Vintage Rolex Collection in 1 Photo

[rolexest]

I am subscribed to the watch collection in 1 photo thread and while I do love it, there are hardly any vintage watches to be found. I find the proportions and tool aspect of vintage Rolex very charming and refreshing among the sea of ceramic incomings. I am considering taking the plunge and I would love to see what y'all have for some inspiration. Cheers

[Pete_mcC]

Sticking with my pre 2000 watches as a very loose vintage group.

Here’s my
1953 6202 Turnograph
1978 17000 Oysterquartz
1980 1655 Explorer II
1984 16550 Explorer II
1991 14270 Explorer I Blackout & silver gilt dial
1995 Tudor 75090 Submariner


The variety and rarity of vintage is what gets me. People talk about ‘limited edition’ modern Rolex, but they are often made in their hundreds of thousands over a period of a decade and people desperately try to find subtle font differences to make them seem special. However when you look at the 6202, for example, you’d be hard pushed to find two with the same dial and hand combination from the 18 months they were made.

Vintage takes a bit more research to find what you want, to learn about it and to find a great example. Modern just requires that you look on Instagram to see what the cool kids are wearing and then hit up a grey market seller for a ‘me too’ watch.

Not saying I don’t like modern Rolex, I have a few, but they aren’t as exciting as the older ones!

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by Pete_McC

Sticking with my pre 2000 watches as a very loose vintage group.

Here’s my
1953 6202 Turnograph
1978 17000 Oysterquartz
1980 1655 Explorer II
1984 16550 Explorer II
1991 14270 Explorer I Blackout & silver gilt dial
1995 Tudor 75090 Submariner


The variety and rarity of vintage is what gets me. People talk about ‘limited edition’ modern Rolex, but they are often made in their hundreds of thousands over a period of a decade and people desperately try to find subtle font differences to make them seem special. However when you look at the 6202, for example, you’d be hard pushed to find two with the same dial and hand combination from the 18 months they were made.

Vintage takes a bit more research to find what you want, to learn about it and to find a great example. Modern just requires that you look on Instagram to see what the cool kids are wearing and then hit up a grey market seller for a ‘me too’ watch.

Not saying I don’t like modern Rolex, I have a few, but they aren’t as exciting as the older ones!

Beautiful! I especially love that 1655 of yours.

[Dan S]

Ah, but how old must a watch be for it to be considered vintage?

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Ah, but how old must a watch be for it to be considered vintage?

Yes! The age old question!
I only have 2 so not really a collection, and I don't think you're interested in my quartz Seiko from around 1979 or so.

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Ah, but how old must a watch be for it to be considered vintage?

Well, I know I am just going on the way I feel every morning.

I don’t do the ‘plexi only’ thing as that would exclude my 44 year old 17000 whereas my 1655 with plexi was still available in 1985.
My nephew calls my training shoes vintage as they’re 20 years old, he’s also very rude about my favourite music, just proves that it’s all relative and very variable.

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Ah, but how old must a watch be for it to be considered vintage?

cheeky...

[Fanny Bay R1]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Ah, but how old must a watch be for it to be considered vintage?

I think 85-99 is neo vintage and before that vintage, but that’s just my thinking and not based on real information.

[zapokee]

I'm not sure people with large collections will want to post pictures, purely for security resasons...

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I'm not sure people with large collections will want to post pictures, purely for security resasons...

Only the greenhorns with the newer pieces are all about the flex/brag….

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I'm not sure people with large collections will want to post pictures, purely for security resasons...

Unfortunately the cost of insurance for me means they all live at the bank most of the time nowadays, with only a couple of watches in the house.

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I'm not sure people with large collections will want to post pictures, purely for security resasons...

Fair enough, and I expected this reply. But for those willing, I'd love to see 'em

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Ah, but how old must a watch be for it to be considered vintage?

Fair enough lol. Honestly I know its not correct but 5 digits are vintage enough for me to classify them as such

[AzHadEnuf]

The sub is a 16610 so it’s questionable “vintage” but it turned 30 this year. The 6263 is ‘70 and the 1601 is from ‘72.

