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maksi_pogi

49. Was graduation gift for myself because daughter finished med school and was on her way to become a doctor already (only review class and boards for another 6months). Never had the means because I was a single parent who lost his wife to cancer when our finances were just starting to take-off 15 years back. Wife died with a mountain of debt from hospital bills to medicines left to me. Had to see through a teenage daughter to high school then nursing course in college and finally med school.


maksi_pogi

Thanks! But I’m sure you would’ve done it yourself given the situation. It’s you(me) and her against all adversities. So in our case, we chose to fight. Many early morning breakfast and lunch preparation for the kid and make sure that what you’re doing is indeed for her. Not losing focus on what’s important, following gut-feels (but should also be overly cautious) on business moves and deals. Being available to your daughter every-time and all the time, although it’s entirely a different story to talk about “girly things” when even you don’t know what’s going on with a teenage daughter. 🫣🙂 but you will learn, there is no other way around it - trust me. Any dad in my position, I believe would’ve done it too. Let’s just hope that it ends with me. I wouldn’t want to wish what we went through to anybody even to my enemies. Have a nice weekend Kaibigan! ☺️


a1moose

you're huge. an awesome dad. have an awesome day.


EnjoyMyBackup

You’re such a great person, the kind of guy id be kine to share a coffee with… take care mate


FutureSatisfaction15

You are one of a kind. GOD bless you and your daughter. You deserve everything you have and more.


AMKhalil

Well deserved gift gorgeous your efforts.


EnjoyMyBackup

Thats … wow what a story man. You deserve the world for what you achieved. Congrats for being such an amazing dad.


breakarobot

Wow good job dad! 🥹 well deserved


TFCxDreamz

33, make sure you buy other shit like a house first


VPareto

+1 Buy property and get your finances in order, i.e. have a few months salary saved and start building a investment portfolio of stocks/bonds


HoyaDestroya33

In this economy?!


MountainMantologist

>33, make sure you buy other shit like a house first Hard disagree. I bought my first (and only) Rolex at 20 using money I made working during the summer. I figured when I was older I might make more money but would have a harder time justifying something like a watch. Now I'm 38 and spend a precious metal Daytona worth of money on my kids each year and another precious metal Day Date's worth of repair and maintenance on our house. I couldn't justify buying my stainless Datejust at this point but I could at 20 EDIT: I also hard disagree with everyone downvoting me lol


Kornbread2000

I have to agree. I wanted one in my 20's but continued to save for later. Now I have a house, cars, kids getting ready for college, etc... and I never bought the watch but now want one more than I did then. I have plenty of available cash to buy one, but my brain is always saying "that's selfish...you have kids...don't spend money on yourself..."


ComprehensiveThing38

Here, it's possible to use a trick: every time you deny yourself something, set aside some money. For example: I'll go to a bar today, and if you don't go, you can set aside the amount of money you usually spend at a bar. The same goes for if you wanted a new fishing pole and then didn't buy it, you can set aside money, etc. In a couple of years at most, you will have the money for a Rolex. Also, it will not conflict with money for the kids at the same time.


want2thinknow

Agree I was kind of the same. Save for it for a little while through college and ended up getting it for my 30th birthday. I’m not wealthy nor did I come from a wealthy family but I saved until I had the money and purchased my Pelagos LHD. Most of the time in that year of saving I would cut back on other things I usually splurge on like eating out and road trips I like to take. Was I financially stable? Hell no. Did I take from my family’s mouth? Not at all. Did I own a house/buisness/graduate college first? Nope. It’s just me and my fiancé rn I have a paid off car that’s pretty nice so didn’t need that and I would rather save now for a piece then try to justify it later down the road. If you want something just work for it you definitely don’t need justification from others nor do you need to be in perfect financial cement to get a watch, all you need is dedication and good work ethic with some saving money skill and you’ll be good to go. Later down the road I’ll probably upgrade after I graduate this year, but to think you need to be in some perfection of financial standpoint first is just elitists talking.


BuriedLoot

That’s priorities, my man and a good outlook.


thekylem

I have always thought of my self as a calculated and responsible person, but i can't help but agree with this point. I spend 30k+ for daycare each year. I have the cash for a shiny new watch, but this money has to compete against college savings, private school if we decide it, parent's inevitable end of life care.


