Rolex Today and ££££$$$$$$.

[padi56]

Many years ago back in the mid 1970s my Father always wanted a Rolex watch so he took on two jobs and saved for just over 5 years to get his watch.Now he always wanted a Submariner so when he had saved enough money at this time just over £950.Off he went to the AD to buy his watch,and I am sure he did not go with a Lupe to examine ever minute detail of the watch.In those days you just bought a Rolex watch knowing that watch would last a live time and beyond.In those days you bought a Rolex not to try or hope it would go up in value, but to wear hopefully in good health for the rest of your life.Now when my Father got to the AD they showed him the sub,but tried to sell him a 6263 Daytona instead.And they even offered him a discount of £25 of the price,now the Daytona was almost a £100 cheaper than the sub so with the discount plus the cheaper price he bought the Daytona 6263.Now with the money saved he bought my mother a new washing machine,now sadly my Father did not live a lifetime to enjoy his Rolex he died at the age of almost 56.The Daytona now belongs to me but in my life time I would never sell it at any price. It just means to much to me, so when I look at the watch, in my mind see my Fathers face with the proud look admiring his watch.Rolex watches are not always about £££$$$$$$ but something to enjoy and wear hopefully for a very very long life.

[nowzen]

"In those days you just bought a Rolex watch knowing that watch would last a lifetime and beyond.
In those days you bought a Rolex not to try or hope it would go up in value, but to wear hopefully in good health for the rest of your life."
-Amen

Thanx for sharing.

[Hydrographer]

That is a lovely story. Wear it in good health. Nothing can buy sentimental value!

[Rodmo]

That is a wonderful story, and a very meaningful watch. Thank you.

When so many consume on credit, it is refreshing to hear of someone working and saving to afford something very special.

[dalip]

Lovely story with many messages for us all.

[Speed]

Thanks Padi...

Please post some new (or old) pics of the watch if you don't mind / when you have a moment.

[Danand]

I totally agree. I bought my watch first for me to enjoy, and second to pass down to one of my sons. I look at this purchase as I do most other consumer products. Once I've bought it that money is gone. I think it is a mistake for anyone to rationalize a watch puchase as an investment.
(problem is with two sons I CAN rationalize another purchase so I can pass one down to each! ;) )

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Speed

Thanks Padi...

Please post some new (or old) pics of the watch if you don't mind / when you have a moment.

Its in below link but please do not reply in that now old thread.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=special+watch

[mike]

Originally Posted by padi56

Many years ago back in the mid 1970s my Father always wanted a Rolex watch so he took on two jobs and saved for just over 5 years to get his watch.Now he always wanted a Submariner so when he had saved enough money at this time just over £950.Off he went to the AD to buy his watch,and I am sure he did not go with a Lupe to examine ever minute detail of the watch.In those days you just bought a Rolex watch knowing that watch would last a live time and beyond.In those days you bought a Rolex not to try or hope it would go up in value, but to wear hopefully in good health for the rest of your life.Now when my Father got to the AD they showed him the sub,but tried to sell him a 6263 Daytona instead.And they even offered him a discount of £25 of the price,now the Daytona was almost a £100 cheaper than the sub so with the discount plus the cheaper price he bought the Daytona 6263.Now with the money saved he bought my mother a new washing machine,now sadly my Father did not live a lifetime to enjoy his Rolex he died at the age of almost 56.The Daytona now belongs to me but in my life time I would never sell it at any price. It just means to much to me, so when I look at the watch, in my mind see my Fathers face with the proud look admiring his watch.Rolex watches are not always about £££$$$$$$ but something to enjoy and wear hopefully for a very very long life.

Thank you my friend.

These watches are ment to be used and enjoyed. The history and memories they acquire are priceless.

[Numismatist]

Very nice story, describes the heart and soul of Rolex ownership!

[TRW]

Thx for sharing Sir.I also purchased our Watches for the same reason that Your Father did.

[xjeeunitx]

Very nice story! Thank you for sharing.

