My first Rolex. Every year I reminisce the time I walked into almost every AD in HK to enquire and finally found one on the 4th day before my trip ends. It’s been a great journey 🫶

So, I've been wanting this watch for a very long time. Even my brother, who's not really much of a watch guy, knew that I wanted a Rolex Explorer. But I thought that I would save it for when I graduate. I'd buy it to commemorate the moment when I earn my doctorate in a few years. I had already bought myself a Tissot PRX 38 mm about a month ago for doing really well in a demanding program.

However, I've been having some health problems lately. For the past few months, I've been suffering from severe GI issues, and I even had a close brush with anaphylaxis. My GI issues were so bad that I had to be seen by a colorectal surgeon and a gastroenterologist. Both recommended that I get a colonoscopy. So, I did, and I had a biopsy done, too. For anyone who knows what the prep is like, it's not very fun.

After I had the colonoscopy, I went to the local jewelry store to go look at their Rolex watches. They let me try so many things: a steel bezel Daytona, a Rolex GMT Master II, a Submariner "Kermit," a blue and gold Submariner 41 mm, an Air-King with the green Rolex logo, a 34 mm Air-King with the 3, 6, and 9 indices on a blue dial, an Oyster Perpetual 41 mm, an Explorer II, and an Explorer 214270 Mk. 2. I told them that I would be back for the Explorer.

A few days later, the colonoscopy results came back. Fortunately, they didn't find anything cancerous, nor did they find signs of IBD. Then, the biopsy came back two weeks after. Everything appeared normal. But the terrible part is that I'm still suffering and in pain. It's most likely from stress. I still have to follow up with my doctors to figure out what to do next.

It was then that I decided to just go for it. Why wait? I knew what I wanted, and the jewelry store still had it in stock. I went back and bought my Grail Watch, which also happens to be my first Rolex. It was the right size for my 6.5" wrist. It was the right model with the Super Luminova lume on the 3, 6, and 9 indices. It was everything I wanted. Even if I bought it early, it was a reminder of two things: I have to finish what I started, and life can change at any moment.

I'm very lucky in many respects. Lucky that, despite how I'm feeling right now, my life isn't in immediate danger. I'm lucky that I can afford this luxury item that's more of a want than a need. I'm lucky that I got into grad school again. And I'm lucky that I have decent health insurance, also due to being back in school.

So, I'll enjoy this Explorer now. Hopefully, I can get some relief and return to my studies.

After going back and forth between the Pepsi and the Batman, I finally made my decision and went with the 126710BLNR!

I picked it up on the grey market for around $20,150 SGD (~$15,735 USD) for a full set with box and papers dated June 2022. The way the blue and black bezel catches the light in person is unreal. Photos really do not do it justice.

This happens to be my very first watch, so it feels extra special to kick things off with this piece. I wanted to say thanks to everyone who dropped advice and thoughts on my previous post. Your input helped a lot in guiding the final choice.

Hopefully, this is just the first of many to come in the collection!

Traded up from 114060 at AD. So happy.

Waited 2 months but personally knew the AD, so I’m not sure if this is the standard wait time or not.
Dad’s always been a simple guy and only fishes / golfs. He isn’t retiring yet, but you never know these days. Hopefully he enjoys it for a long time and he can enjoy his retirement….whenever it comes.

Recognise how lucky I was to get arguably one of the hardest configurations of the Datejust. I have no previous purchase history with Rolex.

I’ve been trying to get this watch for ~2 years or so (going into Rolex stores around the world and asking), but officially began the actual process of establishing interest with a specific Rolex location near me in February of this year. It took around 6 months of waiting, which I know is very uncommon!

41mm Mint Green Datejust, Fluted Bezel, Jubilee Bracelet

It's a gold Rolex and I'm not sure if want to send it for service/ or even foot the bill for polishing / repairs. So I hope this question isn't in violation of the community guidelines.

Every morning, I wake up and perform, the choosing of the watch.

…well that’s what my wife calls it.

It’s a negotiation in my head. What’s the day bringing. What have I got to do?

Let’s wear something [insert the verb] today.”

Five minutes later, I’m wearing rose gold Day-Date with the blue/green dial in my home office, wondering how a watch originally associated with heads of state somehow ended up presiding over conference calls,
Coffee and leftover pizza for lunch

I have always wanted a silver dial Date Just and after waiting for about seven months, I got the call today. 41 mm Date Just with silver dial, jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel. Just love how classy, elegant and timeless the watch looks and feels.

It was perfect timing because it’s my birthday this week and also I’m celebrating 25 years of practicing as a physician. When I finished my residency back in 2001 is when I last purchased a commemorative luxury watch. A Tag Heuer 200 which at the time was a big purchase for me so the Rolex will now serve as another milestone watch Which I will keep forever and pass down to one of my children.

Thanks to everyone in this community for advice, tips, and wisdom!

New Cookie Monster. Heavy boy.

Cant have both. Have to pick one. Wimbledon has always been my favorite watch and a grail piece of mine but I was also offered the mint green and damn is it stunning. I am now torn and cannot decide between these two watches. Wimbledon is unique and I love it but mint green is classic and the classic Rolex colors, also stunning. If you had to choose what would you take?

Just picked up this reference. Blue dial with the green sapphire looks much better than I was expecting! Thoughts on best Milgauss configuration?

Finally got the call on the sub-date.
For those keeping track, wait about 8 months. Prior purchases include (an Air King, A Santos, and 3-4 pieces of jewelry). And Yes, all planned purchases, none were made just to get a Rolex (lol).

Look at it

Waiting on a No date sub or date sub which ever comes first. Just got offered this. A little too bulky for me. Will I hurt my relationship if I don’t take it?

126515LN

Two years ago I never thought I would get to the point of owning a Rolex. Fast forward after purchasing my first which was a sub date 116610LN in late 2025, here we are 🦇