed almost. I went to the AD today, not to buy really, but to visit all of the lovely watches. It was there. I put it on. The voice in my head reminded me: life is short, and money is an infinitely renewable resource. I'll take it! Today I made my first purchase of a brand new Rolex. I will follow with a picture tonight. I want the first shot to be of my son wearing it. It's his after all, he's just going to have to let me borrow it for the next 18 years.

red.earth · 10 October 2014, 08:19 AM

Congratulations!! A superb choice.

judson · 10 October 2014, 09:14 AM

Cool. Nice story.

Boothroyd · 10 October 2014, 09:24 AM

Excellent choice!! Congratulations!

Jack T · 10 October 2014, 09:52 AM

Great choice, I wish you all the best, enjoy every tick of the movement.

diracpoint · 10 October 2014, 09:56 AM

Great journey!!! Looking forward to the pics!!!

mtb · 10 October 2014, 10:06 AM

Congrats! :)

T01 · 10 October 2014, 10:11 AM

Congrats!

HogwldFLTR · 10 October 2014, 10:12 AM

Great write up; I'm waiting for the pictures. Thanks!!!

Urosfan · 10 October 2014, 10:23 AM

Congrats

sea-dweller · 10 October 2014, 10:32 AM

Congrats!

SUBversive · 10 October 2014, 10:36 AM

That's a very passionate story ... You deserve it! Congrats.

fastfras · 10 October 2014, 10:37 AM

Wonderful addition to the family, a heirloom your son will cherish.

5080 · 10 October 2014, 10:37 AM

Good on you!

You got one for all the right reasons.

tkerrmd · 10 October 2014, 10:55 AM

Chose a great watch!

viper9669 · 10 October 2014, 10:57 AM

Congrats!!

watchwatcher · 10 October 2014, 10:58 AM

Congrats on a great reference. Agree with all your comments...and you deserve it, too.

Can't wait to see the pics.

Len S · 10 October 2014, 11:20 AM

Congrats on your latest addition and a great post. Can't wait for some pics.

Time Collector · 10 October 2014, 11:46 AM

Congrats!

cop414 · 10 October 2014, 11:47 AM

Congrats, great story! Can't wait to see the pics, welcome to TRF.

Nidal · 10 October 2014, 11:50 AM

Any pics please

Nidal

Bfd70 · 10 October 2014, 11:53 AM

Jack and his new Explorer

Rickn · 10 October 2014, 12:17 PM

The Explorer I is just classy. Love it

Dashimmy · 10 October 2014, 12:22 PM

That's great! Enjoy and I hope your son loves wearing it to college!

Hairdude1 · 10 October 2014, 12:54 PM

Congrats!

Boothroyd · 10 October 2014, 12:55 PM

That's a great pic!! Congrats, again.

theloxmyth · 10 October 2014, 01:10 PM

Seeing your son with it on makes me smile.

Good choice!

Jazz ham · 10 October 2014, 01:27 PM

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and Congrats! I also own the 39 Expl.

I'm originally from the Chgo. "burbs"- Back in the 70's, Lake County was often referred as the "boonies". Go Hawks!

Ryuden · 10 October 2014, 01:43 PM

Congrats...

BNA/LION · 10 October 2014, 02:37 PM

Congratz!

10 October 2014, 05:19 AM	#1
Bfd70 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 893	The Explorer plunge... Thanks TRF I've been "into watches" to some degree for about 9 years. It started when a friend showed me his new Hamilton. From there it was off to the races. Seiko, Hamilton, Fortis, Omega....I started acquiring a decent collections of watches I really liked. I appreciated their beauty and craftsmanship. I loved the research and hunt for the next acquisition.The one thing I didn't like however was seeing watches go unworn, sometimes for months at a time. Also, the hobby felt like it was getting too expensive for a man with a young family and middle class means. I decided to reduce the holdings to two watches. I kept a Hamilton Khaki for work (no desk/suit/tie) and used the proceeds to purchase a used Y series Explorer II, which was my obsession at the time (from hq Milton in San Francisco, great seller). I wore the watch daily for the next 5 years and loved it. Then, a few months back, I was reflecting on an impending birthday. I thought I deserved a gift. I thought about how a new Rolex that had only ever been mine would be a great way to start the decade. The old itch returned. I went on Rolex forum. I lurked. I lusted. So many beautiful watches. I went to the Ad, kicked tires, tried on models. The white grape dial on the oyster perpetual, be still my heart, the blue of the JD II like the sky on the perfect day, the Sub...a classic! Though each brought with it a slight short coming. Too small...too polished...too common. What was I looking for? Well, I wanted a watch that was more casual than business. If I have on a tie someone is likely getting married or buried. Something that I can wear while throwing the ball with my son, then wear while taking my lovely wife for a night on the town. Something classic. The hulk is gorgeous, but after a few years.....I dunno. Then I saw it. The Explorer I. It looked big at first, and in the store light the dial almost looked brown. Still, there was something about it. I went home and searched, and read. Videos, printed reviews, wrist shots by the dozen. I became convinced...obsessed almost. I went to the AD today, not to buy really, but to visit all of the lovely watches. It was there. I put it on. The voice in my head reminded me: life is short, and money is an infinitely renewable resource. I'll take it! Today I made my first purchase of a brand new Rolex. I will follow with a picture tonight. I want the first shot to be of my son wearing it. It's his after all, he's just going to have to let me borrow it for the next 18 years.