[Casey VP-26]

No wonder you are so high on the 6263 whenever you respond on the forum, GREAT STORY: Great Watch and every time you wear it you will have great memories. Thanks

[Danand]

Originally Posted by padi56

Its in below link but please do not reply in that now old thread.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=special+watch

A nice tribute to your Dad. You are very fortunate that you have his watch to remember him by. I have a ring that was my father's and feel the same way about it as you do the Daytona.

Thanks for sharing the stories.

[karmatp]

That is a great story Padi, very heart warming. I also want the watch that my Dad wore daily, I want the bumps and scrapes and the memories. You are a lucky man to have such a great time capsule of your fathers life.

[godspeed1208]

i have a watch my dad gave too me..it's precious to me too...i understand how you feel mate ;)

[RolexABC]

A very nice read.

A Rolex is much more than money; thinking about it's future value means you miss the biggest joy of ownership. I hope you get to enjoy your watch in the best of health.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by RolexABC

A very nice read.

A Rolex is much more than money; thinking about it's future value means you miss the biggest joy of ownership. I hope you get to enjoy your watch in the best of health.

Have to agree must admit lately with many posts on TRF about value will this or that appreciate more than the other.Now this model is finished it will escalate in value etc many think that Rolex is all about money today.As for health, well at the moment things are now looking brighter than they were over the last few years . Myself had a brush with the grim reaper but I would rather not talk about that now.And material things mean very little to me now, as without good health and family, in reality material things mean nothing.

[spuds]

Great post....

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by padi56

Its in below link but please do not reply in that now old thread.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=special+watch

Peter.....I read your other post, and it was very moving! My father was also in WWII at a very young age. Was part of the Normandy invasion, and like your father, lost many many of his close friends during that time. He actually had left something in another foxhole, so left his, to retrieve it, and moments after leaving, THAT foxhole took a direct mortar hit! Those times seemed to bring to the forefront, people like your father and mine, and countless others, who engaged in incredible acts of bravery, like nothing, on a daily, if not hourly basis. My father is also gone, and I have his simple Timex, on a band he made himself, out of sterling silver, and as has been noted, is in the same "priceless" category of your father's Daytona.

Thank you for sharing such a personal story and the photo's/letter, as well.

We must never forget those days......and the sacrifices made by so many......so that a World War never erupts again........

G-d bless all those who died for our freedom, and may you always have your father in your heart, and close to you, especially when his Daytona is on your wrist!

I am hoping, one day, my son will wear my Daytona, and feel that connection to me, once I am gone......and that he will feel like I am still with him, looking out for him, guiding him, with my watch on his wrist......

[PHDX2]

Fantastic story. Thanks for sharing!

[RRGHOST1]

Padi i love your posts, your own and many of the posts you reply to. That is a great story, as i too bought a Sub in 1975 for £336, trading my Omega Speedmaster i bought in the late 60's. You are right, you have that Daytona for life,it is priceless. Take care with your health too. You live not too far from me.

[springer]

Very nice Padi. Great story and a great watch.

[TimeToGo]

I hope my son will someday understand your very same words!

Thanks for sharing!

[Lol-x]

Is it fair to say that Rolex are so much more than a device to tell the time?

I think they can be appreciated and represent feelings, memories and achievements on many levels.

[tictocChuck]

Very Nice Story....gives meaning to those precious things that get handed down...and I plan to do the same with my watches when the time comes. I could care less what the market value is of this or that model. Cheers.

[mfer]

A true grail, not able to be bought! Thanks for bumping this back up Peter.

[dsio]

Whoever talked him into the Daytona deserves a beer or two, that's an amazing heirloom.

[RoleXavier]

Great post Padi.

Made me remember my Dad's "Coke" GMT, he bought in the early 70's, but I never got to wear cause he lost it to the sea

saving my sister's life.

But because, I still wanted to have that feeling of owning and wearing something that my father wore on his wrist, I bought him a

116710LN, for his 70th Birthday!!

So he can use it and scratch it and dent it as he pleases!!! In due time, someday that GMT-II will be "bequeath" to me.

As you can see, In a way, It is me, the one that longs to have that "once in a lifeltime" feeling, of receiving and wearing something that

belonged to my father...

[Welshwatchman]

It's what you call a true priceless Rolex.