My 1985 Two-Tone DateJust

[Chiboy]

Someone PMed me recently and asked to see pictures and hear the history of my first Rolex. I’m not sure it’s that interesting, but here goes:

In 1985, I was 25, about a year out of grad school and in my first job. I really don’t remember how I got intrigued with the idea of buying a Rolex. I could have been influenced by my girlfriend’s parents, who both wore gold Day-Dates, but I honestly don’t remember the catalyst. I know I have always been a person who hates to settle, but tends to be happy with what I wait to buy until I can afford it. Anyway, my father had a client who made custom jewelry, but had lots of jewelry connections, and he was able to get me a new two-tone, Jubilee bracelet, DateJust for wholesale. It didn’t initially have a black Tapestry dial, but our jeweler friend was able to coax an AD into swapping dials for me. I don’t remember considering a Daytona, which I now realize was a monumental mistake, but I do remember *not* considering the OysterQuartz, because, IMO, a Rolex should not be quartz. No offense intended to those who like them, but 32 years ago, it wasn’t my bag.

Anyway, I got it and absolutely loved it. I don’t recall if I babied it at the very beginning, but I do remember that I wore it to the health club (I went there straight after work), playing tennis, pretty much everywhere. And did the same thing for 31 years. I can tell you it’s been in saunas, whirlpools and steam rooms probably 500 times each. It is fine. I probably had it serviced four times, and I think the last three times I had it serviced because the crown would no longer thread into the case. I used to set the time often to keep it really accurate (sue me!!! ), but once I realized that the crown threading seemed to be a wear point, I started to only set the watch when I had to manually change the date. I think it gains around 5 seconds a day. Anyway, for 30+ years, I never shopped for a new watch, lusted after a new watch, and used to say that if I lost this watch I’d replace it with the exact same thing. I enjoyed it THAT MUCH.

Then I discovered the SS Daytona ceramic last summer, put in an order for it (still waiting) and four months later decided I was tired of waiting and got a two month old platinum Daytona.

Sadly, the DJ seems to be on a rotation where I wear it for a day or two, and then let it sit until the date comes around and wind and set it and wear it for a couple of days.

Once in a while I contemplate selling it, as I don’t really subscribe to the idea that a watch holds memories. Even though I married that girl at the beginning of the story while wearing the DJ, and we’re still quite happily married, and I did loads of other major life events wearing the watch, I don’t think of it like some folks do. But it likely isn’t worth so much, so I haven’t really considered it seriously. I still think the Tapestry dial is really cool, and helps differentiate it from the many two-tone jubilee DateJusts that were so prevalent in the '80s and '90s.

And that’s my story, boring as it is! Here’s some shots of the goods. I guess I kept the tags, warranty, boxes, links, etc.:

[tommy91]

Nice story, it has served you well. I would keep hold of it for the rest of your life now. Quite happily married? Lol

[Fiddich]

Great story. I find it fascinating that you have kept and worn the watch for 31 years. It still looks sharp. You definitely shouldn't sell it. Thank you for sharing.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by Fiddich

Great story. I find it fascinating that you have kept and worn the watch for 31 years. It still looks sharp. You definitely shouldn't sell it. Thank you for sharing.

IMO, Rolexes are so classic that they never go out of style. And honestly, if you don't go into ADs all the time, or spend hours here on TRF, you don't realize the evolutionary changes going on with the various models and maybe don't know about the new models (SkyD, etc.). I suppose another way of saying that is "ignorance is bliss."

Anyway, the typical Rolex buyer is probably more like I was until last year: buy one, love it, never think about replacing it. But for those who live and breathe them here (like I do now), it's a different story.

[watchwatcher]

Great looking DJ.

My first Rolex as well.

[Nikita70]

Very nice, I'd like to get a Datejust. So many choices. FWIW I certainly wouldn't sell the watch, you're sure to regret it. You've had it over half your life and experienced many things with it. Cool story.

[THC]

If a Platona is now your daily, then let the old man rest in your safe.. no need to sell, imo

[roadie1]

Very nice story! Don’t sell it!

[swils8610]

That is a great story! Don’t ever sell it. You will regret it.


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[DJ TT 2002]

Great story!!!!
I started with a 16233,hence my TRF name, but parted with it in 2013
Please do not make that mistake.
It's a classic

If you ever get the itch, feel free to PM me and I'll talk you off the ledge( so to speak). Enjoy

[Hairdude1]

Nice story buddy

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by tommy91

Nice story, it has served you well. I would keep hold of it for the rest of your life now. Quite happily married? Lol

The consensus seems to be to keep it! Not sure what the happily married part means?

Originally Posted by Fiddich

Great story. I find it fascinating that you have kept and worn the watch for 31 years. It still looks sharp. You definitely shouldn't sell it. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks. Peer pressure and low resale will probably keep me from parting with it.

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Great looking DJ.

My first Rolex as well.

Thanks! It's a great Starter Rolex. Nah, I kid. I never felt that way at all.

Originally Posted by Nikita70

Very nice, I'd like to get a Datejust. So many choices. FWIW I certainly wouldn't sell the watch, you're sure to regret it. You've had it over half your life and experienced many things with it. Cool story.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by THC

If a Platona is now your daily, then let the old man rest in your safe.. no need to sell, imo

It is still a nice watch.

Originally Posted by roadie1

Very nice story! Don’t sell it!

OK, already!

Originally Posted by swils8610

That is a great story! Don’t ever sell it. You will regret it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Uh huh...

Originally Posted by DJ TT 2002

Great story!!!!
I started with a 16233,hence my TRF name, but parted with it in 2013
Please do not make that mistake.
It's a classic

If you ever get the itch, feel free to PM me and I'll talk you off the ledge( so to speak). Enjoy

What time zone are you in, just in case I have an emergency?

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

Nice story buddy

[DJ TT 2002]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

The consensus seems to be to keep it! Not sure what the happily married part means?



Thanks. Peer pressure and low resale will probably keep me from parting with it.



Thanks! It's a great Starter Rolex. Nah, I kid. I never felt that way at all.



Thanks!



It is still a nice watch.



OK, already!



Uh huh...



What time zone are you in, just in case I have an emergency?

Only 1 hour ahead of you, but I am usually up late

[luvchnl]

Wow! Great watch and great memories. I'd keep it. At least keep it in the family.

[Number3]

Exactly the same model and dial that I started with back in the '80's. Great piece.