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| Visit to Rolex AD today - amazing! (a very looooong story) https://www.breitlingsource.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14103 |
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| Author: | carlhaluss [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Visit to Rolex AD today - amazing! (a very looooong story) |
Well, folks, for the first time in my life I paid a visit to a Rolex AD, with the serious intent of buying one of their watches. I don't know what has held me back for so long, from taking a serious look at what they have to offer. But that is one of the joys I find in life: There is always some new pleasure in store, even when I think that I have exhausted all the possibilities. Anyway, I was really looking forward to this visit. I had been in the shop - Monte Cristo in Vancouver - about six months ago, with a buddy who was looking at the Deep Sea Dweller. I was very impressed with the knowledge, the time taken with my friend, and the utter professionalism shown without a hint of pretense. This is definitely one of the higher end jewellers and watch dealers in Vancouver, and I would have no hesitation of recommending them to anyone. Lately, I have really been into the smaller size watches, and am finding great pleasure in my Omega Seamaster Pro 36mm, and my Railmaster, also 36mm. However, as I mentioned in one of my other posts, I am less than impressed with the elitist attitude of Omega of late. I truly believe that it has a lot to do with their own lack of self confidence in the fact that Rolex is indeed that largest producer - by far - of watches that are given Chronometer Certificates, in the world. This was more than evident to me today, when I saw the wide selection of models - and price ranges - that Rolex has to offer. And bear in mind, that all of these watches have in house movements, and are therefore in the long run probably more reasonably priced than many competitors' watches. One good reason that we feel we are being "stung" by the price increases by Omega and Breitling with the introduction of their own inhouse movements. Monte Cristo had every single model of Rolex in their showcase that I wanted to see! I was literally like a kid in a candy shop, only without the necessary funds! The models were: the new GMT-Master II (at 40mm with ceramic bezel, adjustable bracelet, anti-magnetic hairspring), Milgauss ( also at 40mm with the beautiful green saphire crystal ), the Explorer I ( very simple dial, much like the Omega Railmaster, also 36mm) and numerous Perpetual and Air King models, simple dials with no calendar, at 34mm and 36mm. Like I say, a paradise for people with small wrists or who just want smaller watches. The build quality is great, but I have to admit overall, not better IMHO than Omega or Breitling. There are, in fact, some smaller details on the Omegas and Breitlings that I like better. However, they are all built like tanks, and you get the feeling that they will last forever. The GMT IIc (the c stands for ceramic bezel) is absolutely, drop-dead gorgeous. It has a beautiful presence without being too blingy, and is pretty good on the wrist at 40mm. The Milgauss is another masterpiece unto itself. The green saphire crystal is itself a work of art. It almost gives the black dial a brownish look. Some of the markers are orange, like the "thunderbolt" second hand, which is a marvel itself. It really is a most unusual watch, but done with such class that it defies description. Now for my real loves of the whole lot, and the pleasant surprise: the simplistic Perpetual and Air King models, with no date, ranging from 36mm to 34mm. For $4100-$6000CAD, you can get some beautifully crafted dials, with everything from retro simple markers to blue and silver dials with orange numerals. The gentleman I dealt with was amazing. He gave me a brand new catalogue, updated with the lastest 2009 models, and left me with a totally wonderful feeling about the Rolexes. I did happen to mention that, at some point in my life, I would like to own a simple, classic yellow or red gold watch. They just happen to deal in Breguet watches, and he gave me a short history as well. They happened to have a "Traditional" with a small off-centre dial and if I remember correctly, a retrograde second hand. I didn't even ask the price. They have an amazing selection of those as well, my favourite being a smaller 38mm yellow gold with traditional blued Breguet hands and a small second hand dial at 13 grand. I digress. Anyway, I wanted to share my afternoon with you folks. Also, for you naysayers about the Rolex line of watches, they really are worth a look. Especially, when I see what some of the manufacturers, who recently had only ETA-modified movements, are now charging for their own inhouse movements. Not for everyone, but definitely worth a good look with an open mind. Sorry for rambling, but I hope you enjoy my little story. Cheers, Carl |
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| Author: | dbniner [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Visit to Rolex AD today - amazing! (a very looooong story) |
carl i have to agree 100%. i went looking today also at rolexes, the deepsea was my venture today. it was awesome! great size and felt like it belonged on my wrist. i just cant justify 8500 for a watch. it is on my wish list now. at some point i will have one. |
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| Author: | carlhaluss [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Visit to Rolex AD today - amazing! (a very looooong story) |
dbniner wrote: carl i have to agree 100%. i went looking today also at rolexes, the deepsea was my venture today. it was awesome! great size and felt like it belonged on my wrist. i just cant justify 8500 for a watch. it is on my wish list now. at some point i will have one. Amazing that we were both on the same "hunt" today. Bear in mind, there will never be anything like the Blacksteel, though. I was so excited when I got it, but it just wasn't for me. I am now more than happy that you are enjoying it! I have never really seen anothe watch quite like it. I did see the Deepsea, but just way too big for me. There was also a GMTII, which you should take a look at. Not much cheaper, at $7700. It also has the Trilock crown, the Prochrom Hairspring, and the beautiful ceramic bezel, and the same amazing dial. Also, the bracelet has the 5mm adjustment, you can lengthen it in a few seconds when your wrist expands. Cheers Carl |
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| Author: | Mofongo [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Visit to Rolex AD today - amazing! (a very looooong story) |
If I ever bought a Rolex, it would be the GMT-IIc. To me, it is the epitome of the Rolex design...it does not call attention to itself, but when you look at it you are overwhelmed by the absolute perfection and attention to detail. On a related side-note: I just spent a few days touring the Angkor temples in Cambodia (absolutely breathtaking, by the way). One thing that struck me was the number of Rolexes I saw on a lot of the other tourists (me? I was wearing my cheapo Casio digital....). The other thing that struck me was the difference between a fake and a real Rolex in direct sunlight. Just a glance and you can tell you are looking at the real thing because the crystal is so smooth and clear, and everything about it was so shiny and perfect. Sunlight really brings out the best in quality jewelry. --Mofongo |
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