ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Shade · 27 June 2010, 12:05 AM

It's the weekend and my fiance is outta town, so I'm bored...

So I thought, since Rolex is the last brand that I have acquired, it may be interesting for me to backtrack and "journey" through my watch collections...

Many many people started off with Rolex as their "expensive" or "high-end" watch collections. For many reasons, i.e. brand name, design, classic looks, and perhaps simply resale-ability.

But me? I have always disliked a rolex (that was a thing of the past though..), for many personal reasons. I always thought they have too many fakes (most maybe) around, then their looks is a bit oldies for me, and so on and so on. Also, in the past, many rolex designs are in the 36mm, a small side for me.

So my first watch, that I managed to acquire, with my own hard-earned money, was a Panerai 104... I don't have the picture anymore now, since I traded it up.

I've had the 104 for so long I can remember...

The second watch that I have acquired, is my IWC Portofino.

I liked the watch for it's clean and simple design, it's a bit on the small side (39mm), but since it's all face (no bezel and such), it doesn't look that small... It serves as my dress watch, and perhaps more formal occassions.

The third watch that I got was my Panerai 312, this I traded up with my Panerai 104. Why did I chose 312 over 104? MANY reasons, better body design, that "classic" look, larger crownguard, slightly domed crystal, and so on... This watch also started my strap craze, I have collected at least 5 alligator straps from Panerai's catalogue, and other calf and third party straps.

The one pictured here is the most recent strap I purchased, the nubuck alligator strap.

The fourth watch I managed to purchase was a used - but in pristine condition Cartier Santos 100XL. This watch instantly replaced my IWC as my formal watch. It shoes better masculinity, oozes more expensive aura, and to me, the design is just striking. However, I still use my portofino every now and then, but it gets less usage now... :)

The fifth watch I got was my Zenith El Primero T-Open. I got it used in pristine condition... I always loved the open heart and hi-beat movement of the Zenith... its just beautiful to look at. And considering I got at almost half the price of a brand new one, it was simply impossible to resist!

The sixth watch I got after a long long long long saving time, was the fiddy. The "holy grail" for many paneristis. I got in good condition, almost pristine, but I had to get the strap restored. It was not in very good shape. The one pictured here is with a newly replaced cashmere original fiddy strap.

The seventh watch I got was my Jaeger Le Coultre Master World Time. Why did I like it? Simply because of it's complication... it has AM/PM indicator "inner bezel" that turns, it has a second time zone, it was world "inner bezel" indicator, date, and power reserve... What more could I ask for? Besides, I always knew I had to have a Jaeger some day, and this was the most suitable for me. It's soft subtle silver dial is also very nice to look at.

The eighth watch I acquired was my Bell & Ross BLU limited edition of 500 pcs. I got this from a friend, like new in box. I don't really know why I bought it firstly, but then I figured it goes extremely well with my tattered jeans and Tees. Especially, I have ALOT of light blue / light turquoise t-shirts. It's always been my tattered jeans watch. I like it's macho-ness. Despite its size of 46mm, I've gotten used to it! :)

The ninth and tenth watch that I acquired was a brand new Datejust II SS. The dial looks soooooo nice, I just had to have it. With it, started my Rolex craze, within the same week I also purchased a mint (but used) GMT II Coke bezel... (The coke is a previous week picture, I didn't re-take the photo since I left it at my fiance's place at the moment)...

And now... I'm craving for a SS Yatch Master (largest size) with platinum dial! I just visited my AD and almost made the purchase... but I'm holding off abit. I if I do purchase it, it'll be my third rolex in like six weeks. Holy COW!

I never knew Rolex would be...

So addictive...

I mean I love all my watches that I posted above, but never ever have I come across wanting multiple watches with this much eagerness from the same brand...

Bravo Rolex.

PS: Thanks for reading... and sorry if my picture taking are still not up to par to many people here. :)

Pix · 27 June 2010, 12:13 AM

From the Yacht Master to the Daytona to the.........sounds nice.

mtrunner · 27 June 2010, 12:14 AM

Wow nice collection. I love your PAM 312 especially with that particular alligator strap. Thanks for sharing.

gregmoeck · 27 June 2010, 12:19 AM

great read, love the collection!!

