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Old 12 October 2021, 05:12 AM   #1
p3k4y1981
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Story of my first Rolex

Not a particularly great story but I decided I wanted to reward myself for my 40th with a Rolex to celebrate the milestone and also a fairly good year at work too.

Somewhat naively I decided I like the look of the Daytona, and called my local AD to order one - who informed me of a 30 year waiting list (!).

So ensued a quest to find an affordable Rolex that I liked the look of. I spent a long time on Chrono24 and travelled to various cities checking out the GMT Master II Batman, LN version, Yacht Master, Explorer II and eventually more or less exhausted myself and confused myself with so many options.

I eventually resolved to not buy a grey market watch as it became important for me to have some lineage and bond with the watch and get from an AD rather than just paying any price to get what I wanted.

Anyway, through calling round many ADs to enquire after Explorer II availability I came across one who had a used Explorer 39mm with all original papers and box, with their own 3 year warranty to boot.

Suffice to say I went to see it, fell in love with it, bought it and wrapped it for my birthday. I then spent the next 3 weeks panicking over whether it really is the right watch for me!!! Cue my 40th 3 days ago and the watch has not been off my wrist, I’m totally in love with it and cannot believe how beautiful such a simple device as this watch can be.

Sat looking at it now I know I’ve made the right choice , but who knew a watch could be such an emotionally exhausting thing to pursue!!

The AD were fantastic to deal with too, and even threw in a bottle of Bollinger. My interest is registered for an Explorer II now so I have a horrible feeling this could be the start of an expensive hobby!
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:30 AM   #2
JEdwardK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by p3k4y1981 View Post
Suffice to say I went to see it, fell in love with it, bought it and wrapped it for my birthday.
congrats


you bought yourself a present and wrapped it for yourself?
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:32 AM   #3
brandrea
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Welcome to the forum and happy birthday. Congratulations
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:37 AM   #4
p3k4y1981
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JEdwardK View Post
congrats


you bought yourself a present and wrapped it for yourself?
Actually the AD gift wrapped it and I waited to open it until my birthday.
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:37 AM   #5
KathleenL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by p3k4y1981 View Post
Not a particularly great story but I decided I wanted to reward myself for my 40th with a Rolex to celebrate the milestone and also a fairly good year at work too.

Somewhat naively I decided I like the look of the Daytona, and called my local AD to order one - who informed me of a 30 year waiting list (!).

So ensued a quest to find an affordable Rolex that I liked the look of. I spent a long time on Chrono24 and travelled to various cities checking out the GMT Master II Batman, LN version, Yacht Master, Explorer II and eventually more or less exhausted myself and confused myself with so many options.

I eventually resolved to not buy a grey market watch as it became important for me to have some lineage and bond with the watch and get from an AD rather than just paying any price to get what I wanted.

Anyway, through calling round many ADs to enquire after Explorer II availability I came across one who had a used Explorer 39mm with all original papers and box, with their own 3 year warranty to boot.

Suffice to say I went to see it, fell in love with it, bought it and wrapped it for my birthday. I then spent the next 3 weeks panicking over whether it really is the right watch for me!!! Cue my 40th 3 days ago and the watch has not been off my wrist, I’m totally in love with it and cannot believe how beautiful such a simple device as this watch can be.

Sat looking at it now I know I’ve made the right choice , but who knew a watch could be such an emotionally exhausting thing to pursue!!

The AD were fantastic to deal with too, and even threw in a bottle of Bollinger. My interest is registered for an Explorer II now so I have a horrible feeling this could be the start of an expensive hobby!
Happy Birthday! I'm glad you were able to find and get a watch that you like so much!
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:38 AM   #6
KathleenL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JEdwardK View Post
congrats


you bought yourself a present and wrapped it for yourself?
What's wrong with that? It keeps a person from opening a gift too soon.
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:39 AM   #7
GolfJunkie
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Congrats and Happy Birthday. The Explorer is a great watch to start with
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Old 12 October 2021, 06:47 AM   #8
knighty88
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Congrats and many happy returns!

My journey started with the 39mm Explorer for my 30th. If my story is anything to go by… this might be your favourite, but it wont be your last!

Enjoy.
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Old 12 October 2021, 07:03 AM   #9
p3k4y1981
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Originally Posted by knighty88 View Post
Congrats and many happy returns!

My journey started with the 39mm Explorer for my 30th. If my story is anything to go by… this might be your favourite, but it wont be your last!

Enjoy.
Where did your story take you after the Explorer?
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Old 12 October 2021, 07:10 AM   #10
p3k4y1981
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Originally Posted by GolfJunkie View Post
Congrats and Happy Birthday. The Explorer is a great watch to start with
Thank you. I’m so glad I did start there with such a simple and elegant piece. I’m looking forward to “explore”ing pieces with various complications now.
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Old 12 October 2021, 07:18 AM   #11
ThatOtherGuy7
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Great story! Glad you got one!

It’s a challenge for those just starting to get into the game for sure. And 30 years wait on Daytona?! Sheesh
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Old 12 October 2021, 07:42 AM   #12
bp1000
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That’s fantastic. Congratulations and happy birthday.
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