ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
26 December 2022, 01:31 PM | #1 |
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The Juice is the Squeeze; My Hunt for my First Rolex.
I wanted to share my Rolex journey, and how this year it took a major turn.
To preface, my AD is awesome. I understand experiences vary and we're all cut from different cloth. I can careless about 'ADs', the new process of obtaining a Rolex from ADs and advocating for or against ADs. This is not a plug for ADs. I've worn a watch practically every day for 15 years (first watch was a luminox, still got it!). Wore a watch in high school, all through college, professionally in a suit and tie environment, in the military in training and on multiple combat deployments, and just "dad-ing" around. In 2008 I received a Tag Heuer as a gift, my first taste of a higher quality tool watch, I became hooked. Through my travels for work I purchased Tags and Omegas (mainly) all over the Middle East; Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan, it not only benefitted me economically to buy in the ME but added to the sentimental value. In 2019 my first child was born, so I began to prep the objective (my wife and bank account) to purchase my first Rolex... Between work and life I never really got around to it, and then COVID happened. During COVID I witnessed the watch craze explode and started to wonder if I missed my chance to get a Rolex at MSRP. I made contact with a few ADs in my area but really never put any work into the relationship, or thought for that matter. Fast forward to 2022 and my second child is about to be born, I put the full court press on my local AD in June. Visited often, spoke with the sales associates about life, purchased some jewelry for my wife (I wanted them to know my money was green), and got on the coveted 'list'. In July I traveled to the UAE for work. Between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi there's 10+ Rolex ADs. I told the wife if I found what I wanted, I was pulling the trigger. I had no faith in my AD, if I were to ever own a Rolex I thought I could find it in the UAE. The lack of confidence in my AD was largely perpetuated by internet hysteria, and lack of effort by ME, not my AD. As I had suspected, the display cases in the Rolex ADs in the UAE were well stocked with TT DJs, TT Subs and other SS entry level Rolex's. Two tone isn't exactly popular in the UAE. I shopped around at several ADs and found a beautiful DJ36 126231 fluted motif dial, it's amazing. I couldn't have been happier, my Rolex hunt was over - for now. I returned home in August, my second child was born, life was good. Until my phone rang in September, it was my local AD. My numero uno had arrived, and it was mine if I wanted it. I had to mobilize some assets, and convince my wife I wasn't a psychopath..... done and done. Drove right down to my AD and picked up a Cermit / Kermit 2.0 / Starbucks, a handsome submariner with a green bezel and date window (126610LV). I'm ecstatic to have an everyday tool watch, and a weekender, both being Rolex's and both being worn as such. Stay in the fight gents. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
26 December 2022, 04:07 PM | #2 |
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Congrats my friend! My journey has many similarities to yours.
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26 December 2022, 04:13 PM | #3 |
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Real Name: Larry
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Congratulations
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✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron. |
26 December 2022, 05:21 PM | #4 |
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Both watches look great mate congratulations!
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26 December 2022, 07:07 PM | #5 |
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A nice pair of complimentary watches. Congratulations.
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26 December 2022, 08:59 PM | #6 |
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Congrats!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Francisco ♛ 16610 / 116264 Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 310.30.42.50.01.002 / 210.90.42.20.01.001 Zenith 02.480.405 2FA security enabled |
26 December 2022, 09:23 PM | #7 |
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Congratulations!!
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26 December 2022, 09:57 PM | #8 |
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Great story and two great watches! Enjoy and wear them in good health
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26 December 2022, 10:19 PM | #9 |
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Box and papers bro. Very nice.
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26 December 2022, 11:43 PM | #10 |
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Both are beautiful. Congrats!
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26 December 2022, 11:46 PM | #11 |
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Congratulations.
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27 December 2022, 12:03 AM | #12 |
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Appreciate it! I'll probably take 2023 off from purchasing Rolex, but will certainly have my eyes peeled. Just. In. Case........
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
27 December 2022, 01:26 AM | #13 |
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Real Name: Brian
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Congrats! Fantastic couple of watches!
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16750 | 6516(wife’s) | 126334 | 16570 | SBGA413 | SRPE33 | 126610LV |
27 December 2022, 01:29 AM | #14 |
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Love the pair, I really do. Congrats!
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126710 BLNR Jubilee |
27 December 2022, 01:46 AM | #15 |
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Wow, you have a very cool story/watch journey! Thanks so much for sharing with us. It's people like you and us (true watch enthusiasts) in which Rolex wants these pieces to go to. In the hands (or on the wrists rather) of the true watch lovers are where these watches will fully be enjoyed and appreciated. The 2 pieces that you have shared with us have definitely found a good home!
Congrats on the TT DJ36! The fluted motif dial on Jubilee looks amazing. A more recent congrats on the Sub LV/Starbucks! Amazing piece as well. 2 totally different watches and makes the perfect duo imo. Welcome to TRF! |
27 December 2022, 02:41 AM | #16 |
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Great combo and memories already attached to both! Enjoy!
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27 December 2022, 03:27 AM | #17 |
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Heck of a one - two punch, congratulations on the kiddos and the watches!
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27 December 2022, 04:43 AM | #18 |
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2 great watches! Congrats!
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27 December 2022, 10:34 AM | #19 |
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Congrats, a “do it all” pair. Or…2023 could be the time to complete your land, sea, air trio!
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27 December 2022, 10:38 AM | #20 |
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27 December 2022, 10:41 AM | #21 |
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Thanks gents! Brought the sub mountaineering a few weeks ago. Pic has been compressed, excuse the quality.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
27 December 2022, 11:32 AM | #22 |
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beautiful duo and than you for your service.
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Daytona White 116500LN, GMT II BLNR, Explorer II Polar, Submariner 116610LV, GMT II BLRO, Sky Dweller Blue, GMT II VTNR, Datejust 41 Azurro, Datejust 1601. |
27 December 2022, 11:40 AM | #23 |
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Lovely duo OP and thanks for sharing
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27 December 2022, 12:04 PM | #24 |
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Great story. Welcome to TRF.
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27 December 2022, 12:19 PM | #25 |
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Congrats and thank you for your service.
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27 December 2022, 12:21 PM | #26 |
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Best choice, congrats.l!
Mountaineering pics definitely NOT in your ME travels. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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