Rolex purchase rekindles an old friendship

[dietrijj]

A few months ago I made my first Rolex purchase, a D-serial 16570 Polar dial, and it has unexpectedly led me back to an old friend of mine. Yesterday I mailed out my old Swiss Army Cavalry gunmetal field watch that my wife bought me back in 1996 to the SA repair center for a service, since it has been sitting for quite a while.

I am not sure how to put this love of watches into words, and I always thought I was a little weird for it. The way they feel on the wrist, memories I have while wearing them. This particular one means a lot to me. Bought for me by my wonderful wife about 6 months into my career after leaving college back in the mid 90's, since I needed a proper "work watch," with its $175 price tag which I remember as "pretty high end" considering I was a Swatch Watch fan for many years before that. I really can't wait to get that old quartz thing back to see it tick again, and I intend to build similar memories with the Explorer II in my next phase of life. It's interesting to consider what will be on my wrist as my kids get older - what will I be wearing when they graduate from high school, when the first grandchild comes along, when we become empty-nesters?

I was looking through old pictures earlier today and saw some from a climbing trip to the Grand Tetons with a very good friend about 15 years ago, and there was his sweet wife who has since lost a battle with cancer. There on my wrist was that old Swiss Army watch. It was right there with us. I guess as I become older I am learning that these things are special because they mark the passage of time, something we only get so much of and then it's gone - but the watch was there with us, keeping us company.

That old Swiss Army will take a special place alongside my Rolex when it comes back, regardless of the price!

-Jason


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[Eatapp]

Very thoughtful post. It's funny how material goods often remind us of what's really important in life. Enjoy making memories with your new watch!

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Great post. I agree that these watches are all "memory safes".

[sensui]

It's always the minute details that triggers these memories in life. Can't wait till you get it back to continue the story.

[Nikita70]

The older I get, the more I think thoughts such as yours. We need to treasure all the moments. No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

[Alexwwjd]

Thank you for sharing. I completely agree. It's always about the moments we live.


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[cop414]

Excellent post Jason and understood by pretty much everyone here.

[brandrea]

Great post Jason and I can relate. Thank you for sharing

[dietrijj]

And it's back! Here are a couple pics to celebrate the old fella's return.





-Jason


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[gossbeau]

Originally Posted by dietrijj

And it's back! Here are a couple pics to celebrate the old fella's return.





-Jason


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I found your post quite moving! Interesting that sometimes things with the least value are the things we cherish the most. Like a luggage which is part of our journey!

[BBL]

Very handsome Swiss!! Not to mention the Explorer!
Cheers!!

[T4ME]

Originally Posted by dietrijj

A few months ago I made my first Rolex purchase, a D-serial 16570 Polar dial, and it has unexpectedly led me back to an old friend of mine. Yesterday I mailed out my old Swiss Army Cavalry gunmetal field watch that my wife bought me back in 1996 to the SA repair center for a service, since it has been sitting for quite a while.

I am not sure how to put this love of watches into words, and I always thought I was a little weird for it. The way they feel on the wrist, memories I have while wearing them. This particular one means a lot to me. Bought for me by my wonderful wife about 6 months into my career after leaving college back in the mid 90's, since I needed a proper "work watch," with its $175 price tag which I remember as "pretty high end" considering I was a Swatch Watch fan for many years before that. I really can't wait to get that old quartz thing back to see it tick again, and I intend to build similar memories with the Explorer II in my next phase of life. It's interesting to consider what will be on my wrist as my kids get older - what will I be wearing when they graduate from high school, when the first grandchild comes along, when we become empty-nesters?

I was looking through old pictures earlier today and saw some from a climbing trip to the Grand Tetons with a very good friend about 15 years ago, and there was his sweet wife who has since lost a battle with cancer. There on my wrist was that old Swiss Army watch. It was right there with us. I guess as I become older I am learning that these things are special because they mark the passage of time, something we only get so much of and then it's gone - but the watch was there with us, keeping us company.

That old Swiss Army will take a special place alongside my Rolex when it comes back, regardless of the price!

-Jason


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This is what watch collecting is all about.

[swils8610]

Thanks for updating the thread! It's looks great! Here's to another 20 years with it !


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[cop414]

Looks great, wear it in the best of health!

[OmegaJJH]

A priceless watch that non WIS just don't get!

[SemperFi]

That Swiss Army is a great looking watch Jason. Thanks for telling us the background behind it. Now just enjoy it and build some further memories.

[Daryl]

Very true

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[GB-man]

Great post! Also we have the same first "good" watch. My mother gifted me one around '94 and it has been a hobby of mine ever since.