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AJDay · 30 May 2018, 03:36 AM

I have an employee who is retiring and her husband came for her send-off in the office today. I knew he likes watches and ha a few Rolex watches, including a Daytona and Sub, but all contemporary / bought new.

When I met him I asked what he's wearing, and he says "an old one" - I look at his watch and see a shiny GMT Master that looks brand new, on a nice jubilee bracelet. When I ask him how new, he says "early 1970's, bought in the early 1980's, but I had it serviced a few years ago and wanted it to look new".

I was visibly pained and before I could say anything my employee said "he (me) thinks they should be kept original and they're worth more money that way". The owner politely said "yeah, I know that, but I like to wear them and have them look new".

I wonder how many of "them" there are versus "us"? It seems like such an objective thing to me (they're not only worth more original, but have more character, interest, story, etc.), but it seems like some people feel just the opposite...

I just wish I could go back and save that watch...

Dr.Smellody · 30 May 2018, 03:52 AM

A little (crazy). These are service items that are used for a purpose. They survive in many ways. The vintage stuff is pretty rare because it was used. Some was updated along the way.

I was thinking about this the other day with the guy with the 5508 that looks new (because Rolex put new everything on it (dial, hands, bezel, etc.) Then there is a guy who posted his essentially NOW, untouched example, then there is mine that the dial is all but eaten up by the dial. Also, there are watches that were serviced locally and had dials refinished.

For me, I love them all. They are all survivors. Just different classifications.

Looking new and perfect is the only way for some. That GMT was still a vintage 1675 to me.

sensui · 30 May 2018, 03:54 AM

I think we're all a little bit crazy for appreciating/collecting old beat up timepieces/relics. But the appreciation for originality I think comes naturally from any collecting hobby....it's the same story told over and over for collectors of anything.

Cryten · 30 May 2018, 05:12 AM

Its the same in car circles. Some people love restored cars, others like them original and to tell a story.

I understand both arguments but the latter position tends to be taken on by those who have been around a bit longer and appreciate the value of originality. You'll hear it often....."they're only original once"

The world is already full of restored cars and watches, I don't think we need any more.

Wahlberg · 30 May 2018, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cryten

Some people love restored cars, others like them original and to tell a story.

Which of those vintage cars are even that original? All of them had work done, repainted etc.

They care about matching numbers mostly.

As long as they are being used and not stored, same for watches.

the.react · 30 May 2018, 05:50 AM

To each his own, I guess, and in some ways it would be freeing to think like your employee's husband, but it does blow my mind at little bit.

offrdmania · 30 May 2018, 06:06 AM

It must be more common than not. The more older pieces with service parts there are, the more valuable the original untouched pieces will be.

KarlFr · 30 May 2018, 06:08 AM

Reminds me of a old retired patient that came see me some 15 years ago wearing an old Rolex GMT Pepsi with a WHITE GMT dial. For real.

We had a long chat about the everlasting quality of them Rolex. I was just starting out collecting Rolex back then and didn't realize how extremely rare it is. I've actually had a nightmare about that watch being sent to RSC for service and that I really should track the old man down being a nutty collector.

AJDay · 31 May 2018, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the.react

To each his own, I guess, and in some ways it would be freeing to think like your employee's husband, but it does blow my mind at little bit.

I thought the same thing - kind of like ignorance is bliss, as long as you're getting enjoyment from it...

albaserver · 31 May 2018, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJDay

I just wish I could go back and save that watch...

Me too :(

But face the truth: someone wants a like new vintage, with luminova dials and service inserts

I hope that "someone" is only a handful of people.

Filipão · 31 May 2018, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

A little (crazy). These are service items that are used for a purpose. They survive in many ways. The vintage stuff is pretty rare because it was used. Some was updated along the way.

I was thinking about this the other day with the guy with the 5508 that looks new (because Rolex put new everything on it (dial, hands, bezel, etc.) Then there is a guy who posted his essentially NOW, untouched example, then there is mine that the dial is all but eaten up by the dial. Also, there are watches that were serviced locally and had dials refinished.

For me, I love them all. They are all survivors. Just different classifications.

