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Lew Archer · 20 August 2017, 06:23 AM

A business trip last week took me to lovely Alexandria, Virginia. Wondering the quaint streets, and browsing in shop windows on King Street, I came to a small family owned jewelry store. Fittingly named King's Jewelry, it is an authorized Rolex dealer.

Unsuspecting, I stepped in and found myself chatting with the owner and founder. The conversation turned to Rolex and soon he introduced me to a very able salesman, with both passion for his subject and knowledge.

They had a respectable array of models on hand and I inquired about the Date-Just, a model I don't own.

I was interested in a 36mm case, preferring the classic size in that model. I was torn between variants. Generally, I wanted the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet, and was leaning towards the old school, two tone version...but which dial? Champagne? Silver? White?

As we considered the options, I found myself with mixed feeling about the two tone gold and stainless steel combination. Simply put, the new watches in this configuration seemed just too bright for me. I realized the patina of vintage models took off that edge and toned down the impact of the watch.

Even so, though, gold seemed a bit much for my personal taste.

On cue, the salesman brought out a model I'd been considering for some months, the white gold and stainless combination with silver dial.

I had not walked into the store intending to by. But, when it's right, it's right...and that was that. I compared it to a black dial version, but finally decided on the silver dial. The watch, despite its white gold accents (the fluted bezel and markers) was handsome and quite comfortable. This would be my first Rolex with a jubilee bracelet and I immediately saw how comfortable that design really is, with the polished center links that given the bracelet elegance and blend into the overall presence of the watch.

We discussed the price. A very reasonable offer was made. I weighed the watch in my hand a moment, then said,

"You've made yourself a sale."

The watch was fitted, perfectly, then prepared for shipping to my home in California.

As promised, it arrived via registered mail and here it is, fellow enthusiasts...a Date-Just 36mm, white gold and stainless, silver dial.

Cheers!

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Lew Archer · 20 August 2017, 06:24 AM

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Lew Archer · 20 August 2017, 06:24 AM

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50hz · 20 August 2017, 06:26 AM

Beautiful, congrats.

fskywalker · 20 August 2017, 06:29 AM

congrats!!

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dave023 · 20 August 2017, 06:31 AM

Congratulations.

denmanproject · 20 August 2017, 06:32 AM

Pure class! congrats

SpeakWithMichael · 20 August 2017, 06:34 AM

Beautiful. Great story and nice job on the selection. It's exactly what I would get in a Datejust (albeit the 41). That silver dial just seems to be the perfect match, in my opinion.

Lew Archer · 20 August 2017, 06:35 AM

Thank you!

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pickettt · 20 August 2017, 06:37 AM

Very nice choice. Classic. Timeless.

LittlewoodsThree · 20 August 2017, 06:48 AM

Perfect watch! Congrats!

Mirx · 20 August 2017, 06:58 AM

Gorgeous watch. Congrats!

StevieWatch · 20 August 2017, 06:59 AM

Congrats! It's a beauty

watchwatcher · 20 August 2017, 07:07 AM

Very nice.Congrats!

SWISSAHOLICS · 20 August 2017, 07:13 AM

Beautiful...congrats!!

Golf&Watches · 20 August 2017, 07:24 AM

Great story, great to support a family owned business, and, great watch!

And1dre · 20 August 2017, 07:25 AM

Congrats!

Lew Archer · 20 August 2017, 07:26 AM

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doramas · 20 August 2017, 07:57 AM

Fantastic

climblaw25 · 20 August 2017, 07:59 AM

Awesome choice! Congrats! Such a beautiful and classic piece. Looks great!

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Eatapp · 20 August 2017, 08:02 AM

Wow! Looks great! Classic combo. Congrats!

AJM914 · 20 August 2017, 08:05 AM

Congrats looks great!

ejvette · 20 August 2017, 08:06 AM

Congrats Lew great piece

Turpentine · 20 August 2017, 08:07 AM

That is a fantastic AD!

cop414 · 20 August 2017, 08:17 AM

Lew that's classic! Congratulations

Richard Carver · 20 August 2017, 08:20 AM

Beautiful watch, the tradition goes on. It's 49 year old grandpa says hi.

