First ever Rolex (CHNR) received today!!

[Slightfade]

First time poster and newly enthused Rolex owner!

My story is that I had always half jokingly discussed with my dad (sadly no longer with us) about getting myself a Rolex “when I deserved one”! Well my 50th is coming up in October this year and I thought why not have a think about it. I have had a couple of nice watches in the past (Oris diver, Omega Seamaster) but nothing at that level before.

Started doing some research a couple of months ago, including lurking on this forum. Had always fancied a GMT as that was the watch I always looked at with my dad when we talked about me getting one one day. Had no idea about the waiting lists etc and just thought I could choose which one and rock up at a store to buy! My research soon made it clear that wouldn’t be happening!

This forum has been invaluable in giving me the knowledge and essentially the strategy to decide how best to approach the task. I also struck lucky in finding an AD that has been fantastic in coming through for me.

Long story short I first went into the AD less than 5 weeks ago. We talked a bit about watches, I explained I was looking for a GMT, the discussions I had had with my dad, my 50th in October, the “research” I had done and the fact I fully appreciated that I would need to wait.

Was half expecting a brush off given some of the AD experiences I have read about on here. Much to my surprise the SA asked me to wait there and went into the back. She returned a few minutes later, to my amazement with a BLRO and a CHNR. She made it clear that these were for other buyers but thought it might help me to decide which one to go for! No guarantees but she thought the best bet for me would be the CHNR (no surprise!) but it would still likely take 3 - 6 months. I had never seen a CHNR before (except on this forum) and, as many have said on here, was very impressed with it in person.

I left having “expressed an interest” in both versions.

Was so impressed with the way I was treated that I went back to the AD a couple of weeks later to order a couple of wedding rings (about £2k in value) which I was going to get from somewhere anyway as it is also my 25th wedding anniversary this month.

Went on holiday on 28 July thinking nothing more of it. Got a call out of the blue on 31 July, whilst I was in Lisbon (actually looking in an AD with no SS models!) saying that a CHNR had come in and was mine if I wanted it! Couldn’t believe it and was actually a bit shocked about what to do. Took me about 10 seconds to realise what to do (!) and said yes please but could they hold it for me for 2 weeks!? Was told no problem if I could transfer the cash that week, which I did.

Went in to collect today. I know pics or it didn’t happen but I need to get to 10 posts first. I will make a few quick comments on other threads and come back.

Apologies for the length of this (first) post but still just so excited. As many have said it is just so beautiful. I also wanted people to know that there are still great ADs out there.

Still on the list for the BLRO, which I joked today would be great to get for my birthday..... :)




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[Oaker1]

Congratulations on the CHNR; a great post, and welcome!

[illiguy]

Awesome! BEAUTIFUL watch. Wear in good health and congrats!

[Harry-57]

Congratulations. It's a beautiful watch. Who is the AD?

[Slightfade]

One of the larger chains in Manchester actually

[Cooper33]

Originally Posted by Slightfade

One of the larger chains in Manchester actually

Congrats!!

Host the pictures on imgur and use the quicklinks there to add them here

[bigdavep]

Originally Posted by slightfade

one of the larger chains in manchester actually

dmr?

[Slightfade]

I only need 3 more posts!!

[Slightfade]

No

[nighthawk77]

M&w?

[Slightfade]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

M&w?

Could be

[Slightfade]

Hopefully these should work now




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[enjoythemusic]

Congrats! Especially love the CHNR dial with Everose highlights. It's subtle, yet truly makes her a standout piece imho. Enjoy your time

[Bryan81]

Beautiful watch and thanks for the background story. Sounds like this is a special acquisition and you’ll really enjoy it.

Congrats!

[Fire bloke]

Very nice. I have my name down hope to get one seen
Stunningly beautiful watch.well done getting it so soon

[FlyDuc78]

Congrats! It looks fantastic.

[JodyHighroller]

Looks beautiful! I can feel the excitement through your post. I have yet to see a CHNR, but it is a looker in the photos. Looks like they held your warranty card as well?

[1SG MTB]

Great story, I especially love the connection to your dad. My dad has long since worn my favorite Rolex ever - a root beer GMT Master II - and while it will be mine one day, I also became enamored with the CHNR when it came out a couple years ago. I have a great relationship with my AD and having told her about my dad’s watch many times, one day when I walked in she went into the back and brought out a CHNR from the vault. She said she was saving it for a loyal customer and didn’t want to sell it to just anybody. I had no choice but to buy it on the spot. Here’s a picture of my dad’s watch and my CHNR side by side. Love both of these watches.

[Slightfade]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

Looks beautiful! I can feel the excitement through your post. I have yet to see a CHNR, but it is a looker in the photos. Looks like they held your warranty card as well?

Yes for a year, but I won’t be selling so absolutely fair enough. Did make this clear to me from my first visit.



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[Luther89]

Great pick up!

[ltmgeller]

Welcome and Congrats!

[JayHantz]

Such a great looking watch. I love it and I always say it is my favorite TT in the line up. Congratulations and enjoy it!!

[Slightfade]

Originally Posted by 1SG MTB

Great story, I especially love the connection to your dad. My dad has long since worn my favorite Rolex ever - a root beer GMT Master II - and while it will be mine one day, I also became enamored with the CHNR when it came out a couple years ago. I have a great relationship with my AD and having told her about my dad’s watch many times, one day when I walked in she went into the back and brought out a CHNR from the vault. She said she was saving it for a loyal customer and didn’t want to sell it to just anybody. I had no choice but to buy it on the spot. Here’s a picture of my dad’s watch and my CHNR side by side. Love both of these watches.

That is a fantastic story, thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Sounds a very similar AD experience to mine. Would love to have shared mine with my dad too - please don’t ever take that for granted


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[42itus]

What a great story! Enjoy the watch!

[Nikrnic]

Big Congrats for you !!
I've was never a big TT fan since my first Rolex DJ way back but the CHNR has changed all that. It's one gorgeous piece and if l ever see another at my AD l could be in trouble. Enjoy your new Beauty!..

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[Steerpike999]

The CHNR is a brilliant, eye catching watch.
Congratulations!

[Rolexoman]

Great story and great watch....

[Slightfade]

Thanks all for the kind words and welcome.

Next decision- whether to take it off for bed or not!

[blankapdx]

Great story and what an awesome first Rolex. Such a stunner in person. Enjoy it and wear in good health!

[WhiskeyNovember]

Congrats. A stunning first Rolex Watch!