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Tropical 1005 Arrived with an Interesting History

watchknut
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It is always cool when a watch can be placed in a specific time in history, and this watch is no exception. It was purchased at the Navy Exchange at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on October 7, 1962...10 days before the start of the Cuban Missile Crisis! It was then worn for next 20+ years of Navy service by a Master Chief.

The original owner kept the papers with caseback sticker attached, as well as all correspondence from a 1989 service with Rolex New York in which they suggested a new dial and hands which he, thank God, declined.

As you will see in the pics, this watch has one killer tropical chocolate and caramel brown gilt dial, and is in original condition.

It is my first tropical vintage Rolex, and I am really excited as Mrs. Watchknut loves it wants to wear it...finally a vintage watch that is more appropriately sized for her wrists.






 
RawArcher
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Love this one Matt. Love the story too! Thanks for sharing.....
 
VetPsychWars
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The emperor has no clothes.

It's hideously ugly and he should have replaced the dial and hands.

Sorry, it's just my opinion. I will never value a watch that looks like crap.

Tom
 
oddboy
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Phew! I'm so glad you're wrong Tom. This is a great lookin' watch.

I thought I was wrong there for a bit.
 
VetPsychWars
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oddboy oddboy
Phew! I'm so glad you're wrong Tom. This is a great lookin' watch.

I thought I was wrong there for a bit.

I can't be wrong because this is all just opinion. If you like a watch that looks like it was run over by a truck... fine. I'll bet a donut you're in the minority.

This is why I don't like hanging around enthusiast forums, because someone puts up some ugly thing and a large number of people say "wow, great thing!" and all I can think of is... you spent money on that?

Don't worry, this is my one post like this for the next six months.

Tom
 
oddboy
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Aw, Tom, I was just ribbing you. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and both of our opinions are equally valid.

I'm glad you're here and I'm glad you chime in. Diversity is what makes this hobby interesting.
 
tyrantlizardrex
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Not a huge fan of gold on watches, but the way the dial has discoloured really compliments the gold elements.

Frankly I think this looks ace.

Wear it well. 😀
 
RawArcher
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@VetPsychWars, I find it humorous (nicest word I could come up with) that you can post the unconstructive words "The emperor has no clothes. It's hideously ugly and he should have replaced the dial and hands. Sorry, it's just my opinion. I will never value a watch that looks like crap" about someone's new watch yet have such thin skin.

Too bad you have the perfect avatar subtitle already or you could stake your claim to Irony Embodied II.

Have your opinion, even if it's dumb......but man (or woman) up afterwards! Or, please proceed with your farewell press conference.
 
VetPsychWars
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OK, here's some constructive words. Replace the dial and hands and refinish the case so it looks like a decent watch once again.

And, no, I don't want to be in the club.

Tom
 
tyrantlizardrex
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VetPsychWars VetPsychWars
OK, here's some constructive words. Replace the dial and hands and refinish the case so it looks like a decent watch once again.

And, no, I don't want to be in the club.

Tom

Each to their own - but I don't think there's anything wrong with this being as it is.

It's not a brand new watch, it has lived a life, and the parts show this.

Their condition does not stop it functioning as a watch.

If the OP wanted a brand new one, I'm sure that's what he would have bought.

Jumping into a thread purely to say that the OPs watch is "crap" isn't cool.

And as for not liking "hanging around enthusiast forums,because someone puts up some ugly thing and a large number of people say "wow, great thing!" " - well that's fine.

You don't have to hang around here, but at the same time, I'm sure you have a lot to add... if you don't want to though, up to you.

Either way, please quit with the trolling - and before you say that you were "just stating your opinion", jumping into a thread just to say that something is crap, isn't stating your opinion, it's acting like a tosser.
 
Hijak
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I'm not a big Rolex guy...but I really like this watch! Although it could use a little polywatch, the dial is outstanding!👍
 
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