My Rolex inculcation is weird (or maybe not weird)... I always had a thing for strictly Omegas. When I was finally in a position to start scratching that very long-awaited itch I didn't hesitate - '57 Seamaster Trilogy.
But after that and a previously owned Reduced purchase I started to feel this, almost, obligation to own a Rolex... "Could I be a serious watch guy and *not* own a Rolex?" "Were that really that amazing?" I guess I needed to know to know ya know?
So I became obsessed but with a budget as I am a frugal type human and yet can't just buy cheap without feeling something toward what I am buying. So I researched and researched... and always having been a staunch 3/6/9 and 3/6/9/12, three-hander, type fella, I came across an AD selling a dusty, soon to be discontinued (unbeknownst to both him and me), 30 days pre-Covid onslaught, 36mm OP 3/6/9 blue dial for 10% below MSRP. As he said, "No one wants these and I need to empty out stock to get more stock from Switzerland" (little did he know what was coming in just 30 days).
I loved the feel of it, the dimensions, the look & wearability of it and the blue dial while absolutely detesting the handset (I truly am a Broad Arrow fella through and through), lack of legibility outdoors (I am outside a lot and often) and even though I initially disagreed with her -- my wife's pronouncement of "That just doesn't seem like a you type watch."
And even though I had offers as high as 9k for it at the beginning of the Great Global Rolex Stupidity (the hype train that ensued during Covid) I kept it because it was my first, and only (or so I thought at the time), Rolex.
I went back to Omega, purchasing a modern Railmaster, the new Speedmaster Professional in Hesalite, the Heritage 300 diver with the black sandwich dial & lollipop seconds and an Aqua Terra for my wife.
And then Rolex announced the new Explorer and that resparked my Rolex thing again. A completely dumb move as I dislike Mercedes hands nearly as much as an unannounced visit from my in-laws. But I put my name on the infamous "List" at our local AD ~ figuring that with all the bitching & moaning globally about purchase histories, etc I would be safe from ever receiving The Call. Asshole me, the call came two months later and in a ridiculous moment of feeling like both the AD must really love me and I had won the lottery, I said "Yes" and drove over and purchased.
And just like with the "Blue Explorer" OP... I loved the feel, case, curves, wearability, dial, lume, Oyster bracelet and clasp... but that Mercedes hours hand. Ick.
I wore it for a week and put it away in the box -- where it's still at, and even though my wife absolutely shellacked my ass verbally for the purchase (and deservedly so) I put my '57 Seamaster back on.
In the end, I think the only Rolex I truly want is the one that doesn't exist.
I, not exorbitantly but definitely pushing my personal frugality, purchased my way into knowing Rolex isn't my thing... but that said, a vintage GMT Master, the so called Pepsi, might be cool if not for that damn Mercedes hand.
The nearly pristine older Pepsi recently listed here at OF did, somewhat shameful to admit too, have me looking at finances and crunching numbers.
Absolutely hopeless I am.
