Paxman
3T WIS
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Thank you Chris, Griff, KC, Oscar, JP and SkipD!! I am lucky to have WIS mentors like you all to share this with...
Now that I’ve calmed a bit, I’ll tell the story although I may be accused of rambling incoherently in a babbling stream of consciousness. If you are still reading, I thank you.
This has been my iconic grail watch since I was wee lad who noticed the shiny micro machines adorning many wrists. I sold my Harley Sportster to get my grail. Truth be told, since my children have been born the bike did not get the use it deserved, and it was a shame to keep it only to put a couple hundred miles on it a year. At this juncture in my life, I will get more enjoyment out of the GMT. I must also tell you I have a beautiful and wonderful wife. Last night I was feeling a bit selfish and guilty, as I could just as easily have spent this money on a family item. I told my wife this and she said, “As long as I have known you (12 years), you have wanted that watch. That was your Harley. Buy the watch!” My son also helped me pick it out when I first visited my A.D. last week. Well, perhaps he only confirmed what I wanted, but I did present him with GMTS in the Pepsi, Black and Red and Wine bezels, and a Sub, and he picked the Pepsi Bezel. I explained to him that this would be his watch in about 40 years (I hope) and that he should pass it on to his son. Oddly enough, he seemed to understand and told me he would give it to his son when he was 82!!
The A.D. was fantastic all around. If you are ever in Green Bay, Wisconsin, do stop by Rummele’s on Adams Street. http://www.rummeles.com/ An interesting coincidence is that I dated the woman who is now the owner after taking over the business for her Father. It was only a middle school summer crush prior to the age of driving so we never really “knew” other all that well, but I have to say Tracy A. provided personalized service beyond the norm. David T. was the store’s WIS and we enjoyed a great afternoon talking Rolex, Panny, IWC and Choppard. David explained everything about the watch and paperwork and told me if I ever needed anything regarding the watch to stop in and it would be done. I received an appraisal for my insurer and then enjoyed a drink and fondled other beautiful watches and passed the loup. I cannot imagine buying this watch any other way.
What can I say about the watch? We all know what it is and what it does so I won’t bore you with those details. Suffice it to say the Rolex 3185 is an impressive movement and after playing with it for the last several hours, I am amazed at its functionality and ease of operation. The twin lock three-position crown is smaller than the triplock used on the Subs and SDs and water resistance is 100 meters. Dial, case, crystal and bezel are flawless. Nothing but a hologram on the caseback, and we all know the knock on the watch regarding the bracelet and clasp. Let me say this about that: The bracelet’s construction is faultless and the clasp is what it is but functions extremely well. I did look at the upgraded Rolex bracelets on both a 50th anniversary GMT II and Daytona and they are vastly improved compared to the current construction. I do think Rolex probably should have stepped up earlier than this, but these thing just got SELs in like 2000!! Regardless, the watch is extremely comfortable. I love the simple beauty of the dial and markers. The dial says it all: “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER”. Indeed!!
I am not gonna lie. I had a “moment” after leaving the A.D. wearing the watch. It was akin to the births of my children and saying my marriage vows. In other woods, I could have cried tears of joy. I am buzzing or as one of my heroes once said, “I’m bursting, Jerry!” I am glad to have WIS brothers like you dear reader and thank all for this place and these friends.
This is THE watch I have always wanted…
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The original Pepsi bezel Rollie is a true Classic!