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by AzHadEnuf

The sub is a 16610 so it’s questionable “vintage” but it turned 30 this year. The 6263 is ‘70 and the 1601 is from ‘72.

That Daytona is something special. Give me that over a modern one any day. The pricing one them is unbelievable. Were you lucky enough to grab it before the craze?

[AzHadEnuf]

Originally Posted by rolexest

That Daytona is something special. Give me that over a modern one any day. The pricing one them is unbelievable. Were you lucky enough to grab it before the craze?

Thank you. My Dad bought it new for $235 52 years ago. I’ve had it since ‘83.

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by AzHadEnuf

Thank you. My Dad bought it new for $235 52 years ago. I’ve had it since ‘83.

Wow isn't that amazing. It's pretty unobtainable for me in today's world. Even more special that it was your dad's.

[iclick]

Here's my crew:

1. Rolex GMT 1675 (Mk. 1) - One owner for 51 years. Original bezel, dial, date wheel, and hands.
2. Tudor 79170 Big Block Chronometer
3. Tudor 79180 Big Block Chronometer
4. Tudor 79090 Submariner

All have correct bracelets. I rotate #2-4 monthly, but the GMT is worn only occasionally. I almost never removed the GMT from my wrist for the first 45 years.

[Bestdj777]

I am partial to vintage Rolex watches. Here are three of my four (one is in transit and anxiously awaiting its arrival). Looking at this picture makes me realize I really need a Turn o Graph on a jubilee bracelet to complete the grouping…

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by iclick

Here's my crew:

1. Rolex GMT 1675 (Mk. 1) - One owner for 51 years. Original bezel, dial, date wheel, and hands.
2. Tudor 79170 Big Block Chronometer
3. Tudor 79180 Big Block Chronometer
4. Tudor 79090 Submariner

All have correct bracelets. I rotate #2-4 monthly, but the GMT is worn only occasionally. I almost never removed the GMT from my wrist for the first 45 years.

1675 is awesome!!!!

[rolexest]

Originally Posted by iclick

Here's my crew:

1. Rolex GMT 1675 (Mk. 1) - One owner for 51 years. Original bezel, dial, date wheel, and hands.
2. Tudor 79170 Big Block Chronometer
3. Tudor 79180 Big Block Chronometer
4. Tudor 79090 Submariner

All have correct bracelets. I rotate #2-4 monthly, but the GMT is worn only occasionally. I almost never removed the GMT from my wrist for the first 45 years.

I would love to add a 1675 to my collection. There's such a charm to the worn bezel. Canadian Military Tudor Sub is also on my list but I am having such a difficult time sourcing one.

[GrantD]

Just the small block 79260 for me.

[TimeLord2]

Some great vintage examples here!

[Kingface66]

Many have come and gone, but only these remain.
(Clockwise from top)
Mid-60s Omega Seamaster DeVille, 1977 Rolex 1680 with USA oval link bracelet, 1930s Waltham pocket watch, 1966 Rolex 5513 gilt dial, with original Gay Frères 7206 bracelet.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Many have come and gone, but only these remain.
(Clockwise from top)
Mid-60s Omega Seamaster DeVille, 1977 Rolex 1680 with USA oval link bracelet, 1930s Waltham pocket watch, 1966 Rolex 5513 gilt dial, with original Gay Frères 7206 bracelet.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What crystal is on your 1680? Looks clean

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

What crystal is on your 1680? Looks clean

That’s an OEM re-profiled dome 19 that LA Watchworks offers.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

That’s an OEM re-profiled dome 19 that LA Watchworks offers.

Thanks! I may have to contact them if they keep them In stock…

[Dr.Smellody]

I can't do it in one photo. Maybe one day if I have them out. Here are my vintage ranging from 1915 to 1991.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

I can't do it in one photo. Maybe one day if I have them out. Here are my vintage ranging from 1915 to 1991.

Great variety!

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

I can't do it in one photo. Maybe one day if I have them out. Here are my vintage ranging from 1915 to 1991.

I was hoping the Doctor might post! Great collection that I've only seen parts of on the "Everyday is Vintage Day" thread, which is really where the OP should be looking!
It's only up to 856 pages of vintage goodness now. This: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=331580