My recent departure from my Submariner.

[San Ramon]

So back in 1999 (just one month before Y2K) I purchased my first Rolex and off-course a “Submariner”. I said to myself this is a keeper for life but over the years watching late night cooking channels, guns & rifle shows and other late show it seams that all the hosts wear subs of all sorts (colors and flavors)…. what a following Rolex has .... I felt that nowadays my sub is as common as BMW’s are in California. So, I decided to part ways but stay within the price range so I got an Explorer-II not the new G series but the older model (M,V etc.). Why I went with the older model vs the new series you ask? It was not due to the extra bucks it’s because the watch is big even in black and the blue tritium (or whatever it’s called these days) it reminds me of my alarm clock.
Anyhow, bottom line is that the submariner is an icon and I will miss it! Also, I think that most first timers opt for a submariner, what was yours

[Melanotaenia]

Interestingly enough, my first watch was a black Exp II just like yours.

I now have a Sub and a SD, but still love my EXP II and will never part with it. I am looking at possibly getting the new white model later this year.

Enjoy the new watch!

[roadie1]

My first watch was a sub. Back in 88. Since then, I've had many, many watches. Including day dates in platinum, gold, sport models in two-tone, steel, steel and pt, complicated Pateks, Pams, AP, you name it!
I'm back to a steel sub and a SS Daytona. Ive tried to have only one watch But....
I've come full circle.
Can't beat the classic Sub!

[kjp1]

My first Rolex was a Sub 16610. I liked, ( but not loved it), and I think part of what made me feel like selling it was the "everyone's got one" factor. I live in So. Cal too and it seems like everyone has one. While I could respect the watch and felt like I was different because I have owned many other brands and more "elite" watches, I always felt like I was lumped in with the used car salesman who knew nothing about watches but bought his Sub because he heard that it was THE watch to have. I definitely love the brand though but prefer a GMT IIC or Milgauss that is maybe a little more off the beaten path. By the way, no disrespect meant to all of the loyal Sub owners here. This group is a level above and definitely has more watch knowledge than your average Joe.

[capote]

Exp2, 16570.

[mjclark32]

My first is a sub, 16610 and I love it

[texex91]

Originally Posted by kjp1

This group is a level above and definitely has more watch knowledge than your average Joe.

[Duc5150]

A Sub of course...my very first Rolex bought in the 80's and the one in the collection I'll be buried with...

[king arthur]

I wanted to be different so I got the White Milgauss as first. Next in line for me is the GV. Then the 114060.

[GradyPhilpott]

My first was a Explorer 114270, followed by a DJ 116200-63600, and finally, well maybe not finally, the Submariner 14060M.