I’m new to the community so I don’t really know how this will be received, but I grew up pretty poor. My parents started a business around the time I was 17 and it took off in short order, so we went from living in a trailer and barely making ends meet to middle upper class in the span of a few years. Even as that happened, they always continued to live pretty well below their means. That childhood stuck with me.

Fast forward and I’m 35, have done well independently, my wife also gets paid well and we’re firmly upper class — we can afford nice things, but have never really splurged. My wedding band was a $40 cobalt ring (now just a silicone band). I don’t wear designer clothes. I drive an f-150 (although I realize those truck prices are luxury these days lol). I’m blessed with a wife who also has very modest tastes and we’re trying to raise our kids the same.

I’ve always wanted a nice watch and I finally pulled the trigger on a Root Beer. But I’m feeling a little guilty wearing $22k on my wrist. The rest of my collection is worth maybe $1000 combined (I like Seikos and Casios!).

We’re also strong believers in Jesus — I recognize that’s not a factor for everyone and respect different beliefs, but we do try to be good stewards of the wealth we ultimately believe isn’t ours — we try give a lot to the poor and to good causes. So it feels like sometimes that money could be working harder for others.

Anyone here navigate similar feelings with their first expensive watch purchase? I appreciate any input and I thank you guys in advance!

P.S pardon the steering wheel shot, it’s the best photo I have.

This Rolex 278278-0049 is so beautiful it made both of us tingle! Burgundy is her favorite color! She wanted to hate me because of the amount I spent, but she just fell in love instead!

Finally joining the club today!

Started my journey about 18 months ago with zero purchase history in the NY/NJ metro area. Originally registered for a standard Sub and a Bruce Wayne without knowing much about the market. For the first year, I only followed up via email, which basically got me nowhere.

About four months ago, I decided to actually start visiting in person so they could put a face to a name. Both ADs confirmed the GMT was out of reach, but said a Sub was realistic.

Last week, my SA mentioned black Subs still had zero timeline. They did offer me a Sea-Dweller, but it was too big for my wrist and I didn't want to settle. She then asked how I’d feel about a Starbucks. I definitely wanted one - I just had assumed it was unrealistic and didn't want to reset my "timeline." She mentioned one might arrive in about a month, but just five days later, she called to say it was in.

Picked it up today and couldn't be happier. Face-to-face visits really made all the difference.

Funny kicker: 30 minutes after walking out of the AD, my cousin called saying a buddy was offered a Starbucks at a Caribbean AD. He passed on it since he already has a few Rolexes and asked if I wanted it. Guess the watch gods decided today was my day.

Helping a close friend figure out logistics for wedding party gifts. The budget is there, but I need a reality check on AD allocations and timelines before walking in.

The Ask:

• Groomsmen (5 watches): Two-Tone Submariners (Bluesy / Black) or Two-Tone GMTs (Root Beer / GRNR).
• Bridesmaids (5 watches): Two-Tone Ladies' Datejusts (28mm or 31mm, flexible on dials/configurations).
• Timeline: A few months out.
• Spend History: Minimal - 2 watches but a good relationship overall with the store.

I know stainless steel sport models are non-starters, but does the two-tone/precious metal factor give us enough leverage for an AD to take this seriously? My main concern is the volume: will an AD even consider allocating five identical or near-identical professional models to a single buyer in that short of a window, or does anti-flipping policy flag bulk orders immediately- I assume not as these all trade at or a little below retail (I think)?

Looking for genuine feedback:

1. Is an AD order of this scale even remotely possible on short notice?
2. Would boutique management treat a 10-watch package deal as an attractive lump-sum sale, or just a headache?
3. Should we skip the retail runaround entirely and just contract a trusted grey dealer to source the full set?

I hope to work with my AD, or another local one, and I think a $250K order would be enticing, but I wanted some advice.

Thanks all

Also, I realize this is a crazy situation; I'm just trying to help a friend out.

I’ve loved this watch for years and have had a couple earlier iterations. I always bought them off the grey market/used but this time I wanted to get one from the AD. Lots of people are ambivalent about the explorer 1 but, to my eyes, it’s such a wonderful watch. I’m an understated guy so I’m not a fan of watches with the cyclops (for me).

This watch will pair with my speedy pro as a nice, tight, 2 watch collection. I tried the 36mm but that’s too small for my tastes.

I’m from London and in May I got the call for the panda Daytona. I’ve spent 150k with the AD and kept all my other watches such as Pepsi, explorer, OPs etc.

I finally got my Daytona after what felt like ever but I couldn’t tell the time on it- the reflections made it really difficult! So I’ve decided to sell it and have been lucky to ‘make’ 14k on it… it’ll fund my next day date in yellow gold. Sometimes you shouldn’t meet your hero’s.

Edit: owning it was also a nightmare with insurance… my options were;

1- insure at retail only (even though I’d never get another at retail.

2- no insurance, my home insurance wouldn’t cover the market value as over 25k.

3- specialist insurance which was costing me £72 a month. Kinda took away the shine.

I love the oyster bracelet my Rootbeer comes with but decided to have some fun and try on the oysterflex.

I wish they made two tone end links so that there is no gap between the strap and the case. But imo it still looks good and comfortable which is most important.

Anyways… thoughts?

Recently picked up a two-tone Root Beer and apparently I’ve developed a bit of a fascination with gold! Now eyeing a Datejust 36 (yes, another two-tone!).

Torn between three dials: Wimbledon, white Roman, and chocolate. Equally undecided between Everose and yellow gold.

I realize Everose might be a little redundant given my Root Beer, so I’m open to yellow gold. My only hesitation is that YG might look a bit too loud, especially against my darker brown skin tone. I’ve included a wrist shot including with my Root Beer for reference.

Would love some opinions on which dial and metal combination would work best with my complexion, while also adding some variety to my collection.

Thanks 🙏

Hey guys
I am sorry for this again… my dad is gifting me a New Watch
I really love the Explorer but I am afraid, that the explorer 40 will be to big.

Here are 2 photos of them.
First one is the 36 and second one is the 40

Thanks guys :)

Decided on explorer 36, as the 39 and 40 were too big. I know that the 36 fits my wrist size well and looks good, but simply to my eye it just looks a little small or dainty? I was wondering if anyone felt that the 114270 models looked or felt slightly bigger or less dainty compared to the newer 124270.

I also read that the older model tapers from 20 to 16 while new tapers from 19-14

Attached pictures from a video I saw in regards comparing the two and the older does look slightly bigger unless I’m just going crazy.

Always wanted a 126000 OP. Had something to celebrate at work, perfect occasion, Feels like summer!

Just walked in and got offered this as. “First time buyer.” Honestly every AD I’ve gone to has only offered me precious metals when I was looking in the 7k-12k range. Didn’t think any steel was offered on walk in. 🤔

Got my first rolex DJ 36mm wimbeldon dial with smooth and oyster. Got call after a week without purchase history.
Told AD need to get it before the wedding in November.
Excited!

Long time lurker on the sub. Decided to put my name for this one few weeks ago. (On the waitlist for a few other combinations and an OP41 as well)
Wasn’t expecting a call this quick, but here we are. Excited for my first😛 !!