About 50 years between service...a son's story

[Kobayashi]

In 2011 I inherited my dads DJ 1601 and took it to Giovanni (RSC) in San Francisco. He opened the back of the case and showed me the serial number. I didn't know much about Rolex at the time and just wrote down the number and never gave it much thought. When I joined TRF I looked at potential manufacturing dates and placed it around 1961, which would coincide with my dads stories.

Growing up I rarely saw him wear it and I never knew him to have it serviced. He did replace the band at one point. This was a special purchase he made for himself after graduating from the US Navy's Submarine School as it was quite an accomplishment after living in poverty and growing up in poor conditions.

When I received the watch from Giovanni it looked just as shiny as I remembered on the rare occasion I saw my dad wearing his watch. It was absolutely amazing and there was a glow in my eye as I looked to the sky with a smile on my face thinking about my dad. I wore it for Christmas that year to remember my dad and to mark his presence with us.

I've since purchased a few more Rolexes but this is by far my most treasured and valued in my collection.

Thanks for listening!

[c-dub]

Lucky, I have worn my late fathers DateJust daily for 20 years. Enjoy it, wear it- let his legacy live on with you. It's special and priceless.

[AmbSteve]

Great story and it is a beauty

[fliphandywork]

Nice watch. It would be nice if my dad appreciated quality watches.

[Rags]

Great story unfortunately my dad did not share the passion that I have for fine timepieces.

[Speed]

Fantastic story.

That's a keeper!

[Widows Son]

Great watch and a greater story!!!!
I wear two of my dad's watches, a Hamilton and a Benrus.

[Kingair]

Great !

Thanks for sharing

HAGS

[hdrazor251]

Great story.

[homathetes]

Nice story, I hope my son will appreciate the watches he will someday receive as you have.

[nauticajoe]

Awesome story!

[Art 1]

Nice.

[crowncollection]

great story well done

[wristybusiness]

great story.

i hope my children will be able to tell the same one many years from now

[Chewbacca]

love these types of stories... cherish it.

[vintagewaferthin]

Very cool story. That is defiantly a great heirloom.

[godowning]

Very nice story

[z32turbo]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[Submarinerman1971]

Very nice story.

[mjclark32]

Great story, thanks for sharing

[Whiskeymike]

When my Dad passed, I got his watch--a plain, mechanical Omega strap watch.
About 10 years later, I sent it off to a watchmaker who liked doing older watches as a preference and had it serviced.
I now have a number of more expensive watches, but none as valuable.

I think I'll wear it today.

Thanks for the story; cherish it in good health.

Bill

[gregdolley]

Cool story, thanks for sharing!

[ingoodtime]

Your story is very touching and I to would have a very special feeling when wearing such an heirloom.I imagine if he had to replace the band, he must have worn the watch more often than you may recall. I would sure love to still be wearing my Rolex some 20 -30 years from now and then pass it on to my family.Of course, who knows if I'll be able to afford maintenance or bracelet replacement when the time comes as the prices seem to be sy outpacing salaries or cost of living adjustments.

[Rolex Freak]

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Wonderful story! You are truly blessed to now own that beautiful DJ that once belonged to your late father... may he rest in peace!

[jorgemussi]

beautiful story!
now just take care of this watch to pass to you son.

[SkyKing31]

I'm wearing my dad's DJ right now

[Beelzy]

Great story!

My Dad (still alive) started out with a passion for fine timepieces, but his enthusiasm has waned and he now wears a Seiko.

Oh well. LOL!

[Frogman4me]

Great story, enjoy!

[cdub81]

Sweet story! Enjoy!