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rolextempman · 13 September 2019, 07:16 AM

Hi All,

I have many watches and finally taking them out of collection and trying to research those I dont have papers or boxes.

There is lady's Datejust dated between 1979-1980 (based on the serial #59333xx sequence). It is in beautiful condition, seems to be working very good. It has 10 diamonds as the hour indicator, gold face, rim, crown with steel bracelet/ center gold.

I was wondering what is considered 'vintage'? I'm showing my age, but to me 1980 doesn't feel vintage, but it IS nearly 40 years! ...

edited...

Thanks for all your help and look forward to being part of this forum

Tools · 13 September 2019, 09:16 AM

There is no real definition of vintage.

I wouldn't have any problem calling a 40 year old watch vintage.

othertbone · 13 September 2019, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolextempman

Hi All,

I have many watches and finally taking them out of collection and trying to research those I dont have papers or boxes.

There is lady's Datejust dated between 1979-1980 (based on the serial #59333xx sequence). It is in beautiful condition, seems to be working very good. It has 10 diamonds as the hour indicator, gold face, rim, crown with steel bracelet/ center gold.

I was wondering what is considered 'vintage'? I'm showing my age, but to me 1980 doesn't feel vintage, but it IS nearly 40 years! ...

edited...

Thanks for all your help and look forward to being part of this forum

80's in vintage brother!

pianomankd · 13 September 2019, 12:23 PM

80s was my favorite period in music!

oysterquartz17000 · 13 September 2019, 01:20 PM

Yes

996marty · 13 September 2019, 09:29 PM

Definitely

Tom1675 · 14 September 2019, 01:27 AM

1983 or so does it for me... the introduction of WG surrounds. To me its something implemented across the sports line and was, imho, a significant cosmetic change. That said, as the years go on I'm probably going to have to move this on to some other metric like lug holes.

tHeTiMeTeLLeR · 16 September 2019, 02:12 AM

In the Rolex world IMO......4-5 digits would be "vintage"........6 digits would not be vintage at this time......although if the industry decided to widely use the word "classic", I think the 5 digits would then move to that category.

Gecko10 · 16 September 2019, 08:40 AM

Sure!!

oysterquartz17000 · 16 September 2019, 08:45 AM

Anything before 1984.

Kingface66 · 16 September 2019, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Anything before 1984.

So...this isn’t?

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...d-papers-A1985

TheWatchStandard · 16 September 2019, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingface66

So...this isn’t?

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...d-papers-A1985

Haha, ok you're making me contradict myself instantly.
1016 would be considered vintage. Keep in mind these were produced in the early 60's and made till mid to late 80's.

oysterquartz17000 · 16 September 2019, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingface66

So...this isn’t?

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...d-papers-A1985

Nope

Kingface66 · 16 September 2019, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Nope

Based simply on the year? Because, otherwise, it’s like matte dial 1016s before it in just about every way.

btinl · 16 September 2019, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Nope

Didn’t you say a 1991 16610 was vintage in another recent thread?

oysterquartz17000 · 16 September 2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btinl

Didn’t you say a 1991 16610 was vintage in another recent thread?

I said:

"My 28 year old 1991 Sub 16610 didnt make the cut either. I agree with the four digit option, it makes things a lot simpler that way. I have a 1680, so I win either way."

Styles Bitchley · 16 September 2019, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingface66

So...this isn’t?

https://www.hqmilton.com/timepieces/...d-papers-A1985

Touché.

oysterquartz17000 · 16 September 2019, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Touché.

daveo5 · 16 September 2019, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Anything before 1984.

Then all 4 of my 5 Rolexes are vintage.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

TheWatchStandard · 16 September 2019, 10:41 AM

In my opinion, no. But it all depends on the model.
But that's all these answers are, opinions.

214270Explorer · 16 September 2019, 02:24 PM

VINTAGE: "The class of dated or old-fashioned objects with reference to when they were made or in use."

So . . . that being somewhat cryptic . . . no one REALLY knows what vintage is.

And on that note, it would be nice if "rolextempman" would offer to pay me for the migraine meds his question required me to get.

