Kid looking for advice on vintage Oyster

[jbolin]

Hi everyone,

I've saved up all my money from working nights and weekends for a couple of years -- about $1300. I want to spend it on my first Rolex. I know that this won't go very far, but I'm only 16 and am interested in a vintage Oyster to start me off. I live in the sticks in Oz, and can't drive, so need to buy online. I did some research and it sounds like some people on here bought from Andy at time man.net. I obviously don't have any experience and thought I should ask for some tips before blowing all of my money. Could some of you guys please give me some feedback on whether

a) This watch looks like a decent deal for the price
b) If there's any reason to be cautious regarding this watch or seller
c) If you have any better suggestions as to what I should do with this money (Rolex advice only!)

The watch is here and has multiple views:
http://www.timeman.net/thewatch.asp?id=1801

Thanks guys! Greatly appreciated! Someday I'll have a watch worthy of posting!

[Darlinboy]

Looks like a nice one to me.

Are you interested in this particular watch because you can afford it, or because it is what you really want? In other words, are you settling, or is the the Rolex you really want for your first?

Give that some serious thought before you buy, and if the former, keep saving up for your "grail"! It will be worth the wait.

Either way, good luck with your hunt!

[Ditch]

I'm a relative newbie, so take anything I say as my opinion alone.

Personally, as much as I love watches, I'd never feel comfortable spending more than 10% of my cash on one, but you've got to do what's right for you. I guess you don't have mortgages, rent, tax bills, fuel etc, so go for it! That one looks good at a glance. Case seems sharp. I haven't looked up the serial No. against date & case ref. You should definitely do that, but I don't anticipate a problem. Price is good too.

[Chatassys]

That's a beautiful watch and I would totally buy it.

But, what Darlinboy said is important: Buy it if it is what you really want. You can always save a little bit more and have more options. The vintage market is great to get in the Rolex world.

[pietermann]

1 question: do you really want that Rolex you showed us? If not, work and save some more and buy the watch you really want!!

[gregorpal]

I also had my first rolex (Air King ref 5500) at your age, congrats!! 6426 reference it´s a very nice classy watch, but with the money you have saved you can also have a ref 6694, which is a manual wind like 6426 but with date. Andy, from Timeman.net is a trusted and good seller, and he also usually have many 6694. All the best!!

[joe100]

At 16, I know a Rolex seems important and you may want one badly but you should save that money for college. I know that seems like a long way off but you have higher priorities right now, you just don't realize it yet.


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[zwatch]

I would hold out for one with the oyster bracelet instead of leather. It will be more versatile.

[Ditch]

This industrious young guy spent two years saving $1300, and then we tell him to save up MORE?!

If you like it (which I do), go for it!

When you have more money in the future & perhaps find something you like even more you can upgrade & probably get a good chunk of your first purchase price back.

[Kiwinz]

Go for it, Mate.

I know the feeling, at Your age I was working every weekend on building sites saving up for my first, which was a 16013 and bought it at the age of 18.

If You want a different watch,...that's later, always good to have goals ahead.

Good on Ya and enjoy...

[pablofields]

My concern with buying an older watch like that would be servicing costs and even finding proper parts. You should factor that into your decision. If you love this watch and have to a Rolex NOW (which I get) that is one thing. If you can wait and save to get to perhaps $2500 USD you might be able to swing a newer datejust on a bracelet that is likely to have less need for a service and be easier to get parts in the future. Best of luck

[Ditch]

Originally Posted by pablofields

My concern with buying an older watch like that would be servicing costs and even finding proper parts. You should factor that into your decision. If you love this watch and have to a Rolex NOW (which I get) that is one thing. If you can wait and save to get to perhaps $2500 USD you might be able to swing a newer datejust on a bracelet that is likely to have less need for a service and be easier to get parts in the future. Best of luck

It's a precision, not a perpetual, so I wouldn't worry too much about servicing. I've got a 50s Precision that I don't think has ever been serviced. It's never been officially regulated, but it stays on the same minute as my iPhone for many days if kept wound.

