MY FIRST ROLEX WATCH - MY JOURNEY TO ROLEX OWNERSHIP

[@BLR653]

I also went with a Datejust 36mm in blue dial with Roman numerals for my first luxury watch back in 2003. I still love it 18 years later. It is the ultimate classic watch. So comfortable too!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Utter perfection!!

[@colincelso9428]

Great story Ash. I have very similar memories of Rolex as a child. Although my main inspiration was my older brother, 10 years older to be exact who worked in oil and gas. I remember as a 15 year old seeing his gold day date and I was smitten. Took me another 21 years to be able to afford a 36mm date just. I still have it 15 years later but it doesn’t get much wrist time now. Keep the watch vids coming mate. Love them

[@TheChapsGuide]

The true beauty of the 36mm datejust is their enduring style. It will still look good in 100-years, when the population are all wearing holographic watches no doubt.

[@zibel5007]

Thank you for the story, as a native Russian speaking person I enjoy listening to your videos not only because of the subject, but to improve my English as well. None of my 4 wristwatches (g-shock/edifice/orient/pobeda) can be considered a luxury piece, but I enjoy wearing every one of them and maybe someday will feel the need to get me something from the higher range.

[@bighands69]

Orient is a luxury watch not a super expensive watch.

[@robertarevalo5306]

Great video Ash. I’m saving money to buy a Rolex, either explorer II or a submariner. In the mean time I wear a Grand Seiko and a couple of Omegas (all preowned) Keep up the good work see you n the n cat video. Thank you.

[@Steelslags]

Great story & Beautiful piece!! I loved that you phoned your wife pre purchase, what a Gent!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thanks for watching

[@paulsymonds820]

Great vid Ash, I enjoyed the storey, the passion and the history behind the purchase. Datejusts are one of my favourites too…I own one all be it a Steel/Everose Gold version. The one you highlight here with the White Gold bezel and the roulette date is a beautiful watch and a true classic.

[@spr7589]

I’m French and I’m in quest for my first rolex. 6 official dealers visited now, but always no datejust to my wrist… your videos give me the courage to persevere. I hope I will have one one day… I like your class and the way your express yourself. It’s rare in these times. Many thanks for that. Good continuation ! Sincerely

[@josejavierj55]

Beautiful watch! My man! enjoy it every single day every single hour every single second!

[@TheChapsGuide]

I shall - thank you

[@Agerskiold]

Oh yes, Sonny Crocket was a hero of mine. When I graduated from primary-school I wore a lining-suit Sonny style (with sunglasses). I’m from 69. Even though I’m from Denmark, I recognise practically all the influences and backgrounds you name.

[@dereklorimer1914]

Thanks Ash. I have the Datejust 36 in Blue too. Latest model so misses out on Roulette date wheel which looks great on your watch. You must look after your watches because it still looks new

[@brennandebow2111]

Great video. Would like to hear more stories about your life and what brought you to make videos. Thanks!

[@guitarplayer5611]

Interesting and enjoyable back story Ash. Excellent video!

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

Good choice. I bought my first Datejust in the 80's, which I still have. The Rolex situation is very different today.In those times all models could be bought over the counter but nowadays a person has to undergo a full A.D. vetting before even being considered. How the pendulum swings!

[@cosmicgirl2761]

I’m same age as you , I loved Miami vice and James Bond movies aswell and had exactly the same story looking in shop windows in 1986 looking at Rolex watches aged 16 , I bought a date just with the rose gold face in 2005 but unfortunately it was constantly being repaired in Miltons as it had a faulty movement , I now own an omega sea master automatic one the same one pierce brosnan had in tomorrow never dies ,

[@TheChapsGuide]

As worn by Prince William

[@cosmicgirl2761]

@@TheChapsGuide I always say that to my mates and Jeremy clarkson aswell

[@MagWatchTime]

Enjoyed your story, love the watch and that roulette date wheel is a perfect contrast with the blue dial.

[@DigitalJunior2003]

Great video. At 50 I purchased my first Rolex this year and probably won’t be another one so making most of it.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Good choice!

