Rolex, Submariner, and Me. (A 50 years of Passion story)

 

Hello Friends!

I wish to share this little story about my long "love affair" with the Rolex brand, and in special with the Submariner, a model which has been on my wrist for more than 45 years, though the passion for the brand, was acquired some years before.

 My Dad introduced me to the Rolex brand, around the year 1960 or 61, when I was 12 or 13 years old, in occasion of a visit to a jewellers store. My father was in those days, a fervent admirer of the brand, though in those years, his only watch was a  gold Omega.

 On that day, I heard my Dad saying to me: "Some day I´ll buy a watch just like that" while pointing his index finger to a shining steel Date Just with an Oyster bracelet, resting among other Rolex watches within a showcase. He then proceeded to give me a short lesson explaining with great enthusiasm, the virtues of Rolex watches.

 I was completely convinced on the spot! When Dad finished his speech, I solemny declared: "Some day I´ll also get one for me!" I have no doubt that on that very day, Dad instilled me the passion for the Brand.

My father bought his first Rolex (an steel Date Just, with a plain gold bezel, on an expanding Oyster ss bracelet), during a trip we made together, visiting the U.S.A., on February 1966.

 I´ll never forget the details of the purchase, at an AD located on Flaggler and 2nd Ave. in Downtown Miami. It was almost a ceremony, and can well remember the smile and satisfaction of my dad, when we left the watchshop with his shining new Rolex on his wrist.

 But the Rolex I wished for myself, was not a DJ, but a Submariner. I didn´t know about references. To me, a Sub was a Sub, was a Sub. The only one I knew, was the 5513.

In those far years, I had begun to learn to scuba dive, and the Submariner was the most beautiful diving watch I had ever seen.

And it was a Rolex!

 In those times, I devoured every book written by Jacques Cousteau (whom by that time, hadn´t received yet, the fame he reached years later).  Some photographs showed the Captain wearing one of the first versions of the Submariner, on his wrist.

 

 To complete my "madness" for the Submariner, during the year 1964, I had discovered my first film for a then new silver screen hero. A super cool British Agent whose name was Bond, James Bond, delighted me on the screen. I was hooked! I became a Bond fan. And surely, he showed a Submariner on his wrist!

Of course, a Rolex was something beyond the reach of a young lad having 14 or 15 years old. So I had to wait a few years more to get my own Sub.

The time arrived in September 1966, for my 18th birthday.  The morning of my birthday, I discovered a small green box, waiting to be opened, resting on my night table. That was a suprise my parents had prepared without saying a word to me, about their trip to the AD shop.

 Oh, my God! I surely loved that watch. I didn´t take it from my wrist to take a shower, or to sleep. I was so happy!

I am 63 years old now, and my love and passion for Rolex, and for Submariners in particular, has not diminished a bit.

 By the contrary, I feel my interest grew, and for each and any of its many variants, vintage or modern, though with a preference for the vintage versions.

That beloved 5513, accompanied me during my first scuba dives, and during each moment of my life, incuding my marriage ceremony, but not for much time. In 1977, I sufferend an armed robbery, and my watch was taken away by the robbers.

 I was really scared after the incident, and I felt so desvastated for the loss of that Sub, which I loved so much, that my young wife secretly visited a local AD, and bought a new Submariner to comfort me. I loved that beautiful gesture.

 When I received that Sub, just a few days after the robbery, I discovered with surprise, that it had the date feature. As said, in those far years, a Sub was just a Sub for me, and both my wife and me, didn´t know a word about different references. The sales person at the AD, had sold her a 1680, to replace my previous Sub.

That 1680 has faithfuly accompanied me, since 1977, and never let me down. It received two services, at the local Official Rolex Service, in 1992 and 2010. Dial and hands are original. Only parts replaced are the crown, tube and plexi, and gaskets of course.

 This watch was my only timekeeper during many years. I used in the office, during my vacations by the sea, in sport scuba diving, in my trips. Never out of my wrist, even to sleep or have a shower.

