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hondauk · 17 October 2018, 02:15 AM

It all began in 1974 when I was 21, I bought a Rolex Explorer, my first Rolex. I enjoyed wearing my watch every day. Many years past and my love for Rolex watches grew and grew. In 2005 when my Explorer was returned to Rolex for a major service my wrist felt empty so I bought an Explorer 2. I have since bought a Submariner non date and a GMT Master 2 in Steel & Gold. I have always bought the watches simply because I like them I don't consider them as a financial investment I just enjoy wearing them. I tend to rotate them and wear each in turn.

In 2008 I bought my wife a Lady Datejust in steel & rose gold. A few years later when my son was married I bought my son a steel Datejust and my Daughter in law a Lady Datejust in steel & yellow gold as a wedding gift. My love of Rolex continued. A few year later I bought my son in law a steel Datejust but sadly my daughter would not have a Rolex and insisted on a George Jenson (she was not often difficult as a child but had her moments!) again this was a wedding gift. However I got over the disappointment of the George Jenson and my love for Rolex was undeterred.

Now I am lucky to have three grandchildren I am now 65 and in an effort to keep and transfer my love for Rolex I have bought the grand children their birth year watches. Sebastian who is currently four will have a Rolex submariner date, Annabelle six will be receiving a Midsize Steel and gold Datejust and Rosa who has just had her second birthday will be getting a Steel midsize Datejust with Rosa diamonds on the dial. Having Rosa diamonds for Rosa was just perfect. Now these three watches are in safe storage until they reach their 18th birthdays. When they look at their watches I’m sure they will always remember grandpa. It’s a very warming thought.

Of all the Rolex watches I have looked at over my many years of interest I have always longed for a Tridor, I truly believe they are the highlight of all the Rolex models. a little understated but a very classy watch. This year I have pulled out all the stops and purchased a Day date Tridor for myself and a Midsize Tridor for my wife. These two watches will be passed down to my son and daughter in time, maybe fate has something to do with this because the midsize Tridor is a 1985 which just happens to be my daughter’s birth year. So she will have her own Rolex after all.

I just thought I would share this story with you and thank you (Rolex) for the immense pleasure you have given me and the pleasure you will extend to my children and grandchildren for many years to come.

Cyclops888 · 17 October 2018, 02:19 AM

Very thoughtful of you sir!
Your next generations will appreciatie it for sure!

Any chance to see the Rolex family in a picture?

Dr. Robert · 17 October 2018, 02:23 AM

I inherited my fathers YG datejust from the early 1960s & his 1655 Explorer 2, I always feel good & happy when I wear them.
You are a good father.

mikkoi · 17 October 2018, 02:49 AM

Nice story,!You’re a good man, husband, dad and grand dad! Enjoy your great life with all your loved ones

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R!$ · 17 October 2018, 02:59 AM

lucky kids

harvey · 17 October 2018, 03:11 AM

Graham this is a lovely thread. I like reading the backstory about how a collection evolved.

Now what about some pics?

CoveWatch · 17 October 2018, 03:24 AM

Great Rolex story!

R!$ · 17 October 2018, 03:40 AM

a crown for every achievement, indeed

Token74 · 17 October 2018, 05:02 AM

Great story...I’ve got a few years before I have grandchildren (I hope!) but you’ve inspired me to do the same thing for my grandchildren if I’m lucky enough to have any

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Odie-r · 17 October 2018, 05:12 AM

Great story. Lucky grandkids!

Mick8moses · 17 October 2018, 05:27 AM

So... let's see the collection!
Particularly the tridor!

doramas · 17 October 2018, 05:37 AM

Do you still have the Explorer 1016? If yes, pics please.

Sebastian5 · 17 October 2018, 05:44 AM

Never heard of the Tridor before but damn, that's a cool watch

hondauk · 17 October 2018, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doramas

Do you still have the Explorer 1016? If yes, pics please.

No sadly I sold it about 10 years ago. it was a 5500 model

danwang0520 · 17 October 2018, 05:29 PM

thanks for the wonderful story.......

joli160 · 17 October 2018, 07:16 PM

Nice story, you certainly leave something behind what will be cherished forever. Love to see pics of the tridors

VegasMilgauss · 17 October 2018, 08:34 PM

Great story - thanks for sharing

hondauk · 17 October 2018, 10:10 PM

All the family are coming this weekend so I'll try and take some photos and post them next week

schoolboy · 18 October 2018, 12:16 AM

What a story

In for the pics as well!

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214270Explorer · 18 October 2018, 03:17 AM

Perhaps this will be the start a family tradition . .. .. ...

mmmmp · 18 October 2018, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R!$

lucky kids

Lucky children indeed. Not only for the watches either. They're fortunate to have a father like you.

