Childhood Rolex Memories

[Wooddog44]

Having recently acquired a SS Sub Date and becoming a member of this “society” I have been reflecting on my long held interest in watches of various makes dating back to boyhood.

I now realize that this in large part is entwined with memories of, and was in fact cultivated by, my Father and his passion for watches. I remember that one of my early “jobs” was to wear his watch(es) around the house for a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday so that they would stay wound when he was not wearing them. They, of course, didn't fit but I was utterly fascinated by the mysterious and magical happenings inside of which my little arm movements were an integral component and would listen with rapt attention when he explained to me how, what I now know to be a self winding, automatic watch movement, worked.

I have since lost my Father but understand that my appreciation for watches, and desire to own a Rolex, are born out of him owning one. What I also now realize is that one of his, the one I remembered as being “both silver and gold” as a kid was in fact a TT Datejust. Funny how something like that can come back to you, I also now understand why I was only allowed to wear his watches in the house!

[f16570]

Only Bond and the odd advert.

[Bisquitlips]

I remember the commercials on TV. That's about it as no one in my family has ever owned one.

I hope I will break that trend!

[Quicksilver]

It was Rolex ads in National Geographic when I was a child in the 80's that did it for me. Always remember them extolling the toughness and durability of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual in some adventure scenario. There was less emphasis on the luxury quality of the brand - at least from what I recollect.

[rob]

james bond

[jasper]

My dad liked watches, but didn't spend a lot of money on them, so I never even got to hold a Rolex until I was in my 20's when one of the guys I worked with was a collector.

I did however take a real interest in watches at an early age (10-13) and my dad would go with me to the jewellers in town to look at them. It was a small town alas and I don't think I got to see many real Rollies...I don't remeber any at any rate.

I do remember though the ads and the brochures and recall that the oyster case figured prominently in them. I also had this image of the Rolex being a solid block of steel which also told time.

Interestingly, I never thought I would own one until fairly recently, and then the penny dropped and I realized a semi-vintage second hand Rolex (like those I remembered from my youth) was *entirely* within my reach (duh!)

A sidenote.

Along the way I met a guy with a very early Speedmaster - it didn't have the "professional" designation yet even. I went out and bought a new pretty much the next day, spent my life savings at the time. I still have the Speedy, but I realize now that I could have had my second hand Rolex for a fraction of the price at the time. Oh well.

[cody p]

i went to a private school in the 80s - lots of my teachers wore swiss mechanical wristwatches and i fell in love with many brands during this time including rolex.

[TheVTCGuy]

I really don't know what I could point it to, I've always had a love for watches. I wore my dad's hamilton when I was 9 until I got one for my birthday, from then on, the passion (some say obsession) was on.

[Rolexitis]

Why is everyone posting their experiences? He didn't ask us what our childhood experiences were unless I missed it in the post. He was telling us his memories, to which we normally reply " " or ...nice job. Anyway Nice story my friend I'm glad you keep those memories of your father close.

[GBJIV]

The title was childhood Rolex memories... Why is it inappropriate to share childhood Rolex memories? Great stories from all. Thank you - I wish I had something to add but, my childhood was quite a bit different than one that would include a nice watch let alone a Rolex.

[sea-dweller]

National Geographic ads, professional athletes - namely tennis players and golfers (especially Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus) from the 70's and 80's who wore Rolex were my main influences.