Looking for advice - first Rolex for dad?

[Huythebest]

I am new to watch collecting and new to the forum. This is my first post. I became interested in the Rolex 16013 after seeing Ronny Chieng talk about it on Talking watches. I saw one in decent condition for 6k at a local jewelry shop and have decided I’d like to get something for my old man’s bday. 
For background, my dad is an old asian, blue collar kinda guy. He gets dressed up several times a year for parties and weddings, but otherwise he’s in shorts and a t-shirt. I think the nicest watch he’s ever owned was a Seiko .

I’d like to show him my appreciation to him and also give him a gift that would show him how far we’ve come as a family in the US. He’s not the type of person to take care of things very well, and Im not sure if getting an old model would just be more of a headache for him. Was wondering if you guys think it’ll be a good idea to get an 1980s watch for him, or should I spring for a newer model? Any other models I should consider in this price range? Or are there any other models/brands I should consider? Grand Seiko? 
I appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

[Spurman]

Probably get a brand new from AD if not in a hurry bro.

As a gift especially to your dearest, nothing but a new. You and your dad gets to create that bit of history yourselves, a team.

I had just gifted my dad a 1926 Tudor. He was a watch enthusiast b4 he married my mum. Not a rich family, just average. We are asians btw too broo, in Singapore. My mum told me that he used to had omegas at best but hes had given up these yrs back.

Thus it was kinda like a "revisit", a new found connection for me and my dad together when I gifted him the tudor. And the longest ever conversation we had in years. Dad's kinda a conservative father figure. Thus this watch connection helps bridge our relationship closer which I am so glad I did to have this watch to him.

He's even kept my Hamilton, a gift for all males in Singapore when we had completed our national service. Glad my dad did. I din have a damn of this watch when I was young as I always kinda hated the army days, but as I aged, I actually missed those days and seeing that my dad has actually kept this for me. Wow. words cant describe.

So yeah, my story. I think having this watch talks brought me and I my dad closer, making me kind of like a 10yr old kid all over.

I am now seriously considering a DJ or the explorer 2 tone for my dad. My Dad was in the navy in the 60s to 70s. But heck the submariner is too big for his wrist. Somehow a 34mm 36mm watch suits him like a glue.

I suggest broo, wait up like me. I reckon I could get this rolex for my dad next year from my AD.

[GPunto]

A brand new one will be better than an '80 version. Considering you will get a warranty and a much better movement. If you are buying with a budget it is better to increase the amount of money you wish to spend and get the best new watch than the most affordable used one.
Good luck with your search and great present for dad.

[JC316]

I also agree. Wait and try to buy new. It doesn't have to be a Rolex either. It can be any brand. Your father will enjoy and appreciate the gift regardless.

Tudor heritage Advisor might be a nice pick up. It has a nice alarm complication. Grand Seiko has some very nice watches as well. Or perhaps even an Omega?

I gifted my dad a DJ several years back when he turned 65. He wore it for a while but stopped wearing it after he retired. His daily is a minimalist black dial Movado now. I'm sure your dad is worth the most expensive thing you can afford but something a little more practical may be the better choice. You know your dad the best! Good luck with your search and I hope you find him something amazing!



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[padi56]

Originally Posted by GPunto

A brand new one will be better than an '80 version. Considering you will get a warranty and a much better movement. If you are buying with a budget it is better to increase the amount of money you wish to spend and get the best new watch than the most affordable used one.
Good luck with your search and great present for dad.

I wonder why you think that say a modern day movement is better than any from the 1980s.Just look how many vintage Rolex are in this world many 50 plus years and still ticking strong. If I was the original poster perhaps get a brochure and show him models let him pick. Buying new or used not a huge problem as Rolex watches are all built to last, thats why so many millions of them are in this world today.