1968 1603

DCheeta · 20 August 2017, 08:22 AM

Congrats Lew! A Datejust is probably the only watch a man really needs. (Of course it's nice to have several others, as well...)

My wife has the same watch, and I constantly look at it and want to steal it from her. It really is just the perfect watch. Congrats again!

Lew Archer · 20 August 2017, 08:30 AM

Thank you, everyone.

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doramas · 20 August 2017, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Beautiful watch, the tradition goes on. It's 49 year old grandpa says hi.

1968 1603

Beautiful

meganfox17 · 20 August 2017, 09:40 AM

Hey! It's Mr Lew Archer himself! I'd recognize that linguistic fingerprint anywhere! How are you Sir?Remember me from the OF?

Well done, that's such a dreamy elegant timepiece and a real conversation starter with just about anyone who's into watches. A few months back at the AD ,I had tried out the 36 with the silver dial/Roman numerals for fun, still thinking whether I should get one for daddy on his birthday in Dec!

What did your 10 year old daughter say about the DJ? She has a very keen eye for watches and you would still need her stamp of approval right ?

20 August 2017, 06:23 AM	#1
Lew Archer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: L.A., Calif. Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,220	Welcome, Date-Just A business trip last week took me to lovely Alexandria, Virginia. Wondering the quaint streets, and browsing in shop windows on King Street, I came to a small family owned jewelry store. Fittingly named King's Jewelry, it is an authorized Rolex dealer. Unsuspecting, I stepped in and found myself chatting with the owner and founder. The conversation turned to Rolex and soon he introduced me to a very able salesman, with both passion for his subject and knowledge. They had a respectable array of models on hand and I inquired about the Date-Just, a model I don't own. I was interested in a 36mm case, preferring the classic size in that model. I was torn between variants. Generally, I wanted the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet, and was leaning towards the old school, two tone version...but which dial? Champagne? Silver? White? As we considered the options, I found myself with mixed feeling about the two tone gold and stainless steel combination. Simply put, the new watches in this configuration seemed just too bright for me. I realized the patina of vintage models took off that edge and toned down the impact of the watch. Even so, though, gold seemed a bit much for my personal taste. On cue, the salesman brought out a model I'd been considering for some months, the white gold and stainless combination with silver dial. I had not walked into the store intending to by. But, when it's right, it's right...and that was that. I compared it to a black dial version, but finally decided on the silver dial. The watch, despite its white gold accents (the fluted bezel and markers) was handsome and quite comfortable. This would be my first Rolex with a jubilee bracelet and I immediately saw how comfortable that design really is, with the polished center links that given the bracelet elegance and blend into the overall presence of the watch. We discussed the price. A very reasonable offer was made. I weighed the watch in my hand a moment, then said, "You've made yourself a sale." The watch was fitted, perfectly, then prepared for shipping to my home in California. As promised, it arrived via registered mail and here it is, fellow enthusiasts...a Date-Just 36mm, white gold and stainless, silver dial. Cheers! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

20 August 2017, 06:29 AM	#5
fskywalker 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Francisco Location: San Juan, PR Watch: Is Ticking ! Posts: 25,151	congrats!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Francisco ♛ 16610 / 116264 Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 310.30.42.50.01.002 / 210.90.42.20.01.001 Zenith 02.480.405 2FA security enabled

20 August 2017, 07:13 AM	#15
SWISSAHOLICS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Here! Watch: Rolex Posts: 4,366	Beautiful...congrats!! __________________ 16610LN \| 16613LB \| 16710 Pepsi \| 118238 \| 116500 (White) \| 116500 (Black) \| 116710BLNR \| 116610LV "The one thing I fear most is time; time waits for no one and leaves no options."

