Vintage Rolex Buyer's Guidance to determine the originality of your watch..

[mono_no_aware]

Wow. So much to learn

[moflo]

Truly amazing post, mate! Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge with us :)

[HHC]

Great information!

[es_webdev]

Very informative, very useful to a beginner like myself. Thanks!

[Wiener48]

Absolutly stunning this thread - THANK YOU !!!

[Russ1965]

Originally Posted by RootBeerGMT

Agreed... My watches aren't for sale and never will be. They are for me to wear, show off, and enjoy. I don't care if the value is reduced by cleaning them up and making them shine and stand out. Most people can't afford a watch costing several thousands of dollars. They certainly won't know I have reduced the value of my Rolexs because they shine too much or look near perfect. If they don't like them.... turn away, look elsewhere, or go buy your own and treat it as you please. I wear my watches everyday. Not for special occasions. If I owned the first Rolex ever made.... it would be cleaned, polished, and worn daily. Not hidden in a safe and stared at. To each their own..... I'm just thankful I'm blessed to have what I have and wish everyone else the same.

You must be my brotha from anotha motha

[7Kenhinho]

Originally Posted by Russ1965

Hello,
I've been registered on this site for the best part of 4.7 years but haven't posted much at all.
My question to Philipp is this: Some of us collectors prefer to purchase vintage watches that have been professionally restored (not by the manufacturer, but by a suitably qualified watch smith).
From a personal perspective, I don't like wearing watches that look like they've been in a nuclear war, but understand that connoisseurs prefer that vintage watches look their stated age.
It's an age-old conundrum, but I'd rather stick with my refurbed preference at this juncture in my life.
Happy for comments to be raised, contra or pro.
Russ.

I concur. This is why I have bought watches that are either not too old (20 yrs old, still have patina) or a straight-out retro (like the Oris 65 diver): looks old, but highly functional. Just a peace of mind for myself and fully enjoy.

[koby2000]

Great information!

[pts1956]

Hi Phillip, I'm a newbie to the forum and I have to say how useful the information has been from members experience on the forum. I read with interest your guidance and found it fascinating, in particular what pricked my interest was the section on the dial v hands ageing issues. I have to say from my own experience and in my very inexperienced and humble opinion I have concluded that may depend on how the watch was stored. I have my fathers old GMT master 6542 circa 1958. The watches bakelite bezel broke back in the 70's and the strap went a similar way, no idea where the papers are either. Unfortunately dad couldn't afford to replace the items as he had a family and mortgage to pay for. After he died in 1977 the watch has been in my wife's jewellery box in a plastic cash bag in my wardrobe since around 1978 it has been in the dark . Having recently being reminded of its existence after seeing a Rolex on antiques road show I decided to get it out and have a look. Strangely enough I noticed that the hands had become almost grey, the numbers an almost pinky colour, yet the circle on second sweep hand appeared even brighter than the rest. I'm sure generally what you have concluded is in most cases spot on but I guess there is always an exception to the rule, clearly keeping it cooped up for so long appears to have effected the minute and hour hand far more, but I can''t understand why. I've uploaded the picture ( I think!) as I'm sure others may find it of interest (note the strap is cheap tat). PS I intend to have the date issue fixed by an ARD and will possibly have a new plexi-glass glass fitted (but keep the original) and get a nice leather strap as it seems a shame for it to be locked away and it needs to be worn ! Regards Pete

[K2Kraze]

Wonderful thread and reference material. Thank you!


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[yaquith]

great information. I have an old rolex submariner (red) that I purchased overseas. Over time that watch went thru a lot of banging around such that at several points during that time, the watch crystal was severely scratched. as the watch was worn during work and play, it was necessary to be able to read the time. Does replacing the watch crystal impact the value of the value of the watch? the watch is currently stored in a safe deposit box..lest I forget.

[shaspar]

Nice info! Thank you!

[Rahir]

I literately cannot wait to buy a Vintage Pepsi GMT but I never thought it was going to be so complicated I'd love to buy one but I'm not an expert in watches let alone vintages... Thing is that I'd be scared to buy a vintage on the internet then once I have it find out is not vintage, it's a fake or it's had modifications.

any help? I would appreciate it :)

[pts1956]

Originally Posted by yaquith

great information. I have an old rolex submariner (red) that I purchased overseas. Over time that watch went thru a lot of banging around such that at several points during that time, the watch crystal was severely scratched. as the watch was worn during work and play, it was necessary to be able to read the time. Does replacing the watch crystal impact the value of the value of the watch? the watch is currently stored in a safe deposit box..lest I forget.

Hi yaquith, I'm by know means an expert on the subject and hopefully some knowledgeable member will also pop up, but I was in the same situation. What I am given to understand is it is acceptable to replace the crystal but make sure you retain the original, store it with the watch so you can replace at a later stage to return it to original condition if you decide to sell. Regards

[spoilsofwar01]

you ought to write a book or three,

[skrtalal]

thank you for sharing

[holdtime]

Disagree,I do not want rusty hands and real faded dial.
It only make it a rusty old watch.

[holdtime]

Originally Posted by Rahir

I literately cannot wait to buy a Vintage Pepsi GMT but I never thought it was going to be so complicated I'd love to buy one but I'm not an expert in watches let alone vintages... Thing is that I'd be scared to buy a vintage on the internet then once I have it find out is not vintage, it's a fake or it's had modifications.

any help? I would appreciate it :)

Buy a new one,you don’t need a rusty scratch watch.

[Rocco Contini]

These are some sexy looking watches... all of them!!

[nizzer]

Thanks for sharing! Great info!

[seamasterlux]

I am relatively new to the world of collecting vintage watches. And this article is clearly a gold Mine so thank you very much for putting it together.

I am also very worried when buying when I see how many blank Rolex papers and original boxes are up for sale on eBay, thus creating opportunities to have made-up full sets.
A Rolex expert I really like and trust in Paris actually told me: you rarely buy the watch, you actually buy the seller.

[awincko]

Great read, thank you!

[fredved]

Thnx!

[Beej]

I just bought a vintage Rolex that, save for the dial, runs like a champ. I don’t feel too bad for replacing the dial and wearing it as my daily watch. As I actually collect, however, this is a wonderful article to help me not mess things up

[vintagetudor]

Great article...explained in a straightforward concise manner.....I just wish I could retain some of it in my brain....honestly I can,t seem to remember anything these days

[jam karet]

Excellent reading material! Hope to learn so much here.

[Glengooligan]

A lot I'm going to have to re read here but I really appreciate you taking the time to put together this comprehensive post!

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[DGB]

This post should always be on top


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[Ninjafy Watch Person]

Wow, Thanks for the post!!!

[WiseRat]

This is super helpful, thanks!