Rolex Datejust 36
#36
Antonio Ruiz
United States
Antonio Ruiz, who goes by ‘Tony’, is 46 years old and was born in San Antonio, Texas. His journey has taken him from Los Angeles to Chicago, where he went to graduate school, and now lives and works in Texas again as a Pathologist Assistant. While Tony doesn’t consider himself a traditional watch collector, watches have always held a meaningful place in his life—especially Rolex.
“I’m not really a watch collector, I’m just an admirer of watches.”
That admiration began early, shaped by conversations with his father, who has long been passionate about Swiss watches. Rolex, in particular, became a shared interest between them.
“I’ve had that fondness of—especially Rolex—with my dad.”
Tony’s father owns several notable pieces, including watches from Baume & Mercier, TAG Heuer, and Rolex, and those discussions left a lasting
impression. His mother also appreciates watches, making them a common point of connection within the family.
Tony’s own watch journey started in his late teens, when he got a TAG Heuer Link in 1997 while on a cruise in the Cayman Islands. The watch featured a white dial and rotating bezel, and it marked his first meaningful step into watch ownership. Years later, after completing graduate school, Tony made a spontaneous but significant purchase—a Rolex Datejust reference 116200 with a rhodium dial, roman numerals, and an Oyster bracelet.
“There was a doctor with a similar watch. Every time he would comeinto the lab, I would go, ‘Whoa.’ I thought that would be my nextgrail.”“It was my own present to myself.”
That Rolex stayed with him for nearly fifteen years and cemented his belief
that certain watches are lifelong companions.
“I agree when people say that Rolex is for life.”
Tony’s interest in Wolf Watch Club came through the broader watch community. He had participated in other online competitions before—once seeing a Rolex Bluesy being given away.
“That’s how I got into these competitions, through Lux Watch Supply.”
He first noticed Wolf Watch Club about three months ago during a Rolex competition. When the Rolex Datejust 36mm came up, he decided to enter without overthinking
it.
“I was like, sure—why not?”
One detail stood out to him immediately that made everything feel extra real
and exciting.
“What I liked about Wolf Watch Club is that it showed my initialswith the entry counts. It showed I was actually there in thecompetition.”
When the competition took place, Tony was at his parents’ house watching football. He
knew the drawing was happening, but he hadn’t told anyone he entered.
“I went to my bedroom, and I never told my parents about this competition.”“When I heard my name, I was mostly in shock that this was actuallyhappening.”
Winning the Rolex Datejust 36mm felt surreal—but also deeply personal, given his long-standing connection to the brand and the memories tied to family, milestones, and self-reward.
Looking ahead, Tony’s wishlist includes a Submariner Date, a Bluesy, or even a Yacht-Master one day. As for future competitions, he would love to see timeless pieces like a two-tone Datejust on a jubilee bracelet, an Omega Speedmaster, or Cartier models like the Tank Française.
Despite already winning, Tony has no intention of stepping away from Wolf Watch Club.
“I’m still going to participate and buy entries.”For the Wolf Watch Club community, Tony had a final message:“Thanks to everybody and Mark at Wolf Watch Club. It’s been a greatexperience.”
“For people who are skeptical—if you really want to go for it,you’re definitely being entered into the competition.”“It’s great that more people have the opportunity to own greatwatches without breaking the bank.”
For Tony, winning the Rolex Datejust wasn’t just about acquiring another watch—it was about continuing a lifelong appreciation rooted in family, milestones, and the belief that the right watch stays with you for life.