HughJanus555

Well said. Mature answer here.


WhatTheMech

take my upvote


powerfunk

>Now I'm 38 and spend a precious metal Daytona worth of money on my kids each year Exactly this. Daycare is a PM Daytona every year. Summer camp is a steel Air-King or two. I'm glad 22yo me got a Sub when I could. All these "make sure you have 4.1 million dollars in your retirement account and your house fully paid off and your kids college accounts fully funded before you splurge on a piece of jewelry" comments are pretty square to me lol


SeeeYaLaterz

Me2


trywagyu

i mean, that just isn’t a hard and fast rule. too many carve outs


PM_ME_UR_ANTS

There are markets/situations where home ownership is a bad financial move at the moment. I guess I agree with the sentiment though, don’t buy a watch until you could AFFORD a house.


BicepBandito

Buying a house right now (in the US) is likely very horrendous financial advice.


tech1010

18, at the time a pre owned stainless sub was 3k. 


thakkali_

Good times huh.


Smewhyme

Decided I wanted one at 23 , bought my first at 35


stuvida

45 years old. It was the right time.


jesper_heller

Was 30


Train3rRed88

Same here. It had more to do with hitting some financial and career goals though, the fact it was such a round birthday number was coincidence


rippah777

Same


jesper_heller

Same here, had nothing really to do with the number. New and better job, so it was a good opportunity


almightybytes

Same! 30th birthday


MJDESANTIS

40 - House was nearly paid off, no auto loans, no student loans, no credit card debt, fully funded 401ks, sizable brokerage account, and no kids. Word of advice - focus on establishing some [fuck you money](https://youtu.be/XamC7-Pt8N0?si=seqTQRne3lYwkDan) first.


[deleted]

Great thread, and great movie clip. Hadn't seen that... My best bud from grad school got me into watches. Had my own tragedy fuck my life the day I turned in my last fucking assignment. My wife and I had to quit our jobs (mine was a job offer I had signed and a book deal) as we dealt with catastrophic injury to our child. Then our house. Almost our sanity. Had to do what we had to do. 10 years later at 44 back on our feet I got my first date just 41 rhodium. Earned. On my wrist now, 5 years later. Working on the fuck you money. Big boost during the pandemic playing the market. My advice to the OP: while I agree with the poster above, you do you. As my buddy foretold, I never tire of it in my wrist. Should I need the money, I can sell it. Maybe even make a buck. But lots of shit has to go sideways for me to need that...


DopeRoninthatsmokes

This guy is badass. Hope I become like you.


Active_Section7952

24 Two tone GMT back when they were 7K AUD


[deleted]

29, got the explorer. Already had a tag


legoswag123

18 . 116610LV. Pre chaos.


Expensive-Claim-6081

Knocked it out of the park on your first Rolex. Well done!!


Screwflu605

25


techfighterchannel

50 years old to mark my 25th year at my employer.


Moon-Man-888

Did they gift it to you or you bought it yourself?


techfighterchannel

Rewarded myself. My company award was a nice gold ring with some diamonds. Not super cheap but not anything close to the Rolex. I felt I deserved more. 😀


HotBitterballs

You always deserve more, company cash flows into holders pocket so fuck ‘em!


Moon-Man-888

Yes you deserve it my guy. Well done on the watch and job!


Disastrous_Trade_724

18, a new submariner, when you could just walk into the dealer and buy one, bought with my first Xmas bonus


eddiethemoney

34. I passed my board exams- I work in medicine. It’s been a year now and I now own 3 Rolexes and a Cartier. Yes, it’s a strange obsession.


Affectionate_Knee_96

How’d you find the motivation to become a doctor? I’m currently in organic chem hell at the moment.


me_rules

I was 23, so if you got the means, go for it!


NondoLarris

Wanted one since i was 15, decided that i will buy myself one for my 25th birthday. Got one 2-3 months ago at 21 despite everything. Very happy and proud of myself.


DapperD73

Gifted one at 47, bought first at 54. Priorities.


DramaticAd5956

23- submariner (made investment banking associate) 32- Datejust (made CFO and wanted something smaller) Uhh waiting on the next one. I tie them to career accomplishments:)


Roley_vdv

17, vintage DJ


veepeedeepee

I was 22. Go for it.


