Looking at a vintage DJ

[EagleArmsHBAR]

I'd like to get a two tone Rolex Date Just with a champagne dial for my wife when she has a significant milestone soon, but wonder if the second hand market will drop much between now and December. I am looking at an older model because I don't see much in advancements to justify the new price. I'll have the cash allocated for it in about two weeks. What do you guys think? I am looking for a watch with at least a 3135 movement or newer and would like to keep it under $9,000 with tax.

[HideMyWalletPlease]

Originally Posted by EagleArmsHBAR

I'd like to get a two tone Rolex Date Just with a champagne dial for my wife when she has a significant milestone soon, but wonder if the second hand market will drop much between now and December. I am looking at an older model because I don't see much in advancements to justify the new price. I'll have the cash allocated for it in about two weeks. What do you guys think? I am looking for a watch with at least a 3135 movement or newer and would like to keep it under $9,000 with tax.

I would just go new even if it meant picking up a little credit card debt. If you’re buying her a Rolex spend a little more and make her the first owner.

[EagleArmsHBAR]

I should add that she can't wear it to work, so it will be only a dinner, weekend, or evening watch, so I don't know if it is worth the premium to pay over a nice used example.

[PickleTheGherkin]

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

I would just go new even if it meant picking up a little credit card debt. If you’re buying her a Rolex spend a little more and make her the first owner.

this. yes, the value thing. but i think, as a gift, she would get more "warm and fuzzies" by the whole "new" thing.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

I would just go new

Completely agree.

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

even if it meant picking up a little credit card debt.

Completely disagree.

Personally, I'd rather buy (or receive) a new steel DJ or the recently released Tudor BB S&G 36.

[EagleArmsHBAR]

Anyone else want to chime in?

[Lu..]

have you looked at 16234 DJs?

https://www.chrono24.com/search/inde...&dosearch=true

[Sandpit]

I went through a similar thing when I was buying my Datejust last year, however I opted for new.

I was considering a 16014 / 16234 in as new condition as possible. I actually found and was seriously tempted by a "NOS" 1984 birth year Datejust.

When I looked at the price of the older one it was more than I would have paid for a brand new 126234. Similarly, any worn 5 digit DJ had jumped in value and I found it hard to justify the price of the older watch when I could get a new one for not that much more.

The newer watches are way ahead in terms of build quality, as all new Rolex are compared to their older versions. They do however lack a certain charm that older watches have.

Have you decided on a size? A DJ36 is not a 'small' watch, despite what you might read on here. My wife tried mine on this week and it look huge, but then everyone's tastes are different.

[mdwsta4]

Originally Posted by HideMyWalletPlease

even if it meant picking up a little credit card debt.

Sorry, but this has to be some of the worst advice possible. Going into debt for a luxury good?! Buy it with disposable income (cash) or don’t buy it at all until you can actually afford it. Zero reason to go into debt at all, let alone for something as frivolous as a watch. There’s a reason so many people are in over their heads with debt thinking they need to keep up with the Jones’ or that they ‘need’ a Rolex.

[MikeHains]

Hi from Sunny Queensland.

For what it is worth ... I have both a new (2020) 2 tone DJ, and a vintage (1984) DJ. They are quite a different experience, in the following ways:

-> The new DJ is a lot heavier, and feels more "solid" on the wrist.
-> The new DJ band is (obviously) a lot less flexible.
-> The new DJ has micro-adjust ... which is actually really great, at least for me.
-> The new DJ came with awesome boxes, and full receipt (and AD experience).

I am trying to move my better-half from Omega to Rolex, and it will have to be a new one for her.

Regards,

[Alvar*]

I have been toying with the idea of buying myself a tt 36 datejust. However, I've come to the conclusion that there isn't sufficient value in the vintage dj market with current prices at the moment and thus it would make sense to pay a bit more and buy a brand new from the ad. I guess a tt-dj is one of the few watches that you can actually get relatively easy from an ad. I would wait and see if the prices drop and maybe buy a new one possibly with discount?

[joli160]

You want to cheap out on the Mrs ?
I’d buy a another brand first before buying a second hand Rolex watch.

[TheWatchmen]

You can get 16013 for about 5-6k, 16233 for a little more

[EagleArmsHBAR]

She likes the 36mm two tone with the gold stick dial. I am really just thinking that the prices on the 16233 may be coming down in the next few months. Right now, they are between $6900-7800 depending where you look and a new TT DJ 36 MSRPs for $12,000. Quite a difference in price! I'd buy a new one if I could get it at 15% or more off MSRP, but it seems silly to pay that much for essentially the same watch unless I'm missing something.

[Arid]

Got my wife a 116233 a few years back but she much prefer my 16233 due to the lighter weight and much more comfortable bracelet.

[Wee-Willie]

Originally Posted by mdwsta4

Sorry, but this has to be some of the worst advice possible. Going into debt for a luxury good?! Buy it with disposable income (cash) or don’t buy it at all until you can actually afford it. Zero reason to go into debt at all, let alone for something as frivolous as a watch. There’s a reason so many people are in over their heads with debt thinking they need to keep up with the Jones’ or that they ‘need’ a Rolex.

When I bought my 1st Rolex in 1986 ( TT AK) I financed through Corrigans...$200 down & 20 payments of $90. I never regretted it...of course, the price was only $2200 back then & 20% off.

I did pay cash for my next 2 Rolex, SS Ak in 1999 & YG Day Date in January.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by EagleArmsHBAR

Anyone else want to chime in?

Yes.

If this is a gift, get it. What the market does next month or year has no meaning when gifting jewelry.

Imagine what happens to a tennis bracelet when you walk out the door.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by EagleArmsHBAR

I'd like to get a two tone Rolex Date Just with a champagne dial for my wife when she has a significant milestone soon, but wonder if the second hand market will drop much between now and December. I am looking at an older model because I don't see much in advancements to justify the new price. I'll have the cash allocated for it in about two weeks. What do you guys think? I am looking for a watch with at least a 3135 movement or newer and would like to keep it under $9,000 with tax.

As the owner a 1601 champagne pie pan dial TT I think it's very amusing that a watch with the 3135 is considered "vintage."

I would think for that price you could find a very nice example.