Looking new and perfect is the only way for some. That GMT was still a vintage 1675 to me.

That was me (new untouched 5508) - and to be honest with you, I love wearing all my watches and that one is stuck in a box in the bank... so that I don't scratch it etc. What's the point of having it really? I am confused. Need my shrink.

BrazenC5 · 31 May 2018, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Which of those vintage cars are even that original? All of them had work done, repainted etc.

They care about matching numbers mostly.

As long as they are being used and not stored, same for watches.

There is a classification called survivor cars.

crazymcmichael · 31 May 2018, 04:12 AM

I don't really get it to wrap the story of an old man on ur wrist and say it tells a story. Buy a new watch, make ur own story with it... Buying an old beat up piece cause it tells a story and you do not see them much anymore makes no sense in my book. Can spend the money much better….

circles · 31 May 2018, 05:02 AM

Some things are important to some people and some things aren't.

I was at a high end car auction last year. When the 275 GTB/C everyone was buzzing about came up for sale I told my buddy sitting next to me if you listened to some of the vintage Rolex guys he should deduct at least 60% off the price since it had been refinished. He looked at me like I'd lost it. We both laughed when it went for 14.5M.

05carbondrz · 31 May 2018, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

I don't really get it to wrap the story of an old man on ur wrist and say it tells a story. Buy a new watch, make ur own story with it... Buying an old beat up piece cause it tells a story and you do not see them much anymore makes no sense in my book. Can spend the money much better….

Bought a Watch 2yrs ago for $7,500 now it’s worth $20,000....Pretty poor way to spend Money,Right?

Wahlberg · 31 May 2018, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrazenC5

There is a classification called survivor cars.

I wasn't aware of this term. Thanks!

donq · 31 May 2018, 11:15 AM

Sometimes things are so far gone that they need to be refinished to be useable.

An original nice watch is worth saving, but a hammered beater with corrosion on the dial probably needs some love...

FTX I · 31 May 2018, 11:38 AM

Not crazy at all. We have a hobby. Just that.

zapokee · 1 June 2018, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTX I

Not crazy at all. We have a hobby. Just that.

Speak for yourself. I'm an absolute nutcase.

FTX I · 1 June 2018, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapokee

Speak for yourself. I'm an absolute nutcase.

importstunna · 1 June 2018, 01:22 AM

I like the watch to have history from myself, so when I am ready for a real vintage piece, I would probably get it serviced/polished lightly by RSC so that it looks new to me. Then all the marks will be from me.

I do understand the appeal of keeping everything original, but I don't personally like seeing marks, dings, etc. from previous owners as I want the watch to feel like my own. I guess I am also kind of crazy in that sense!

zapokee · 2 June 2018, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by importstunna

I don't personally like seeing marks, dings, etc. from previous owners as I want the watch to feel like my own. I guess I am also kind of crazy in that sense!

Fair point, and each to his own. My 1675 came from the original owner, who wore it in active service as a US pilot during the Vietnam War. I wouldn't let it near a polishing wheel. The dings and scratches have an historic story to tell.

FTX I · 2 June 2018, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapokee

Fair point, and each to his own. My 1675 came from the original owner, who wore it in active service as a US pilot during the Vietnam War. I wouldn't let it near a polishing wheel. The dings and scratches have an historic story to tell.

Outstanding. Congratulations.

30 May 2018, 03:36 AM	#1
AJDay "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NJ Posts: 88	Are we crazy? I have an employee who is retiring and her husband came for her send-off in the office today. I knew he likes watches and ha a few Rolex watches, including a Daytona and Sub, but all contemporary / bought new. When I met him I asked what he's wearing, and he says "an old one" - I look at his watch and see a shiny GMT Master that looks brand new, on a nice jubilee bracelet. When I ask him how new, he says "early 1970's, bought in the early 1980's, but I had it serviced a few years ago and wanted it to look new". I was visibly pained and before I could say anything my employee said "he (me) thinks they should be kept original and they're worth more money that way". The owner politely said "yeah, I know that, but I like to wear them and have them look new". I wonder how many of "them" there are versus "us"? It seems like such an objective thing to me (they're not only worth more original, but have more character, interest, story, etc.), but it seems like some people feel just the opposite... I just wish I could go back and save that watch...

