Originally Posted By hk9403006:


I was not quite sure where to post this, but I thought this would make an interesting post.
Back about 1976 there was a paper in N.J. called the "Want Ad Press" it allowed one to post items for sale at no cost. The seller paid a commission at sale.  
It sounded good on paper but the reality was most people never paid when their sale was completed. Eventually they went out of business. The paper was dived into several sections, I mostly was interested in cameras, firearms and jewelry.
One day I saw an ad for a Rolex Submariner for $90.00. At the time a new Submariner was selling for about $1300.00.
At that time there were no knock offs around. I thought what the hell for $90.00 how could I go wrong
I called the seller and made an appointment to meet with him.
It turns out he was the property master for the film "King Kong" (new release 1977?)
He was also a bow hunter. He had a picture of him sitting on top the King Kong model with his bow.
We made the deal for the watch ($90.00) he told me it was due for a cleaning and tune up, as it was losing some time.
I made the purchase and sent it off to Rolex to be serviced, At that time it cost me $240.00. The watch at time of purchase had a expanding band to be worn on the arm or on top of a wet suite.
I did not care for the expanding band and asked if I could get a solid link band.
I was credited for the expanding band and got a solid link band included in the $240.
I was very impressed with the results it would hold time to 3-5 seconds a month.
I wore that watch thru the time on the PD and working in my own business close to 30 years.
About eight years ago the pin on the safety lock became bent,
When I contacted Rolex about a repair I was quoted $850.00.
I then decided to sell it off to buy a Jeep.
The local jeweler offered me $1500..( the band was worn with the clasp pin bent pretty bad)
I thought that was a low ball price and did some checking on line.
I found a company in CA, I called them and they said they would give me between $3200.-$3500.
They sent me a prepaid insured box, I sent them the watch and three days later they offered me $3200.
They said the face had been replaced and did not go with the year of the watch.
I took their offer and had a bank transfer to my account three days later.
I know if I had the work done I could have gotten more,but for a $330.00 outlay and 30 years to get $3200.00 is a good deal to me.
P.S. While at the range one day I lost the screw holding the band together, Found both in the sand at the 15 yard line.

Originally Posted By rod727:


that aquaracer is a nice watch.....I had one for several years...had it serviced and gave it to my son in law for a gift..never an issue other than the stem could be stronger

Originally Posted By pokey074:

  Very legible. I like it.