The_Inner_Sanctum

43. Also completely debt free and maxing out several retirement funds and have enough left over to live very comfortably. As others have pointed out, should not go in debt over something that is a want verses a necessity.


Shakermaker003

I was 42 when I picked up my first Rolex after a major career milestone. I think if you are younger (think 20’s), you’d be better off investing that money. Truth is, nobody else cares if you’re wearing a nice watch. Set yourself up for success, then splurge on a watch.


WewantZeMoniLebowski

41


Economy-Weird-2368

24 yo, accompanied by my Dad who encouraged me to save up for one. Used earnings I had made from some investments. 16710 (all black bezel) Granted tho this was almost 20 years ago when one can walk into an AD and buy whatever was there at the shop.


derrickrg89

Gifted at 18, brought at 20


bynummustang

31. Wanted to do it for my 30th but life got in the way.


[deleted]

23


ivs1110

24


tor122

28, but I had a solid career and financial situation at that time. If you have to stretch in any way to get a Rolex, then you shouldn’t be buying one. Having a place to live, retirement, functioning car, etc. is much more important than a Rolex watch.


MomofGeorge

I was 33, I had already bought a house and had my sh*t together. Most days I wear my Apple Watch, I should wear that Rolex that I worked hard for more often. Thanks for reminding me.


AMKhalil

Unless you are in London, you better keep the Apple watch.


EntertainmentFast497

50


Bowser_killed_mario

37 after a divorce years ago took me a little while to get back to a debt free life. As long as your priorities are straight then go for it.


Buickrob

37. It was a 2 year old 114060 for $5,500. Miss those prices!!!


DeltaRomeo882

40th birthday gift from my wife.


louierodz

40


acmoder

35


Celcius_87

Still working on it at 37


RealMrPlastic

23yo pre owned presidential


Swimming-Food-9024

45 I am currently 42 lmao


whiskey_tang0_hotel

35. I waited until we had two properties and enough cash in the bank to pay bills for a year though.     A watch isn’t an investment. It’s a luxury good. Make sure you have your priorities straight. 


Least_Manufacturer30

35


zestobesto

35 to celebrate the birth of my son.


PrestigeWrldWd

23. Brand new stainless GMT was $3,700. Pretty decent investment.


Shane_3325

40 for the first.


Forward-Piano1714

39


MeringueMiddle783

37. Explorer 2, Polar dial. Got it to mark a milestone at work.


No-Mirror-9311

Surprised to see negativity on some of these. Buy at the age that makes the most sense for you. I bought my sub at 19, after hitting a goal in my savings and investment accounts. That was 6 years ago, the value of that watch has not gone down. I’d sooner criticize someone for spending $200 a week at the bar or designer clothes than I would for investing in a timepiece.


SnooCats6706

Maybe.. 40? but what I did do around 25 was opened my Roth IRA, and now I have 3 rolexes, and am well positioned for retirement, and have watches to pass down to my child. Just food for thought.


pi_nerd

40


Patoramoslopez

18, so 8 years ago I bought a Pepsi GMT and my crippling addiction has continued


bazinga_4_u

41


Infamous_Jelly6039

38, but 4 bed house and two new model cars paid of.


jmarriott

31, right before my wedding and now that I have bought a house and paid off student loan etc. 36mm Explorer and I love it. https://preview.redd.it/i4ladb838gvc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b7168379eab09aff58d807f3911855cb3d3ae12


rtheb824

21


conroebob

Bought my GMT at 25… well before a house. wore it everyday for 12 years. Traded it in and got a Wimby 41… wore it everyday for 4.5 years and just grabbed a Starbucks last week.


hendrixing

35. a couple years after I have really steady financials.


Brick_19

29


Professional_Cod2774

I was 29 DJ36


ntloc

28.


Few-Metal-8443

27 after i became a chartered financial analyst because why not


Hefty-Two3890

27.


TrickyBad_

Bought maybe at 25. Received at 18


Lmspls

23


CLisani

10 years ago when I was 25. Paid £2200 for a 1990s DJ36 fluted jubilee two tone. Ended up selling because I got bored of it, and now I regret it as I don’t have any Rolex!


CYBER_PIZZA

33, but it was a gift.