[katana]

Originally Posted by pablofields

My concern with buying an older watch like that would be servicing costs and even finding proper parts. You should factor that into your decision. If you love this watch and have to a Rolex NOW (which I get) that is one thing. If you can wait and save to get to perhaps $2500 USD you might be able to swing a newer datejust on a bracelet that is likely to have less need for a service and be easier to get parts in the future. Best of luck

It is well said. It's not just to buy, then will service, perhaps repairs, etc. I can understand his desire too ........

[pknopp]

I think it's nearly perfect. I love the understated design myself so much better than many of the more expensive watches.

[kyle L]

Hi JB, I think it's great that you're starting out young! The nice thing about that one is that the movement looks very clean and everything is original. Just be aware that sometimes these old watches can have problems and require servicing, which can cost a couple hundred dollars by itself. This one look ok though, and the movement should be good for a couple of years. I think the price is fair for a dealer. Depending on your source, the prices of these old manual winds vary. If you buy one off of ebay it may be a couple of hundred cheaper, but you should factor in a service.

I would also recommend a vintage Omega Seamaster, they run maybe $300-550 for a nice vintage example.

[Brushpup]

Hey jbolin, welcome to the the forum! Great to see a young guy interested in good watches, and even better to see one work and earn it. Good on you mate. I like the watch, and it's not a bad one at all. Some of our vintage experts can tell you more on price tc. You see our young Kyle here... (AKA Grasshoppa) has become quite the vintage man himself, and knows more than a lot of us around here on the subject. He can offer a lot and I would sure listen to him too.

Welcome again to the forum and great going on getting your first. Good to have you aboard.

[simplerolex]

Hey Joblin, I think Rolex Oyster Model 6426 with the famous/robust 1225 caliber (last manual caliber to be produced by Rolex outside on Cellini series and used on legendary 25K+ 6429 Rolex "Commando" watch) is one heck of a classy/classic time piece! I won't hesitate to buy it (I personally bought my birth year 6426/1225 with blue dial and I love it!)

By the way, I own a new 44mm Sea dweller, 40mm black no-date Submariner, 39mm Explorer and Milgauss green sapphire; however, I am deeply passionate when it comes to manual wind timepieces

Good luck!

[jbolin]

Hi guys,
Thanks so much for so many great responses and the warm welcome. They were all really helpful, and I have been reading over them for the last day, just enjoying 'hanging out' with some real Rolex pros virtually! It's nice to get some expert advice when you're looking at your first, since it would kill me to choose a watch that's obviously a mistake or get really ripped off!

I'm just giving buying the watch a few days to think about it, but I think now that it is definitely the one that I want. I really like the simplicity of the watch, and since I have ever only had a Casio quartz (shame), am looking forward to the experience of winding my first real piece! I know that it is not a real flashy Rolex, but at this stage it might suit the look I am going for better anyway.

Thanks again for the help...I'll keep you posted on what I decide. I'm totally in awe of some of the collections you guys have!

[Brushpup]

Hey Kiddo, I just sent you a PM on a nice one I saw on the sale page today. Right up your alley. Everyone here will vouch for Tempo King I promise ya.

[TurboWatch]

Originally Posted by jbolin

Hi everyone,

I've saved up all my money from working nights and weekends for a couple of years -- about $1300. I want to spend it on my first Rolex. I know that this won't go very far, but I'm only 16 and am interested in a vintage Oyster to start me off. I live in the sticks in Oz, and can't drive, so need to buy online. I did some research and it sounds like some people on here bought from Andy at time man.net. I obviously don't have any experience and thought I should ask for some tips before blowing all of my money. Could some of you guys please give me some feedback on whether

a) This watch looks like a decent deal for the price
b) If there's any reason to be cautious regarding this watch or seller
c) If you have any better suggestions as to what I should do with this money (Rolex advice only!)

The watch is here and has multiple views:
http://www.timeman.net/thewatch.asp?id=1801

Thanks guys! Greatly appreciated! Someday I'll have a watch worthy of posting!

a watch that you can grow into, and have no problem selling it in the future. For around $1200-$1600 you can get a nice 1600/1601/1603 datejust. Learn all you can about the model, and with a little patience you can get a watch that you'll enjoy for years to come.