38 years young today and first (proper) visit to AD

[Montybaber]

We have one AD in the county where i live and I have visited once (in passing) about a year ago, like everyone I had been looking to buy my favourite watch (Submariner) before the price rise in November 16

I have looked in the window many times and so I knew I would enter one day to buy a watch, on my first speculative visit I tried to enter and the 'bouncer' let me in, I asked the salesman if he had any Submariners in stock or due in and this was met with a smirk and a polite 'no sir'

In fact I was not even able to add my name to the list! at the time it was just too long and they explained that at that time (pre price increase) the demand was unbelievable, I wonderded up the street to a pre owned dealer and considered buying a s/h Sub at £500 over list but it just didnt feel right for me, I waited for the inevitable increase and afterwards I called the dealer again, this time he was able to add me to their lists

After a few months at the new prices and no calls, I found a 114060 advertised online for £250 under rrp so I went for it, the dealer was great but it was pre owned and arrived in the post, I loved the watch and had no complaints but the special moment I had waited for was being honest a bit of an anticlimax, no pomp/ceremony just a watch in a parcel

After many months of content ownership my AD called out of the blue, it was a week before my 38th birthday and after discussing with the other half we decided 'why not' my 114060 had to make way unfortunately but to be replaced with a watch I wanted in the first instance, it has been a very tough few years for reasons I wont go into and I think I deserve it

I am up early today very excited! My dogs have wished my happy birthday and later I collect my first new Rolex! I have no idea what to expect! Its just collecting a watch I know that but it feels 'right' like everything came together for today, a watch I never thought id own, the 116610LV

I am sure a majority on here will find this post pathetic but remember to some of us buying a Rolex is a special moment

Wish me luck! I will try to get photos at the AD and post them if there is any interest, I know its a long post and thanks for reading

Craig