Rolex Sucks!

[Watchdog]

Rolex sucks my attention like almost nothing else. Honestly, WHY are we so focused on this brand/hobby? Please tell me what got YOU started, that pivotal moment where you thought AH HAH, THIS WATCH IS IT! I have a new one coming in a few days, and it is dominating my thoughts . . .

[idk01]

Awesome title :-) Had me for a second.

My Uncle years ago when I was a wee lad had a DD Rolex, that fluted bezel would send light flickering all over the room :-) so my first which I still wear all the time is my DJ purchased back in 94, Its still my fave, I have flipped a few others but my fist stays!

I also play around with a few old watches I was given years ago as gifts, Seiko digital, Casio, My wife calls it best...... I'm a watch nut, they just get more expensive as I get older

[bradiowausa]

For some reason, I stopped into a AD when I was 19 years old and I asked about Rolex out of curiosity(the AD was blocks from my apartment). The sales lady was trying to indicate that Rolex withstands time, so she took out a preowned tt datejust. Two-three weeks later, that watch was on my wrist (my CD matured and the rates were down). I am confident that regardless of how many watches I get, this first watch will be my favorite (will never be sold)

For me, Rolex represents the best money can buy. When all of the crap that I currently have, wallet, CELL PHONE, shirts, etc... My Rolex will still be ticking away. Twenty years from now, I will see my datejust on my wrist and think of where I was when I first put it on.

Just to defend the hobby, Rolex(and watch collecting in general) involve a compromise between using/enjoying your wealth and investing it. Rolexes, especially stainless steel ones, hold their value and have the most classic, timetested designs.

[jtvision]

Im sure you would be happy with a Breguet or A. Lange, or, any other luxury piece for that matter...

[The GMT Master]

For me, I've pretty much grown up around Rolex all my life, so there was no one single defining moment. Then again, I did have a real desire to start learning as much as possible when I started doing some part time work at an AD - knowledge and enthusiasm is power when it comes to sales

[rolexgiants]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

Rolex sucks my attention like almost nothing else. Honestly, WHY are we so focused on this brand/hobby? Please tell me what got YOU started, that pivotal moment where you thought AH HAH, THIS WATCH IS IT! I have a new one coming in a few days, and it is dominating my thoughts . . .

watch ur mouth.... lol lol lol....... dont ever say rolex sucks....

[Imtiaz]

Very true - KingKongKelly, I have the same sentiments towards my first Rolex.

6694 Precision manual wind. Still got it an it will never be sold. So many memories of my carefree youth, my 3 years in Korea, my time in Paris, my college days in Dayton OH, my Afro hair do and so on.

Every week I look at the watch and remember so many other things that I cannot mention here in case my wife reads this. LOL

[116520]

I thought another PAM fan here....

[Lion]

I've wanted a Rolex for over 40 years and the opportunity arose a couple years ago and I jumped at it and bought my first one. Then I was checking out Rolex watches in Google and found this Forum. I've been hooked/addicted ever since!!!

[detailman]

Hey Kong,

I have wanted a Rolex since the mid 70's when I observed the "movers & shakers" in this world wearing them. It's not just a well manufactured, reliable timepiece. I really feel that it's a testament of "success" and that one knows "they've made it" when they get one.

I promised myself that I would purchase one when I reached a certain income band, and it finally happened in 2003; this is when I bought my 40 MM SS Yachtmaster. I notice the difference in the way people "approach me" and communicate with me when I wear it. Sure, I get the occassional individual that makes the comment that "They have better things to buy with their money, or I have overpaid, or is it real, watch collectors are like stamp collectors....no personality, or why do I collect watches ?"

But, the feeling I get when I put on a Rolex is SECOND TO NONE ; only another true Rolex Lover would comprehend this. Are there other great watches ? Absolutely, but I dare say other high end watches make the same bold statement when worn in public. Pateks, Omegas, Panerai's are incredible but don't do anything for me MENTALLY.

My only problem ? I bought three more Rollies over the past two months....I never thought that I would need another one after my first. Will this obsession cease ?

[Watchdog]

great stories. thanks for sharing!

