My first Rolex!
Discussion
Feel a bit strange really.
Have quietly and intermittently looked at Rolex's over the years, said I would treat myself on my 30th (i didn't) said I'd treat myself on my 35th (I didn't), but in recent weeks I started to get an itch and was toying with getting a vintage model (same age as me) but it tended to limit the options to the datejust (which is okay but not my favourite) or Sub mariners (which were over my budget).
Anyway this morning when I woke up I started to look at new Rolex's, looked into the Explorer (had not looked for a while) and found that i really liked the simplistic unassuming but elegant design (I do really like the Sub Mariner also but were a bit out of my budget). Started to make enquiries to various dealers, all of whom stated that I'd need to sign up to the interest list and that timescales could be many months.
Went into my local authorised dealer at lunch to sign up, left the store and the assistant ran out as someone had literally just cancelled their deposit on a brand new Silver on Silver explorer, I tried it on, loved the look and feel (fits nicely under the sleeve and the 39mm bezel is great for my medium-thin wrists!), With COVID19 the shopping centre was going to shut tonight indefinitely so what was supposed to be a browse and sign up for interest resulted in me handing over my card and walking out with a shiny new Explorer!
But am now feeling a little numb, scared to wear the watch! and feeling somewhat guilty for spending so much on a watch! was pleasantly surprised that my house insurance premium only went up by £18 for the year for the specified watch including cover out and about (anywhere in the world).
I realise it might not be the most exciting watch but I am secretly very happy with it, just don't think its sunk in yet though! Its safely in its box and hidden away for now.
Have quietly and intermittently looked at Rolex's over the years, said I would treat myself on my 30th (i didn't) said I'd treat myself on my 35th (I didn't), but in recent weeks I started to get an itch and was toying with getting a vintage model (same age as me) but it tended to limit the options to the datejust (which is okay but not my favourite) or Sub mariners (which were over my budget).
Anyway this morning when I woke up I started to look at new Rolex's, looked into the Explorer (had not looked for a while) and found that i really liked the simplistic unassuming but elegant design (I do really like the Sub Mariner also but were a bit out of my budget). Started to make enquiries to various dealers, all of whom stated that I'd need to sign up to the interest list and that timescales could be many months.
Went into my local authorised dealer at lunch to sign up, left the store and the assistant ran out as someone had literally just cancelled their deposit on a brand new Silver on Silver explorer, I tried it on, loved the look and feel (fits nicely under the sleeve and the 39mm bezel is great for my medium-thin wrists!), With COVID19 the shopping centre was going to shut tonight indefinitely so what was supposed to be a browse and sign up for interest resulted in me handing over my card and walking out with a shiny new Explorer!
But am now feeling a little numb, scared to wear the watch! and feeling somewhat guilty for spending so much on a watch! was pleasantly surprised that my house insurance premium only went up by £18 for the year for the specified watch including cover out and about (anywhere in the world).
I realise it might not be the most exciting watch but I am secretly very happy with it, just don't think its sunk in yet though! Its safely in its box and hidden away for now.
Sounds similar to my first Rolex purchase, I also ended up with an Explorer I albeit at age 21. Its a fantastic watch, I felt the same initially however once I started to wear it and it picked up a few scratches I concluded that this would be my daily and I will wear it every day. It won't lose any money and will tell me the time for my lifetime and then be something I can hand on to my son(s).
Thanks, hopefully you are right.
As it was a spare of the moment purchase (5 stores suggested I'd be waiting months, so I acted quickly), in my haste I didn't have time to get the strap adjusted as I had to be back home for a video conference so I can't wear it just yet as it's flapping around!
Problem is I don't know when the store will next open.
As it was a spare of the moment purchase (5 stores suggested I'd be waiting months, so I acted quickly), in my haste I didn't have time to get the strap adjusted as I had to be back home for a video conference so I can't wear it just yet as it's flapping around!
Problem is I don't know when the store will next open.
Speed1283 said:
But am now feeling a little numb, scared to wear the watch! and feeling somewhat guilty for spending so much on a watch!
I realise it might not be the most exciting watch but I am secretly very happy with it, just don't think its sunk in yet though! Its safely in its box and hidden away for now.
Firstly congratulations!I realise it might not be the most exciting watch but I am secretly very happy with it, just don't think its sunk in yet though! Its safely in its box and hidden away for now.
I know exactly how you feel as I bought an OP39 four years ago. I was similarly "bounced" into making a decision as it was just before a widely expected 5% price increase.
I had a funny feeling of pride and guilt, not helped by the "how much?!" expressions of incredulity from family and friends...
If you need to rationalise it, what else can you buy that you can use all day, every day for the rest of your life? And the longer you keep it, the cheaper it gets if you see what I mean - my watch has cost me the equivalent of £2:20/day since I bought it (just worked it out!) barely a cup of coffee and not forgetting I could get some of that money back if I decided to sell it. (I won't!)
I would just try and relax and enjoy your wonderful watch. It is timeless - look after it and it will last you a lifetime
I have a few Rolex and am currently in love with the explorer. Well done and I hope you love it.
As for being scared to wear it, just do it. They are as tough as f
k. My sub has been inside 200 deer, and countless rabbit holes, plus engines and the workings of an oil rig and a nuclear power station.
They are super tough and will still look good on 40 yrs.
If you are really scared to wear it PM me with a price, I might have it off you
As for being scared to wear it, just do it. They are as tough as f
k. My sub has been inside 200 deer, and countless rabbit holes, plus engines and the workings of an oil rig and a nuclear power station.They are super tough and will still look good on 40 yrs.
If you are really scared to wear it PM me with a price, I might have it off you

