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Soarteeth · 21 September 2019, 04:51 AM

My Rolex story started with a Oyster Perpetual as a high school graduation gift from my parents. Being a 17 year old beach bum I didn't appreciated the value of the gift at that time, that is until I lost it while water skiing a few months later.

Too scared to tell my parents what had happened, I avoided any mention of the watch. I worked the rest of the summer and put together most of my savings to buy a replacement. I wore this watch during my college years and by the time I finished grad school it was pretty beat up.

A little over a year after my graduation my parents were planning a trip to Hong Kong to visit relatives and my mom was going to see a jewler she knew. I decided to buy my own graduation present this time and had my mother bring back a Datejust for me.

Fast forward 20 years and our 18 year old son was tied up into an addiction problem and started stealing from us. We were able to confront him about his addiction quickly enough and get him the help he needed to stop it and he has been clean for the last 15 years. Sadly my Rolex was one of the first things missing, but it was a small price to pay for his 15 years of sobriety.

Early on I used to think of that watch as a symbol of my failure as a father in raising my son, reminding me of what he'd taken from his mother and I. Over the past few years I've been able to lessen the stigma attached to it and put it behind me.

I recently retired and decided again to buy myself a watch (after finishing all the post retirement projects my wife had planned). The world of Rolex has certainly changed over the past 30-40 years. I went into the local AD (SoCal) to try on a Datejust 41 and a Sea-Dweller which of course the didn't have either one. The very nice sales lady was happy to put me on their waiting list with no idea as to how long it might be.

What would you suggest as to how to purchase a Rolex? I'm looking at either a Datejust 41 with a black face, Jubilee (gold and steel), fluted bezel or a Sea-Dweller Oystersteel.

Should I place my name on as many AD lists as possible andi wait it out or check the classified ads daily on this forum? Would you take a trip overseas and try to find one in Hong Kong or Japan? I'm not in a big hurry but want to make sure I'm paying for the real thing and not run into problems in the future. I prefer BNIB or close to it, and the best $$ possible.

Thanks in advance

Frank98 · 21 September 2019, 06:36 PM

There is nothing wrong with visiting other AD's, asking them for the watches or joining the waitlist.

brandrea · 21 September 2019, 06:51 PM

First of all, welcome to the forum

Congratulations to your son, it’s not easy and I’m happy to hear he’s doing well.

As for your watch purchase, I’d work through an AD. I wouldn’t think the DJ would take too long, but the SD might be more difficult to get.

Best of luck

Henry F. · 21 September 2019, 06:59 PM

I'd look around in your area and go on a list...waiting shouldn't be too long.

SearChart · 21 September 2019, 09:10 PM

Welcome! Quite the story, and I'm happy that your son has been sober for so long now!

Best of luck with sourcing your Rolex, I think you shouldn't have too much trouble with the DJ41.

vesnyder · 21 September 2019, 09:20 PM

Thanks for sharing the story - not easy - and good luck finding your Rolex!

JR16 · 22 September 2019, 10:44 AM

Thanks for sharing your story, I’m sure it wasn’t easy to type.

Besides AD hunting, another option to see both watches in person and try them on (to help you decide which you prefer) would be to find a trusted seller in your area who will meet you in person or who has a brick and mortar store. Then depending on price you can decide whether to buy from a TS or wait it out on the waiting lists.

Good luck w your hunt!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

M45 · 22 September 2019, 10:53 AM

Lost a watch, not a son. Seems like a fair trade.

Dbay118 · 22 September 2019, 11:29 PM

Go to nearby stores and get on their lists but pick one you enjoyed the staff at the most and stop in twice a month if possible to show you really are local and serious and not a flipper. That’s what I did, didn’t take a long to get a call from a SA that knew what I wanted based off of us just talking when I came in to chat. Of course it doesn’t hurt to buy other things to be a “existing” customer. Just don’t buy anything you wouldn’t be buying anyways

Tlon · 23 September 2019, 12:21 AM

Very nice story!

ademarco · 23 September 2019, 11:06 AM

I’m in Socal as well and was told by local AD boutique if I bought the day date chocolate dial, then I could get pretty much any watch I desired. The SA stated they don’t have a list, but order based on purchase history, which seems to be mostly PM, that shows you support the AD.

I told him I understood how business works since their overhead must be high and thanked him for his honesty. He explained that if I ever want to get a watch with my name on the card, then I would need to start building the relationship with the chocolate dial day date. Later I went online and bought what I wanted from a trusted dealer here on TRF.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

mendoncam · 23 September 2019, 11:32 AM

good job. that is a bunch of BS from a sales associate. not everyone has nearly 40k CAD to purchase a day date before getting a ss model or tt model. which one did you get from the dealer on TRF?

