How long did you wait to purchase your first Rolex?

[Buttercup]

I'm curious... after deciding on the exact watch you wanted, how long did you wait until you purchased it? Did you already have the money set aside or did your savings begin at that point? Was it for a special occasion or "just because"?

I'll start:

1) By the time I take possession of my watch, it will be about 2 1/2 years from the time I first decided I had to have it until the time that I'm wearing it.

2) I didn't have the money set aside and started a special savings fund for it once I decided on the model I wanted (my avatar - 178341 chocolate dial with scattered diamond bezel and oyster bracelet).

3) Long story short, my 43rd birthday has very special significance and I'm gifting it to myself for that occasion (this November).

[FTX I]

Many years. In fact I had to wait until they decided that people with small wrists were part of society that deserved a bracelet with more removable links. While I was waiting, I built a solid Omega collection in late nineties till 2010 (great years for Omega), that unfortunately I don't have anymore.

[Vincent65]

31 years, from birth! Joking aside, once I decided I wanted one, it was a few months before I got it.

[sgmgolf]

I was 35 years old, bought an Explorer II White dial 16570 and paid cash to get a better deal and save on sales tax. I had wanted one for about 15 years.
Congrats in advance on yours....it looks terrific! Enjoy in good health.
Cheers

[brandrea]

I did a lot of research and when I was ready, I pulled the trigger. I already had the funds set aside.

[mmalek1]

1 month before I turned 25. I went in for a citizen watch, but came out with my sub . June 4, 2007 :)

[rmfnla]

I got a call in (about) 1974 from a friend asking if I wanted to buy his Submariner for $175.

I waited about .5 seconds before saying yes...

[flw]

I waited about thirty years. I briefly had an Omega Constellation, given to me by my father, when I was in college. It disappeared when I sent it to be serviced (to this day I'm convinced it was stolen by the watch repair shop - not an Omega service center).

At any rate, my Grail watch was always a Submariner, but I never thought I could get one since I just didn't have the money. A few months ago, though, I was able to get an Omega Seamaster (I always wanted another Omega, to redeem myself for losing the first one), and then last week I finally bought the Sub. I have a very happy wrist, even if my bank account has lost a good deal of weight!

[GradyPhilpott]

I went to the AD in 2008, and within 15 seconds of trying on the Explorer 114270, I knew that was the watch for me and put a down payment on it.

Later in the day, I came back with the balance and put the watch on and wore it home.

I've never been quite the same since.

[breitlings]

3 decades.

[Jd Swiper]

The first time I've seen and knew I wanted one was when I was 20 years old. A valet at a fancy restaraunt in Providence, R.I.... One night a guy came in driving this new Black Vette, a gorgeous brunette in the passenger seat, classy Black suit, and a YG Sub with a blue face and Diamond bezel!! Boy did that thing shine. I knew at that moment someday I too would have one also. It took me almost 17 years but I finally got my tt GMT!! I could of purchased one earlier but I guess their were other toys I wanted more. I feel like a lucky man now, I have all the toys and now my first Rolex!!

[Eric Chan]

My first Rolex (Datejust 16234) in 2004 as a gift from my Mother.

I had wanted one since the beginning of 2003 as that is when I started to develop an interest in watches. Taking into account the cost of the Datejust and my financial situation back then, I knew that I could not afford to buy one and would need to save up. So I started to save up on a monthly basis (small amounts) hoping that one day, I would be able to purchase one. In 2004, our family was able to overcome a financial problem and to celebrate, my Mother took me shopping and bought the Datejust for me on July 27, 2004. To this date, I still remember that day as if it happened yesterday. I tried to give her the money I saved for the watch (still was not enough for the purchase), but she refused to take it.

Sorry, for the long-winded response as I always get sentimental when asked about my first Rolex. The short answer is about a year and a half, but would have been probably closer to 3 years if my Mother did not purchase it for me back then.

[adawil2002]

I decided on the spot in 1985. It was between a SS Datejust with a white gold bezel or an Explorer II with a white face. Both watches were the same price. Tried both on, and went with the Explorer II. The best watch investment I've made. It's my favorite and I wear it almost every day.

