Finally Getting My 1968 Birth Year Rolex

[mezeno]

I've been looking for quite a while for the right 1968 Rolex and have had quite a time finding a 1968 that was circa correct. I was looking for a sub meters first, explorer, GMT, and even pondered the tudor sub. I kept coming back to the GMT and I am glad that I did. Outside of the bezel insert, I am comfortable that this watch is period correct. Interestingly, it is the crazy new Rolex prices that finally helped me pull the trigger. In the present market, the normal high price of a good vintage Rolex seems reasonable compared to the 2X plus over msrp for a new watch that doesn't have any special significance to me. Any thoughts, observations, or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[sishac]

Congratulations on your birth year Rolex! My first vintage Rolex, bought around 2009, was a 1675 (circa 1967/8)…not meant to be a birth year watch (my mom held out a couple of days and I was born the first week of 1969….you will absolutely love this watch…on the jubilee bracelet it seems more delicate and formal, while on an oyster bracelet it gains a sportier sense. It wears smaller and thinner than either a 5512/3 or 1680, and fits nicely under the cuff..and then that glimpse of red/blue….WOW!

Congratulations on finding that birth year watch…I wish you many happy years with her on your wrist!!!




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[SignotheTimes]

Congratulations to your watch. I would like that too

[mezeno]

sishac,
Thanks!
Great pic of your watch! I have a decent size watch collection, but generally only keep two Rolex watches at a time. I have my 1997 Sub which was a wedding gift from my wife and recently sold my SS Daytona as it wasn't the grail I had envisioned. This 1968 GMT definitely scratches the itch for me. It is my birth year, and unlike some of my other watches, it is not so nice that I worry about wearing it every day. I agree that the jubilee bracelet seems a bit more formal, which works for me as I have to wear a suit several days a month.

[brandrea]

That is going to be one crazy comfortable watch OP. Congratulations

[4rnold]

It's a wonderfull watch, the way I like them

Maybe wear it on a leather strap for daily wear

The bracelet might be a bit delicate

Love the dial, wonderfull blue colour of those service inlays

[Tom1675]

Congrats!

Besides the insert keep an eye on that hour hand lume, it appears to be degrading and you'll want to make sure you get in front of it flaking off of there and getting into the movement via the date window.

Someone may suggest a polish. I wouldn't - no way.

[mezeno]

Thanks for all of the great comments and suggestions!
1. I agree on the leather strap and I have a number of nice straps that will work.
2. I will keep an eye on the hour hand lume. It was just serviced last week and was given the a clean bill of health on the hands.
3. I will not polish the watch case, but I am debating a very very delicate polishing of the outside edges of the cyclops.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by mezeno

2. I will keep an eye on the hour hand lume. It was just serviced last week and was given the a clean bill of health on the hands.

This would have been a good opportunity to stabilize the lume. If you wait until something happens, it's too late.

[4rnold]

Can someone illuminate me on how exactly they stabelize the hands?

[Michael1972]

Congratulations! I am just starting my search for my birth year Datejust (1972).

[Lordofrolex]

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by 4rnold

Can someone illuminate me on how exactly they stabelize the hands?

Typically a thin coat of binder is applied to the reverse side.

[linesiders]

I like it ! And as a non-safe-queen 68 model myself, there is the appropriate amount of wear and tear on the watch

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Typically a thin coat of binder is applied to the reverse side.

thx!

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by linesiders

I like it ! And as a non-safe-queen 68 model myself, there is the appropriate amount of wear and tear on the watch

I'm with you

[Kingface66]

With so much great info being shared in this, and so many other, threads, I just want to let everyone know that over in the General Forum the opportunity to become a 2022 Pledge Member is now available. For a minimum donation of just $30, you’ll have access to a small fortune in knowledge, expertise, and insight.

[mezeno]

Andy,
Thanks! Just donated.

Originally Posted by Kingface66

With so much great info being shared in this, and so many other, threads, I just want to let everyone know that over in the General Forum the opportunity to become a 2022 Pledge Member is now available. For a minimum donation of just $30, you’ll have access to a small fortune in knowledge, expertise, and insight.