Buying a vintage Rolex... Advice please.

[Czechman]

Greetings, this is my first post... hope I get this right.

I want a vintage Rolex and have an absolute maximum budget of $3k. I'm not looking for anything flashy, I prefer understated quality items that reflect my personality and enjoy the simplicity of the machine bezeled 16220 models. It will be worn daily.

I've done some basic researching and find these available over a wide price range, from $3k to $1k which adds to my confusion and would appreciate any advice on choosing a fine watch for a fair and reasonable price.

Just in case there are better investments in the Rolex line, I'm open to your expertise and suggestions within my price range and style parameters... Simple, steel or white gold, Arabic or stick numerals and date.

Thank you.

Woody

[Andad]

Don't we all.

How about a nice older 14060 on a bracelet or a NATO. I wear my 'K' every weekday. Nice and light and classic. You could go for a subdate if you really need the date.

Welcome to the Forum.

[Lion]

Checkout the for sale section on this forum!!!

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by Czechman

Greetings, this is my first post... hope I get this right.

I want a vintage Rolex and have an absolute maximum budget of $3k. I'm not looking for anything flashy, I prefer understated quality items that reflect my personality and enjoy the simplicity of the machine bezeled 16220 models. It will be worn daily.

I've done some basic researching and find these available over a wide price range, from $3k to $1k which adds to my confusion and would appreciate any advice on choosing a fine watch for a fair and reasonable price.

Just in case there are better investments in the Rolex line, I'm open to your expertise and suggestions within my price range and style parameters... Simple, steel or white gold, Arabic or stick numerals and date.

Thank you.

Woody

There are much better "investments" within the Rolex watch models.
I am afraid the dateJust is not one of them, there are so many MILLIONS of
steel DJ's around and they can only be classified as "old watches"
rather than collectible or investment, hence your confusion about
prices. Basically the older the datejust the less expensive it is.

There are exceptions but none that I can explain right now
as I will need 4.500 pages to explain which and why...

If I was just now entering Rolex ownership with a budget price
I would be looking for a brand new Explorer I.. for around $3.700
but no date.

[allanofcalifornia]

Welcome to TRF! Wish you well for your search of a vintage Rolex. You might also want to check out the Vintage Rolex Forum.

Please let us know what you end up getting!


Allan

[dentman]

Something like this would be well within your budget and very wearable and comfortable at all times. You might also consider a 1016 explorer which would be more expensive but more collectable.

[Tools]

Welcome to the Forum..

The Datejust is a classic Rolex and your budget is well suited for one..

Prices almost always have to do with, in the case of the DJ, age and condition..

You will find the older acrylic (plastic) crystal models that you have to run the hands around the dial, for much less than a more modern DJ (post '80's) with a durable sapphire crystal and quick-set date, in the upper ranges..

If you find one you are interested in, the nice members here will give you more opinion than you ever dreamed of..

[Clay]

I wouldn't consider a 14060 a vintage Rolex....

[pz93c]

A 1603 may be up your alley.

[KCRandy]

We may have similar tastes. I'm very happy with this 1951 Rolex Oyster Royal. I got it cleaned for $30. Sometimes it runs fast and I need to check with the watchmaker I used, but I love the look of this watch.

[DadsWatch72]

Why a vintage, if you don't mind me asking? Do you like older looking watches or is it for an investment? You stated both reasons but I am not sure which one is more important.

[jdc]

If you want a Rolex that may appreciate in value go for a Sports model like a GMT, Explorer or submariner. Personally I would just buy a watch that I liked and wanted to wear, if your preference is for a SS datejust there should be plenty of choice in your price range from vintage to more modern.
There are many reputable sellers here who may be able to source your needs

[Dan Pierce]

My advice would be to read and study the brand to narrow down what will suit your needs best. Gonna take some time but it will pay dividends in the long run.
And as an investment, I'd find the watch that looked best on my wrist, had features I wanted most, and not rely on it to increasing in value. The value is how it makes you feel wearing it. Now if it happens to appreciate a bit or even sky rocket in value, all the better.
Good luck and welcome to TRF,
dP

[Tools]

The 16220 is a nice choice....

And you are correct... a Rolex is an investment in yourself as well as the time-piece. You will not be disappointed with a good DJ.........

[Czechman]

Thanks for all the responses! Most of the DG's are dead on Sunday.

As for the "investment" comment I believe that anything that doesn't lose money is a lot better than something that will wind up in the trash can in a few years, and therefore an investment of sorts.

In my business my appearance is important. Perhaps some long-time Rolex owners have forgotten but there are few things in life that say "success" better than a Rolex regardless of how many are in circulation... so it's an investment in my business too.

I've found an excellent 16220 for sale by the original owner and I'm negotiating on it. It also comes with all the original papers, receipt and box which is nice. Having bought and sold more than my share of camera gear I find that people who keep the box and documents tend to take better care of their stuff.

Anyway, I'll let you know what I wind up with... no pun intended