Guys like you are everything we all hope of which to aspire: thoughtfulness, kindness and going the extra mile for his family. (My father had similar personality traits.)

You're a class act.

Sincerely,
Mark

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Oakley12 · 18 October 2018, 05:34 AM

any chance of adopting me?

Sublovin · 18 October 2018, 06:02 AM

Good for you!

Burlington · 18 October 2018, 06:07 AM

Nice thing to do !

elitejae · 18 October 2018, 06:08 AM

Awesome story. Very cool idea, congrats on your lovely family and success.

Dpop24 · 18 October 2018, 08:10 AM

Great story! Patiently waiting for pics.

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Beckster · 18 October 2018, 09:00 AM

Wow Graham. Very nice heartwarming story. They are all lucky to have you. I myself was gifted a Daytona by my old man and now I’ve got one each for my kids. No grandkids yet...your grandkids will be getting a cool watch for sure! Thanks for sharing.

kitsgq · 21 October 2018, 01:47 PM

What a wonderful and warm story. The meaning you've ascribed to the watches is worth more than any watch itself. Well done.

Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

coralfarmer84 · 21 October 2018, 02:03 PM

Very thoughtful.

sensui · 23 October 2018, 03:19 PM

Makes me feel like what Rolex is meant for. Enjoy in good health OP with the people you love.

17 October 2018, 02:15 AM	#1
hondauk "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Graham Location: East Yorkshire UK Watch: Day Date Tridor Posts: 146	Rolex and the family It all began in 1974 when I was 21, I bought a Rolex Explorer, my first Rolex. I enjoyed wearing my watch every day. Many years past and my love for Rolex watches grew and grew. In 2005 when my Explorer was returned to Rolex for a major service my wrist felt empty so I bought an Explorer 2. I have since bought a Submariner non date and a GMT Master 2 in Steel & Gold. I have always bought the watches simply because I like them I don't consider them as a financial investment I just enjoy wearing them. I tend to rotate them and wear each in turn. In 2008 I bought my wife a Lady Datejust in steel & rose gold. A few years later when my son was married I bought my son a steel Datejust and my Daughter in law a Lady Datejust in steel & yellow gold as a wedding gift. My love of Rolex continued. A few year later I bought my son in law a steel Datejust but sadly my daughter would not have a Rolex and insisted on a George Jenson (she was not often difficult as a child but had her moments!) again this was a wedding gift. However I got over the disappointment of the George Jenson and my love for Rolex was undeterred. Now I am lucky to have three grandchildren I am now 65 and in an effort to keep and transfer my love for Rolex I have bought the grand children their birth year watches. Sebastian who is currently four will have a Rolex submariner date, Annabelle six will be receiving a Midsize Steel and gold Datejust and Rosa who has just had her second birthday will be getting a Steel midsize Datejust with Rosa diamonds on the dial. Having Rosa diamonds for Rosa was just perfect. Now these three watches are in safe storage until they reach their 18th birthdays. When they look at their watches I’m sure they will always remember grandpa. It’s a very warming thought. Of all the Rolex watches I have looked at over my many years of interest I have always longed for a Tridor, I truly believe they are the highlight of all the Rolex models. a little understated but a very classy watch. This year I have pulled out all the stops and purchased a Day date Tridor for myself and a Midsize Tridor for my wife. These two watches will be passed down to my son and daughter in time, maybe fate has something to do with this because the midsize Tridor is a 1985 which just happens to be my daughter’s birth year. So she will have her own Rolex after all. I just thought I would share this story with you and thank you (Rolex) for the immense pleasure you have given me and the pleasure you will extend to my children and grandchildren for many years to come.

17 October 2018, 02:23 AM	#3
Dr. Robert 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 61,262	I inherited my fathers YG datejust from the early 1960s & his 1655 Explorer 2, I always feel good & happy when I wear them. You are a good father. __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 October 2018, 05:02 AM	#9
Token74 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Vince Location: England Watch: Too many! Posts: 5,707	Great story...I’ve got a few years before I have grandchildren (I hope!) but you’ve inspired me to do the same thing for my grandchildren if I’m lucky enough to have any Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Time is limited, make every second count. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990 - AP Royal Oak 15300 - AP Royal Oak 15450 Blue - AP Royal Oak 15450 Silver - AP Royal Oak Offshore 26480 - Royal Oak Offshore 15710 - Rolex Sea Dweller 116600 - Rolex Daytona 116519 - Rolex GMT 126710 BLRO - Omega Speedmaster Reduced - JLC Reverso GMT Moonphase - TAG Microtimer - Dent Pocket Watch - JLC Atmos Phases de lune

17 October 2018, 05:12 AM	#10
Odie-r "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: London Posts: 4,452	Great story. Lucky grandkids! __________________ @watchtheleftwrist

17 October 2018, 07:16 PM	#16
joli160 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,352	Nice story, you certainly leave something behind what will be cherished forever. Love to see pics of the tridors __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

17 October 2018, 02:19 AM	#2
Cyclops888 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Europe Posts: 320	Very thoughtful of you sir! Your next generations will appreciatie it for sure! Any chance to see the Rolex family in a picture?

