Vintage 1986 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Just never worn

[Alexvegaslimo]

I’ve recently inherited a Rolex from my grandfather. I took it to a watch dealer in order to get it fitted to my wrist. However once I took it to the jeweler he authenticated it and suggest I not wear it. He said the watch was from 1986 and was amazed of the condition. He held the watch side ways to test the band strength and it was pretty much horizontal with no slack. The clasp is still tight and not lose either. My grandfather never wore watches so I’m assuming this watch just stayed in a safe for the past 38 years. The sticker is there not worn and still has the holographic and readable numbering16013 as you’d expect something to be after that much time has passed. My question is should I even wear this at this point? It’s never been worn and I’m assuming at this point it’s a collectible more so than an actual watch. I do have the paperwork that came with it but no box.

[cardiel]

wear it in good health

[996marty]

Seems like the perfect watch to wear knowing it’s got that family connection. Unless you’ve no interest in keeping it and are looking to sell it? In which case did the dealer give you a valuation to buy it from you?

[TuRo]

Welcome. The 'collectability' ( and hence value) difference between an unworn and a worn 1986 basic batten dial Datejust is frankly negligible....they are just not investment pieces - wear it, as intended, my advice.

[Dr.Smellody]

Very nice. Wear it and enjoy it.

[Pete_mcC]

An unworn watch is as sad as a toy that’s never been out of its box. Get it on your wrist!

[Dan S]

I agree with the comments above, if you like it, you should wear it. Don't take this the wrong way, but a 16013 isn't a super high-end collectible.

[tekno]

Wear the watch, life is short. Ive worn my father’s Datejust for 20 years. Before I knew better, when I was a kid - I let a heavy handed watchmaker polish the case which ruins the aesthetics imho.

Never ever let someone polish the case and find a good watchmaker that specializes in vintage to keep it running.


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[lbflynn]

I have an 1987 16013 that I wear almost daily. Love it. Enjoy it!!

[hutch300]

Enjoy it! Perhaps consider a service.

[Alexvegaslimo]

Thank you all for the replies. I am not too familiar with watches I assumed vintage watches are something you put on display rather than wear. I did get a quote for 8500$ which is above market price currently but for 8500$ is not life changing money. I assumed after that much time and in its condition it would be worth much more. That being said I tried it on and it’s very classy piece however at my age I just don’t see the practicality of it with having smart phones and most people will assume it’s fake anyways. Don’t really wanna be part of that category either haha. I’ll just put it back in the safe and pass it down to my kids when they get of age. Maybe 30-40 years from now if it’s still ticking 😁

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Alexvegaslimo

I did get a quote for 8500$ which is above market price currently but for 8500$ is not life changing money.

I don't know who gave you that quote, but I assume you weren't actually offered that much for it. The market value is less than half of that amount, even in fine condition.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Alexvegaslimo

Thank you all for the replies. I am not too familiar with watches I assumed vintage watches are something you put on display rather than wear. I did get a quote for 8500$ which is above market price currently but for 8500$ is not life changing money. I assumed after that much time and in its condition it would be worth much more. That being said I tried it on and it’s very classy piece however at my age I just don’t see the practicality of it with having smart phones and most people will assume it’s fake anyways. Don’t really wanna be part of that category either haha. I’ll just put it back in the safe and pass it down to my kids when they get of age. Maybe 30-40 years from now if it’s still ticking 😁

Yes, put it in the safe and in 30 to 40 years it might be worth that much.

It seems like you are just hoping for a nibble. These models are plentiful and cheap, even if unworn.

[hutch300]

Dan, I bet they quoted approx. DJ value not the value of this particular one.

[996marty]

If someone offered you $8500 and it’s a big if you should have taken the money and run especially in this market

[Davidt]

Agree, although an 80’s new old stock DJ is a nice find, it’s not earth shattering and if you aren’t bothered about wearing it, you should bite their hand off

[omar-rye]

$8500? Maybe insurance value?

[wkaho111]

Just enjoy the watch, don't think about its value.

[ajmacke]

It sounds like a great watch to wear, especially with that family connection.


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[tekno]

Insurance value, if you know the jeweler they will usually ask you what you want the appraisal to say. The value that is.

It’s a realistically a $3-4k watch.


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[watchmainspring]

Sounds like your grandfather essentially never wore it. Should you start a new trend? If you like it, go for it. Otherwise, I am sure someone else can enjoy it more while you put its value you use.

If it was his daily driver, this is another story.

[tekno]

You have a phone so you don’t need a watch. Great.

It looks fake because it’s new, this is the first time I have heard that.

Good luck with whatever your goal is. Grandpa had good taste.


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