Esexx · 27 June 2010, 12:23 AM

Very nice collection. The 1950 and GMT are 2 timeless classics in my book that I would love to own!

Watch Professor · 27 June 2010, 12:25 AM

Quite a collection. Love everyone, especially the Zenith.

Speed · 27 June 2010, 12:29 AM

Wow...great collection!! Such variety :-)

nauticajoe · 27 June 2010, 12:53 AM

Beautiful collection.

landeriv · 27 June 2010, 01:07 AM

That's an amazing collection! The DJ is indeed a beauty... very versatile!

Dylan Wade · 27 June 2010, 01:12 AM

Yep that is a HOT collection there.very nice and welcome to the Rolex fold....

HACKNSACK44 · 27 June 2010, 01:15 AM

Great collection!!

Yazo · 27 June 2010, 01:22 AM

Awesome journey man... thanks for sharing it with us!!!

Chipmunk · 27 June 2010, 01:23 AM

Superb collection.

Jim232118 · 27 June 2010, 01:29 AM

Great collection, it's nice to see someone truly enjoy the beauty and individuality of watches, not just particular brands.

Shade · 27 June 2010, 09:58 AM

Thanks everyone, it has been.an.amazing journey as well for me.. the Rolex has been invisible to me all these times until that datejust opened my eye! I'm also eyeing a daytona with alligator strap.. it looks very very nice..

However Panerai remains my best mixmatch watch due to the versatilityof the straps and varietyof strap colours..

But I seriously can't get image.of the yatchmaster out of my head..

Hooper · 27 June 2010, 11:10 AM

Very nice collection !!

ersnyder · 27 June 2010, 01:42 PM

Nice varied collection. BUT, the Rolex bug does bite doesn't it?

Dr. Robert · 27 June 2010, 02:09 PM

WOW! Beautiful watch collection!

johnny80s · 27 June 2010, 02:23 PM

WOW...what a varity!

MortgageGuy · 27 June 2010, 02:27 PM

AWESOME Collection

3 in 6 weeks, thats a great start with Rolex... Addicting is the word I use, trust me, it will not go away until you get that Yacht Master on your wrist

Then you have to ask yourslef what the next one will be

Love your Panerais by the way

fc3s2k · 27 June 2010, 03:02 PM

Don't worry it's a bug that's going around. I got it a year ago and got 4 rolex in 4 weeks that's 1 rolex per week: 14060M, explorer I, datejust WG bezel and YG Cellini Danaos(dress watch). I'm with you, I'm eyeing the SS yachtmaster with platinum bezel. I guess we got the same bug

tgoose1 · 27 June 2010, 03:05 PM

It's always nice to have a couple of Rolex "beaters" in the collection!

Shade · 27 June 2010, 08:44 PM

I didn't get the Yatchmaster... YET... Instead I got something very exciting...

I'll post it when I get back home and open my package! I'm like a boy in X'mas morning! :P

Shade · 28 June 2010, 12:00 AM

Triple post..

Shade · 28 June 2010, 12:00 AM

triple post..

Shade · 28 June 2010, 12:03 AM

Here is what I got...

A DAYTONA! I believe this is so called spyder? I'm not familiar with Rolex terms and names... so please bear with me... :)

Anyhow, I always imagined it with a strap, knowing I'm getting the delivery today, I went to my local watch shop and purchased a very soft caramel coloured alligator strap...

And I replaced it's bracelet with leather...

I must say I am liking it much better than the bracelet version! :D

nbTimes · 28 June 2010, 12:20 AM

very nice collection!

nbTimes · 28 June 2010, 12:20 AM

very nice collection!

sea-dweller · 28 June 2010, 01:29 AM

Nice story and nice collection !!!

