Buying a Vintage Rolex - Help and Advice Please

[Jonathan.mcca]

Hi, im hoping that someone with a little more knowledge than myself may be able to help guide me on whether the following is a good investment or not?

I am interested in buying a 1959 Rolex Oysterdate 6694, in what appears to be excellent condition, the watch has received a full service in 2017 by an independent jeweller. There is a note that the reference and serial number are obscured, but the inside case back is stamped IV.59

The watch is also fitted with a non standard strap.

This watch can be purchased for £1650, which on face value appears a great price, but given the information above, is this likely to be a bad investment or a watch that is going to need constant maintenance due to the age? And would I be better off paying more for something newer?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[rootbeer7]

Forget investment. It’s a 34mm manual wind Rolex watch made in huge numbers.The value may remain stable, drop or rise with inflation, but it’s not going to pay for your retirement. They’re lovely watches if you like a smaller gents vintage watch.
There are some lovely dial variations, but none super desirable. I’d suggest you post an image here to confirm dial is original or that £1650 won’t be worth very much at all. Price isn’t unreasonable here in uk.

[996marty]

As mentioned you probably need to post some photos to get accurate feedback. Investment is a word that you shouldn’t even think about,you should be buying something because you like it. If along the way it makes money then brilliant but nothing is guaranteed in life.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

[Dan S]

A entry-level Rolex like that is probably not something to consider as an investment, but if it's in reasonable condition, it shouldn't need much more frequent maintenance than a newer watch.

If the reference and serial number are obscured, it is probably because of corrosion, in which case there may be corrosion elsewhere. If the watch was serviced, this may not affect operation, but you should be aware that the watch may not be fully waterproof. In principle, obscured numbers affect value, but this is not a particularly collectible model, so that's probably not a huge worry.

As mentioned above, photos are needed to judge condition, but 1650 GBP without a Rolex bracelet isn't a particularly great price, and I'm sure you can find many other examples for that amount. Value depends on many factors, including condition, the specific dial variant, etc., but this is a small hand-winding watch, very much the entry point in the oyster line. Also, keep in mind that a 7 year old service means that the watch is basically needing to be serviced again.

[1William]

Welcome. I am a solid pass on vintage models. A minefield even for the knowledgeable.

[offrdmania]

So many one and done posts lately. Are we getting hit by the ai bots

[996marty]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

So many one and done posts lately. Are we getting hit by the ai bots

That’s something I’ve noticed too. We get one post with not much of a follow up on lots of posts recently

[Exceeder]

stocks and real estate are the only investments... watches are for fun

[discreetpeacock]

Agree with above that images are needed here to validate value and authenticity. Besides that, put investment aside and wear only what you love