What current rolex models will age nicely?

[theflywrist]

I have recently developed a liking for Vintage watches.
I absolutely love the patina on watches like the Sub 5513, or the SD 16660, or the Explorer II creamy dial.
Will the current line of rolex watches age like that ever?

The problem is that I don't know if I love the idea of buying a 30/40 year old watch, probably polished so many times in a lot of cases, not sure what work has been done on, if it was refinished, etc.
I figure the best bet is to buy some watches now, that will have aged like these watches in 20 years time. - I am still pretty young!

On a second note. What do you guys think of this Explorer II?
Is it bound to also develop some patina eventually? Looks like she's in good shape.

[theprocess]

Polar is a nice looking piece. If I owned one, I would prefer the crisp white stay like that for as long as possible.

Generally on the current lineup, I wonder how the blue lume will patinate...only time will tell. Hopefully as nice as the tritium patina.

[Speed]

In theory the luminova should not yellow as Tritium does. Different chemical make up. That said...Luminova hasn't been round one enough to tell.

[Tempusfugitus]

Looks great and a better size on your wrist than the new 42mm version. Solid end links too, which is good

[Beef]

Originally Posted by Speed

In theory the luminova should not yellow as Tritium does. Different chemical make up. That said...Luminova hasn't been round one enough to tell.

^^^This, but the dial itself MAY yellow or "cream" over time. And only time will tell...

Plus, you will have a watch that is clearly not the current incarnation. Like looking at a 5513 and a 14060. Even novices can tell that they're different.

[MCO1]

Other than scuffs and scratches on the case and bracelet I bet none of them will age like the oldies. I think one of Rolex's goals is to build a watch that won't age or patina...hence the ceramic, superluminova and gold marker surrounds. Most of the really valuable Rolex's were essentially accidents from Rolex's point of view. My 1992 GMT Master has not really aged a bit other than the lume it has doesn't really glow anymore unless I am in an area with some radioactivity.:). I had a 96 Explorer 2 like the one in your pic and it doesn't glow anymore either but other than that doesn't look to have any patina to speak of. Seems once they evolved from the painted dials and plastic crystals one just doesn't see the same kind of patina except in rare instances. Now what will make them vintage is the old bracelets which I like and the small cases and small hour markers. I am the same way though hard to buy them old I would rather buy them newish and let them build character from my wear.

[SeaDweller50]

I hope mine stay the same. I don't like the aged look personally.

[THC]

A classic Day Date will forever age the best... If the band is in great shape, it can be compared equally to the newest of Day Dates..

[Onikage]

Whilst ceramic absolutely will NOT age, the sharpness and finish of the bezel ring will. Might look a bit odd in 30 years on all but mint examples. Everything will be replaceable for a while for the age defying among us.
Nice Explorer II! The jury's out on how luminova will age as it all still looks brand new after 15 years.

[Afghanvet]

Nice ExII!

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Airborne

I hope mine stay the same. I don't like the aged look personally.

Agree I don't buy something to hope to watch its deterioration over time, I can look in the mirror for that!

[AF_Rob]

Love that model, nice choice sir! I think the dial will "cream" over time. I may be wrong. The experts will correct me I'm sure.

[locutus49]

ME THREE. That is why I am not into the whole vintage thing. I like modern Rolexes in good condition, although with signs of wear.

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Agree I don't buy something to hope to watch its deterioration over time, I can look in the mirror for that!

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by Speed

In theory the luminova should not yellow as Tritium does. Different chemical make up. That said...Luminova hasn't been round one enough to tell.

When did Rolex switch to luminova? Has it always been blue, or was it green at one time?

[mike]

No, I don't believe they will. Understand tritium is not super-luminova. SL is said to not patina as does/did tritium. The tritium matrix is different.

Sapphire is not plexi and as mentioned the new ceramic inserts will resist fading.

That said one has to wonder which references in the future will catch the collector's eye. Granted the numbers today are far more than the numbers of yesterday, but as time goes on I would guess certain references will garner a special place among the wach collecting public. The question, as always , is which.

[Chadridv]

The consensus seems to be that none of the modern rolex will age nicely, or better put will age as nicely as the golden age oldies. But with that said, on a level playing ground, assuming all modern Rolexes are in the same boat, I picked my 116610LV specifically because I think it will age well. I believe the green color will ultimately be a classic look, and although there's no way to tell anything for sure, I have a feeling they will not continue the production of it forever.

[Dyim]

Originally Posted by mike

No, I don't believe they will. Understand tritium is not super-luminova. SL is said to not patina as does/did tritium. The tritium matrix is different.

Sapphire is not plexi and as mentioned the new ceramic inserts will resist fading.

That said one has to wonder which references in the future will catch the collector's eye. Granted the numbers today are far more than the numbers of yesterday, but as time goes on I would guess certain references will garner a special place among the wach collecting public. The question, as always , is which.:chuckle:

Hopefully, the ones that I own!

[watchwatcher]

A lot of good counsel given. It's a great looking watch, enjoy it and let the future take care of itself.

[Nycturbovr6]

I think they will all age nicely

[rollee1]

Anything solid gold