[@abbazahraassegaf6706]

Selalu mudah di faham dan simple penjelasannya... Istimewa.... Sby ( Indonesia)

[@pasquale78]

Hi Ash. Love you video’s and specially the EDC and watch content. This story is so reckognizable, because I’m a child of the 80’s too. The watch Sonny Crockett wore, was a Yellow gold Day-Date for most of the first two seasons. In some episodes he did wear a Datejust. Starting from season three, he wore an Ebel Chrono.

[@robertbankers8003]

Congratulations my brother in blue from a retired LEO in the US. Cheers!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Salute to you sir.

[@davidcox8433]

Interesting story, when I was a young F1 fan in the 1980s, I loved the multicoloured Tag Heuer!

[@Stephen-gn2br]

I recently picked up my DateJust - Wimbledon after waiting around 4 months for it. Great watch!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Many congratulations - enjoy it in good health sir!!

[@KCTimeShare]

You prefer this version than the newer one with an updated movement? I think the higher power reserve makes a big difference!

[@TheChapsGuide]

That concealed crown clasp was the decider for me. It not available on the newer model and it’s beautiful.

[@KCTimeShare]

@@TheChapsGuide Makes sense! Your clasp has a day date president feel! Congrats 🎉

[@tedg.8026]

Hi Ash, First of all, I like your videos a lot. I watch them often times and learn about luxury watches. I’m in late 30’s and just entered luxury watches. As you mentioned before that you never wear watch all your life, when I heard that I was like same here. I’m not a huge jewelry guy but I recently started liking luxury watches. I do like Rolex a lot. The watch I want is DateJust 41, Green Dial, Fluted bezel with jubilee bracelet. That’s my dream watch and been waiting for awhile now. I’ve been looking around in my local AD but they don’t have it at the moment. I also went to France and Italy, hoping that I could score one but they wouldn’t sell me nothing. Hoping to get my hands on the green dial one day.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The mint green dial is hugely popular at the moment and will certainly demand some patience in the queue, but it will be worth the wait.

[@tedg.8026]

@@TheChapsGuide I just got a call from my Ad about DateJust 41mm Oyster bracelet with smooth bezel in Wimbledon. I’m not sure what to do now. Should I accept it and hoping that I would get my wishlist DJ Mint Green? Or Decline it now and just wait? I know that I do need purchase history with my AD. So perhaps I should purchase it? Thoughts 💭? Thank you Ash!

[@dralzgamer2354]

Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. Speaking about purchasing a first luxury watch, I switched my attention away from the Blancpain FF and now look into either the jubilee Datejust with a black diamond dial or the GMT Master. However, its not an easy decision to make

[@TheChapsGuide]

Both would make an excellent choice (if you can get hold of one) - good luck

[@SgtHooch]

Great piece, Ash. I love how open and honest you are in sharing your journey. We are the same age and enjoyed some of the same things. I loved "Miami Vice". I even own a white suit like Crockett's. I wore it and looked like a complete idiot. It was "Miami Vice" where I first learned of Rolex and wanted one. But, I came from a working-class family, too, so no Rolex for me. I joined the U.S. Army and served for 8 years (2 combat tours). When I got out, I went college on the G.I. Bill. After jumping around from corporate job to corporate job, I went to work for a private security company where I have been 10 years. Money was decent and I finally bought my first luxury watch last year (Omega). I simply love it. Congratulations on finally getting your luxury watch. You've earned it.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great to hear from you and a bit about your own journey. Congratulations on that Omega, Mr Bond’s present watch of choice.

[@admiralcraddock464]

My wife bought my Datejust last year, I already had three nice watches so she knew my interest in them. My one is a 40mm with the sane colour dial but on an Oyster bracelet So impressed were by it she bought a Submariner two tone for me. I must have the best wife in the world.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Ash. Thanks for sharing that was a great story. I'm sure that your watch holds a lot more sentimental value because your father and son were with you. I chose to stick with less expensive watches and went with an Orient. Spent most of my money on high-end shotguns for shooting skeet. I used to shoot with my dad growing up and that too has a lot of sentimental value to me. Great video. Cheers Ron

[@victorhobson373]

Hi Ash as always your video was very enjoyable,also the back story with your father and son at your side and the funny side of having to ring the boss (wife) lol.i remember going to buy my first luxury watch 4 years ago with my wife which was going to be about £1500 but my eye got the better of me and I walked out with my blue faced TAG Calibre 16 which ended up costing £3,750 which I love so much I've just purchased the same watch but in black.thanks for sharing your life experiences once again.your tweed jacket just looked amazing with your stunning Rolex .

