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OysterDavid · 15 September 2006, 08:38 AM

Well, I've visited the other Rolex sites and forums, but really, this one seems to be the friendliest, so I thought I'd register.

My obsession/relationship with Rolex ownership passed the 30 year mark back in May. It was May of '76 when a 24 year old received a $400 tax refund and decided to write to Bucherer in Lucerne where he first looked at a Rolex while vacationing with his parents 8 years prior.

They sent back a proposal, clipping pictures of the watches, giving me about 5 choices. I chose the DATE 1500 with Oyster bracelet and silver dial. The price? $240. And I had to pay about $12 in duty to the post office. I remember leaving work early to get to the post office to pick up the package. I opened it in the car, used a paper clip to try and adjust the clasp size, and promptly lost the springbar when it 'sproinged' away and behind the back seat. So it was another day when I could get to a jeweler shop to purchase a spring bar and start wearing it. I still wear the watch. I've had it serviced both here and twice sent it to Rolex Geneva for overhaul. I've acquired two more dials for it...a black stick in Switzerland back in '89 and a blue stick purchased in Hong Kong in '96. I purchased a Jubilee bracelet for it as well (back when Rolex still made the 19mm SS Jubilee). So with all of the change possibilities, I figure I've got about 6 different watches with that one.

I purchased a 15037 DATE (14K solid) on the Swiss visit in '89 with an Oyster bracelet. Because of my wrist size (small) Bucherer took out a link from the riveted bracelet.

Life's had its ups and downs through the years, and it was only in the past two months that I made an effort to see what's shakin' with Rolex on the internet...and boy has it been fun! It was on these forums that I saw pictures of the two toned Yachtmaster mid size model, and so last week pulled the trigger on a gently used model, and for watch number 3, it's a keeper. The 40mm would be too big on me, but this one fits great.

My fascination with Rolex began like some others, through reading the Ian Flemming James Bond books back in the 60's. I figured it was OK to get the watch, but not the Baretta. My dad had what I now know to be a bubbleback with a salmon colored dial from the post WWII era. That was his daily watch, and I remember him sending it to NY Rolex for servicing and being thrilled they offered to sell him an Oyster bracelet to replace the original leather strap. In a fit of I don't know what, he sold that watch in the 80's for $600 to one of those services advertising 'WE BUY USED ROLEX'. Now that he's passed on, I would have loved to have had that watch.

There you go. Probably much more than you'd want to know about a newly registered member.

Thanks for the forum, and I look forward to reading and occasionally posting in this friendly place.

Aloha.

Otis · 15 September 2006, 08:51 AM

Welcome David, it really is a great place to hang around!
Thanks for the story too, always like hearing how people have enjoyed their watches over the years, it was a good read.
Oh... and $240?...... I hate you......

It's amazing to see how far things have come!

So, stick around and post some pics of your watches, we love vintage

Launch Mini · 15 September 2006, 08:55 AM

Welcome aboard.
Great way to introduce yourself. If you didn't give us all this info now, we would be asking way too many questions later.

Don't be afraid to post away.
I think your only about 17,050 behind JJ

Gedanken · 15 September 2006, 12:47 PM

Welcome aboard, David - I'm glad you found us!

Great stories, although it's a shame that your dad got rid of the bubbleback - keep 'em coming.

C.J. · 15 September 2006, 02:12 PM

That was a fabulous story, David

Thanks for sharing it with us. Welcome to TRF, we look forward to hearing more from you

Uncle-AJ · 15 September 2006, 03:33 PM

Welcome to TRF Dave.

JJ Irani · 15 September 2006, 05:03 PM

Hi David,

Very nice first story and a great way to introduce yourself on this forum!!

Just keep posting away and possibly some pics of your watches too.

Thanks and cheers - JJ

padi56 · 15 September 2006, 05:42 PM

Great story and first post David,welcome to TRF the friendliest on the net.

mailman · 15 September 2006, 06:40 PM

Great story David. Very glad that you stumbled upon us. How about some pics of your trio of beauties?

15 September 2006, 08:43 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Prince · 15 September 2006, 08:48 PM

Welcome to TRF, David. Did you say "group hug"?