Brads67 said:
I have a few Rolex and am currently in love with the explorer. Well done and I hope you love it.
As for being scared to wear it, just do it. They are as tough as f
k. My sub has been inside 200 deer, and countless rabbit holes, plus engines and the workings of an oil rig and a nuclear power station.
They are super tough and will still look good on 40 yrs.
If you are really scared to wear it PM me with a price, I might have it off you
Love this! I reckon they should use you for the next advertising campaign, up to your elbows in stag! As for being scared to wear it, just do it. They are as tough as f
k. My sub has been inside 200 deer, and countless rabbit holes, plus engines and the workings of an oil rig and a nuclear power station.They are super tough and will still look good on 40 yrs.
If you are really scared to wear it PM me with a price, I might have it off you

Congrats on the purchase, I doubt you'll regret it. I bought a Submariner in 1997 and have worn it every day since. I've worn it through all sorts of daily chores and DIY tasks, on holiday, in the pool, in the sea, during sports etc etc. Last summer I had it serviced for the very first time, not because it was losing time, but because it looked a little tired. It had a new glass, new bezel, and a new pinion and was polished and serviced. That cost c£650. I paid £1,690 for it. So I've been wearing the watch I love for 23 years and it has cost me about £2,300 or £100 a year, or about 30p a day. Today it looks brand new and is easily worth £6k+. But I'd never sell it. It is without doubt my favourite possession and after 23 years I still look at it and love it. If it was a car it'd be the one you walk away from an look back at, still after 23 years. I'd sell my car and bikes before I ever sold my watch.
Congrats! A nice story for your first Rolex, always good to catch a bit of luck.
Bracelet resizing is really easy, it should just be a small flat driver (one for adjusting eye glasses, for example) to remove each link pin, and a drop of threadlock when going back in (though I'm not sure how many people actually do this).
Bracelet resizing is really easy, it should just be a small flat driver (one for adjusting eye glasses, for example) to remove each link pin, and a drop of threadlock when going back in (though I'm not sure how many people actually do this).
Apologies for the delay, and thanks for the various messages, much appreciated.
I've taken some (poor) photos which I now include, they do not do the Watch justice, also you'll see why a 39mm watch is as large as I can go on my spindly wrists (not alot I can do at the gym to sort that!
Sadly I missed the shop today due to work so couldn't get the links removed so I'll have to wait until I can wear it properly. Secretly I'm very happy with it.
Suspect it will be a special occasion watch for now



I've taken some (poor) photos which I now include, they do not do the Watch justice, also you'll see why a 39mm watch is as large as I can go on my spindly wrists (not alot I can do at the gym to sort that!
Sadly I missed the shop today due to work so couldn't get the links removed so I'll have to wait until I can wear it properly. Secretly I'm very happy with it.
Suspect it will be a special occasion watch for now
Tony1963 said:
What’s a “spare of the moment purchase”?

