How often do you / would you wear your Vintage Sub???

[Speed]

OK, I am reconsidering researching and then acquiring a 5513 or Red 1680 Vintage Sub...

I have no desire to have any watch sit under glass. However, I really wonder how often I would wear a $6-10K Vintage piece? Should it / could it be a "daily wearer?"

Should I be concerned about knocking loose some old lume? Theft? - of course I would have it appraised / fully insured, but what am I missing??

Part of me is thinking maybe I should to buy a Y,F or other semi-recent Sub No Date...or perhaps a GMT / GMT II Pepsi for $3-$4K and wear in my rotation with my Sub Date and GMT II Coke.

Would be interested in your Vintage opinions!

[glendon21]

Watch rotation , old/new collection and different feel are my reasons why I bought last week a 5513 . I can use my 5513 any day I feel wearing because it doesnt have a date to adjust. It feels and looks different to my GMT 2c.

[Spark]

Personally I think it depends on your daily routine/work.
If you work in an engineering environment like myself I do not wear my vintage watches as they would get bashed up very quickly.
If however you work in a corporate/office environment any vintage Rolex would be a fine daily wear IMO

[Tombstone]

I would love to buy a vintage1680 Red Sub. Sad fact there are way too many fakes out there being past off as real for me to guess if I am buying real. The closest vintage I own is my no date sub. I like it, I am buying a SEL band because the old style band is driving me mad.

[mcjp6]

Good question.

Well here are my thoughts, I purchased my 16030 in 1984 and until earlier this year literally wore it each and every day everywhere all the time, scuba diving, work, play etc. Having it serviced every five/six years.

It was not until I joined this forum that I discovered that I was wearing a "vintage" watch. What are you talking about vintage? its my everyday watch!

So what is vintage?

Since becoming a member here and my interest in Rolex watches has increased somewhat.... I now own several "vintage" subs, the oldest a 1977 1680.

And I can tell you that I wear each and every one the same as I did my DJ 16030, each and every day, in rotation of course as my mood takes me, but they do not sit around at home I can tell you that.

My "vintage" 5513 is two years younger than my DJ. There is no way its not going to be worn and come diving with me and be worn each day.

They are tough watches and properly serviced can go with you, even when 30 yrs old........

[Speed]

Thanks all.

I too am concerned about fake Red Subs...or painted Red Subs. I do believe there are legit Subs with the red paint over white.

In any event, I work in an office environment so other than banging the watch against a door jam, not too many hazards... Just was not sure if buying more recent watches would be wiser. I know it would be cheaper! Then, I could care for the watches as they age / watch them develop a nice patina etc. etc. etc.

We'll see.

Arrgh.

[lek0708]

I say go for a vintage piece but as you mentioned, I might avoid the coveted Red Sub (expense/fakes- with fakes being the #1 concern). I wear my GMT as an everydayer and wouldn't want it any other way.

Best of luck.

[Speed]

Thanks Lauren,

Man, I could get a pre-owned 14060m for ~$3k US. The Red Sub would be 8,9K.

Hmm

[R1@160@alltimes]

Interesting thread.

As of late, I've been thinking about my next acquisition and I am looking into the direction of a nice 1675 or 16750.

Which ever one I get, you can bet your bottom dollar it will get incorporated into my into my daily rotation.

Let us know what you decide.

[PhilM]

Interesting question as I've also got a few vintage pieces; the way I view it is that if I'm working (office environment) I pretty much wear any of my watches, however if I'm going out to a music event \ concert or any large event with lots of people then I'll probably take something newer which in the eventuality that it does take a knock then I'm not going to start thinking about the cost etc

[slcbbrown]

daily

[Davvan]

......1680 Red almost every day and never had a problem with it. The other watches I rotate with are also vintage.....just keep em in good shape and they will works just fine

[Dan Pierce]

I wear my vintage with a good bit of care but the examples with a certain amount of existing patina don't get babied, but respected.
dP

[greekbum]

Every Day.

[Speed]

Hmmm...OK

Thanks for the input!!!

[r14]

I would buy watches to wear them.And I like vintage watches w/ a individual character.I dont buy watches in mint ,mint condition w/ boxs and papers,because I have to worry every little scratches that I make by wearing it.
I would just use my common sense when and where to wear it. I would not work out , do yard work, swim ,dive or surf w/ it. The wearing is the best part of this hobby. And all the new scratches made by you create new character to the watch and become your history and memories. Enjoy them!!!
.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by r14

I would buy watches to wear them.And I like vintage watches w/ a individual character.I dont buy watches in mint ,mint condition w/ boxs and papers,because I have to worry every little scratches that I make by wearing it.
I would just use my common sense when and where to wear it. I would not work out , do yard work, swim ,dive or surf w/ it. The wearing is the best part of this hobby. And all the new scratches made by you create new character to the watch and become your history and memories. Enjoy them!!!
.

Understood. Thanks for the lesson in common sense.

Since I have heard my more Vintage-savvy TRFers speak of not using certain watches as daily wearers...I thought I would get some opinions.

My main reason for not paying top dollar for Vintage is that Rolexes don't change that dramatically...I can recognize the differences, but I also enjoy my not-too -old Series Y & D watches.