Rockrolex · 15 September 2006, 10:26 PM

Let me add my welcome to TRF, David. Glad you decided to join our merry madhouse. And thanks for introducing yourself with that wonderful story. It goes to show you, it's now how many you own, it's how well you own them.

Do stick around and post often. You sound like good people, and we can always use some of them, especially to counter some of the others, like our sheep shagging BKL from down under.

Otis · 15 September 2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

like our sheep shagging BKL from down under.

Hey listen, don't sully the good term of 'down under' by applying it to NZ...I New Zealand should be referred to as "somewhere down...you know, past that other country, Wheresitat?"

Rockrolex · 16 September 2006, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otis

Hey listen, don't sully the good term of 'down under' by applying it to NZ...I New Zealand should be referred to as "somewhere down...you know, past that other country, Wheresitat?"

I apologize, Otis. But from here, you people all look alike to us.

C.J. · 16 September 2006, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

It goes to show you, it's now how many you own, it's how well you own them.

:

Great line, Ed

tcsajit · 16 September 2006, 02:18 AM

Welcome to TRF, David, Best wishes always!!

Otis · 16 September 2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I apologize, Otis. But from here, you people all look alike to us.

There's an easy way to tell the difference... Whenever a sheep enters the room you know a New Zealander will follow.

Rockrolex · 16 September 2006, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otis

There's an easy way to tell the difference... Whenever a sheep enters the room you know a New Zealander will follow.

Are you sure it isn't the other way around?

Pete · 16 September 2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

Are you sure it isn't the other way around?

haha im still laughing

great to have ya here and me as well as everyone else would love to see some pics of ur vintage. welcome to TRF!!

Pete

roadcarver · 16 September 2006, 01:23 PM

Welcome aboard... enjoyed reading your story. All of us are always anxious to open up new packages.

$240 for a Rolex back in the days is unbelievable. I heard before too that the old DRSD 1665 were originally costing $500 or so only! Wow! Now they're going for over 12K!

amanda · 19 September 2006, 08:22 PM

Thanks for sharing your story David, was a great read for sure

I have only been on this site for a few weeks and am already adding my 2cents worth all over the place

without a doubt TRF is the best forum by far!

Enjoy your magnificent Yachtie when it arrives, we love photos here...

15 September 2006, 08:38 AM	#1
OysterDavid Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: S F Bay Area Posts: 621	Can I get a group Hug? Well, I've visited the other Rolex sites and forums, but really, this one seems to be the friendliest, so I thought I'd register. My obsession/relationship with Rolex ownership passed the 30 year mark back in May. It was May of '76 when a 24 year old received a $400 tax refund and decided to write to Bucherer in Lucerne where he first looked at a Rolex while vacationing with his parents 8 years prior. They sent back a proposal, clipping pictures of the watches, giving me about 5 choices. I chose the DATE 1500 with Oyster bracelet and silver dial. The price? $240. And I had to pay about $12 in duty to the post office. I remember leaving work early to get to the post office to pick up the package. I opened it in the car, used a paper clip to try and adjust the clasp size, and promptly lost the springbar when it 'sproinged' away and behind the back seat. So it was another day when I could get to a jeweler shop to purchase a spring bar and start wearing it. I still wear the watch. I've had it serviced both here and twice sent it to Rolex Geneva for overhaul. I've acquired two more dials for it...a black stick in Switzerland back in '89 and a blue stick purchased in Hong Kong in '96. I purchased a Jubilee bracelet for it as well (back when Rolex still made the 19mm SS Jubilee). So with all of the change possibilities, I figure I've got about 6 different watches with that one. I purchased a 15037 DATE (14K solid) on the Swiss visit in '89 with an Oyster bracelet. Because of my wrist size (small) Bucherer took out a link from the riveted bracelet. Life's had its ups and downs through the years, and it was only in the past two months that I made an effort to see what's shakin' with Rolex on the internet...and boy has it been fun! It was on these forums that I saw pictures of the two toned Yachtmaster mid size model, and so last week pulled the trigger on a gently used model, and for watch number 3, it's a keeper. The 40mm would be too big on me, but this one fits great. My fascination with Rolex began like some others, through reading the Ian Flemming James Bond books back in the 60's. I figured it was OK to get the watch, but not the Baretta. My dad had what I now know to be a bubbleback with a salmon colored dial from the post WWII era. That was his daily watch, and I remember him sending it to NY Rolex for servicing and being thrilled they offered to sell him an Oyster bracelet to replace the original leather strap. In a fit of I don't know what, he sold that watch in the 80's for $600 to one of those services advertising 'WE BUY USED ROLEX'. Now that he's passed on, I would have loved to have had that watch. There you go. Probably much more than you'd want to know about a newly registered member. Thanks for the forum, and I look forward to reading and occasionally posting in this friendly place. Aloha.

