My first was a GMT ceramic Rolex 116710ln (black bezel, with green GMT hand). I bought it in Munich while I was at Oktoberfest.

I had previously owned a Longines Grand Vitesse, and Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, but I was constantly druelling over the GMT that a few of my friends had and I was always seeing on frequent travellers’ wrists on the plane. Neither the Longines nor Omega wete being worn enough as they weren’t comfortable.

I walked into the Rolex AD and asked if they had a GMT. They had one left. The lady offered me a discount, which was pretty unheard of for a steel sports Rolex. Especially given it was their last one, it was like reverse economics. I ummed and ahhed overnight (as I nevee thought I would spend that much on a watch), and I returned the next day to buy it. She told me she would get in trouble for discounting the watch, but that she would honour it. I purchased it and wore it to Oktoberfest the next day (not drinking too much) as I wasn’t comfortable leaving it in my little hotel room. The Rolex AD said that so many people had bought a Rolez and loat it during Oktoberfest, so I was REALLY careful.

At the time of this purchase, I was having a pretty rough time and was quite unhappy, which prompted me to think ‘yolo’. I don’t think I would have bought it otherwise.

The net price I paid was incredible and the SGD was very strong against the EUR, on top of the 20% VAT I got back. It was about 45% cheaper than the price in Singapore. It was a really good buy.

5 years later, I still have the watch, and have added 4 more Rolexes (1986 pepsi GMT, datejust on jubillee, Hulk sub, and White dial Daytona mon-ceramic) and 2 Omegas.

Couldn’t be happier with my collection.