A Reluctant Post.

[grahamcoxon]

Do you remember your first time?

The first time you became seriously interested in watches? I do.

August 1978, I was 9 years old and I was in Mappin & Webb in London with my Dad (and the rest of the family) as he poured over a Rolex Submariner.

Dad had been in the RAF, a lot of his colleagues took overseas postings and when they returned, many of them had taken advantage of duty free sales and brought a Rolex back with them. He didn't take a posting abroad, preferring to stay in the UK and be near his family. He always said, the minute he could afford one, he'd buy one.

So, fast forward to 1978 and he's stood in the AD deliberating over what was probably the largest purchase he'd ever made after buying a house! Eagerly egged on by his two sons, the sale was made.

I remember being in the back of his Cortina on the way from London and him letting me hold the watch. It felt like the most precious thing I'd ever held. From that minute on, I was hooked.

The Sub was followed by a Brietling, but for me there was only one watch. As I got older my interest in watches turned into buying. Omega, Brietling and Panerais followed, but I always stayed away from Rolex, the reason being that Dad had told me that the Sub was left to me in his will. Buying a Rolex (and God forbid a Submariner) felt a little disrespectful. Earlier on this year I spoke to him about buying a polar 216570 but explained my caution. He thought I was daft and told me to get on with it.

Two weeks later I took the Explorer to show him, he was impressed. But as much as I love the 42mm case, when he passed me his Sub, I knew it still came in 2nd place!

So, why the reluctant post? Three weeks ago my Dad passed away and not wanting to go into the gritty details of his passing, you can see why I'm making this post. Last week I went to see my Mum, she asked if I was ready to take the watch. It felt really strange putting it on my wrist, despite the fact I'd tried it on probably hundreds of times over the previous 35 years. This time it was for good.

I'm now the proud(est) owner of a Rolex Submariner 1680.

I guess you'd like some pics, my photography skills are non existent, so bear with me!



















When I look at this watch on my wrist, it reminds me about a lot of things I admired in my Dad, hard work and determination to name just two.

There's a little bit more to this story. A few months after getting the watch, he noticed it was keeping terrible time (I can't remember the exact details), the watch was taken into the local Mappin & Webb (Harrogate) and sent to Rolex for a FOC service. Dad was far from pleased at losing the watch for six weeks so soon into his ownership. When the watch was returned, it's time keeping was just as bad and Rolex agreed to exchange it for a stock model from Harrogate.

I mentioned this story to Dad only a couple of years ago as I seemed to recall that the replacement watch was different to the original one. I had the thought that the first watch was a 5513. My Dad turned to me and said no, the original was a date model (he loved his watches, but didn't have a WIS level of interest), but the only difference was some red writing on the face! I think my look may have given something away, but I didn't say anything as Red or White is of no relevance to me, truly for me, this watch is one of a kind.

RIP Noble Ramsay Coxon (My Dad)

[jluger]

Very touching. My father was also in the service, and when he passed, I inherited his watch as well. Nothing as nice as a Rolex Submariner, rather it is a Zodiac, but I will still wear it with pride on occasion.

Thank you for sharing that.

[HL65]

Sorry to hear about your dad. I am sure you will treasure his watch forever. Cheers,

[itchy243mhz]

Great story Sir, and a great watch.
Congratulations

[Robbyvm]

first of all my condolances with your loss.
wear this watch with pride, you'll have your dad with you when you do... keep it in the family to pass it on
beautifull piece !!

[grahamcoxon]

Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate them.

I know the watch was serviced on a couple of occasions and I think the strap may have been replaced in the mid nineties. If anyone an give me some info based on the pictures (service dial?) I'd be grateful.

[turpe]

As you rightly suggest, a dozen Red Subs from strangers wouldn't have the value of this white one from your father. It's a beautiful watch.

On another note, I have to ask - the Graham Coxon?

[Vincent65]

Sorry for the loss of your father. That is a wonderful story, and a truly great and special watch. Enjoy it with pride, and in the best of health.

[s4dan]

Welcome and thanks for sharing how you came to be the next guardian of that fabulous 1680.

So many similarities of how I inherited my dads Sub, not far from this time last year. Sure you're like me and see your dad every time you put the Sub on...it's so special to be able to wear something everyday the same as they did.

Thoughts are with you at this time.

[Paulie 50]

I'm sure that every time you glance at your watch you smile, and remember your father very fondly and with the utmost pride. Never take it off your wrist, unless to pass on to your child.

[baldyspoon]

Sorry for the loss of your Father, that watch is great and looks in fantastic condition for it's age.

[Brushpup]

What a story. We have seen some really good ones lately but this one is really touching. Sorry for you losing your Father, but it's so nice of you to honor him this way.

Great post.

[Grissom]

Cherish the memories as you wear the watch! Sorry for your loss.....

[sfglenrock]

Really sorry to hear about your loss. Wearing your dad's beautiful sub is a great way to honor him and keep him with you. Wear it proudly.

[sleddog]

First, sorry to hear about the passing of your father.

As for the watch, boy is it a beaut, and appears in almost flawless condition for it's age!!!
This is one piece worth far more than it's weight in gold, hold on tight and cherish every moment with it.....

Thanks for sharing.

[Kingair]

Sorry to hear about the passing of your father . . .

But he left you a great watch . . . wear it proudly !

And keep it in the family . . . it's always a special feeling wearing a special watch ;-)

Greetings

[pdoukas]

I was truly moved by this post! I hope that my son shares the same affinity for my watches as I do when that time comes around. She's a beautiful watch with a legacy that can be passed down from generation to generation. Wear it in good health.

I hate to ask as well, Blur?

Best wishes!

Pete

[Welshwatchman]

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.

The watch is in great condition and, of course, priceless.

[Kobayashi]

Very touching story. Condolences to your family.

[janice&fred]

from the south pacific we offer our condolences.

we are also very pleased knowing that you will find comfort and happiness in wearing your dad's special watch.

best wishes to you and yours!

janice and fred

cebu philippines

[Silvio Mosiello]

Beautiful story. Enjoy that sub for years to come.

[RC2]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

first of all my condolances with your loss.
wear this watch with pride, you'll have your dad with you when you do... keep it in the family to pass it on
beautifull piece !!

X 2. Very well said. The memories are in that watch. Very sorry to hear about his passing. Rich

[AzPaul]

Sorry for your loss, yet thank you so much for your story.
Sharing with us the love and respect you have for your father is a wonderful tribute to him.

[linesiders]

Sorry to hear of your father's passing. I remember well ten years ago for me.

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

first of all my condolances with your loss.
wear this watch with pride, you'll have your dad with you when you do... keep it in the family to pass it on
beautifull piece !!

x3

[Pghwatch]

Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing. Beautiful submariner.

[brkanand]

Great story. Well written. Glad to know that RSC did not hesitate to give your dad another watch.

You dad lives on...now as memories on your wrist.

Thanks for sharing!

[roadie1]

Awesome history and great story! Enjoy the watch in your dads memory!

[Jason71]

Thank you so much for the story. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. May he rest in peace. I can only imagine just how special that watch is to you. It is truly a magnificent watch, and in FANTASTIC condition. Your dad had wonderful taste

[joe100]

Sorry to hear, wear his watch in memory and in good health

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures of this beautiful watch.