10 October 2014, 08:19 AM	#2
red.earth "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: UK Watch: 124273 Posts: 831	Congratulations!! A superb choice. __________________ Explorer 124273 \| Explorer II 16570 Polar \|

10 October 2014, 09:24 AM	#4
Boothroyd 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Daniel Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Wilsdorf(s) Posts: 10,258	Excellent choice!! Congratulations! __________________ Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N

10 October 2014, 09:52 AM	#5
Jack T "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Jack Location: The Triangle Watch: Several Posts: 6,719	Great choice, I wish you all the best, enjoy every tick of the movement. __________________ Sub 116613 LN; GMT 116710 LN; Sinn 104R; Exp 214270; GS SBGM221; Omega AT

10 October 2014, 10:12 AM	#9
HogwldFLTR 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Lee Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48 Watch: Too many to list! Posts: 33,695	Great write up; I'm waiting for the pictures. Thanks!!! __________________ Troglodyte in residence! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599

10 October 2014, 09:14 AM	#3
judson "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Watch: changes depending Posts: 800	Cool. Nice story.

10 October 2014, 09:56 AM	#6
diracpoint 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,386	Great journey!!! Looking forward to the pics!!!

10 October 2014, 10:06 AM	#7
mtb "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Singapore Watch: Sky/Sea/Land Posts: 681	Congrats! :)

10 October 2014, 10:11 AM	#8
T01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: T Location: AZ, NV, CA Posts: 6,490	Congrats!

10 October 2014, 10:23 AM	#10
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,372	Congrats

10 October 2014, 10:32 AM	#11
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Congrats!

10 October 2014, 10:36 AM	#12
SUBversive Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: ri Watch: Sun Dial Posts: 14,346	That's a very passionate story ... You deserve it! Congrats.

10 October 2014, 10:37 AM	#13
fastfras "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Carmen de Apicala Posts: 24	Wonderful addition to the family, a heirloom your son will cherish.

10 October 2014, 10:37 AM	#14
5080 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: TREVOR Location: St. John's, NL Watch: LVC Posts: 136	Good on you! You got one for all the right reasons.

10 October 2014, 10:55 AM	#15
tkerrmd "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tom Location: In a race car! Watch: ME RACE PORSCHES Posts: 24,123	Chose a great watch!

10 October 2014, 10:57 AM	#16
viper9669 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Real Name: Patrick Location: SIN Watch: Rolex Posts: 5,066	Congrats!!

10 October 2014, 10:58 AM	#17
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,047	Congrats on a great reference. Agree with all your comments...and you deserve it, too. Can't wait to see the pics.

10 October 2014, 11:20 AM	#18
Len S "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Len Location: SoCal Watch: 116610LN Posts: 987	Congrats on your latest addition and a great post. Can't wait for some pics.

10 October 2014, 11:46 AM	#19
Time Collector "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: Anthony Location: California Watch: Rolex/AP/Panerai Posts: 1,641	Congrats! __________________ "You can never buy back Time, so spend it wisely."

10 October 2014, 11:47 AM	#20
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,244	Congrats, great story! Can't wait to see the pics, welcome to TRF. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

10 October 2014, 11:50 AM	#21
Nidal "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: USA Watch: SubC LV Posts: 1,821	Any pics please Nidal

10 October 2014, 11:53 AM	#22
Bfd70 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 893	Jack and his new Explorer

10 October 2014, 12:17 PM	#23
Rickn "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Pittsburgh Watch: Green Sub Posts: 604	The Explorer I is just classy. Love it

10 October 2014, 12:22 PM	#24
Dashimmy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Heath Location: Elkton Ky Watch: Submariner Posts: 354	That's great! Enjoy and I hope your son loves wearing it to college!

10 October 2014, 12:54 PM	#25
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Congrats! __________________ Instagram: @Hairdude Watches in Collection 5070R, 5522A, 214270 MK1, 228238 16750, 26401, 5711, 116718, 116710LN, 116300, 16710"Coke", 372, 15300, 15703 (All Flipped) Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member 'WIS-CON' Las Vegas Int'l GTG 2018

10 October 2014, 12:55 PM	#26
Boothroyd 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Daniel Location: Minneapolis, MN Watch: Wilsdorf(s) Posts: 10,258	That's a great pic!! Congrats, again. __________________ Explorer 214270 MK I/Datejust II Black 116300/Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N

10 October 2014, 01:10 PM	#27
theloxmyth 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Posts: 6,382	Seeing your son with it on makes me smile. Good choice! __________________ Craig, The (I'm JUST a) Loxmyth. If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION IS ENABLED.

10 October 2014, 01:27 PM	#28
Jazz ham "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Idaho Posts: 102	Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and Congrats! I also own the 39 Expl. I'm originally from the Chgo. "burbs"- Back in the 70's, Lake County was often referred as the "boonies". Go Hawks!

10 October 2014, 01:43 PM	#29
Ryuden "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Miki Location: SG Posts: 1,575	Congrats...

10 October 2014, 02:37 PM	#30
BNA/LION 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,654	Congratz! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

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