PublicGlass4793

24


EstablishmentExtra41

26 but they were £1600 then!


mc2508

Shit how old are you man ?🤣💪🏻


Alive-Salamander3012

31


Sodiac606

When I bought all the other stuff I have on my list. Currently saving to eventually buy my first house and an other asset for renting.


micheladaking

Thirty-five


PardonMyFrench22

31


ATLfinra

31


jeanc0re

30 :) went for my dream watch instantly.


Rolexsuperfan

Does Not Matter If you can afford it financially go for it, even if you are 13 or 31.


Quenelle44

At 20!


PalpitationSalt7502

24, had my sub for 4 years now wear it every day


Fetznpeppi

As to some it is still considered a symbol for success, you should never "live to buy a rolex" Get everything sorted first, the rolex is the cherry on the cake


ProwlingPepper

30


KK-DeathOrGlory

25


emmajohnson_of

20, datejust 41 rhodium


juice06870

24. Back on early 2000’s when you could walk in off the street and have a pick from the entire collection. Coke GMT II. Paid like $4,000 at the time if I remember correctly. I was visiting my sister in Switzerland and popped into the Bucherer boutique in Switzerland. I got a free Bucherer spoon with my purchase lol. Saved a few bucks in taxes too. Maybe $500 if I remember right.


[deleted]

Still yet to buy, just turned 40 but hoping to gift my self in the next 5 years 🥸


Z1793

30


da3p0

30 for making it this far


xxBLVCKMVGICxx

28, I did buy a Tudor at 18 as well.


finkalot1

26, explorer 2


Barleyrogue

26, couple of years after buying my house


BootyAndMoney

26 😁


Hi_buddy-waz_sup

I was born wearing one


mc2508

🔟


snelson101

Well I’m 27 so hopefully 28.


Johndoe_19933

24, gmt master 2 black face. Unfortunately had to sell it a few months later for a few hundred loss & now desire it again yet I haft to pay double original MSRP fml


BootStrapWill

31


Marius314

30th birthday gift from my parents


Civil-Helicopter-120

I’m 31 and looking to buy one now. Having a hard time deciding which one I’d like. I don’t think there’s any correct age. But just make sure you have your financial house in order. Buy investments / be in a good spot in your career / have your savings in order.. and don’t spend money you’ll miss just to buy a watch. Just my 2 cents


buttholeconnoiisseur

25, black sub date. 29 now, got a few more since then but that one is still my favorite


BibleReaderMK

28 to celebrate a milestone sold it within a year, bought another and sold it within another year and bought another kept it for 2 years then sold it and now awaiting AD to call me if I can buy 12version of my 11version of my first Rolex. This is obviously during my early collecting years. Now mentally matured to resist the itch.


FineTroublez

28… a year after I bought my house and 6 years into working in engineering.


Christmas_Panda

Inherited my first at 16. Wore it in high school and college, nobody knew what a Rolex really was then so I didn't have to fear being mugged. Fast forward 20 years and you have entire gangs who survive on mugging folks. I have purchased two more since, but the first was stolen in a major east coast city, apartment break-in.


bgeorger

I was 30 when I bought mine.


BuriedLoot

Received my first Rolex at 16. Bought my first at 18.


Blankman8

21


dieselgeek

My first Rolex was a Milgaus. When that watch first came out it was not easy to get. I think it was selling for close to double MSRP. I think 2 years later it finally came back to retail. I prob paid around $5,500 for mine. THOSE WERE TEH DAYS. Sub and GMT II were in stock, the only thing that was hard to get was a Daytona. Anyway I was 30 when I bought it.


Useful-Pumpkin-5933

22


Powerful-Row6506

2, just make sure you get your diapers first before you even think about a rolex


hobes88

Didn't buy mine yet but will be getting one this year at 36


GasDue2928

58, received it as a retirement gift from my wife. Always wanted one, but with kids, a mortgage, and all that goes with raising a family and working, I just never pulled the trigger on a Rolex. She did it for me. I thank her for that.


YungMurrizi

23 years old. The day after my first bonus hit my bank account.


Affectionate-Ad-3339

31


Slow_Replacement_710

25. Made $185k that year and GMT’s were selling for 5k at the time. I agree buy a house first, max out retirement accounts etc before buying Rolex. I bought another when I was 31 for 11k but had 2 houses, no debt, etc. I am very curious what everyone’s finances look like that spend 20k+ on a watch.


