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SpencerD · 16 January 2012, 06:09 AM

Hi all,

Sorry not a purchase but my first proper 'exposure'

I attended a Watch and Clock fair today (UK)

Mike Wood was in attendance and had a selection of his wares

Having now, for the first time seen vintage Rolex watches in the flesh I can say that I finally get it...

The story started a few months ago when I visited a local AD to consider what could be my next purchase, none really grabbed me as they all just seemed too big and bold (IMO) DSSD, Sub C, ExpII etc... which is something of a contradiction as I have had a 16600 SD daily wearer for the last 11 years which was easily the biggest of the Rolex range in this era.

I have always had Daytonas which have been sort of 'special occasion' wearers (real word?) and currently have both black and white 116520. The Daytona is still quite understated in terms of size IMO compared to the rest of the Sports range - although I feel the Daytona looks more and more of a dress watch in comparison nowadays (again IMHO).

So, sorry, getting to the point...

I still want to get another watch but what, I joined this forum just 3 weeks ago and saw images of these faded fat font inserts, yellow tritium markers, brown dials etc etc... (Terms I hadn't even heard of just 4 weeks ago...)

So for the past 3 weeks I have looked at these images of vintage watches, 5512, 5513, 5513 Gilt, 1680, 1680 Red, 1665, 62xx - those which have caught my eye. Having now seen them in the flesh all I can say is WOW. Trust me very little in life grabs me or even gets a second look, but...

I tried, I wore a 5513, Gilt, faded fat font insert and it just 'got' me more than my Daytonas past or present, the patina, the whole presence of these gems which have managed to elude my attention in life thus far.

OH, I nearly forgot, the Milsub!, not on display but gladly shown by Mike, again the patina, the insert, the dial, the history, probably beyond my means but not my dreams

Yes you've guessed it,a new convert

Thank you for this resource - this forum (I think ;) ), after family and health I have a new passion.

p.s. Thanks Mike you were very patient and helpful with my newbie questions

matt4hand · 16 January 2012, 06:57 AM

Welcome! It's an addiction!

RC2 · 16 January 2012, 07:44 AM

pics!

Jagatai · 16 January 2012, 09:35 AM

Oh man!!!! :) get ready for the journey of your life. Best part is meeting all the great guys on here and the research and looking and handling!!

Clay · 16 January 2012, 10:32 AM

There is nothing like a Matt Dial vintage piece....Best of luck...

cruvon · 16 January 2012, 10:45 AM

Welcome to the fold:)

Eric88 · 16 January 2012, 12:41 PM

Awesome post! I am 1000% aligned with you!

dddrees · 16 January 2012, 09:56 PM

If I were on the edge I think being able to see any of Mike Woods' collection in person would have been enough to push me over as well.

Spunga · 17 January 2012, 06:19 AM

Welcome to the dark side!!!

Mike Wood · 17 January 2012, 07:46 AM

Pleasure to meet you yesterday, Spencer, and share some of my little treasures! Some other Forum members also called by my little stand and play with one or two special pieces, and it is always good to spread the vintage Rolex "love" a little further!

The Birmingham Fair has a mixture of wares on show, but it's certainly a good opportunity to spend a few hours browsing and comparing watches, and perhaps adding one or two to the wish-list!

I look forward to seeing your vintage buys appearing here on the Forum before too long..!

16 January 2012, 06:09 AM	#1
SpencerD Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Posts: 54	Popped my vintage cherry ;) Story of my conversion... Hi all, Sorry not a purchase but my first proper 'exposure' I attended a Watch and Clock fair today (UK) Mike Wood was in attendance and had a selection of his wares Having now, for the first time seen vintage Rolex watches in the flesh I can say that I finally get it... The story started a few months ago when I visited a local AD to consider what could be my next purchase, none really grabbed me as they all just seemed too big and bold (IMO) DSSD, Sub C, ExpII etc... which is something of a contradiction as I have had a 16600 SD daily wearer for the last 11 years which was easily the biggest of the Rolex range in this era. I have always had Daytonas which have been sort of 'special occasion' wearers (real word?) and currently have both black and white 116520. The Daytona is still quite understated in terms of size IMO compared to the rest of the Sports range - although I feel the Daytona looks more and more of a dress watch in comparison nowadays (again IMHO). So, sorry, getting to the point... I still want to get another watch but what, I joined this forum just 3 weeks ago and saw images of these faded fat font inserts, yellow tritium markers, brown dials etc etc... (Terms I hadn't even heard of just 4 weeks ago...) So for the past 3 weeks I have looked at these images of vintage watches, 5512, 5513, 5513 Gilt, 1680, 1680 Red, 1665, 62xx - those which have caught my eye. Having now seen them in the flesh all I can say is WOW. Trust me very little in life grabs me or even gets a second look, but... I tried, I wore a 5513, Gilt, faded fat font insert and it just 'got' me more than my Daytonas past or present, the patina, the whole presence of these gems which have managed to elude my attention in life thus far. OH, I nearly forgot, the Milsub!, not on display but gladly shown by Mike, again the patina, the insert, the dial, the history, probably beyond my means but not my dreams Yes you've guessed it,a new convert Thank you for this resource - this forum (I think ;) ), after family and health I have a new passion. p.s. Thanks Mike you were very patient and helpful with my newbie questions

16 January 2012, 07:44 AM	#3
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	pics! __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

16 January 2012, 10:45 AM	#6
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	Welcome to the fold:) __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

16 January 2012, 09:56 PM	#8
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	If I were on the edge I think being able to see any of Mike Woods' collection in person would have been enough to push me over as well. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 January 2012, 07:46 AM	#10
Mike Wood "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Mike Wood Location: Liverpool UK Watch: Listen & Learn! Posts: 611	The slippery slope..! Pleasure to meet you yesterday, Spencer, and share some of my little treasures! Some other Forum members also called by my little stand and play with one or two special pieces, and it is always good to spread the vintage Rolex "love" a little further! The Birmingham Fair has a mixture of wares on show, but it's certainly a good opportunity to spend a few hours browsing and comparing watches, and perhaps adding one or two to the wish-list! I look forward to seeing your vintage buys appearing here on the Forum before too long..!

16 January 2012, 06:57 AM	#2
matt4hand Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Atlanta Watch: Tramp Posts: 2,369	Welcome! It's an addiction!

16 January 2012, 09:35 AM	#4
Jagatai "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Philip Location: NY Posts: 851	Oh man!!!! :) get ready for the journey of your life. Best part is meeting all the great guys on here and the research and looking and handling!!

16 January 2012, 10:32 AM	#5
Clay Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Up a tree Posts: 4,001	There is nothing like a Matt Dial vintage piece....Best of luck...

16 January 2012, 12:41 PM	#7
Eric88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: 88 keys Posts: 2,241	Awesome post! I am 1000% aligned with you!

17 January 2012, 06:19 AM	#9
Spunga Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: England Posts: 650	Welcome to the dark side!!!

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