My first Rolex in the early 80's

[watchlady]

The first Rolex I purchased was in the early 80's when I was in my early 20's. A Stainless Steel Datejust with a silver dial, fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet. I bought it in New York City at Tourneau on 34th Street (it closed about 10 or 15 years ago) after walking by the store countless times.

I don't remember what happened to that watch but I don't remember having it after a few years.

I would like to get a similar watch to that DJ of the era. The one I had was a 26mm "lady DJ" but I want to replace it with a 36mm DJ.

I'm thinking of something like a Ref 16014 since I bought mine between 1980 and 1982.

Any other references I should look at from that period?
Thanks

[TuRo]

Hi 16014 or 16030 v nice.
I personally like the earlier plexi glass pie pan (falls away at side) dial 1601/1603 best of all DJ's... smidge cheaper too than 5 digit DJ.

[Dan S]

Sounds like a 16014 is what you want. White gold fluted bezel 36mm DJ from the 80s. Silver sunburst dial is the most common configuration. There will be a few variations of the shape of the markers, lume/no-lume, etc.

Here are a couple that passed through my hands. The T SWISS T is an earlier iteration than T SWISS MADE T.

[watchlady]

Are there any particular issues I should look out for with a watch of this age?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by watchlady

Are there any particular issues I should look out for with a watch of this age?

There are many issues, both in terms of originality/collectibility and condition. It would be hard to make a list, but if you find a watch that you're seriously considering, please feel free to post good comprehensive photos.

[watchlady]

I'm not in a big hurry. I'm actually surprised at the price of some of these 40-50 year old average Rolex models. I'm thinking the price should be under $4K but I am finding mostly $5-$6K when I could practically buy a new OP for that price.

[Dan S]

Should be mid-$4k range at most for a nice one from a private seller, unless you are looking at dealer prices. It takes patience, hunting, and a lot of knowledge to get a good one under $4k.

Edit: I see one listed on this forum for $3900. Note, I have no connection to the seller and haven't closely inspected the listing. Do your due diligence.

[watchlady]

Thanks for all the info Dan.

[J45]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Should be mid-$4k range at most for a nice one from a private seller, unless you are looking at dealer prices. It takes patience, hunting, and a lot of knowledge to get a good one under $4k.

Edit: I see one listed on this forum for $3900. Note, I have no connection to the seller and haven't closely inspected the listing. Do your due diligence.

Forgive my ignorance. Where did you see this watch listed on this forum? When I search classifieds here all I see are recent Rolex. Am I missing Vintage for sale here somewhere?

Thanks

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by J45

Forgive my ignorance. Where did you see this watch listed on this forum? When I search classifieds here all I see are recent Rolex. Am I missing Vintage for sale here somewhere?

Thanks

There is some vintage in the classified section. You can use the Advanced Search function if you are looking for something specific. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that listings appear in WatchRecon anymore.

[GGGMT]

I don’t see you getting a nice clean original version with BP under $5k


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

I don’t see you getting a nice clean original version with BP under $5k

I didn't see that the OP mentioned box and papers. Looking for a set from the 80s with box and papers will always make the hunt a lot harder, as well as increase the price.

[J45]

Originally Posted by Dan S

There is some vintage in the classified section. You can use the Advanced Search function if you are looking for something specific. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that listings appear in WatchRecon anymore.

Thanks Dan.

[lettersfrom]

The 16014 is a solid choice. You might also check out the 16030 or 16013, classic '80s DJs too. Good luck with the hunt!

[watchlady]

16030 is the engine turned bezel? 16013 is the two toned?
I wouldn't mind a two toned as they are "very 80's" and what I probably would have bought at the time if I could have afforded it. But first is the SS/fluted/Jubilee, I just bought and traded for a few watches so I'm in no rush.

[watchlady]

I don't really expect B&P with an 80's DJ.

Originally Posted by GGGMT

I don’t see you getting a nice clean original version with BP under $5k


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by watchlady

I don't really expect B&P with an 80's DJ.

May not expect it, but it’s certainly worth it when you find that gem, as I have many times. Well well worth it. And indicates sometime truly cherished and loved the watch. One from my collection:




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[GGGMT]

Another. So worth it. So.


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[watchlady]

Nice Blues!

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Another. So worth it. So.


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[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by watchlady

Nice Blues!

Thku! I am a sucker for blue dials (and BP), as you can tell!


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[DaytonaForMe]

I hadn't heard or seen the name Baily Banks and Biddle since I was a kid overhearing my mother talk about them. Love it!