30 May 2018, 06:06 AM	#7
offrdmania 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Matt Location: Wine Country, Ca Posts: 5,991	It must be more common than not. The more older pieces with service parts there are, the more valuable the original untouched pieces will be. __________________ TRF Member 11738

30 May 2018, 06:08 AM	#8
KarlFr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Scandinavia Watch: ♛ Posts: 1,330	Reminds me of a old retired patient that came see me some 15 years ago wearing an old Rolex GMT Pepsi with a WHITE GMT dial. For real. We had a long chat about the everlasting quality of them Rolex. I was just starting out collecting Rolex back then and didn't realize how extremely rare it is. I've actually had a nightmare about that watch being sent to RSC for service and that I really should track the old man down being a nutty collector. __________________ Insta

30 May 2018, 03:52 AM	#2
Dr.Smellody "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 5,390	A little (crazy). These are service items that are used for a purpose. They survive in many ways. The vintage stuff is pretty rare because it was used. Some was updated along the way. I was thinking about this the other day with the guy with the 5508 that looks new (because Rolex put new everything on it (dial, hands, bezel, etc.) Then there is a guy who posted his essentially NOW, untouched example, then there is mine that the dial is all but eaten up by the dial. Also, there are watches that were serviced locally and had dials refinished. For me, I love them all. They are all survivors. Just different classifications. Looking new and perfect is the only way for some. That GMT was still a vintage 1675 to me.

30 May 2018, 03:54 AM	#3
sensui 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,437	I think we're all a little bit crazy for appreciating/collecting old beat up timepieces/relics. But the appreciation for originality I think comes naturally from any collecting hobby....it's the same story told over and over for collectors of anything.

30 May 2018, 05:12 AM	#4
Cryten "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Terrafirma Posts: 2,655	Its the same in car circles. Some people love restored cars, others like them original and to tell a story. I understand both arguments but the latter position tends to be taken on by those who have been around a bit longer and appreciate the value of originality. You'll hear it often....."they're only original once" The world is already full of restored cars and watches, I don't think we need any more.

30 May 2018, 05:50 AM	#6
the.react "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Vancouver Posts: 11	To each his own, I guess, and in some ways it would be freeing to think like your employee's husband, but it does blow my mind at little bit.

31 May 2018, 04:12 AM	#13
crazymcmichael "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Here Watch: Sub 114060, 216570 Posts: 2,157	I don't really get it to wrap the story of an old man on ur wrist and say it tells a story. Buy a new watch, make ur own story with it... Buying an old beat up piece cause it tells a story and you do not see them much anymore makes no sense in my book. Can spend the money much better….

31 May 2018, 05:02 AM	#14
circles "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: GMT-6 Posts: 185	Some things are important to some people and some things aren't. I was at a high end car auction last year. When the 275 GTB/C everyone was buzzing about came up for sale I told my buddy sitting next to me if you listened to some of the vintage Rolex guys he should deduct at least 60% off the price since it had been refinished. He looked at me like I'd lost it. We both laughed when it went for 14.5M.

31 May 2018, 11:15 AM	#17
donq "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas tx Watch: 16610,1675,16030 Posts: 1,136	Sometimes things are so far gone that they need to be refinished to be useable. An original nice watch is worth saving, but a hammered beater with corrosion on the dial probably needs some love...

31 May 2018, 11:38 AM	#18
FTX I "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Flavio Location: N/A Posts: 14,654	Not crazy at all. We have a hobby. Just that.

1 June 2018, 01:22 AM	#21
importstunna "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: World Watch: BLNR Posts: 855	I like the watch to have history from myself, so when I am ready for a real vintage piece, I would probably get it serviced/polished lightly by RSC so that it looks new to me. Then all the marks will be from me. I do understand the appeal of keeping everything original, but I don't personally like seeing marks, dings, etc. from previous owners as I want the watch to feel like my own. I guess I am also kind of crazy in that sense!

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