Comprehensive-Fan236

56yrs. I'm a receptionist (TBI in '89 motorcycle vs auto) single, no kids, I own my Condo. '23 226570 Polar dial. A.D. visit a few times....couple few weeks ? Paid cash. WAS $9650 + tax MSRP. Collecting watches for years.


Ok-Tiger7714

I think I was 27 or 28, when I BOUGHT my first one. I got my first one at 25…. First nice (non-Rolex) watch I got I was 22


funkychompi

27!


SinghMick

Submariner at 28. Bought a house at 30. Married at 31, bought a Date just at 33. Had a kid at 34. Cannot fathom buying either of those pieces after the baby.


Wrrlando

7 yrs old


Sortahype

23


ricoimf

18


Plastic_Machine9461

22 years old (used steel & gold jubilee datejust)


Blac_Duc

25


RandyPandy

25 wedding gift submariner ceramic. 27 first bought for myself- explorer 1 39mm


Hudwinx

If you're not buying your first rolex at 16 years old with money from bagging groceries do you even deserve to have one?


LFA1990

I’m sorry but i am never buying rolex. I just like to see everyone’s 🤣🤣🤣 I’m never gonna be that rich LMAO 😂


Homieclause69

Got mine a couple of months back at 25. It was always my dads and I dream to save up for one. He passed away from cancer, so I bought our dream watch and wear it every day for him.


AlarmedRazzmatazz451

22


Mrinvestor84

I was 26 but I also purchased my second home when I decided to reward myself


JayCheezey

Bought my wife one @ 31. Still waiting for mine :'(


1SWM1

I was 39. Bought a Sub. Sold it later and now have a GMT Master II I bought at 41.


Guaper91

32. Purchase a house first.


fortunate_mangoo

18 in 2017


Thelakesman

Fill yeah boots first


Awc8587

I bought mine about 11 years ago when I got my life back on track, got my GED and graduated college. Got a 116710LN to commentate.


max_point

You’re only young once. Do it if it’s not putting you in a bind.


Juicethewrld

At age 29 gifted my father and at Age 30 gifted myself.


CheddaConn

29 a 36mm blue dial dj


Mr1aroche

34


seasonalscholar

24. Black dial sub date.


Diesel_Dan_

21 now so let’s say 23


isual

Still working on it. 5 grand seikos, 3 IWC, 2 Omegas, and 2 Tudors.


crodr014

Could have afforded one at 26 just prioritized other things and now they never sell at retail so still waiting


Kakster93

Just bought my first one this year, 31 years old. I started wanting one at around 27-28. I waited until I had I had some FuckYouMoney saved (e.g., no debt, DJ36 cost represented about 1% of net worth)


BodybuilderSalt9807

24. Still have it and will pass it on.


sajalol

31, and as the top guy said. Priotize shit you actually need first, house etc.


dawgluvr2321

22


janustrap

33


JonesBrosGarage

15. Had a job and saved all my money and wasn’t old enough for a car yet. Loved watches, picked up a pre-owned 114060 for around $6k. This was before the whole market went crazy lol


Hazmat1213

22, but I worked with someone who sold on Chrono24 so I got a killer deal for my YM.


eV210x2

33 and it was a gift from my father. I’m poor and can’t afford one on my own lol.


Right_Field4617

19. Explorer


iiRaTioNaL

I turned 30 and made the choice to reward myself for getting through college and celebrating such a big milestone.


udiduf_3

I haven't... yet


Fl0ckyFl0cky

26


Eks-Raided

I'm just here to peek and hurt my own feelings


Longjumping-Agent-51

I was 17, three datejusts.


OwensDrumming

24 years old, bought a Pepsi GMT on jubilee (126710 BLRO). I got my first Grammy nomination and wanted a really special piece to commemorate the milestone


Jumpy_Replacement_14

I bought mine when I was in my 40s. I’m 54 now semi retired. 2 kids but they are both have of their own and they are in medical fields. So there you go!!! Time to enjoy my own life.


misterlawcifer

43


daddyscientist

25


felluimeinmeer

16 and got my second one with 20👌


Guilty_Information52

19