Collection
Fernando, a seasoned Rolex collector, challenges the conventional wisdom that Rolex watches are exclusively 'tool watches' best suited for stainless steel. Having acquired most modern stainless steel sports models, he shares his evolving appreciation for precious metals, specifically his journey into owning two-tone 'Rootbeer' GMT-Masters. His post delves into the aesthetic and emotional appeal of gold Rolexes, inviting the community to discuss why they might choose gold over steel.
Everyone knows Rolex is more or less a tool watch: sturdy, robust and virtually indestructible. Professionals in their respective fields wore them: divers, explorers, pilots etc. So it is understandable and accepted that the material of choice to withstand the ravages of the elements should be stainless steel.
Until recently, I was of the opinion that the idea of owning a Rolex meant only SS models. If you want something fancy with precious metals or a dressy watch, there are many brands to consider that are more appropriate.
After acquiring most of the modern day SS Rolex sports model, I began to get bored. I only used them to tell the time and occasionally the date. None of the activities that they were highly engineered to perform in ever challenged them or were they ever subjected to a harsh environment. I’m probably not the only one to wear a DSSD as a desk diver. 
Then I came across a TT ‘Rootbeer’ one day and I really liked the colour of the dial and the subtle way the light plays off it. It looked sophisticated and yet rugged at the same time and I decided to pull the trigger on it. In time, I got to like it even more and went to look for a good condition one with a ‘nipple’ dial. That didn’t quite materialize as the ones I saw were in a poor state.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I chanced upon another ‘Rootbeer’ with an older tritium dial and a jubilee bracelet. It had a slightly different look with the Jubilee and the tritium markers and hands were developing patina. It’s the same watch but not quite the same, if you know what I mean. Since I was enamoured with the first, is it crazy to go for a second with minor differences?
Thanks for your time and indulgence.
Cheers
Fernando
P.S. Nicolas, you asked and I hope I delivered.
Are you opening a new thema in your Rolex Collection? Now, you're going into deep trouble. As you will have to hunt: - An all gold 1675 with crownguards. - A 1675 WITHOUT crownguards. - An YG 6542. - And a few other iterations... No, I am not disappointed by the delivery! I love your madness and style. Thank you so much. We have two excellent posts on the Rolex forum today! Best, Nicolas
unanswered for the time being. I have to go check out your references first. You can be such a devil. Best fernando
It is indeed a lovely watch, wear in good health. As Nicolas has pointed out you seem to be heading down a dangerous path (so to speak). Best regards, George
Not quite Rolex .............. but embraceb the world of insensibility and aesthetics !!! All that glitters must be gold , how but how... can anyone resist ?!? I do find that I am especially conscious when I have a tool gold on wirst (no thanks in part to the weight) and admittedly gets less wrist time... Parhaps also in part tool watches in gold tend to stand out more than most dress watches. BTW, an everose Daytona is very high up on my wishlist. Tat will complete my insensible golden TRIO !!
... a tool watch should be stainless. Who would go scuba diving with a full gold Submariner? By the other hand... I love full gold Submariners, and it will be my next grail! I like both TT and full gold Subs and GMT´s though definitively wouldn´t use them daily, or chose the full gold Sub for scuba diving. Going in or out the boat and the U/W environment is too rough for a so fine gold watch, I feel. Regarding the GMT root beer, I feel it is one of the most beautiful variants of the classic mode
With Nicolas, it's always a dangerous path .... but with so much fun! cheers fernando
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