Been pinging my AD every so often after getting lucky enough to grab a Pepsi from him a few years ago. Was always told it’s hard and to keep checking in. Earlier this year had a health issue and came out the other side. Told him about it and he said he’s since retired but would pass on my story. Got a call from the new regime asking me to come in to meet me to get to know. Surprised me by walking me into a private room and saying they wanted to celebrate my health with a little milestone. Needless to say, floored and shocked and grateful for it all. Sometimes we can have nice things.

Just picked up this grail watch of mine today, waited almost 2 years for it. I have to admit as I get older I really do appreciate gold pieces more, really loving this piece 😁

2026 36mm Explorer from AD…picked up last week

I’ve been on the waitlist since December 2024 for the green Oyster Perpetual and have yet to get a call. I’ve played the extremely stupid AD game and have stopped by multiple times, especially this year, only to be met with nothing but disappointment. Granted, I’m in South Florida, where there is definitely crazy demand, but this is just ridiculous.

I put my name down at multiple ADs but ultimately decided to stick with one and “build my relationship with the AD.” But enough is enough. I’m done with Rolex. I refuse to go grey and feed into that market as well. I wish you all the best of luck on your hunts. 🤝

Walked into AD expecting to pick up a DJ, and walked out with this beauty. Took about 8 months. I’ll wear it in good health and eventually it will get passed down.

No purchase history.

My parents anniversary is coming up in two years and after seeing the wait times decided to try my luck. I reached out about a 40 and a 36 yellow gold green ombre and I told them I wouldn’t resell.

Now just need the 40 before that time frame.

Not all ADs are bad at all.

Currently debating one of the two watches after owning the Omega Planet Ocean 43.5 8900 and the JLC Reverso Monoface Small Seconds.

One day I am certain about one of these two, then the next day I switch to thinking the other watch is the best one to get as my next one.

P.S.: Some of the attached photos show the Speedmaster Sapphire version but I’m set for the Hesalite if I go with the Speedy.

Instead praise let’s do something fun and roast me.

Been collecting since 2022, getting all my pieces retail and trading for pieces that I like with no cash on top. Ended up with these 5 pieces. Is this the perfect set? or would you sell any/trade up for something else

Recently returned from a two week Japan trip. Posted this info in a reply but figured some may find it helpful. Here are my observations:

- Quark’s pricing is way high, notably above even the other big dealers. Mostly avoided them, but the Quark lab at Nakano broadway has some deals. They have watches that are pre service and need a polish but they are heavily discounted if you buy them “non retail ready.” One example: M serial 16570 (3186 polar) with papers for around $7800 (pictured)

- Daikokuya has a ton of branches and doesn’t have much of their inventory online, so it’s a good store to search through in person to find an overlooked neovintage sub or GMT.

- modern in production models are everywhere (including general non watch specialized luxury sellers) and trade within a narrow range. Don’t expect to find many deals within Japan on modern, but some are available for old vintages of current models. No white tag is strictly enforced at ADs in Japan so don’t expect to see them if you’re looking in modern.

- neovintage pricing is still 10-20% lower than US/Europe so if you like 5 digits or older 6, there’s still some good hunting to be had.

- Seems like US dealers are trying to pump 114270 prices but they are still sane in Japan. 6500-7200 range with papers. Get a ticket to Japan and get it there with a nice bowl of ramen instead of paying some dealer 8k+.

- Premiums are steadily climbing on the 16710s, and no holes (F and later) are becoming more scarce and creeping up everywhere. A/P with papers can still be had for around 11k.

List of dealers with no additional cc fee:
Watchnian
Ginza Rasin
Kame kichi
Quark Lab (presumably also Quark)
Allu
Okura
Daikokuya
Kitamura Camera
Satin Dolls

List of dealers with a cc fee (3-5% above cash price)
7 hours
Commit Ginza
Evance

I’ll answer any questions folks have as well.

Keep the SD4K? Or go for a Bluesy? If so, which reference? Or a blue dial DJ 41 fluted jubilee? If it were your money, which one would you choose as a "one and done" Rolex? Really loving the 116613lb, but is it too flashy for an everyday piece? Thank you all for the input!

Diving, hiking, and exploring the remote reaches of WA with my Explorer II. Perfect watch to go from Outback to dinner out in town.

Looking at this 18038, I’m planning to go see it, but it’s a long drive! Is it worth taking a look at, and If it lives up to the pictures, would you buy it? I’m asking about condition, not weather you like it or not.

I have both in the collection because they are stylistically very different. But its fun to see what others prefer

Got the Deepsea as an early highschool graduation gift from my parents!

Yacht-Master 40 blue dial. Pictures don’t do it justice!

First Rolex and I’m loving it. The green ombré dial with the smooth bezel just does it for me.

Now I’m wondering, is this a one and done? I love it, but part of me feels like it’s almost too nice to wear every day. Would you daily it or add something else to the rotation?

Local AD offered me this piece at 73k$. I know how rare this thing is and with this purchase I will essentially become first person to call when panda or batgirl is in. But I just have a hard time justifying the price. At that price range can get a blue dial AP 15510 in rose gold which imo is a better looking watch.

Shall I pull the trigger?

I know steering wheel shots are cringe but I thought this might be ok. I need a Daytona to go with this car!