20 August 2017, 08:05 AM	#22
AJM914 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Real Name: AJ Location: NY Watch: ♕ Posts: 6,761	Congrats looks great! __________________

20 August 2017, 08:06 AM	#23
ejvette 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Real Name: Ed Location: East Hampton NY Watch: me break clays.. Posts: 7,512	Congrats Lew great piece __________________ Rolex•Omega•Breitling•Grand Seiko•Tudor "No one on their death bed ever said I wish I worked more" My Grandma * Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons *

20 August 2017, 06:24 AM	#2
Lew Archer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: L.A., Calif. Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,220	Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

20 August 2017, 06:26 AM	#4
50hz "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: usa Posts: 140	Beautiful, congrats.

20 August 2017, 06:31 AM	#6
dave023 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Real Name: David Location: Home Watch: Classics Posts: 773	Congratulations.

20 August 2017, 06:32 AM	#7
denmanproject "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Wayne Location: Canada Posts: 4,407	Pure class! congrats

20 August 2017, 06:34 AM	#8
SpeakWithMichael "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Jacksonville, FL Watch: Superocean 44not42 Posts: 1,756	Beautiful. Great story and nice job on the selection. It's exactly what I would get in a Datejust (albeit the 41). That silver dial just seems to be the perfect match, in my opinion.

20 August 2017, 06:35 AM	#9
Lew Archer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: L.A., Calif. Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,220	Thank you! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

20 August 2017, 06:37 AM	#10
pickettt "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: California Watch: Shiny One Posts: 5,439	Very nice choice. Classic. Timeless.

20 August 2017, 06:48 AM	#11
LittlewoodsThree "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Florida Watch: Datejust 36 Posts: 36	Perfect watch! Congrats!

20 August 2017, 06:58 AM	#12
Mirx "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Watch: RLX Posts: 437	Gorgeous watch. Congrats!

20 August 2017, 06:59 AM	#13
StevieWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Scotland Posts: 316	Congrats! It's a beauty

20 August 2017, 07:07 AM	#14
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 34,995	Very nice.Congrats!

20 August 2017, 07:24 AM	#16
Golf&Watches "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Global Watch: 116719 Posts: 482	Great story, great to support a family owned business, and, great watch!

20 August 2017, 07:25 AM	#17
And1dre "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Silicon Valley Watch: Rolex Posts: 4,182	Congrats!

20 August 2017, 07:26 AM	#18
Lew Archer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: L.A., Calif. Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,220	Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

20 August 2017, 07:57 AM	#19
doramas Banned Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Gran Canaria Posts: 3,469	Fantastic

20 August 2017, 07:59 AM	#20
climblaw25 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: location location Watch: too much Netflix Posts: 430	Awesome choice! Congrats! Such a beautiful and classic piece. Looks great! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

20 August 2017, 08:02 AM	#21
Eatapp "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Austin, TX Watch: 114300 Blue Posts: 480	Wow! Looks great! Classic combo. Congrats!

20 August 2017, 08:07 AM	#24
Turpentine "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Mississippi Posts: 265	That is a fantastic AD!

20 August 2017, 08:17 AM	#25
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,115	Lew that's classic! Congratulations __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

20 August 2017, 08:20 AM	#26
Richard Carver "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: US Posts: 2,237	Beautiful watch, the tradition goes on. It's 49 year old grandpa says hi. 1968 1603

20 August 2017, 08:22 AM	#27
DCheeta "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Dave Location: NYC Posts: 7,181	Congrats Lew! A Datejust is probably the only watch a man really needs. (Of course it's nice to have several others, as well...) My wife has the same watch, and I constantly look at it and want to steal it from her. It really is just the perfect watch. Congrats again!

20 August 2017, 08:30 AM	#28
Lew Archer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: L.A., Calif. Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,220	Thank you, everyone. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

20 August 2017, 09:40 AM	#30
meganfox17 Banned Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Kuala Lumpur , Ma Posts: 2,011	Hey! It's Mr Lew Archer himself! I'd recognize that linguistic fingerprint anywhere! How are you Sir?Remember me from the OF? Well done, that's such a dreamy elegant timepiece and a real conversation starter with just about anyone who's into watches. A few months back at the AD ,I had tried out the 36 with the silver dial/Roman numerals for fun, still thinking whether I should get one for daddy on his birthday in Dec! What did your 10 year old daughter say about the DJ? She has a very keen eye for watches and you would still need her stamp of approval right ?

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