I eventually bought a SS WG bezel DJ too, but years later.

[spinter]

I got my EXP a month ago, @ age 36, new from AD after having researched it for about 2 years. I really like it's understated elegance. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1422556826.690436.jpg

[toneafficianado]

45 years but then I got my second one a few months later because of the feeling that the first one gave me [still does!.]

[Toondoug]

I've waited all my life,I'm 63 and got my sub last xmas and wear it every day

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Toondoug

I've waited all my life,I'm 63 and got my sub last xmas and wear it every day

Awesome!

[Brushpup]

Great stories so far guys!

Once I decided to take the plunge I struggled for a few months, but always came back to the GMT 16710. The new one was out, but I liked the Red/Black. Ultimately found a deal on a solid black on the last 16710 that dealer would ever get. Was 38 YO by this time, so it took a while to get there.

[dabbotjordan]

Looked in the window at an AD in 2002,I didn't know much about Rolex watches,i knew I didn't want a sub,so bought a seadweller,in and out with in 20 minutes. Job done.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by dabbotjordan

Looked in the window at an AD in 2002,I didn't know much about Rolex watches,i knew I didn't want a sub,so bought a seadweller,in and out with in 20 minutes. Job done.

Interesting that you chose SD. We're you against the Sub because lots of people wore it?

[AK797]

I avoided Rolex for a long time and bought a few other brands first but once I decided on a Rolex I researched and bought one after 3 months. With my latest Rolex I have done the exact same thing, decided I wanted it in October and did 3 months of researching and waiting for surety and then I bought it in Jan.

[Fozzy]

I was 35, always wanted a Sub after being a Bond fan. I couldn't justify putting Sub money on a watch so I decided I was going to go for a Omega PO 2500 instead.

I walked into my nearest AD and tried on the PO, lovely watch. The sales woman then asked if I liked Rolex?, I told her of my love for Subs.

She brought it over, once I put in on my wrist I knew I would be taking it home. I still have difficulty trying to pin point what swayed me, the realisation of a boyhood dream more than likely, though I loved the way the bezel felt when I turned it in comparison to the PO.

Anyway, I'm 40 in a few weeks and have a brand new 3750.50 bought in Dec sitting ready for that day.

Any year is a good year for your 1st.

[VICI]

I found out about Rolex when I was like 10. Once I was in a place to buy, I walked into an AD.

Wish I found this forum sooner

[dave_dave]

8 months - had to wait two month before AD had it in stock and about 6 month of justifying to myself why i should buy the rollie.

[watchwatcher]

Not long at all...I saw and fell in love with a steel DJ when I was shopping for an engagement ring for my (then) future wife...thought about it and went back in a couple of days and bought it. After, of course, I got the ring.

[Buttercup]

These are great stories so far. Thanks for sharing! I love the wide variety of answers, and of course that in the end everyone fulfilled their dream :)

[Vaxe]

At 22, worked in oceanography research and was often miles out in the Pacific. Got really tired of having to take this off before every dive, so I walked to the AD down the street from campus and bought a 14060M as my first Rolex.

Put the TAG in the Rolex box and walked out with the Sub on the wrist.

[Jim Smyth]

I was in my early 20's when I got my first Rolex Datejust. Kept trading up to a President by age 26. Got married at age 27, sold the President and was Rolex less till 2013. 27 years without a Rolex. I am now on Rolex #7 (Only own 1 Rolex currently) and have loved the ride.

[RazorD]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

I got a call in (about) 1974 from a friend asking if I wanted to buy his Submariner for $175.

I waited about .5 seconds before saying yes...

So jealous.... :)

[Headshrinker]

Worked in an AD as a youth in highschool, and bought a 1680 Sub within a year. I waited until I was 55 years-old before I purchased my Grail. Although, I had the money in my early twenties (Pro Cyclist), I think subconsciously, I did not want to compete with my Dad's Date-Just he so loved.