AF_Rob · 23 September 2019, 11:34 AM

Welcome and thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad to hear you and your family are doing well.

I wouldn't imagine you would wait long for two tone DJ.

I hope you find what you are looking for soon!

Sunny Arizona · 23 September 2019, 11:46 AM

Been there and done that. My son graduates from Arizona State in December. 1-2 classes at a time.

Soarteeth · 23 September 2019, 12:32 PM

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I made the rounds in my area and stopped at a couple more AD's and called some others. Got pretty much the same response "give us your name and we'll call you". But at one store, for the DJ 41 if I put down a 50% deposit I could order what I wanted and I would receive the watch in 6-8 wks 12 at the most. The SA seemed surprised other AD's weren't offering to place orders. Left on a short vacation today so I have a week to decide.

Can't believe the SA would try to basically extort you into buying a watch you didn't want to "build a relationship". All the SA's I talked to were professional and frank about not knowing when or what they might be receiving (other than at the one AD). Glad you got what you wanted!

James Nye 1982 · 23 September 2019, 06:24 PM

Thanks for sharing your story with us, good luck finding your new watch :)

jimcameron · 23 September 2019, 06:59 PM

Sounds like you are on the upside of life and deserve the watch you want. Many are available in the "used" market, you just have to find the right reseller that is 100% honest. There are several listed in the "watches for sale" section of this forum, and quite a number that can be identified during a internet search. Just make sure you come back to the forum to get the input from other concerned watch enthusiasts. davidsw.com is one that has been around for quite some time. Here in the forum you can get first hand experience from other buyers. Good luck, congratulations on things working out for your son and family.

Soarteeth · 14 December 2020, 09:35 AM

As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer.

I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex.

Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

Oldfellow · 14 December 2020, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soarteeth

As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer.

I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex.

Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

A very touching outcome.
Best wishes and good health, and enjoy both of your Rolexes.

Doc Savage · 15 December 2020, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soarteeth

As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer.

I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex.

Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you were able to source the watch you wanted from one of our TDs here.

That's a touching story with your younger son. It's amazing how much our kids notice, even when we think they don't. What a great surprise!

KonradvonMarburg · 16 December 2020, 12:38 AM

Sounds like your son owes you a Rolex.

Benzsiam · 16 December 2020, 01:15 AM

This is one of the best thread, very touching story and has a happy ending.

Congratulations on your Rolexes and happy family!

Jackie Daytona · 16 December 2020, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soarteeth

As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer.

I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex.

Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

That’s a very touching story. I’m very glad to hear of the obstacles that were overcome throughout as well for your family. Congrats on the new watch as well. We need some pictures of it.

Tangier11 · 16 December 2020, 02:04 AM

Great story. Very happy for your son!!! Get yourself a President and go right on past the stainless steel foolishness!

Rado63 · 16 December 2020, 02:07 AM

I am glad you shared the story and got your new watch with least amount of frustration, go to a trusted reseller.

joli160 · 16 December 2020, 03:26 AM

You certainly deserved it, what a gesture from your youngest.
Be proud of your boys

brandrea · 16 December 2020, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soarteeth

As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer.

I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex.

Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

That’s fantastic! You should be proud of your two sons.

Happy 70th

CaptT · 16 December 2020, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soarteeth

As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer.

I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex.

Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

Amazing, congratulations.

Cgill1982 · 16 December 2020, 05:14 AM

I think the question we all want to know is where were you water skiing? Lol

WatchGuy1966 · 16 December 2020, 06:13 AM

What an amazing story.

I think you beat that stigma with the support and love given to you son - and he's winning the struggle.

Sometimes, it's only partially about the watch.

You deserve 2 watches.

Maybe even one for your son too.