 A few years ago, being afraid of losing it, I retired it with honours, to my box of collector pieces, and replaced it with a modern 14060M. The 1680 I use in special occasions.

 I also got a new 5513 for my collection, this time of 1976 vintage, as I had always loved this reference, which was the one of my first Submariner.




I love the look of the 5513, with its classic clean dial, with little inscriptions as it is not a COSC. In my view, the most beautiful dial of all Submariners.

That 1680 has faithfuly accompanied me, since 1977, and never let me down. It received two services, at the local Official Rolex Service, in 1992 and 2010. Dial and hands are original. Only parts replaced are the crown, tube and plexi, and gaskets of course.

 A few years ago, following my passion for Submariners, and my declared fanatism for Bond films, I searched for a no crown guards, affordable to my limited budget. I finally found this 5508, which became my grail, and a favourite of my collection.

It is known among collectors, that the real "Bond Sub" belongs to the reference 6500 series, big crown, but the prices they reach and their rarity, made me to decide that this watch could satisfy my desire of a "watch like Bond´s". It got a 1530 movement, in good working condition, and of 1959 vintage, which I found in a happy circumstance.











I own some other brands, and enjoy wearing from time to time, but a Rolex, and a Submariner, is the watch you´ll see more often on my wrist.

 I thank you so much for your kind attention, and for allowing me to share this long story about Rolex, and me!

 Best cordial regards, Abel.

 

This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2012-02-04 23:44:25 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2012-02-06 11:58:28 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2012-02-06 11:58:53

Not long at all, it is great to hear how you came to discover and love Rolex.

Mine was the same kind of story, my cousin had one that I always admired a Sea Dweller and my Dad for my graduation from Law School got me and my brother both Sub's.

I don't wear it as much anymore, same as you and basically for the same reasons. I would be devastated if it was stolen.

These days I wear my Milgauss GV or my Deep Sea much more often and with pleasure.

I also enjoy taking out Dad's gift pure moments of pleasure.

Best regards,

George

... your own experience, which is similar to my story.
It´s a shame we have to be concerned with the safety of our pieces, reducing the pleasure of wearing them, but this is the reality in some Countries.
As you well say, I would be devastated if my 1680 is stolen, after so many years of having it in my life.

Enjoy your Rolex watches, and thank you again for your kind comments. Very cordially, Abel.

That has withstood the test of time. Congratulations!
J.

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.... what a wonderful story. About love, watches, passion, life. Really great story.
And really nice watches you have

I started my watch interest at the same time, but no particular brand.Started with just buying new watches I could afford until I inherited a few watches and git bitten by the vintage bug.

Cheers, and keep up the great posts
Hans

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What a post, my friend!

You perfectly illustrated the famous saying ( coming from an australian friend, by the way ) thet " watches are more than watches ".

They are part of our life, they share our life.

I can feel your pain on your stolen watch, I experienced the very same thing ( not an armed robbery, though, " just " a burglary ).

Watches with History are great, but it is even better when they have both History and  Story.

Thanks for this superb and refreshing post, you made my day.

Will post something today which is in relation to your Subs...

Best,

Nicolas

... with your Australian friend: watches are more than watches", and specially if they got history and stories behind.

As this is the case with my Subs.
Its incredible to find how a little and seemingly non important comment by a parent, can influence a child or a young, as it happened with my Dad and the brand Rolex. I guess his own passion for this brand then was so strong as mine today!

I appreciate your nice comments, and I´m so happy to know you enjoyed my post.
I will be eagerly looking forward to read your own post!

Have a nice week end, and receive my best cordial regards, Abel.

I´ve readed it with passion, the same passion that you have for your watches.

Really thanks for sharing this feelings with us.

Best

Emilio

... I´m so happy to read your kind comments!

Enjoy your Rolex too my friend.
Un abrazo, Abel,

There is a Submariner date 16610 LV with my 6 years old sons name on the g'tee dated when he was 1 years old (there was a witing list or would have been on the day he was born

I will give my surprise to him on his 18th birthday God willing

I hope one day I will be able to share my passion of Rolex with him in an AD, he is already into watches... his BEn 10 never leaves him!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story

I read it again and again, it warms the heart in so many ways...