[Rori]

Originally Posted by Huythebest

I am new to watch collecting and new to the forum. This is my first post. I became interested in the Rolex 16013 after seeing Ronny Chieng talk about it on Talking watches. I saw one in decent condition for 6k at a local jewelry shop and have decided I’d like to get something for my old man’s bday. 
For background, my dad is an old asian, blue collar kinda guy. He gets dressed up several times a year for parties and weddings, but otherwise he’s in shorts and a t-shirt. I think the nicest watch he’s ever owned was a Seiko .

I’d like to show him my appreciation to him and also give him a gift that would show him how far we’ve come as a family in the US. He’s not the type of person to take care of things very well, and Im not sure if getting an old model would just be more of a headache for him. Was wondering if you guys think it’ll be a good idea to get an 1980s watch for him, or should I spring for a newer model? Any other models I should consider in this price range? Or are there any other models/brands I should consider? Grand Seiko? 
I appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

So nice of you
I wouldn't gift my dad a used watch or used anything unless he's after a vintage car model. Get him a nice TT DJ or even steel DJ, an OP perhaps, new from AD. I'm sure he'll be in love.

[wcs2229]

Originally Posted by Huythebest

I am new to watch collecting and new to the forum. This is my first post. I became interested in the Rolex 16013 after seeing Ronny Chieng talk about it on Talking watches. I saw one in decent condition for 6k at a local jewelry shop and have decided I’d like to get something for my old man’s bday. 
For background, my dad is an old asian, blue collar kinda guy. He gets dressed up several times a year for parties and weddings, but otherwise he’s in shorts and a t-shirt. I think the nicest watch he’s ever owned was a Seiko .

I’d like to show him my appreciation to him and also give him a gift that would show him how far we’ve come as a family in the US. He’s not the type of person to take care of things very well, and Im not sure if getting an old model would just be more of a headache for him. Was wondering if you guys think it’ll be a good idea to get an 1980s watch for him, or should I spring for a newer model? Any other models I should consider in this price range? Or are there any other models/brands I should consider? Grand Seiko? 
I appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!

Definitely get a new watch that he will wear as his "one-and-only" forever. Although Asians like gold, it would not be within your budget, nor match his lifestyle. You should be able to buy a swiss Omega SS Aqua Terra with SS bracelet, without any fancy chrono or bezel.

[ibr123]

I gifted this DJ to my dad for his 70th, it hasn’t left his wrist in the last three years. I’d suggest brand new from AD.




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[Chester01]

People are not being real here. It’s easy to say new, but very hard to source a new unless going gray market. I would opt for an older Rolex DJ that is being sold by a reputable seller and recently serviced. Reality is if you get him a watch that was serviced and we’ll taken care of, it will last his lifetime. Many folks here have little idea that these watches can go 20 years without being serviced and think that because the new versions are shiny or are heavier are better quality. They are not. It was the old versions issued to servicemen and used in combat.

[Mendota]

Much better movement? A lot of people are forgetting just how many years the trusted and proven workhorse 3130 and 3135 movements have been around. These have been used in millions of watches since 2001 and before then, the 3030 and 3035 were used from 1977 to 2001. Some here on the board will argue that the 3130/3135 are actually superior movements to the 3230/3235 as evidenced in the long running service issue thread that is here. I am sure the 3230/3235 will prove itself to also be a trusted and reliable movement as the bugs all get worked out.

Literally these previous gen movements cover decades worth of fantastic and excellent watches. So many pre-owned and very well taken care of pieces are out there with these excellent movements and all it takes is perhaps a service and they can go another decade or more before needing to be looked at again.

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by Chester01

People are not being real here. It’s easy to say new, but very hard to source a new unless going gray market. I would opt for an older Rolex DJ that is being sold by a reputable seller and recently serviced. Reality is if you get him a watch that was serviced and we’ll taken care of, it will last his lifetime. Many folks here have little idea that these watches can go 20 years without being serviced and think that because the new versions are shiny or are heavier are better quality. They are not. It was the old versions issued to servicemen and used in combat.

I agree with this. Gently used recently serviced Datejusts from trusted sellers are easily available right now at reasonable prices.

