Rolex Starbucks

For Chris Gieckel, watches were never supposed to become a hobby.

That all changed because of a coworker.

Working in the restaurant industry, Chris watched his friend Adam show up wearing a different watch almost every shift. Before long, Adam was even building his own watches from individual parts.

“I really blame my friend Adam,” Chris laughed.

While Chris admits he could never build one himself, Adam’s passion sparked his own interest in watches. He began researching different brands online, and before long social media started showing him ads for Wolf Watch Club.

Like many first time players, Chris was skeptical.

“I’ll give it a shot for thirty bucks.”

His first competition was the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic. Over the following months, he entered selectively, choosing watches that genuinely caught his eye. By the time the Rolex Submariner Date “Starbucks” came around, it was his ninth competition with Wolf Watch Club.

This time, he entered with just one entry.

Chris was watching the live competition when RandomDraws selected the winner.

“I saw the first name was Chris. I was like, that can’t be me.”

A few seconds later, Jory read out his full name.

“I couldn’t believe it.”

Ironically, one of the biggest surprises was hearing someone pronounce his last name correctly.

“I’ve been alive more than forty years and no one has ever said my last name right the first time.”

The first person Chris told was Adam.

“I sent him a picture and said, ‘You’re never going to guess.’ He lost his mind.”

For Chris, watches have become much more than something to wear. One of the most meaningful parts of his collection came from his grandfather, who spent forty years with the New York Police Department. Every promotion came with a new watch, each one engraved on the caseback. Today, those watches remind Chris of his grandfather’s career and the milestones he achieved.

Outside of watches, Chris loves to travel, especially anywhere with great food. Having worked in restaurants for years, he jokes that he has been “traveling on my stomach.” For the past ten years, he and his twin brother have celebrated their birthdays by taking a trip together. One of their favorites was spending three weeks exploring New Zealand.

When asked what kept him coming back after not winning right away, Chris kept it simple.

“The price was right. It was low risk.”

He also believes Wolf Watch Club offers something many enthusiasts never expect to own.

“I don’t think in my lifetime I would ever be able to afford a Rolex.”

After nine competitions, that dream became reality.

One entry.

Nine competitions.

One unforgettable moment.

Congratulations again, Chris, on winning the Rolex Submariner Date “Starbucks.” Thank you for being part of the Wolf Pack. We hope you wear it in good health for many years to come.