[@TheChapsGuide]

I’ll certainly never forget the day and hopefully in 100 years my grandson/daughter will recount the experience when they are showing the watch to their children

[@williamumbach592]

Love the jubilee bracelet and really love the hidden clasp. Current clasps are #scratch magnets.

[@russianwatchblogger8338]

As a man who was born in Soviet Union I probably understand your then 'beyond the imagination' feeling about luxury watches too good. Thanks for the video!

[@admiralcraddock464]

My first watch was a Poljot Chronograph bought for me by my late date in 1969. I wish i still had it

[@jasonhiggs4925]

This video was amazing Ash! Every timepiece you own should have a story (for true enthusiasts/collectors). Thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you liked it.

[@nenadcubric2663]

I have the same, but in Black dial

[@namelessrace9803]

I have the same watch with smooth bezel and oyster bracelet (116200) for the sporty and casual look. It's also one of the few Rolex 6 digit models which can be purchased for very very close to the original retail price on the secondary market. 😁👍

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great choice sir

[@williamcoolidge9884]

I was born in 1970, I own and wear every day the Rolex 116234 Datejust with a blue dial, and served 10 years in the military (U.S. Marines)! I had owned a Rolex Sub and a GMT Batman and Pepsi but they were too large for me. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and have always favored watches on the smaller end of the size spectrum and like to dress smartly. The 36mm Datejust is perfect and is so versatile. I sold everything else and the only high end watch I now own is the Datejust.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I love my 116234 in blue and think of it as my favourite piece, even though it is not considered such amongst the Rolex worshippers these days. I love the classic 36mm size, which always looks proportionate and stylish. I do wear larger pieces on my 6.5 in wrist (I'm wearing a GMT II now) but they fail to hit the same mark as the DJ36. Thank you for your service sir - I'm a 10-year veteran too, seems a long time ago now, but always in my mind.

[@VicFlange]

Excellent vid Ash. I remember the first time I saw the Datejust, the two tone, probably in ‘81 or ‘82 and was instantly smitten. It just oozed class, style and success. I remember in the early eighties going into a casino in Mcr city centre, and two tone Datejusts were somewhat ubiquitous with high rollers. They had a suave sophisticated feel, but also an subtle flashy ness. It was intoxicating to a working class lad from a council estate. The black dial one was very nice back in the day. Like you I never dreamed I would own a Rolex. I never did get the DJ, but recently purchased the new 36mm Explorer, and love it. Have a decent purchase history with my AD, so may get a no date sub in a few years.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Fond memories. The Exp 1 is a fitting sibling to the DJ36 and the Sub would also be a fine addition. Good luck.

[@matlindell5022]

Only the roulette date is maybe a little bit too much,don’t get me wrong the datejust is on my bucket list though !cheers.

[@chris281063]

Enjoyed a lot your video, I'm buying my first Oyster perpetual in one week, I know what was your feeling when you bought that. Thanks

[@TheChapsGuide]

I felt like a movie star and I still enjoy wearing that watch and feel privileged to own such a beautiful item. Good luck with your new watch and enjoy it in good health.

[@chris281063]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you, by the way I can’t find you in Instagram

[@verykeen2please]

Ash Thanks for sharing your story I thought it was TAG that sponsored F1 at that time and Rolex was associated with Tennis When i bought my R's it was a much easier process, and you didn't have to buy loads of other stuff with an AD before they even speak to you But as my tastes have developed through horology i never wear them now and moved into more lessor known heritage brands

[@rezar6894]

Great story Ash.

[@lordcharfield]

Beautiful watch and interesting video as always Ash. Many thanks!

