From a Timex to a Rolex

[calemasters]

I am not sure why I like watches so much. I suppose it has something to do with the beauty of the mechanical complexity. Sort of a work of art integrated with mechanical genius.

Back in the early '60's, when I was 8 years of age, my aunt and uncle gave me my first watch for Christmas. It was beautiful. It was a Timex. The best Christmas present. Ever! To my young mind, my Timex was the best watch in the world.

After I had the watch for a few weeks, my Mom told me that while the Timex was a good watch, it was not the best watch in the world. I could not believe what I was hearing. I was angry. After all, John Cameron Swayze use to strap a Timex to the propeller of an outboard boat engine, and crank it up in a transparent tank of water. The Timex "took a licking and kept on ticking". How could any other watch company beat that?

I had a need to test the watch myself. I conducted several watch "drop test" at various heights,with the help of my sister. The Timex really could take a licking. Up to a certain height, at least. I had to know what made a watch tick. Inquiring minds want to know. With some difficulty, I was able to remove the back of the Timex. I was absolutely intrigued by what I saw inside the watch. I molested some of the internal parts and then reinstalled the watch back. I suppose I did not get the back fully seated because, as I found out the next day, the watch was no longer "water resistant". I loved my first watch. But at the age of 8, I was its worst enemy.

Since then, I have owned several watches. Each one special to me. Many Seiko watches, and a Tag Heuer [automatic] chronometer. The Tag was a very nice watch, but for what ever reason, it just never "did it" for me. I know it was because the Tag was a compromise. I wanted a Rolex, but settled for the Tag. I have learned not to compromise. Compromise does not work for me.

Fast forward to last Saturday. I, along with my wife and daughter, took a trip the the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Ca. We had a nice lunch at the Rain Forrest Cafe. However, I was a little distracted, because I was on a mission. A mission to own a Rolex. Over the past several years, when passing by a jewelry store at the mall, if they had a Rolex displayed in the window, I would always stop and look. Some times, I would even go inside and ask to see a Submariner. The jewelry stores would have some Rolex models, but they were limited on their inventory.

Enter the "Flagship" store. A Rolex boutique, by Baron & Leeds. Rolex watches every where. Hundreds of them. I had never seen anything like this store. I was in Rolex heaven. It was like a dream. What a concept! They had models that I did not know existed. Of course, they just happen to have a 116613LB Submariner. Beautiful. Perfect in every way. How could I resist? I was treated with the utmost respect, and after about 30 minutes, I walked out with my first Rolex. I could not help but remember the feeling was very much like when I received my first watch. Only better.

As for the Rolex, I do not plan on conducting any drop test, or taking the watch apart. I like it just the way it is. And I am sure Rolex appreciates this.

Allen

[SaddleSC]

Congratulations! Great story...where are the pics?

[dddrees]

Great story, and I am glad to hear you don't plan on taking this one apart.

Congrats.

[azguy]

Welcome and congratulations

[redsea10021]

Yes, nice story and congratulations!

[316lad]

Great story.
Welcome to TRF.

[blama215]

Congrats on your new Sub, I have been to Baron & Leeds many times what a great Rolex boutique.

[Lion]

Allen, Welcome to the Forum and I enjoyed your story...I too have always liked watches and can remember my first one. I never took it apart because my folks said...don't do it. I had always wanted a GMT Pepsi for over 45 years and the day I bought mine I can remember like it was yesterday. It has been on my wrist ever since and everyday I marvel at the quality and appearance of that "grail watch". Now with the assistance(read enabling)of this Forum I would like to get a few more.....damn this place!!!

[HL65]

Welcome to the forum and congrats!

[Bruno C]

Congrats buddy!
Any pic??

[HACKNSACK44]

Congrats!!

[eric23]

Congrats!

[SS Oyster]

Yep - love Rolex and that store at South Coast. If you can afford such a nice sub, why can't you afford a camera or even smart phone with camera? Just kidding, but we'd love to see pictures of your new beauty!

[nauticajoe]

Welcome & Congrats! Now let's see the wrist shots.

[chicagofan]

Congrats! Welcome to TRF.

[TheVTCGuy]

Many many congrats Allan, and I (probably all of us) can relate to your love of watches instinct and it starting at an early age. I think I was about 8 as well, and my first was some watch that began with a G... I don't even remember the name... Anyway, I am very happy for you and congratulations again. BUT... There is a rule we have here on TRF... so I suggest you take some pics of your lovely new Rolex and post em up here because:


PICS, OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!!!!!

[vukotab]

Beautiful story! Welcome to TRF!

[Cru Jones]

Great post! Welcome! We like pix around here......

[calemasters]

[Oyster Junkie]

NICE!!!!!!

here is its green brother and cousins saying hello:

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Congrats Allen! Nice story and welcome to TRF.

[z32turbo]

Congrats on the TT SubC. Welcome to the forum.

[joejitsu]

Congratulations Allen.

[ChristianN]

Great story and great watch. Wear it and enjoy it in good health!

[Widows Son]

Great story!!! My first watch was a mechanical Seiko World Time from the late 60's. I got it when I was in about the 7TH grade from a family friend who bought it when he was overseas in Vietnam. I still have it, had it overhauled, and still wear it to this day.

[franzy]

What a great story, Enjoy the Rolex. I am with you on "compromising". I have flipped 16 watches in the last 2 years. I have a Seiko that is staying on the wrist until I buy my first Rolex. Of course my wife buys us a house that really messed up my plans.

[GeoGio Greece]

Congrats, enjoy

[GradyPhilpott]

[Singslinger]

Nice story, great watch!

[dysondiver]

very similar story ,, same age , timex etc , except ive owned a few rolex now ,,,but i still remember my first timex ,,,, good health to enjoy your new rolex.