21 September 2019, 04:51 AM	#1
Soarteeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: SoCal Posts: 4	My Rolex story My Rolex story started with a Oyster Perpetual as a high school graduation gift from my parents. Being a 17 year old beach bum I didn't appreciated the value of the gift at that time, that is until I lost it while water skiing a few months later. Too scared to tell my parents what had happened, I avoided any mention of the watch. I worked the rest of the summer and put together most of my savings to buy a replacement. I wore this watch during my college years and by the time I finished grad school it was pretty beat up. A little over a year after my graduation my parents were planning a trip to Hong Kong to visit relatives and my mom was going to see a jewler she knew. I decided to buy my own graduation present this time and had my mother bring back a Datejust for me. Fast forward 20 years and our 18 year old son was tied up into an addiction problem and started stealing from us. We were able to confront him about his addiction quickly enough and get him the help he needed to stop it and he has been clean for the last 15 years. Sadly my Rolex was one of the first things missing, but it was a small price to pay for his 15 years of sobriety. Early on I used to think of that watch as a symbol of my failure as a father in raising my son, reminding me of what he'd taken from his mother and I. Over the past few years I've been able to lessen the stigma attached to it and put it behind me. I recently retired and decided again to buy myself a watch (after finishing all the post retirement projects my wife had planned). The world of Rolex has certainly changed over the past 30-40 years. I went into the local AD (SoCal) to try on a Datejust 41 and a Sea-Dweller which of course the didn't have either one. The very nice sales lady was happy to put me on their waiting list with no idea as to how long it might be. What would you suggest as to how to purchase a Rolex? I'm looking at either a Datejust 41 with a black face, Jubilee (gold and steel), fluted bezel or a Sea-Dweller Oystersteel. Should I place my name on as many AD lists as possible andi wait it out or check the classified ads daily on this forum? Would you take a trip overseas and try to find one in Hong Kong or Japan? I'm not in a big hurry but want to make sure I'm paying for the real thing and not run into problems in the future. I prefer BNIB or close to it, and the best $$ possible. Thanks in advance

14 December 2020, 09:35 AM	#18
Soarteeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: SoCal Posts: 4	Update to my story As an update to my story I was able to find a watch that I purchased from one of the sellers on the forum (Takuya, Rolex 126334). An excellent watch, and great dealer. I recently turned 70 and with Covid-19 raging I celebrated with just my wife and two sons. In a private moment my younger son handed me a gift to open. In the box was an identical Datejust to the one my older son had taken. He said he'd been thinking about this since high school and made a promise to himself that he would one day replace the watch I had lost. I was stunned! Once it was gone I'd made a point not to mention it again. I didn't think my younger son was even aware of the Rolex. My best gift wasn't the Rolex. Both boys are making there own way in world and staying productive in this Covid environment.

16 December 2020, 01:15 AM	#22
Benzsiam 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: USA Watch: Rolex/AP/PP/ALS Posts: 5,922	This is one of the best thread, very touching story and has a happy ending. Congratulations on your Rolexes and happy family! __________________ Rolex: 116621, 126333, 126711CHNR, 114060, 116500LN White, 126660 JC, 126710BLNR, 126710BLRO, 116610LV, 126610LN, 126610LV, 116508 YG Green Dial, 124300 Turquoise, 126719BLRO Meteorite dial, 228235 Olive dial ,126755SARU, 116505 RG Black dial, 326934 Blue Sky D. Audemars Piguet: 15451ST Blue, 15500OR w/Bracelet, 14790SA, 14790BA, 26022BC(Salmon) Patek Philippe: 5524R, 5712G, ALS: Time Zone 136.032, Cartier: WGSA0030, WSSA0061, YG Oct. 2965, Breguet: 7137BA, MontBlanc: 109996", Seiko: SRPA21,

16 December 2020, 02:07 AM	#25
Rado63 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Real Name: Alan Location: Northern, CA Watch: 116334 Posts: 2,215	I am glad you shared the story and got your new watch with least amount of frustration, go to a trusted reseller. __________________ Rolex 116334 126600 228235

16 December 2020, 03:26 AM	#26
joli160 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,355	You certainly deserved it, what a gesture from your youngest. Be proud of your boys __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

21 September 2019, 06:36 PM	#2
Frank98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Real Name: Frank Location: Norway Watch: Rolex 6694 Posts: 13	There is nothing wrong with visiting other AD's, asking them for the watches or joining the waitlist.

21 September 2019, 06:51 PM	#3
brandrea 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 73,713	First of all, welcome to the forum Congratulations to your son, it’s not easy and I’m happy to hear he’s doing well. As for your watch purchase, I’d work through an AD. I wouldn’t think the DJ would take too long, but the SD might be more difficult to get. Best of luck

21 September 2019, 06:59 PM	#4
Henry F. "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Real Name: Henry Location: Switzerland Watch: Omega AT 150 Posts: 269	I'd look around in your area and go on a list...waiting shouldn't be too long.

21 September 2019, 09:20 PM	#6
vesnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Real Name: Vance Location: North Coast Watch: GMT II Posts: 1,445	Thanks for sharing the story - not easy - and good luck finding your Rolex!