[@dannyg6592]

Thank you for sharing your story and this beautiful Datejust. Like you, I always admired fine watches but did not own any. I am now in a position to acquire my first luxury watch and am trying to decide between a Tudor and a Rolex. Or perhaps both? Enjoying your channel and subscribed.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Either brand would make an excellent choice - good luck

[@TM99099]

Also my first Rolex is DateJust two tone. 😊

[@stereomike75]

Excellent video, really enjoyed learning your history. Perhaps in another video you could talk about how you first wanted to be a well-dressed man, I think that would be interesting to hear about.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Noted!

[@diavalus]

Your remark regarding your family being merely workers and your father being an engineer, made me question myself since I am an engineer as well. 😅

[@nickbyrne1962]

An excellent video - both informative and interesting

[@StruanRobertson29]

Special piece. Last a life time and beyond. It will endure

[@dawgwalkingelsa1963]

Great Vid, Ed Avellez The Sunshine State

[@MrJKDRob]

Great vid Ash. Always look forward to watch talk :)

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@saymyname218]

Beautiful watch.

[@stealth2.0t]

Pretty sure in Miami Vice he wore a yellow gold day-date 36, anyways great video 👌

[@TheChapsGuide]

He favoured a yellow gold Day Date (which was a prop watch and not a real Rolex), but he also wore a gold DJ in occasional episodes - interestingly Don Johnson owned a steel DJ and had to remove his real Rolex to wear the replica prop watch for his scenes.

[@daleknut1]

A very nice piece indeed

[@simongoddard8490]

Excellent, managed to get my new Datejust in my 60th year... now you have teased us long enough, when is the pipe smoking content coming?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Sadly it is merely a chap-prop.

[@rezaulmiah6438]

Great story!

[@AyahuascaMagic]

Nice story

[@ml2799]

Beautiful watch, perfect size (for most), I have an OP 39 black dial and love it. The purchase experience is something everyone should experience once.

[@Bjartone]

The Ferrari Testarossa in Miami Vice was obviously a fake...

[@j.burgess4459]

It's interesting how fashions change. Ash is right that most people back in the 80s (and before then) weren't so hot on the Rolex sports references. I think this is something many people don't get about "James Bond". When Sean Connery was first seen wearing a Submariner on screen back in the 60s it was a somewhat 'edgy' thing to do. In those days, it would have raised eyebrows if a guy had worn a dive watch in any formal setting. It's quite possible that the Bond films are, in large part, responsible for adding 'acceptability' to dive watches, in fact. BTW I can't help wondering how Ash's profiling technique would work on Prince William? :- D He rather famously wears a mid size Omega Seamaster bought for him by his late mother!

[@TheChapsGuide]

I believe William's watch is a quartz too. It just goes to show the value he places on the sentimentality of the piece. Exactly what is actually important about any material possessions.

[@j.burgess4459]

@@TheChapsGuide In fairness, the normal _rules_ (if that is the word) don’t really apply to the Royal family. I heard somewhere that, at Christmas, they all make a point of giving each other really cheap presents! If people are in a position where they can have any material possession that they want immediately, I suppose modesty becomes a kind of inverse luxury...or something...? 🤔

[@amcluesent]

Loadsa Money!

[@vladimirpetreski7248]

Too simple for my taste. For that money, I can buy a whole collection and enjoy and experience fair ammount of great watches.

[@alexscoolreviews1182]

Very intreaging

[@alexscoolreviews1182]

Sorry for my miss splelling

[@the_9ent]

Far too young to retire at 50, Ash!

[@webbezzy]

If you are a child of early 70s, you should be too young to be retired? If my math is correct.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I am 51 sir, but my main career was based over a 30-year pension plan, so I formally retired last December. I am working full-time now again, but I am also a pensioner.

[@webbezzy]

@@TheChapsGuide You are a man of good character. I wish you the best. I enjoy your videos especially the ones about watches.

[@twowheels833]

I'm sorry chap, it just isn't 'important' for me to know your DJ purchase background. A little pretentious I'd say - both the channel and your 'journey'.

[@markbrailsford2849]

Lovely story Ash.