Best,

Imran

... between us! What a fantastic surprise you got for your son! I´m sure it  will be a Real surprise for him, and that he will treasure your fine gesture and thoughtfulnes forever. So nice!

I appreciate your nice comments, and believe me that it is so rewarding to post a writing, and receive so nice and warm feedback.
Have a nice day, and thank you for sharing your so nice secret!
Very cordially, Abel.

you capture what, to me, represents a true collector. Congratulations on this post...on your wonderful watches and on your passion for them. In one post, I am guessing you have made dozens of new friends.

... I´ll get so many new friends! That´s a wonderful thing which adds to the enchantment of participating here! Thank you so much for your kind words!
I deeply appreciate that! Best cordial regards, Abel.

a fasinating story! a beautiful account of your time with the Submariners.

Excellent, absolutely brilliant.

 

cheers Tony 

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I've always had a love for Omega's since I have family in Switzerland and had an aunt who worked for them in Bienne/Biel.  However, Rolex ROCKS!!  But I have yet to get my first one.  One of these days!  Rolex has been copied by other brands so much, there is a certain magic and attraction.  They are built like tanks, and in the same vein, Tudor and Cellini rock, too!  I am looking at eventually obtaining a Datejust or Turn-O-Graph in ss and yellow gold, something I can eventually pass on to my grandson.  Rolex is one of the rare watch brands/manufacture that retain their value, even the older pre-owned ones.  Anyway, enjoy....HAGWE!! =:^{D>

... completely, about the streght and reliability of Rolex products. You can´t go wrong with any model you chose.
I also like the Omega brand, specially vintages, of which I own several.

To the collector, vintage Omega offer the benefit of lower prices, compared with vintage Rolex, and very interesting modes to look for, specially for the 1940´s through 1960´s. Models like Speedmaster, Constellation, or the 30L chronometres, are delicious pieces to own and to wear on the wrist.

Nice yo read you, and thanks for sharing your experience, and to know you had a relative working in Omega. Best cordial regards, Abel.

of Passion , Love and Romance ....  a powerful story.

U make me wanna buy a submariner !

... Thank you so much for your nice comment, and I´m glad my writing can motivate you to look for your own Submariner.
A great watch indeed, whichever variant -vintage or modern- you chose.
Best cordial regards, Abel.

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is inspiring!! Continue to enjoy them.

Ross

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By now I own several other brands: Omega, JLC, Tudor, Rado, Mido, Panerai, Hamilton and Seiko among others,

but a vintage rolex sub is always on my mind.

I even sometimes think on selling almost all of them to fund a beautiful 1680 or 5513,

and I don't even dare to tell about a beautiful 6538 or 5510! It is also my grail.

Your lovely story reminds me that we have to be patient and never forget our goals and passion.

Best regards and keep enjoying your cool watches.

René

I appreciate your kind words, my friend!

It´s true that collecting requires patience, perseverance and passion, all this mixed with a bit of madness.

A collection can´t be built just with a good budget. It takes time. To study, to learn, and to discover your own tastes.
A good place to learn is here. And a place where to find new friends.

I wish you can get some of the Rolex references you mention. They are a pleasure to have on your wrist!
Thank you again, and best cordial regards, René!
Abel.

Por compartir tu pasion con todos nosotros.

Mis saludos mas afectuosos para ti tambien.

Rene

Abel,

Thank you for sharing your heart warming story, which is a testament to why I love the brand so much. As mainstream as it is, it always comes down to the real intimate moments and personal experiences which make us fall completely mad over the Crown.

Cherish and enjoy your dear Submariners.

All the best from a fellow Sub lover,

Alex

Me da gusto leerte, como has estado?

Espero que muy bien.

Me encantaría leer un post acerca de tus rolex

Un fuerte abrazo.

René