Special Moments and the Quest for a Watch

[ToKeepAndBear]

My first post here on the forum. I am also a neophyte to the watch scene.

There have been some standout moments in my life. Those moments were not only rewarding in and of themselves but changed the way I viewed the world. Leaving home for college, I remember thinking how my life had been mostly scripted up until that point. As I pulled out of my parents driveway, headed west, the possibilities seemed endless. Exciting and a little scary all at the same time.

A short time later I found myself engrossed in an activity that my parents and family did not understand, rock climbing. Most of my family viewed climbing as a reckless and unnecessary activity. Climbing took this boy out of the flatlands of Oklahoma to some beautiful places across the country. From the short and steep routes in the Shawangunks of New York to the towering monoliths of Yosemite, I loved it all. The first time I climbed El Capitan in Yosemite, after several days of climbing and hard work, I felt as if I could do anything. It completely changed my perspective of what was possible in my life. It gave me confidence to take on difficult goals while doing my best to mitigate risk. What my parents did not understand was that 3000 feet of exposure on El Capitan was like the fire that anneals a precious metal. Upon first glance it appears to be obviously harmful, however, through trials, people like metal can be strengthened.

The day I met my wife at work was probably the most pivotal moment in my life. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever met. We met on the last day of my rotation on her floor. I was starting a new rotation at another hospital the following day. I mustered up the courage to return to her floor and ask her out that afternoon. I looked for her around 10 minutes. Unable to find her, I tucked tail and left for home. I told myself she probably had a boyfriend and/or probably would have turned me down anyway. Driving home, I felt as if my life would be forever poorer if I did not act immediately and ask her out on a date. I called her nurses station, nervously asked her out, and to my surprise she said yes. The experience taught me to trust my instincts and to be willing to make a fool of myself. After 16 years of marriage, I am so thankful that she said yes.

After 14 years of marriage, we were blessed with the birth of may daughter. I felt as if life had come full circle, and now it was about the endless possibilities for this little person. I decided to move our family for several reasons, but a large part was to raise my daughter in a more conservative part of the country that was also closer to family. A move, buying a house, job change, selling a house, and birth of your first born in one year is pretty stressful. This chapter of our lives was a big change but new and exciting in so many ways. Other than engagement/wedding rings, I had never purchased a tangible thing to commemorate an event. The birth of my daughter was a special event that got me brainstorming about such an item. She was so very special and I wanted to remember this moment.

I came to view watches as the perfect choice as they are heirloom items and convey the importance of time. They are both beautiful and practical tools that are enjoyable to wear. Originally, I was planning on purchasing a classic watch and sticking it in the safe until my daughter’s 21st birthday. However, this seemed like kind of a waste to hide a thing of beauty in the dark recesses of a safe. Neither my wife nor I owned a nice watch. I decided it would be more special to give my wife the watch, on Mother’s Day of course, for her to embellish with the patina of her life. It would not be stickered and unmarked upon presentation to my daughter someday. However, it would be special in a way that no new watch could replicate.

Now as I said, I am a neophyte to watches. I researched pretty extensively women’s watches. I was attracted to the idea of a mechanical movement. However, my eyes were drawn to the timeless beauty of the Cartier Tank. Despite the quartz movement, I selected the medium stainless Tank Francaise as the watch for my wife. She has worn it every day since receiving it and it looks fantastic on her wrist. There are so many choices in watches... but I think for her, it was a good selection. Ok... so why am I posting this long, wandering post on the Rolex forum?

Pretty recently, we found out that we are expecting another little one. Somewhat hard for me to wrap my head around as I am almost 45 years of age. After the initial shock, I am getting excited about the newest member of the family. Now I had been eyeing watches for myself the last few months anyway as I do not own one. This pregnancy pushed me into high gear with the thought of another legacy item to pass on to my future child. Of course, this time the watch would be for dad!

I quickly decided on Rolex but struggled somewhat with which one to purchase. Not knowing the sex of the baby, the Daytona seemed like a solid choice for either gender. However, finding a new one at MSRP was impossible. I also did not really identify with the racing heritage of the model.

With my climbing background, I considered the Explorer but wanted a date. I considered the Explorer II, but no disrespect, I did not like the styling of the Explorer II.

As I did more research, I began appreciating the complication and history of the GMT Master II as more representative of “Dad”. Firstly, I love to travel and the GMT complication has some real utility. I am a very active private pilot, own a Beech Bonanza, and like the aviation lineage of the Rolex GMT. Owning a watch that I could quickly refer to for Zulu time would also be useful for IFR flight plans, clearances, and releases. Most importantly, I thought the GMT Master II was a great looking watch that was timeless in appearance. It should be a good heirloom piece that is also reflective of my aviation passion. It is not as popular with the female sex as the Daytona, however, it is not unheard of for a woman to wear a GMT. If my future offspring happens to be another girl, she will get to sport the 40mm professional watch look. Decision made on the Rolex GMT.

I had narrowed down my list of choices to the black 116710LN, blue/black 116710BLNR, and two toned 116713LN. I was able to view a white gold 116719 BLRO and a 116713LN at Rolex dealers I visited but could not find an all black or blue/black GMT. After much deliberation, I decided on the 116710BLNR. I felt that historically the GMT should be bicolored, the blue/black made sense as far as day/night, and the blue was interesting but somewhat subdued in most lighting.

Finding one, as everyone knows, is difficult right now. I had planned on buying from my local AD in order to establish a relationship with the local dealer. The local AD gave me differing information depending on the sales rep as far as a waiting list. They also gave me the feeling that I did not have the appropriate pedigree since I was not born with a Rolex on my wrist. This pushed me to look elsewhere. As I called more ADs in the region, I was not sure if I would ever get a GMT. Finally, I had a good conversation with the owner of a store over the phone. He just sold one, but assured me he did not have anyone else on the list for the BLNR. He seemed to be very candid, reputable, and was not condescending in the least. I asked him what was required and was a bit surprised that he said it would require the full purchase price for deposit on the special order. I saw that the shop had been in business for well over one hundred years on the website. This gave me some reassurance that they would not be closing their doors next week. A check was delivered by my wife in person three days later as she was traveling in the area.

I was expecting to wait a few months, the call came 9 days after the deposit! My 21 month old daughter and I drove together to get the watch. She surprised me in the shop by exclaiming “Watch!” and pointing at my new BLNR GMT. I did not know that she knew the word, she knows a good looking watch when she sees one! The watch is so much more impressive in person than in photos. I was concerned about the PCLs from reading on the forum but very much like the contrast they provide. I am really blown away by the comfort and beauty of the Oyster bracelet. The blue bezel is much more subdued in person than in many of the photos on the internet. I love the quality feel and look of the piece and think I made a solid choice for my first, nice watch.

This long time lurker appreciates the knowledge and expertise that this forum provides, thanks! Sorry for the long post, it kind of got out of hand:).

[brandrea]

Welcome to TRF

[kilyung]

Hi

[GradyPhilpott]

[AEC]

Welcome to TRF

[Colin10101]

Good pick for your first, and good job finding the AD that treated you right!

[SkiWatch]

Great story. Quality watches are nice—but our families are precious. Best to you and your growing family.