[Lowflight]

I wear my 1680 3-4 days a week.....I wear my 16753 the other part.

[watchthisone2]

I seem to be wearing my 64 5513 every day.
So comfortable with the 7206 bracelet that others are not getting a look in.

[Speed]

Hmm...lots of good examples to dispel the "daily wearer" concerns.

[tomvox1]

Originally Posted by masugu

OK, I am reconsidering researching and then acquiring a 5513 or Red 1680 Vintage Sub...

I have no desire to have any watch sit under glass. However, I really wonder how often I would wear a $6-10K Vintage piece? Should it / could it be a "daily wearer?"

Should I be concerned about knocking loose some old lume? Theft? - of course I would have it appraised / fully insured, but what am I missing??

Part of me is thinking maybe I should to buy a Y,F or other semi-recent Sub No Date...or perhaps a GMT / GMT II Pepsi for $3-$4K and wear in my rotation with my Sub Date and GMT II Coke.

Would be interested in your Vintage opinions!

On the value issue, of the watches you are considering--5513, Red 1680--a matte 5513 is not any more expensive than the modern Sports Rolex that you wear regularly. A Red Sub is obviously a pricier piece but still not more than, say, a modern Daytona, and you'd wear one of those if you bought one, right?

Insurance is always a good idea but theft is no more or less likely to occur than with your other watches.

As for knocking lume loose, this is not that probable. Possible, sure. Probable, not so much. Why worry about worst case scenarios?

Wearing vintage watches is not for everyone but Vintage Rolex Sports watches (and really any Rolex Oyster) are probably the most user-friendly for daily use: they're tough and they can easily be made waterproof in general. Add to that their timeless great looks and you can't go wrong, IMO.
Best,
T.

[tamba]

I have a few vintage watches and I wear one every day. Unless I am messing around with the kids swimming or playing football. I have a red vintage 1680 meters first and it is a great watch. If you do your research and work through a dealer you trust you should be OK.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by tamba

I have a few vintage watches and I wear one every day. Unless I am messing around with the kids swimming or playing football. I have a red vintage 1680 meters first and it is a great watch. If you do your research and work through a dealer you trust you should be OK.

Thanks Mate...Perhaps I will when I have more cash. Still might look into a "contemporary" no date for now.

[mike]

Tom makes an excellent point. The price of admission for the vintage pieces being discussed is no more than some modern counterparts.

Assuming proper service wearing vintage is no more or less a concern than modern.

[watchcrank]

wear it, use it, enjoy it. i wear vintage almost every day and the nicks and knocks are what make them "vintage" imho. m

[jdc]

its a Rolex it will take it

[Speed]

Originally Posted by tomvox1

On the value issue, of the watches you are considering--5513, Red 1680--a matte 5513 is not any more expensive than the modern Sports Rolex that you wear regularly. A Red Sub is obviously a pricier piece but still not more than, say, a modern Daytona, and you'd wear one of those if you bought one, right?

Insurance is always a good idea but theft is no more or less likely to occur than with your other watches.

As for knocking lume loose, this is not that probable. Possible, sure. Probable, not so much. Why worry about worst case scenarios?

Wearing vintage watches is not for everyone but Vintage Rolex Sports watches (and really any Rolex Oyster) are probably the most user-friendly for daily use: they're tough and they can easily be made waterproof in general. Add to that their timeless great looks and you can't go wrong, IMO.
Best,
T.

Tom,

Thanks so much. I really appreciate the knowledge guys like you and Mike (above) pass along. Apologies if my question / worst case scenarios are not highly likely.

I was genuinely trying to figure out what TRFers meant when referring to a particular Vintage piece as suitable for "daily wearing."

The only analogy I can come up with is I was under the impression that perhaps some of these older Subs were like Fiats or MGs. Great for the weekend rides / but were a bit temperamental / needed more TLC or other consideration.

You make an excellent point about Red Subs costing as much as Daytonas. I guess I need to determine if I am comfortable paying that much for a watch period Vs. picking up say a recent Sub No Date for ~$3 grand...

I guess I also feel comfy buying a new-ish sports watch from a stellar TRF Internet seller because I am more or less sure of what I will get just based on photos and seller reputation.

Rightly or wrongly, I am now getting the impression that a Red Sub / other vintage sports watch merits more face to face inspection / authentication to understand what is really original before wiring someone I have never met $9-$10,000 or so.

Perhaps I need to find a good Vintage dealer in my area...

Thanks again. I really appreciate the counsel here.

[fusionstorm]

Unless the timepiece is in stunning Mint condition, I'd absolutely wear a vintage timepiece as much as possible. My "daily beater" rotation consists exclusively of a 1655 EXII and a tritium MK1 dial 16660. I own several other "modern" Rolexes along with a Panerai and a Cartier, and they have been relegated to the back of my closet (and soon to be sold off to fund additional vintage pieces).

[kelly56]

My 16610 is sad because it spends a lot of time in the watch case as I wear my 1675 most of the time. The 1675 has become my daily wear watch while the Sub is for more formal occasions. The Omega doesn't get much wear time at all.

[snow_rocks]

all the time.
just ask my 1680.