[Bisquitlips]

I have loved Rolexes from my early 20's! It is really a mystery to me as to why. I don't recall a relative or a friend owning one, somehow I just began to really desire one. Perhaps it was one of those 1970's Master's Golf commercials, or that I just heard about their desirability. I have always loved their "style".

Is there anything more lovely than the classic Rolex design? No, IMO.

Prudence demanded that I wait until I could afford one. 30 years later I now have four of them and truly enjoy each one. I didn't go into debt for them and have to say that the wait was worth it.

That's my story. Not much, but it's mine!

[Badfish179]

In 1980 I was on a submarine in the Indian Ocean in Diego Garcia B.I.O;T. They were selling Rolex in the Navy Exchange there. At that time I belive you could buy a Sub date for $500.00. My friends asked me if I was going with them to get my Rolex. I didn't even know what a Rolex was. When they said it would cost $500.00 I told them I had a TIMEX and that I could buy lots of beer with $500.00. Everyone laughed, left and returned with these amazing watches. As soon as I saw them I wanted one but it was too late we were leaving and the last liberty expired..During my time on the boat I saw quite a few subs and regretted not buying one.When I got back to the states I tried but they were too expensive and I had no credit. For the next 29 years I wanted one until I finally purchased my Blue/gold Sub. I became a WIS and I will never look back. I look forward to owning a few more subs before my watch stops ticking.

[ijen0311]

When I was a little Jen my dad would take me to Mayor's Jewelers to try on and admire the TT Blue Sub. I always admired my dad so much and I figured if he liked watches then I would too!

One of the best days of my life was being able to give my dad his Bluesy... almost 17 years later!

[presario]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

When I was a little Jen my dad would take me to Mayor's Jewelers to try on and admire the TT Blue Sub. I always admired my dad so much and I figured if he liked watches then I would too!

One of the best days of my life was being able to give my dad his Bluesy... almost 17 years later!

Great story, Jen. Looks perfect on your father's wrist!

[NavitimerNut]

You guys will laugh when you hear my story...

So in mid-late August last year, I was driving around with my dad, and we were telling stories and talking. Out of the blues he said 'About 20 or 30 years ago, I bought a fake Rolex in Japan for $20'. That was the point where I said to myself 'I want a Rolex'.

My mom was going to Mexico with her family so I told her 'pick me up a fake Rolex', so days later when she came home, she showed up with a fake Rolex Date-Day. (No, thats not a typo its a date-day.... quality)

After that, I was all out for Rolex, and I've been looking for the perfet rolex ever since.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by Badfish179

In 1980 I was on a submarine in the Indian Ocean in Diego Garcia B.I.O;T. They were selling Rolex in the Navy Exchange there. At that time I belive you could buy a Sub date for $500.00. My friends asked me if I was going with them to get my Rolex. I didn't even know what a Rolex was. When they said it would cost $500.00 I told them I had a TIMEX and that I could buy lots of beer with $500.00. Everyone laughed, left and returned with these amazing watches. As soon as I saw them I wanted one but it was too late we were leaving and the last liberty expired..During my time on the boat I saw quite a few subs and regretted not buying one.When I got back to the states I tried but they were too expensive and I had no credit. For the next 29 years I wanted one until I finally purchased my Blue/gold Sub. I became a WIS and I will never look back. I look forward to owning a few more subs before my watch stops ticking.

Man that story is rough! Breaks my heart you didn't get one for $500.00. Curious if you remember the price difference on the Sub Date when you returned to the states? Was is substantially more?

[NavitimerNut]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

Man that story is rough! Breaks my heart you didn't get one for $500.00. Curious if you remember the price difference on the Sub Date when you returned to the states? Was is substantially more?

Sorry for my poor writing, but my father went to Japan about 30 years ago on a business trip and bought a fake Rolex datejust (I wasn't even born at the time.) It was stainless steel and had an automatic movement. My dad said that Rolexs were the same price in Japan as they were here in America.

[bodybump]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

Rolex sucks my attention like almost nothing else. Honestly, WHY are we so focused on this brand/hobby? Please tell me what got YOU started, that pivotal moment where you thought AH HAH, THIS WATCH IS IT! I have a new one coming in a few days, and it is dominating my thoughts . . .

I bet all the MODS got your attention!!!