15 September 2006, 08:51 AM	#2
Otis "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2006 Real Name: Urs Location: QLD AU Watch: Omega x 2 Posts: 2,046	Welcome David, it really is a great place to hang around! Thanks for the story too, always like hearing how people have enjoyed their watches over the years, it was a good read. Oh... and $240?...... I hate you...... It's amazing to see how far things have come! So, stick around and post some pics of your watches, we love vintage __________________ Rock the Casbah!

15 September 2006, 08:55 AM	#3
Launch Mini "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Canada, eh Watch: can I? Posts: 6,241	Welcome aboard. Great way to introduce yourself. If you didn't give us all this info now, we would be asking way too many questions later. Don't be afraid to post away. I think your only about 17,050 behind JJ __________________ Something witty to go here. Member # 293

15 September 2006, 12:47 PM	#4
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Welcome aboard, David - I'm glad you found us! Great stories, although it's a shame that your dad got rid of the bubbleback - keep 'em coming. __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

15 September 2006, 02:12 PM	#5
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	That was a fabulous story, David Thanks for sharing it with us. Welcome to TRF, we look forward to hearing more from you __________________ Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there

15 September 2006, 03:33 PM	#6
Uncle-AJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Real Name: Adrian Location: Bolton, UK. Watch: Daytona 116520 Posts: 6,844	Welcome to TRF Dave. __________________ A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.........Segal's Law Member #10

15 September 2006, 05:03 PM	#7
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Hi David, Very nice first story and a great way to introduce yourself on this forum!! Just keep posting away and possibly some pics of your watches too. Thanks and cheers - JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!! Last edited by JJ Irani; 15 September 2006 at 06:42 PM..

15 September 2006, 05:42 PM	#8
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 52,234	Great story and first post David,welcome to TRF the friendliest on the net. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

15 September 2006, 06:40 PM	#9
mailman TRF Moderator & DATE-JUST41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,357	Great story David. Very glad that you stumbled upon us. How about some pics of your trio of beauties? __________________ JJ

15 September 2006, 08:43 PM	#10
---- Guest Posts: n/a	Welcome to the forum!

15 September 2006, 08:48 PM	#11
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Welcome to TRF, David. Did you say "group hug"? __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

15 September 2006, 10:26 PM	#12
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,501	Let me add my welcome to TRF, David. Glad you decided to join our merry madhouse. And thanks for introducing yourself with that wonderful story. It goes to show you, it's now how many you own, it's how well you own them. Do stick around and post often. You sound like good people, and we can always use some of them, especially to counter some of the others, like our sheep shagging BKL from down under. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

16 September 2006, 02:18 AM	#16
tcsajit "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: India Posts: 4	Welcome to TRF, David, Best wishes always!!

16 September 2006, 01:23 PM	#20
roadcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Vernon Location: C-a-n-a-d-a Watch: 16600 Posts: 5,641	Welcome aboard... enjoyed reading your story. All of us are always anxious to open up new packages. $240 for a Rolex back in the days is unbelievable. I heard before too that the old DRSD 1665 were originally costing $500 or so only! Wow! Now they're going for over 12K!

19 September 2006, 08:22 PM	#21
amanda Banned Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,380	Thanks for sharing your story David, was a great read for sure I have only been on this site for a few weeks and am already adding my 2cents worth all over the place without a doubt TRF is the best forum by far! Enjoy your magnificent Yachtie when it arrives, we love photos here...

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