27 June 2010, 12:05 AM	#1
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Journey to my first Rolex... It's the weekend and my fiance is outta town, so I'm bored... So I thought, since Rolex is the last brand that I have acquired, it may be interesting for me to backtrack and "journey" through my watch collections... Many many people started off with Rolex as their "expensive" or "high-end" watch collections. For many reasons, i.e. brand name, design, classic looks, and perhaps simply resale-ability. But me? I have always disliked a rolex (that was a thing of the past though..), for many personal reasons. I always thought they have too many fakes (most maybe) around, then their looks is a bit oldies for me, and so on and so on. Also, in the past, many rolex designs are in the 36mm, a small side for me. So my first watch, that I managed to acquire, with my own hard-earned money, was a Panerai 104... I don't have the picture anymore now, since I traded it up. I've had the 104 for so long I can remember... The second watch that I have acquired, is my IWC Portofino. I liked the watch for it's clean and simple design, it's a bit on the small side (39mm), but since it's all face (no bezel and such), it doesn't look that small... It serves as my dress watch, and perhaps more formal occassions. The third watch that I got was my Panerai 312, this I traded up with my Panerai 104. Why did I chose 312 over 104? MANY reasons, better body design, that "classic" look, larger crownguard, slightly domed crystal, and so on... This watch also started my strap craze, I have collected at least 5 alligator straps from Panerai's catalogue, and other calf and third party straps. The one pictured here is the most recent strap I purchased, the nubuck alligator strap. The fourth watch I managed to purchase was a used - but in pristine condition Cartier Santos 100XL. This watch instantly replaced my IWC as my formal watch. It shoes better masculinity, oozes more expensive aura, and to me, the design is just striking. However, I still use my portofino every now and then, but it gets less usage now... :) The fifth watch I got was my Zenith El Primero T-Open. I got it used in pristine condition... I always loved the open heart and hi-beat movement of the Zenith... its just beautiful to look at. And considering I got at almost half the price of a brand new one, it was simply impossible to resist! The sixth watch I got after a long long long long saving time, was the fiddy. The "holy grail" for many paneristis. I got in good condition, almost pristine, but I had to get the strap restored. It was not in very good shape. The one pictured here is with a newly replaced cashmere original fiddy strap. The seventh watch I got was my Jaeger Le Coultre Master World Time. Why did I like it? Simply because of it's complication... it has AM/PM indicator "inner bezel" that turns, it has a second time zone, it was world "inner bezel" indicator, date, and power reserve... What more could I ask for? Besides, I always knew I had to have a Jaeger some day, and this was the most suitable for me. It's soft subtle silver dial is also very nice to look at. The eighth watch I acquired was my Bell & Ross BLU limited edition of 500 pcs. I got this from a friend, like new in box. I don't really know why I bought it firstly, but then I figured it goes extremely well with my tattered jeans and Tees. Especially, I have ALOT of light blue / light turquoise t-shirts. It's always been my tattered jeans watch. I like it's macho-ness. Despite its size of 46mm, I've gotten used to it! :) The ninth and tenth watch that I acquired was a brand new Datejust II SS. The dial looks soooooo nice, I just had to have it. With it, started my Rolex craze, within the same week I also purchased a mint (but used) GMT II Coke bezel... (The coke is a previous week picture, I didn't re-take the photo since I left it at my fiance's place at the moment)... And now... I'm craving for a SS Yatch Master (largest size) with platinum dial! I just visited my AD and almost made the purchase... but I'm holding off abit. I if I do purchase it, it'll be my third rolex in like six weeks. Holy COW! I never knew Rolex would be... So addictive... I mean I love all my watches that I posted above, but never ever have I come across wanting multiple watches with this much eagerness from the same brand... Bravo Rolex. PS: Thanks for reading... and sorry if my picture taking are still not up to par to many people here. :)

27 June 2010, 12:23 AM	#5
Esexx "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Dean Location: Redondo Beach, CA Watch: ing TRF All Day Posts: 2,105	Very nice collection. The 1950 and GMT are 2 timeless classics in my book that I would love to own! __________________ Member Number 34171 "Remember: No matter where you go... there you are." Buckroo Banzai _________________________________________

27 June 2010, 01:23 AM	#13
Chipmunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Alvin Location: So Cal Watch: ROLEXES Posts: 5,390	Superb collection. __________________ "A thing of beauty is a joy forever"............John Keats

27 June 2010, 02:27 PM	#20
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	AWESOME Collection 3 in 6 weeks, thats a great start with Rolex... Addicting is the word I use, trust me, it will not go away until you get that Yacht Master on your wrist Then you have to ask yourslef what the next one will be Love your Panerais by the way __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

28 June 2010, 01:29 AM	#29
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Nice story and nice collection !!! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

27 June 2010, 12:13 AM	#2
Pix "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midwest Watch: SS Datejust Posts: 1,288	From the Yacht Master to the Daytona to the.........sounds nice.