[pk552502]

I personally like the 5 digit references. I think getting a used model is OK in this case as long as it's in great condition. What do you think is more his style? The cases of the 5 digit sports models are low key compared to the newer ones I think. Also, I prefer the brushed/matte appearance of the lugs on datejusts and day-dates as compared to the fully polished lugs of the newer models. Plus, who knows, would he get more kicks from a watch from say his high school years?

[nyc10ken]

My dad is similar and I once got a SS SD43 for him which he being a bigger guy looked awesome on him, but he never wore it and actually hates me buying all these watches since we came from humble beginnings too. So it's another safe queen at the bank.

So first and foremost experience I can suggest is to make sure he understands and appreciates what you're getting him and how special it is at this moment. Because if he doesn't he will just put it away and complain about how much you spent on a stupid watch rather than save for a house or kids college or sending it to family members etc.

If that's fine then what the hell man get him a new TT DJ41 or my pick what I think is a really good buy still, the TT GMT 116713LN.

[Spurman]

Vintage r nice to collect.

But i reckon on some asian culture whereby its still better to gift someone something brand new.

My 2c old mindset hehe

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by ibr123

I gifted this DJ to my dad for his 70th, it hasn’t left his wrist in the last three years. I’d suggest brand new from AD.




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This is just such a fantastic DJ combination, and what a lovely gift. I can see why your father hasn’t taken it off in three years!

OP: I think you should try the AD route and getting new, it’s a challenge but far from impossible. I bought three 36mm DJ’s over the summer. It DID take legwork from me, and some patience, but it was far from impossible.

And what a great gift for your father! For his 70th, I bought my father an Omega Aqua Terra, because he’s always been an Omega guy. Other than making my mother envious, it was a great idea.

[Ferrari308]

If there was a specific year that was important to your dad it might be worth at least considering. Then you could potentially buy the watch from that year, have it serviced and give that to him.

As a father of three, if one of my kids gave me my birth year Rolex (or even one from the year of THEIR birth) it would quickly become the most important watch I owned.



PDG

[Master_Grogu]

Well, in crazy rich Asians, the protagonist receives a vintage Daytona

[brandrea]

Whatever the source, I’d suggest you have him involved in the decision. It’ll be his watch afterall

[dannyp]

If cost not prohibitive, the TT Explorer 124273 seems like an ideal candidate. Fairly available at retail (albeit almost $11,000), but probably good style for your dad: no frills watch, without much “bling” but that bit of gold to signify all he’s accomplished.

And while I hate to stereotype at all, my suspicion was always that this watch was intended to sell well in Asia (even though what is popular on his native continent may not reflect his tastes).

Another to consider would be the Omega Constellation. New ones are probably similarly priced to comparable older Rolex.

If doing vintage, my two thoughts would be:

1. Simplest movement possible.
2. Meaningful production year, like a watch made the year he came to this country. The five-digit OP34 in steel and gold TT comes to mind.

[muskaroxs]

Silver/Gold OP36 (126000) would be perfect for your father.

[HHIslander]

I'd also suggest buying him a brand new piece. In addition to all the other solid comments, I would add that us watch geeks take wearing a used watch for granted and have no issues with it, but I have found that some non-watch geeks think very poorly of that idea. We just gifted a retiring partner with a used speedmaster (he wanted a red watch and the one we picked has been discontinued) and it did not go off that well at all, we ended up getting him a new piece.

[travisb]

114270 Explorer 36mm sounds like it would cover all bases. Nice gesture on your part. I got more pleasure out of buying my father a Rolex than any purchase I’ve add for myself.

[Benzsiam]

Definitely brand new would be better.

Take him to Rolex boutique and let him try the exhibition pieces, you can order DateJust and get it within 3-4 months.

[Marcjvr]

https://davidsw.com/shop/watch/rolex...l-on-oyster-4/

This would be an example of a humble modern Rolex that won’t break the bank and is in great condition (if you have problems getting something at an AD)