[Badfish179]

Kingkongkelly, I think that they were about $1,000 or more. I remember about 15 years ago telling that story to a friend of mine who is a watch collector and I mentioned that I might be able to go $1,500 for a submariner. He chuckled and said, " If you find one let me know".

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

When I was a little Jen my dad would take me to Mayor's Jewelers to try on and admire the TT Blue Sub. I always admired my dad so much and I figured if he liked watches then I would too!

One of the best days of my life was being able to give my dad his Bluesy... almost 17 years later!

My father died (was murdered) without ever knowing the joy of owning a Rolex.

I now have 4 of them. I only wish he could have been with me to enjoy them. I would have gladly given him his choice. But alas, his lifestyle was beyond my means of control.

[Cato]

National Geographic ads about adventurers and explorers introduced me to the brand back in middle school in the 1980s. I've always emulated men like that. Later Rolexes became symbols of success in the 1980s and on. Capitalists, who worked hard and built wealth, usually wore Rolex. I attended the University of Souther California, and got exposed to lots of Rolexes. There were tons of business majors and other future professionals, ambitious and smart, sporting Submariners and Datejusts. Rolex is more than a watch to me: it's a symbol of intelligence, ambition, and success.

[metal man]

When I was a freshman in high school we were at a school function , my best friends dad ( still best to this day) was wearing a y/gold d/d with a pave diamond dial and bezel. This was 1979 and this watch was covered in Diamonds. Were standing in the hall with and a man walked up and says , excuse me , do you have the time? Ace says " no, this %$#@#$% watch doesn't have any numbers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought what an @##hole, but I need one of those watches. I bought my first 3 years later and haven't stopped. I'll never wear a pave though.

[wayovrpar]

My first was an award from Domino's....then sold a car to get a Daytona...oh how people laughed when they found out I did that. I have recently started to get the itch for more...and I'm sure you folks will help foster that...

[KJacques]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

When I was a little Jen my dad would take me to Mayor's Jewelers to try on and admire the TT Blue Sub. I always admired my dad so much and I figured if he liked watches then I would too!

One of the best days of my life was being able to give my dad his Bluesy... almost 17 years later!

I guarantee that you've given him many many best days of his life.

[KJacques]

Originally Posted by metal man

Were standing in the hall with and a man walked up and says , excuse me , do you have the time? Ace says " no, this %$#@#$% watch doesn't have any numbers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought what an @##hole, but I need one of those watches. I bought my first 3 years later and haven't stopped. I'll never wear a pave though.

Funny, I can remember an episode like that where the person was wearing the same Rolex I had on. I sold it soon afterwards. Probably also why there are a number of Rolex watches I would never put on my wrist.

[newrolexman]

When I got out of college and started my job and met businessman thru the yrs,, the most successful ones had Presidentials and I was enamored by them.

To me they represented success and they looked HOT on the wrist, esp in yellow gold.

I did like the champagne dial with the sticks but the white faced roman numerals just blew me away.

I strieved to get a DD and a few years ago it came to fruition.

Then I got into the sport watches and bought the GMT Ceramic and SS daytona.

Each one is special to me.

Of course I love my Pam 88.


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[rose_romanDateJust]

i've had my rolex since i was 13 years old. It was a gift from my dad since he has a thunderbird with the black dial and also because one of my dad's best friend had a blue dial submariner and Iv'e loved them since. I'm 19 right now and still have the watch but i have only wore it no more than 20 times. Now i'm trying to sell it on here so i can find myself a nicer looking one. thats pretty much my boring ass story lol

[SamGMT]

My granddaddy bought me a TT Rolex at the age of 14, at that time don't know the true value of the watch and was locked inside the drawer for many years, wear my beloved Citizen watch at that time. Over the years the Rolex have start to grow in me until now, since then have collected a few ones.

[Cato]

When I was a young teen I'd sit in the school library and leaf through National Geographic magazines. I'd see ads of brave explorers climbing mountains, diving in exotic waters, and racing cars wearing Oyster models. Then I'd go to the movies and see captains of industry, or at least ambitious men with Daydates and DateJusts. Then in college at USC the place was awash with smart young patricians wearing Submariners or two tone Datejusts. Rolex is a symbol of ambition, diligence, and success.


Sorry, forgot I already replied!