Bit the bullet and got my first Rolex

[epicGMT]

Finally one of my dreams came true and I got my first Rolex. First I was planning to buy a brand new SS Date, white gold fluted bezel (115234) with pink dial and all, but it would have taken till June before the AD I contacted would have gotten one for me. I had already lurked here for a bit at that time and started considering a pre-owned one - maybe I would be able to get a nice deal on a TT DJ 16233 from somewhere, the precise model I had fallen in love with all those years ago.

I did, at least I found something I dared to order and did not think I was getting ripped off from the overall price point of view. I also managed to put the order in a day before the shop upped their pre-owned stock by over 20% across the board.

Paid through wire, waited, waited, waited, weekend, damn and on monday FedEx guy called where to stash the box since nobody seemed to be around.

This was what was waiting for me:


This tool would surely be approppriate for opening the box:


Oh, hey, a receipt:


Bubbles bubbles everywhere, but no time to pop them now, that will have to be later:


Almost there:


Ahhhhh:


Up close and personal:


My camera and shooting arrangements really do not do justice on how awesome and unused it looks when held. It was sold as a 1997, serial and bracelet codes place it somewhere from 94 till 97 (W and V2 respectively) so it is close enough.

There was a snag though, it has 12 links on top and 8 links bottom and my wrist is colossal. It is very very tight and I ordered a couple of links from the nearest AD where the ckloksmith was very cool and promised to send me a couple of steel links to tide me over till the actual links arriwe - as a loan, no charge

And I am happy for the purchase, but now I want another one. Maybe a nice GMT IIc or a Sea Dweller, I really could use a colossal watch for my colossal wrist. The next time I will not be in such a hurry to get it, having one already increases patience.

Oh yeah, thanks for all the helpful info available on this forum, a must visit place for anyone contemplating on getting a rolex or owning a whole bunch of them. The picture threads here rule!

Edit: Messed the pictures, I hope they show now.