Help me pick a Vintage Rolex….

[DarthSimon]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

Gotta ask, WHY do you want a vintage? It sounds like you just want one for the sake of having it to offset your modern collection. Are you passionate at all about vintage? Is there one you’ve seen that “spoke” to you and scratched an itch? It sounds like you’re someone with a lot of extra cash lying around and figures “Hey, I don’t have a vintage piece, so….”
There’s so many to choose from, it’s almost insulting to lump them all together as by saying “as long as it’s vintage, it doesn’t matter what it is”

Yes I wear modern, but truly want to learn about as well wear some older pieces. Not about having a pile of money laying around.

I do for instance have a fondness for the 1990’s Blusey. Was the first Rolex I ever bought.


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[DarthSimon]

This watch got my attention:

16750







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[zapokee]

My very long journey ended with a Milgauss 1019, an Oysterquartz Datejust 17000, and a WG Day-Date 1803.

There were a lot of mis-steps along the way, but these are my three.

All I'd say is think about what *you* like, rather than considering what you "should" have in a vintage collection based on thoughts from other people.

I got a gilt Sub 5513 and a GMT 1675 without even liking them because they were "must haves." I also have a blue Tudor Snowflake and a Tudor Big Block somewhere in my sock drawer. None of them ever worn after the first few weeks.

Figure out what you like, very slowly (which, to be fair, is exactly what you're doing here ).

[DarthSimon]

Originally Posted by zapokee

My very long journey ended with a Milgauss 1019, an Oysterquartz Datejust 17000, and a WG Day-Date 1803.

There were a lot of mis-steps along the way, but these are my three.

All I'd say is think about what *you* like, rather than considering what you "should" have in a vintage collection based on thoughts from other people.

I got a gilt Sub 5513 and a GMT 1675 without even liking them because they were "must haves." I also have a blue Tudor Snowflake and a Tudor Big Block somewhere in my sock drawer. None of them ever worn after the first few weeks.

Figure out what you like, very slowly (which, to be fair, is exactly what you're doing here ).

Your point is absolutely spot on! I will pick my first vintage piece as something I will like, enjoy, and will wear… It’s not going to be just a check box.
Will also take my time .

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[996marty]

The GMT say like a 16710 is one of the most versatile watches to buy so many variations with inserts and bracelets if you choose.
Like others have mentioned it’s all about how it feels on you when wearing it and on that front we are all different

[MorningTundra]

While you do your research, it’s worth taking time to identify preferred and trusted independent watchmakers, and dealers who specialize in vintage. Both are entirely different purchasing and servicing experiences.

At the risk of embarrassing myself, there are also some really good coffee table, and reference books on the topic. Some are out of print, and themselves quite collectible.

[karleone]

Vintage Rolex is a minefield. It’s extremely important that you get more knowledge and only buy from a reputable and well known vintage dealer.

[TuRo]

I warn you sir,...you will buy a vintage, love it's look, warmth, taste, style and lightness....next thing you will out ALL your contemporaneous watches and only buy vintage. I can think of 2 people who did that after getting their first vintage 1665 and 1016.

The 16750 is a plexi quick set date, no date dial version btw from 84/85.

Btw. Someone recently who had sold about 100 or so Ebel, Brietling, Longines type stuff, wanted to get into and buy 7 proper vintage Rolex and 3 Tudor's (he was into 70s vintage cars, bikes and wanted watches of that era) and asked me my opinion on what to look for for best variety of looks and collectability.... after 5 mins of thought I offered up:

Datejust 36mm
Exp 1 1016
Exp 2 1655
Sub 5513
GMT 1675
Sea Dweller 1665
6265 Daytona
7928 Sub
9411 Date Sub
7169 Monte Carlo

[DarthSimon]

Yes this is why I’m here guy. I want to get educated.

[karleone]

Nice collection by the way! A nice plexiglass matte dial pepsi gmt would be a nice addition (ref 1675 or 16750 matte dial).
I think you should first look at different models and reference. Find what you like most and then try to find one through a reputable vintage dealer.

[karleone]

This is very interesting to read

https://rolexpassionmarket.com/the-v...-buyers-guide/

[tekno]

90’s is more just “classic” Rolex. Tritium 90’s is about the newest I can stand but I would much rather a early 2000’s anything over modern Rolex.

Vintage to me and many here is gilt to matte dial 60’s - 83 ish with plastic crystal, to some younger members (early 20’s) vintage may be 90’s. I like the 90’s stuff but wouldn’t buy it over early 80’s. I say 60’s because most aren’t buying a ton of 50’s sports watches here.

In mid 80’s Rolex started using white gold marker & gloss paint on the dials. There is a brief period where they used matte dials in the newer sapphire case on the subs/sea dweller which is neat. I would own one of those. The 16750 above is a gloss dial watch, if your buying a 16750 I would go for a 83 and earlier, if you’re paying for a vintage GMT you need to buy the one everyone wants. A gloss dial is cool if you:
1. Own all the gmt variants like Turo
2. Don’t have the scratch for a matte dial watch

I’m not suggesting this watch or dealer, but this is what most would want in a 16750 with a blank check. All original and matte dial, I haven’t looked at this closely just an example https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/ssw3

Whatever you get, put alot of thought into it and buy the nicest possible example. If you like the 90’s stuff buy the ultimate perfect untouched, all original etc etc. The guys here will help you. I would do some looking and soul searching and see what you do like, the watches will be for sale. The market is soft.

Buying a pre owned Rolex is ALOT different vs “getting the call”… you have to do some due diligence and make sure your buying the right watch. I would do this slowly and methodically. If I had your watches and a nice budget, I would sell them all but the no date sub (or whichever you like the most) and replace those with early 90’s watches, then slowly build a collection of killer 60’s/70’s/early 80’s watches.

Have a good day

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by tekno

If I had your watches and a nice budget, I would sell them all but the no date sub (or whichever you like the most) and replace those with early 90’s watches, then slowly build a collection of killer 60’s/70’s/early 80’s watches.

... and then sell the modern no date sub and all the early 90's watches, except for one to wear swimming. :-)

[tekno]

Originally Posted by Dan S

... and then sell the modern no date sub and all the early 90's watches, except for one to wear swimming. :-)

Yea, I don’t necessarily love 90’s watches, I just figured he likes sapphire crystal watches so why not replace the new watches with newish watches. My issue with late 80’s - 90’s - 00’s Rolex is they all look very similar. Atleast SOME early 90’s tritium watches have a little character.

I just bought my first sapphire crystal watch in 5-6 years last week. It’s a weird one, 89 UAE dial Datejust. I’m hoping I can wear it in water even though the dial is worth as much as the watch.

[akwaxman]

Originally Posted by DarthSimon

What is this Gmt reference?

It’s stunningly gorgeous!


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i believe this is either a 1675/8 or a 16758. beautiful watch and definitely a grail for me.