A shocked Veteran
Jan 29, 2020 11:52:54 #
Jan 29, 2020 12:16:59 #
Jan 29, 2020 12:28:47 #
Jan 29, 2020 14:45:26 #
Yep, saw it in real-time. Certain Rolexes are rare and VERY valuable, and this one was special in that it was new, in the box with the original papers and labels - never worn after 47 years. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Jan 30, 2020 07:06:47 #
AirWalter wrote:
It’s been all over the news articles recently. I’ve got a Rolex GMT master, I bought in Singapore in 1967.
I fell in love with them in Aust but a planned extended holiday in UK & Europe, I decide to buy it in Singapore. It was from a “Good “ shop, DeSilva & co.
Being an expensive item, I soon decided it wasn’t sensible to wear it at work & bash it around, so I put it away & used cheap ones.
In Singapore a few years ago, I happened to visit the Rolex shop & asked how much I’d pay for one now.
I too nearly fell over when told $10,000. I paid £60 sterling in 1967.
It seems they are more now around $22000 aud.
A good deposit on a house???
Jan 30, 2020 07:55:07 #
Jan 30, 2020 10:02:49 #
Bunko.T wrote:
Yeah, I saw it on Antiques Roadshow and the news so I didn't need to click on the link.It’s been all over the news articles recently.
Jan 30, 2020 10:05:15 #
In the late 70s, I purchased an Omega Speedmaster. I paid under $400 at the base exchange in Camp Pendelton. That watch today is worth between $3-4K. Amazing.
--Bob
--Bob
AirWalter wrote:
Jan 30, 2020 10:21:50 #
My uncle worked for Bulova at their factory in Queens, NYC. I played Little League baseball on Bulova Fields next door. That was back when large corporations had a heart or two amongst the executives. This was just down Astoria Blvd from the Steinway Piano factory. Us kids would scavange wood from behind the building to build fires. This was before the era of rampant wildfires, honest!
Jan 30, 2020 12:01:24 #
jaycoffman
Loc: San Diego
Wow, I'm really happy for him. Almost same situation w/military as him except I was a few years earlier. I finished school and the draft lady said I was to go the next week. I joined to have more control over my service. Turned out my lottery number was 9 while his was 7 so we both did OK by joining.
Years latter my wife gave me a Rolex Submariner for graduating from law school. Unlike him I've worn it virtually every day since plus on hundreds of dives into that salty water. It still runs like new. I also kept all the material and boxes. Our insurance agent just told us we need to get it appraised because the Submariners have been discontinued and are going up in price. Who knows although it's all academic to me as I intend to keep wearing it. (Although if it was in the $500,000 category I probably could be bought but mine is simply not as unique as his.) Great story and thanks for sharing. p.s. How did he keep all that hair?
Years latter my wife gave me a Rolex Submariner for graduating from law school. Unlike him I've worn it virtually every day since plus on hundreds of dives into that salty water. It still runs like new. I also kept all the material and boxes. Our insurance agent just told us we need to get it appraised because the Submariners have been discontinued and are going up in price. Who knows although it's all academic to me as I intend to keep wearing it. (Although if it was in the $500,000 category I probably could be bought but mine is simply not as unique as his.) Great story and thanks for sharing. p.s. How did he keep all that hair?
Jan 30, 2020 12:38:21 #
wrangler5
Loc: Missouri
I had a colleague buy a Rolex GMT Master for me in 1972 when they went TDY to Guam. It came from one of the exchanges there - we were in the Air Force but it may have come from the Navy exchange, I don't remember. I do remember that it cost $212, the most expensive watch in the exchange catalog by far. (I was making about $1,200/month as a JAG at the time.)
I wore it for years before moving on to other watches. I'm long retired, and finally gave it to my son a few years ago because he could afford to get it cleaned and updated. I think he said it cost $1,500 for a general overhaul plus new face and hands and 24 hour bezel strip - the radium on the face and hands was shot after 40+ years, and the bezel strip had faded. Saw one used in a local jewelry store around Christmas for ~$15,000.
I wore it for years before moving on to other watches. I'm long retired, and finally gave it to my son a few years ago because he could afford to get it cleaned and updated. I think he said it cost $1,500 for a general overhaul plus new face and hands and 24 hour bezel strip - the radium on the face and hands was shot after 40+ years, and the bezel strip had faded. Saw one used in a local jewelry store around Christmas for ~$15,000.
Jan 30, 2020 14:16:39 #
1Feathercrest
Loc: NEPA
PH CIB wrote:
Wow, I always wanted a Rolex !!! Bought a Bulova Accutron and a Seiko Railroader instead...
Me also (The Bulova Accutron in 1957). Still have it but the face markings are disappearing.
Jan 30, 2020 14:47:16 #
I sold my late father’s Rolex Daytona after he died because it was a non waterproof chronograph and required winding, but unfortunately not the rarest model, but still got 13K$ for it. My wife gave me a Submariner maybe 30 years ago one Father’s Day, and I have worn it all day every day - diving, sailing and in the shower - still looks and works like the day it was new except for normal wear. My son (who really covets it) will get it when I’m gone, and I’m betting he will wear it for decades longer. When I was In Vietnam in 68/69, you could order a plain Rolex Oyster Perpetual through the PX for $195. I (stupidly) spent my small salary on camera (Camera FTQL) and stereo equipment which is now maybe worth $100. The Rolex would have been worth maybe 4-5K$.
Jan 30, 2020 14:51:15 #
Jan 30, 2020 16:55:02 #
jaycoffman
Loc: San Diego
wrangler5 wrote:
I had a colleague buy a Rolex GMT Master for me in... (show quote)
Yes, that's about what if costs to have a Rolex serviced at an authorized Rolex dealer. But when you get it back it's as good as new. I have used a semi-authorized person to service mine but he never does it quite as well as the authorized guy. I think I'm going back to the authorized guy next time.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.