22 September 2019, 10:44 AM	#7
JR16 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: USA Posts: 6,188	Thanks for sharing your story, I’m sure it wasn’t easy to type. Besides AD hunting, another option to see both watches in person and try them on (to help you decide which you prefer) would be to find a trusted seller in your area who will meet you in person or who has a brick and mortar store. Then depending on price you can decide whether to buy from a TS or wait it out on the waiting lists. Good luck w your hunt! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

22 September 2019, 10:53 AM	#8
M45 Banned Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: East Bay Area Posts: 551	Lost a watch, not a son. Seems like a fair trade.

22 September 2019, 11:29 PM	#9
Dbay118 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Bay Area CA Posts: 4	Go to nearby stores and get on their lists but pick one you enjoyed the staff at the most and stop in twice a month if possible to show you really are local and serious and not a flipper. That’s what I did, didn’t take a long to get a call from a SA that knew what I wanted based off of us just talking when I came in to chat. Of course it doesn’t hurt to buy other things to be a “existing” customer. Just don’t buy anything you wouldn’t be buying anyways

23 September 2019, 12:21 AM	#10
Tlon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 92	Very nice story!

23 September 2019, 11:06 AM	#11
ademarco "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: CA Watch: 116610LV Posts: 128	I’m in Socal as well and was told by local AD boutique if I bought the day date chocolate dial, then I could get pretty much any watch I desired. The SA stated they don’t have a list, but order based on purchase history, which seems to be mostly PM, that shows you support the AD. I told him I understood how business works since their overhead must be high and thanked him for his honesty. He explained that if I ever want to get a watch with my name on the card, then I would need to start building the relationship with the chocolate dial day date. Later I went online and bought what I wanted from a trusted dealer here on TRF. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

23 September 2019, 11:32 AM	#12
mendoncam "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Toronto Posts: 64	good job. that is a bunch of BS from a sales associate. not everyone has nearly 40k CAD to purchase a day date before getting a ss model or tt model. which one did you get from the dealer on TRF?

23 September 2019, 11:34 AM	#13
AF_Rob "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Rob Location: Virginia Watch: Sub/Polar/OP/BB Posts: 4,510	Welcome and thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad to hear you and your family are doing well. I wouldn't imagine you would wait long for two tone DJ. I hope you find what you are looking for soon!

23 September 2019, 11:46 AM	#14
Sunny Arizona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Brad Location: Colorado Watch: 16613 Posts: 1,255	Been there and done that. My son graduates from Arizona State in December. 1-2 classes at a time.

23 September 2019, 12:32 PM	#15
Soarteeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: SoCal Posts: 4	Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I made the rounds in my area and stopped at a couple more AD's and called some others. Got pretty much the same response "give us your name and we'll call you". But at one store, for the DJ 41 if I put down a 50% deposit I could order what I wanted and I would receive the watch in 6-8 wks 12 at the most. The SA seemed surprised other AD's weren't offering to place orders. Left on a short vacation today so I have a week to decide. Can't believe the SA would try to basically extort you into buying a watch you didn't want to "build a relationship". All the SA's I talked to were professional and frank about not knowing when or what they might be receiving (other than at the one AD). Glad you got what you wanted!

23 September 2019, 06:24 PM	#16
James Nye 1982 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Real Name: James Location: East Sussex Watch: 114300 White Posts: 110	Thanks for sharing your story with us, good luck finding your new watch :)

23 September 2019, 06:59 PM	#17
jimcameron "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ByDawns Earlylite Watch: 16800 Posts: 3,520	Sounds like you are on the upside of life and deserve the watch you want. Many are available in the "used" market, you just have to find the right reseller that is 100% honest. There are several listed in the "watches for sale" section of this forum, and quite a number that can be identified during a internet search. Just make sure you come back to the forum to get the input from other concerned watch enthusiasts. davidsw.com is one that has been around for quite some time. Here in the forum you can get first hand experience from other buyers. Good luck, congratulations on things working out for your son and family.

16 December 2020, 12:38 AM	#21
KonradvonMarburg Banned Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Ontario Posts: 189	Sounds like your son owes you a Rolex.

16 December 2020, 02:04 AM	#24
Tangier11 Banned Join Date: Sep 2017 Real Name: Paul Location: Southern Virginia Watch: ROLEX Posts: 2,544	Great story. Very happy for your son!!! Get yourself a President and go right on past the stainless steel foolishness!

16 December 2020, 05:14 AM	#29
Cgill1982 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: UK Posts: 173	I think the question we all want to know is where were you water skiing? Lol

16 December 2020, 06:13 AM	#30
WatchGuy1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Location Location Posts: 1,750	What an amazing story. I think you beat that stigma with the support and love given to you son - and he's winning the struggle. Sometimes, it's only partially about the watch. You deserve 2 watches. Maybe even one for your son too.

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