New vs vintage

[watchnut]

Seeing the beautiful Daytona of Johns (jac67) made me think again about my old GMT. I just felt differently about wearing an old watch as opposed to a new one. Not less anal, just different. Even when it's been serviced and looks brand new you can feel the history and plus in some cases it's a model that you're not going to see on everyone. Maybe they're like people, they're not really interesting till they've acquired some character! You know they've had some injuries, healed and will go through the cycle again! My new watches have kind of a sterile feel. Nuts, huh?

[Gurmot]

I agree with you on this. Whilst lots of people get a rush out of buying a new Rolex and don't feel happy about pre-owned, I think some of the older / vintage models definitely have more character than a new one.

My collection reflects this too.

1967 5513 sub
1987 Manual Oyster Precision 6426
1997 Daytona 16520 (Zenith)
2007 Sea Dweller

(Plus a couple of 60's / 70's Omega Speedmasters).

I just realised, all I need is a 1977 Sub-date and I've got a good spread!!

Cheers - Simon

[dsimon9]

Well, you can always have the best of both worlds. Buying a watch new, and growing old together. So the new "sterile" watch you buy today, gains character and "personality" as you grow older together. Kind of like wine.

Dexter

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I know what you mean. I tried on a Sub 5513 recently! I also owned a 5513 for a while. What a great watch. Totally different overall output altogether. That watch is fantastic, and I kind of miss it!

I am considering getting a vintage Rolex at some time. Either a 5513 or 1680 Red.

[Trurolexer]

I have a GMT 1675 before. And now I already sold it. Because I more interesting with new Rolex than vintage. Sound so crazy, huh?

[MrClean]

i'm still in denial that i'm not a junkie BUT, the majority of those were new, too many in a price strata i didn't see the value in the watch, ie bang for the buck
and about 11 months ago got my first tudor, a 1992 tudor 79090 and haven't considered new once since - am now on my sixth but vintage has taken on a whole new appreciation for me,

i wear them, like them, and don't tire of them on my wrist - there's something about the character of a well worn 1960s 7928 that i haven't experienced with a new watch - and have the benefit of seeing values going up, not down the minute i leave the AD (that part is just a little icing, as i don't particularly buy them for investment purposes)

only new watch i've considered is a rolex ND sub because of the similiarity in balance & appearance to a tudor sub, and then i realized, for the money i could pickup another tudor sub

just 02

[Dan Pierce]

I'd like to think there's room for both. Love the history behind pieces I've worn and vintage pieces others have. Plus nice to purchase new to start new history and memories.
dP

[mike]

I have and use modern references. That said, there is nothing like a properly serviced vintage example. These were the watches that put Rolex (and others) where they are today.

And yes, some of my vintage were purchased new----the best of all worlds.

[Bobareno]

If the watch has history with you or your family then vintage is the only way to go!