17 October 2018, 02:49 AM	#4
mikkoi "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Real Name: Mikko Location: Finland Posts: 1,437	Nice story,!You’re a good man, husband, dad and grand dad! Enjoy your great life with all your loved ones Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

17 October 2018, 02:59 AM	#5
R!$ Banned Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,405	lucky kids

17 October 2018, 03:11 AM	#6
harvey "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rolexforums.com Posts: 5,373	Graham this is a lovely thread. I like reading the backstory about how a collection evolved. Now what about some pics?

17 October 2018, 03:24 AM	#7
CoveWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex & AP Posts: 4,535	Great Rolex story!

17 October 2018, 03:40 AM	#8
R!$ Banned Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,405	a crown for every achievement, indeed

17 October 2018, 05:27 AM	#11
Mick8moses "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Mick Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,523	So... let's see the collection! Particularly the tridor!

17 October 2018, 05:37 AM	#12
doramas Banned Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Gran Canaria Posts: 3,469	Do you still have the Explorer 1016? If yes, pics please.

17 October 2018, 05:44 AM	#13
Sebastian5 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 87	Never heard of the Tridor before but damn, that's a cool watch

17 October 2018, 05:29 PM	#15
danwang0520 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Real Name: Daniel Location: Taipei, Taiwan Watch: my signature Posts: 2,669	thanks for the wonderful story.......

17 October 2018, 08:34 PM	#17
VegasMilgauss "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: UK Posts: 1,029	Great story - thanks for sharing

17 October 2018, 10:10 PM	#18
hondauk "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Graham Location: East Yorkshire UK Watch: Day Date Tridor Posts: 146	All the family are coming this weekend so I'll try and take some photos and post them next week

18 October 2018, 12:16 AM	#19
schoolboy Banned Join Date: Nov 2017 Real Name: Jesus Location: Texas Watch: 116234 Posts: 8,721	What a story In for the pics as well! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

18 October 2018, 03:17 AM	#20
214270Explorer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: United States Watch: me buy Watches Posts: 3,955	Perhaps this will be the start a family tradition . .. .. ... __________________ “The display of actual intelligence terrifies much of mankind” Rolex "some" Tudor "some" Damasko "some" Misc Pieces "some" Marathon "some" GS Spring Drive "some" Hamilton "some" Findeisen "some"

18 October 2018, 05:34 AM	#22
Oakley12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Real Name: PJ Location: Las Vegas, NV Watch: 116710 BLNR / DJ41 Posts: 133	any chance of adopting me?

18 October 2018, 06:02 AM	#23
Sublovin "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: USA Watch: Lots Posts: 4,354	Good for you!

18 October 2018, 06:07 AM	#24
Burlington "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Europe Posts: 5,635	Nice thing to do ! __________________ “My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best.” ― Winston S. Churchill

18 October 2018, 06:08 AM	#25
elitejae "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: Jesse Location: SF Bay Area Watch: Rolex/Tudor/Omega Posts: 80	Awesome story. Very cool idea, congrats on your lovely family and success.

18 October 2018, 08:10 AM	#26
Dpop24 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: California Posts: 348	Great story! Patiently waiting for pics. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

18 October 2018, 09:00 AM	#27
Beckster "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Singapore Watch: 16710 BLRO Posts: 836	Wow Graham. Very nice heartwarming story. They are all lucky to have you. I myself was gifted a Daytona by my old man and now I’ve got one each for my kids. No grandkids yet...your grandkids will be getting a cool watch for sure! Thanks for sharing. __________________ Rolex Only Please

21 October 2018, 01:47 PM	#28
kitsgq "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: US Posts: 403	What a wonderful and warm story. The meaning you've ascribed to the watches is worth more than any watch itself. Well done. Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

21 October 2018, 02:03 PM	#29
coralfarmer84 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: United States Watch: Rolex, PP Posts: 1,198	Very thoughtful. __________________ Work hard in silence. Let your success make the noise

23 October 2018, 03:19 PM	#30
sensui 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,356	Makes me feel like what Rolex is meant for. Enjoy in good health OP with the people you love.

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