The first, closing in on 9999, and a few GMTs along the way

[springer]

Twenty years ago, I purchased my first Rolex, a two-tone DATEJUST "Thunderbird" and a few years later, I traded the Thunderbird for my first GMT-MASTER. I soon discovered my passion for vintage Rolex and it wasn't long before I was adding many nice examples to my collection. I focused most of my collecting endeavors on the GMTs, but have also owned many nice SUBMARINERs, DATEJUSTs and other fine Rolex/Tudor models as well.

At some point, I would discover all that was available on the internet to feed my passion for vintage Rolex - with one of those sites being TRF. After almost eight years, and closing in on post 9999, I was reflecting on the past eight years and thinking how 2008, when I first posted in this forum, seems like yesterday. The friendships I have made here on TRF go without saying - there are way too many to name here. The administrator and moderators are the best and have always been helpful to me no matter what the issue.

One of the questions that I get asked quite often, whether it is a private message here, an email, or at a watch show, always seems to center around GMTs. I've owned dozens and dozens of this wonderful model, and still own many today. Many of these watches now grace the arms of collectors here on TRF and elsewhere. It's nice to see others share the same passion for GMTs that I do and it always puts a smile on my face when talking GMTs with another collector. With that said, a little visual is probably in order from my years of collecting GMTs. Enjoy!

[05carbondrz]

Thanks for the Pictures and answering all my silly GMT questions.

[brandrea]

What an amazing collection of GMT's you have there, absolute stunners

[JustinK]

Great collection!

Thanks for sharing your expertise with all of us. A lot of good information in those 10,000 posts.

[watchyou]

Great GMT collection! One of my favorite Rolex sports watch. Thank you for sharing.

[jban5]

That is an inspiring array of GMT's Thanks for sharing those images and 2x thanks for sharing the information you worked hard to put together.

[Frogman4me]

So many beautiful examples have passed through your hands John! Amazing stuff my friend, congrats :)

[southtexas]

Wow, well done sir!


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[crowncollection]

Some stunners John. Many thanks for your posts and Info, your an asset to the community, cheers to another 10000 posts. 👍👍🍻🍻


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[fizz]

Great post and thanks for sharing your wisdom. Wonderful GMT's in those pictures too!

[morafa4]

Congrats jP and thanks for all your years of service to this little community! Nothing like a little dose of Pepsi to brighten our day - keep fighting the good fight

[etp095]

Wow, that's a stunning collection! Thanks for all the info you provide to the Rolex community. Here's to another 10k

[RC2]

Thanks for the friendship and the watches! Let me know when you visit DC. Rich

[jfmiii]

Truly one of the good guys around here. Thanks John for all your contributions around here and for helping me personally by giving me your expert opinion on many occasions, both publicly and privately!

[incontrol]

Truly amazing! You are a true source of knowledge to all of us.

[mineral]

Excellent collection of GMT. My first new Rolex is also GMT. Love the look of the bezel espcially the pepsi blue and red.

[MitchSteel]

Yup, one can never have too many GMT's

[nsumner]

What a long strange trip it's been. The "Springer" name will always be synonymous with GMT Master to me. Your posts and our conversations are always appreciated, saying and pointing out what many dare to say.

[Dan Pierce]

Congrats and thanks for sharing your knowledge and stunning collection.
dP

[Robbyvm]

thank you for sharing all that knowledge in this community John !! amazing collection of GMT's

[Hi-roller]

Fantastic collection and pics! Thanks for your input to the forum. We're very fortunate to have such knowledgeable and informative members

[Micha]

You are the man!!! Thank you for your valuable insights and your support, your knowledge never ceases to amaze me...Congratulations and btw: Fantastic Collection

[donaker]

Congrats on this great milestone. Your willingness to share your considerable knowledge is what makes this such a great forum!

[JohnBaker3]

Hey John:

I mis-read your thread title and thought you meant you were "closing in" on your 9999th GMT !!!

You have been more than a mentor and friend these past few years; good fortune going into 2016 !!!

John B

[sea-dweller]

Nice collection!

[JohnAndrew]

Beautiful collection John.
You are the GMT lover.
Thanks for all your help.
And congrats!

[lhanddds]

Very nice display John (as expected). It's great to have you here at TRF and you certainly contribute a lot of valuable info. The GMT (vintage) is my favorite watch also.

[springer]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and comments. Not to confuse anyone, the collection has dwindled considerably the past few years - with many of the GMTs posted here gracing the wrists of other collectors now. I still have one of the triplets left - a 1967 model - which is one of my favorites.

One GMT that I forgot to post photos of here is my "daily," a GMT 16750 that gets the most wrist time. I've been wearing this watch for many years and it is worn by me about 99% of the time. It's traveled with me all over the world, and has graced my wrist on all of my of my 1100-mile-rides to Sturgis each year. The dial and hand patina has changed from a light yellow, from when I first started wearing it, to the white patina that now graces the watch. The black insert, has been through many days of wrenching on bikes and cars, yard work, countess nights in the hot tub and all the daily rigors of wearing a watch. It's been a great watch, without issues, and has been serviced once since I've owned it.

Thanks again everyone. It has been a great ride!!!

[lee fowler]

Congrats on 10,000 posts. You are a font of knowledge when it comes to GMT's and I thank you for all your help and expertise, you have certainly given me the bug!

Lee

[Boaters]

Big congrats on 10,000 John .. I know in the short time I have been here you have answered a couple key questions for me and for that I Thank You. Nice looking trio they are all beauties.