Well he had a spare moment, and bought the watch on the spur of the moment.
Edit: well done OP, I hope the watch gives you pleasure and joy for decades to come. it won't ever go out of style.
Edited by Stunters on Friday 20th March 20:46
Make sure it's insured then wear it & enjoy it. My first Rolex was an Airking in 2007. I then purchased a 50th Anniversary Sub in 2012 and last year took the plunge & purchased a Sky Dweller. Out of all the watches I own, the Rolex are my favourite followed by the Panerais.
Look after them & they should hold or increase in value.
Don't feel guilty about spending your own money. My watch collection in total is worth more than I paid for my first house 20 years ago. I graft hard, to be in the privileged position I am now in. I don't piss money up the wall every week or gamble it away and plan to ensure our family is secure, so I will spend money on what make me happy.
Look after them & they should hold or increase in value.
Don't feel guilty about spending your own money. My watch collection in total is worth more than I paid for my first house 20 years ago. I graft hard, to be in the privileged position I am now in. I don't piss money up the wall every week or gamble it away and plan to ensure our family is secure, so I will spend money on what make me happy.
Edited by shep1001 on Friday 20th March 20:57
Speed1283 said:
Apologies for the delay, and thanks for the various messages, much appreciated.
I've taken some (poor) photos which I now include, they do not do the Watch justice, also you'll see why a 39mm watch is as large as I can go on my spindly wrists (not alot I can do at the gym to sort that!
Sadly I missed the shop today due to work so couldn't get the links removed so I'll have to wait until I can wear it properly. Secretly I'm very happy with it.
Suspect it will be a special occasion watch for now



That's really lovely. Perfect and on my wish list. I've taken some (poor) photos which I now include, they do not do the Watch justice, also you'll see why a 39mm watch is as large as I can go on my spindly wrists (not alot I can do at the gym to sort that!
Sadly I missed the shop today due to work so couldn't get the links removed so I'll have to wait until I can wear it properly. Secretly I'm very happy with it.
Suspect it will be a special occasion watch for now
Excellent choice sir.
Speed1283 said:
Apologies for the delay, and thanks for the various messages, much appreciated.
I've taken some (poor) photos which I now include, they do not do the Watch justice, also you'll see why a 39mm watch is as large as I can go on my spindly wrists (not alot I can do at the gym to sort that!
Sadly I missed the shop today due to work so couldn't get the links removed so I'll have to wait until I can wear it properly. Secretly I'm very happy with it.
Suspect it will be a special occasion watch for now



So so beautiful and my second favourite Rolex after the white ceramic Daytona. Can see me treating myself to one of these next year for my 40th.I've taken some (poor) photos which I now include, they do not do the Watch justice, also you'll see why a 39mm watch is as large as I can go on my spindly wrists (not alot I can do at the gym to sort that!
Sadly I missed the shop today due to work so couldn't get the links removed so I'll have to wait until I can wear it properly. Secretly I'm very happy with it.
Suspect it will be a special occasion watch for now
Can I ask, how long did they say the wait was originally for the explorer?
Humble Pi said:
So so beautiful and my second favourite Rolex after the white ceramic Daytona. Can see me treating myself to one of these next year for my 40th.
Can I ask, how long did they say the wait was originally for the explorer?
Firstly my thanks to the kind messages from everyone, it is much appreciated and I'm certainly feeling alot calmer today, just annoyed that I didn't get chance to get the strap adjusted and God knows when the store will next open. Can I ask, how long did they say the wait was originally for the explorer?
Humble Pi - to be fair I only contacted 5 stores (three in the South East, and two in the Midlands). None of the stores would give me a time estimate but most said a number of months and said the watch was in high demand (probably standard response). I'd assumed a 3-4 month wait but I guess there will be many seasoned buyers on here who will know.
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