Why do you own the Rolex watches which are in your collection?>>>>>
So what are the reasons why you bought and keep the Rolex watches in your collection? The short answer is, you like 'em! But why?
My 16613 appeals to me on many different levels. It is arguably the most iconic Rolex to the non-collector, general public. Like all of us, I was once part of that "general public" that looked upon the watch with awe and wonder. Acquiring it was a grail achievement that I won't soon forget. I've always had a thing for TT watches so that, combined with what is for me the most beautiful dial that Rolex makes translates to the 16613 being a watch I hope to always keep in my collection:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...ts/tues4-1.jpg
I never even considered wearing an all stainless 16610 watch until about the year 2000. It was then when I purchased an Invicta 8926 - a mechanical Sub-a-alike that really got me hooked on the look, and eventually drove me to buy the watch on which the homage was fashioned from. Many don't purchase a Submariner because they say it's so common. But the watch represents so much history and heritage, it's hard for a true Rolex fan to NOT own one...I've owned several difference variations of the Rolex Submariner - vintage, LV, and even the Sea-Dweller. But it's that glossy black dial and white gold marker look on the 16610 that truly does it for me.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3.../subwrist2.jpg
I've owned a couple of 16710 "Pepsi" GMT's - my first was a Y series that I owned for a couple of years and really enjoyed. It wasn't long after I sold it that I began regretting the decision. Beyond the cosmetic appeal of the watch (I happen to REALLY like the red and blue bezel though some don't) - it has special meaning and so much aviation related history. It's been to the moon...and remains a choice of many Air Force aviators (I work closely with the Air Force). When the opportunity to have all that I appreciate in the 16710 GMT Master II AND the new 3186 in an ultra-rare variation, I jumped at the opportunity. My GMT Master II is a watch I hope to pass on to my son one day.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...wbfwristWM.jpg
The Daytona is a watch I chased after for a couple of years, but really represents a departure in what I typically look for in watch - specifically, it doesn't have a date display. But the Daytona is such a gorgeous time piece, with such amazing Rolex history, I HAD to have one of the rare stainless examples. And even non-Rolex watch people have to grudgingly admit that the caliber 4130 is one of the greatest chronograph movements in the world.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...mwwrist1WM.jpg
The Yacht-Master is a watch I passed over several times without giving it serious consideration. Then one day I tried it again and BAM!...it knocked me out. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, the YM was the first watch to introduce most of the significant upgrades which Rolex even now continues to roll out through the rest of the line....the solid link bracelet...the Maxi Dial. And it also happens to be the watch my wife loves the most in my collection, so it's a safe bet it won't get sold anytime soon.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...mwristfall.jpg
My Datejust is the least worn watch in my collection, and perhaps the most likely candidate for exiting should I decide to move up to at Day Date. But there is a lot I love about my Datejust. Firstly, it's a match to my wife's daily driver - we were married wearing these two watches. It's also a TT watch, so (as mentioned before) it's just my style...It's also the only vintage piece in my collection currently (go plexi!) so that gives the watch some gravity as well. Everyone needs a pure dress watch, even if they don't often wear it....and this one is mine.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...os/rings-1.jpg
How about you?