27 June 2010, 12:14 AM	#3
mtrunner 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Gary Location: Bozeman, MT Watch: 126508 Paul Newman Posts: 7,835	Wow nice collection. I love your PAM 312 especially with that particular alligator strap. Thanks for sharing.

27 June 2010, 12:19 AM	#4
gregmoeck "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Maui Watch: Patek Posts: 2,032	great read, love the collection!!

27 June 2010, 12:25 AM	#6
Watch Professor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Myron Location: New York Watch: GMT IIC; Sub Date Posts: 3,166	Quite a collection. Love everyone, especially the Zenith.

27 June 2010, 12:29 AM	#7
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Wow...great collection!! Such variety :-)

27 June 2010, 12:53 AM	#8
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Beautiful collection.

27 June 2010, 01:07 AM	#9
landeriv "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: shanghai Posts: 67	That's an amazing collection! The DJ is indeed a beauty... very versatile!

27 June 2010, 01:12 AM	#10
Dylan Wade Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: BC, Canada Watch: EXP II Posts: 545	Yep that is a HOT collection there.very nice and welcome to the Rolex fold....

27 June 2010, 01:15 AM	#11
HACKNSACK44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: Orlando Watch: 114060 Posts: 8,450	Great collection!!

27 June 2010, 01:22 AM	#12
Yazo "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,812	Awesome journey man... thanks for sharing it with us!!!

27 June 2010, 01:29 AM	#14
Jim232118 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Jim Location: DFW, TX Watch: Yachtmaster II YG Posts: 276	Great collection, it's nice to see someone truly enjoy the beauty and individuality of watches, not just particular brands.

27 June 2010, 09:58 AM	#15
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Thanks everyone, it has been.an.amazing journey as well for me.. the Rolex has been invisible to me all these times until that datejust opened my eye! I'm also eyeing a daytona with alligator strap.. it looks very very nice.. However Panerai remains my best mixmatch watch due to the versatilityof the straps and varietyof strap colours.. But I seriously can't get image.of the yatchmaster out of my head..

27 June 2010, 11:10 AM	#16
Hooper "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Tony Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: 16610 Posts: 3,290	Very nice collection !!

27 June 2010, 01:42 PM	#17
ersnyder 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Eric Location: Long Beach CA USA Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 4,102	Nice varied collection. BUT, the Rolex bug does bite doesn't it?

27 June 2010, 02:09 PM	#18
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 63,955	WOW! Beautiful watch collection!

27 June 2010, 02:23 PM	#19
johnny80s "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: John Location: Chicago Posts: 499	WOW...what a varity!

27 June 2010, 03:02 PM	#21
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	Don't worry it's a bug that's going around. I got it a year ago and got 4 rolex in 4 weeks that's 1 rolex per week: 14060M, explorer I, datejust WG bezel and YG Cellini Danaos(dress watch). I'm with you, I'm eyeing the SS yachtmaster with platinum bezel. I guess we got the same bug

27 June 2010, 03:05 PM	#22
tgoose1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 668	It's always nice to have a couple of Rolex "beaters" in the collection!

27 June 2010, 08:44 PM	#23
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	I didn't get the Yatchmaster... YET... Instead I got something very exciting... I'll post it when I get back home and open my package! I'm like a boy in X'mas morning! :P

28 June 2010, 12:00 AM	#24
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Triple post..

28 June 2010, 12:03 AM	#26
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Here is what I got... A DAYTONA! I believe this is so called spyder? I'm not familiar with Rolex terms and names... so please bear with me... :) Anyhow, I always imagined it with a strap, knowing I'm getting the delivery today, I went to my local watch shop and purchased a very soft caramel coloured alligator strap... And I replaced it's bracelet with leather... I must say I am liking it much better than the bracelet version! :D

28 June 2010, 12:20 AM	#27
nbTimes Banned Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hong Kong Watch: COMEX 1665 Posts: 2,830	very nice collection!

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