14 watches. 27 years. Collection complete

[Soarer]

GMT II or Explorer II. They are both awesome tool watches and can be used in any conditions, climate or terrain.
I say that as I have both and I love them both.


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[Ojinhb]

very interesting watches and stories. Would be great to pull up to a bar and be next to you to hear about your adventures. Thanks for the interesting series, and hope you have many more adventures.

[HiloBeMagical]

Every couple of months I go into the stacks and haul this thread back out into the sunlight so our newer members have a chance to read it...

...since it's the BEST THREAD IN THE HISTORY OF TRF.

If you haven't read it, you're in for a treat. See you in three days.

Hilo

[samsamsam]

Thanks a lot Hilo for the bump!
I spent 2 hours straight here and this is my first comment.
Steve, your journey is truly amazing. You are the perfect Rolex ambasassador of the 5 digits Rolex toolwatch series. I truly hope Rolex will stop those tacky 6 digits models and get back to the fundamentals.

[P1723]

Stumbled upon this thread...never post but just secretly admiring pictures.
Never have the intention to post but I have to make the first,after reading all 35 pages.
Knew nothing and had never like Rolex until I was on holiday last year to Japan.
I couldn't believe I bought my first rolex and didn't know about the history nor this is the rolex!
Great read and I love the story Steve!
Will be wearing my Explorer when I travel to UK in a few months time!

My one and only

[Snow-Dweller]

I remember this thread starting just after I joined TRF, and to say that I am happy to see it again (and to read it all the way through) is a a pleasure would be a massive understatement.

Thank you Steve, and whatever happens next, I think TRF regulars (myself included) should collectively make sure we keep this thread going!

[liuk3]

I just read this epic thread in its entirety. Absolutely amazing. Makes me appreciate my watches all the more as the indestructible tool watches intended. Deep appreciation in particular for my DSSD and Exp2 Polar watches. Thanks for sharing this thread!

[fskywalker]

I just came across this thread and have to say Steve admire what you have done through the years!


Thanks for sharing!

[SemperFi]

I have bypassed this thread many times due to its enormous length but today I decided to take the plunge and have read it from start to finish. And I am so glad that I did!
What an incredible adventure it has been. There is just about nothing I can say to the OP (Steve) that hasn't already been said countless times so I'll simply say this.
Thank you Steve. Thank you for taking us all on this epic journey of you life and adventures. I feel as if I have known you for far longer than the several hours it took to arrive at page 35. Thank you very much for sharing your life with us. Stay safe my friend.

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

So here is the second to last watch..
Inherited and treasured. It does not get much air time.
Patek made the first chronograph, and this was the largest case they had made at the time.
5070...

I just got to this point. Awesome thread Steve! I'll finish the additional 35 pages. I'm on page 14. You did an amazing job putting up with BS from a lot of people. Kudos to you and the few who lobbied in your favor early on. I've read four or five pages of a post before but this is the only post I'll ever read 35 pages of. Your second to last watch on page 14 is a killer watch. Thanks for the best thread ever!
Russell

[Daryl]

a lot from the thread. thank you Steve

[Ckci]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Not actually posted a decent picture of my a GMT yet, do her it is.

It has been on ice caps in Norway, Greenland and Antarctica, including the South Pole.
In some way this is I think the quintessential Rolex tool and expedition watch, it's featured on more polar related rolex adverts, (strange in a way as you would think the explorer 2 would have been..)
But it's more versatile than the explorer 2; it's a little less rugged, a bit more refined I think.
The rotatable bezel means you can time legs on walks, and makes it easier to measure the second time zone.

Love it...

Hi Steve,



After this great thread you might be able to auction this watch off here for more than Steve McQueen's Steve McQueen or Paul Newman's Paul Newman!


Russell

[illusionest]

I too just read through this topic - man, absolutely incredible.

To OP - it is amazing to see a true explorer like yourself choose to wear these watches that were originally (and still are) intended for these purposes.

I look forward to reading more of your stories and adventures! Thank you!

[kaythelawstudent]

where are the pics though?

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by kaythelawstudent

where are the pics though?

Try reading the thread.

[yoast]

Thanks for bumping this, awesome read :)

[toomuchtalk]

Update coming soon.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Update coming soon.

Great Steve! Looking forward for it! 👍🏻

[jsg]

Can't wait ! Awesome thread!!

[Lrlx]

Ha!

[GeoGio Greece]

Following the bad news by Steve, (see his new post of today), I went through this post he started long ago, and we all enjoyed so much.

Just to honour his contibution and resurface one of the most interesting post IMO.

Thanks Steve, and be strong in these difficult moments.

[roadkillrob]

Steve also so sorry for your loss, I just joined the forum today and your post about your loss was one of the first things I read. I have just read through this post and very much enjoyed reading through your adventures.

My heartfelt condolences, Rob

[tjbender]

Still the best thread on the forum. Hope you're doing well Steve.

[Lordofrolex]

Originally Posted by brettpaul

Okay, so this is a WIS test....if you read the OPs post and scroll over 3 pages to see the pics of the watches and there are no pics, you are a WIS!!

I'm a WIS - what do I win?!!

toomuchtalk....I forgot to say WOW!

I did that. Then i went on to page 14 and realized i still have 35 pages left. Had to quit. But i did search as long as i can to see the collection all in one picture.

Pretty interesting thread though. A lot of emotions, twists, and mystery.

[Livermoron]

Amazing timepiece collection and amazing life you've led. I would posit almost everybody else on this forum is secretly jealous since you are living out boyhood adventure dreams. great thread.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by tjbender

Still the best thread on the forum. Hope you're doing well Steve.

Cheers. Life's tough but moving forward...

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by GeoGio Greece

Following the bad news by Steve, (see his new post of today), I went through this post he started long ago, and we all enjoyed so much.

Just to honour his contibution and resurface one of the most interesting post IMO.

Thanks Steve, and be strong in these difficult moments.

Thank you..

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by Ckci

I just got to this point. Awesome thread Steve! I'll finish the additional 35 pages. I'm on page 14. You did an amazing job putting up with BS from a lot of people. Kudos to you and the few who lobbied in your favor early on. I've read four or five pages of a post before but this is the only post I'll ever read 35 pages of. Your second to last watch on page 14 is a killer watch. Thanks for the best thread ever!
Russell

Wow

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by Ckci

Hi Steve,

Attachment 734598

After this great thread you might be able to auction this watch off here for more than Steve McQueen's Steve McQueen or Paul Newman's Paul Newman!


Russell

[tifosi]

I remember this thread when it was first started. I stupidly gave up on it at the time. I just read to page 19.

Steve, Amazing thread filled with amazing watches, pictures and even more amazing stories. Thanks.