SubMarine · 16 September 2019, 02:47 PM

Aluminum insert and earlier = vintage, period

Baco Noir · 16 September 2019, 02:51 PM

For me, it’s models with tritium dials.

nigelUK · 17 September 2019, 12:27 AM

Vintage - anything with plexi and or without WG surrounds ? (up to 5 digit refs)

Classic - 5 digits (if not included in above category)

Contemporary - 6 digit

Robtayham · 17 September 2019, 12:37 AM

1979 / 1980 vintage? I think they’re just old.

For me, vintage would be older. I don’t think the year of manufacturer is the sole identifier of vintage or not. There has to be both visible external and internal differences.

Verdi · 17 September 2019, 02:00 AM

'80s models+plexi = vintage

late '80s/early '90s+crystal = neovintage

This is in my books.

Racer X · 17 September 2019, 04:00 AM

While 40 years of age certainly sounds "vintage," I would reserve that term for watches having particular characteristics, like plexi, matte, 4-number ref, tritium, etc., as opposed to the year of production. As I've said before, this is similar to the term "modern" in art and archetecture. Modern art/architecture is not "modern" in the conventional sense of the term as the modernest movement began in, what, the 1930s?

I like the idea of a separate term, like "classic" for old watches that do not have the vintage watch characteristics. "Transitional" works for the watches between vintage and modern. We could add in "antique" at some point for the really old references.

Of course, there is a huge amount of subjectivity here.

13 September 2019, 07:16 AM	#1
rolextempman "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: miami Posts: 1	Is 1980 Vintage Hi All, I have many watches and finally taking them out of collection and trying to research those I dont have papers or boxes. There is lady's Datejust dated between 1979-1980 (based on the serial #59333xx sequence). It is in beautiful condition, seems to be working very good. It has 10 diamonds as the hour indicator, gold face, rim, crown with steel bracelet/ center gold. I was wondering what is considered 'vintage'? I'm showing my age, but to me 1980 doesn't feel vintage, but it IS nearly 40 years! ... edited... Thanks for all your help and look forward to being part of this forum Last edited by Tools; 13 September 2019 at 09:18 AM..

13 September 2019, 09:16 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	There is no real definition of vintage. I wouldn't have any problem calling a 40 year old watch vintage. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

16 September 2019, 02:24 PM	#21
214270Explorer "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: United States Watch: me buy Watches Posts: 3,955	VINTAGE: "The class of dated or old-fashioned objects with reference to when they were made or in use." So . . . that being somewhat cryptic . . . no one REALLY knows what vintage is. And on that note, it would be nice if "rolextempman" would offer to pay me for the migraine meds his question required me to get. __________________ “The display of actual intelligence terrifies much of mankind” Rolex "some" Tudor "some" Damasko "some" Misc Pieces "some" Marathon "some" GS Spring Drive "some" Hamilton "some" Findeisen "some"

16 September 2019, 02:51 PM	#23
Baco Noir "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Roger Location: Colorado Watch: this ya'll Posts: 4,970	For me, it’s models with tritium dials. __________________ Current Collection: Rolex 126619LB, 116710BLNR, and 216570 polar Explorer II; Omega Apollo 8 Speedmaster and Planet Ocean 42; Tudor BB Bronze Bucherer Blue Edition; Nomos Neomatik 42; Breitling Aerospace, Avenger Blackbird, & SuperOcean 44; Doxa 300 Pro Carbon; Stowa Limette; Laco Napa Flieger; Mickey Mouse Timex Electric; and dare I say it...an Apple Watch too

17 September 2019, 12:27 AM	#24
nigelUK "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Northants, UK Posts: 1,058	Vintage - anything with plexi and or without WG surrounds ? (up to 5 digit refs) Classic - 5 digits (if not included in above category) Contemporary - 6 digit __________________ insta : NigelUK

13 September 2019, 12:23 PM	#4
pianomankd "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 75	80s was my favorite period in music!

13 September 2019, 01:20 PM	#5
oysterquartz17000 Banned Join Date: May 2019 Location: AWOL Watch: Submariner 16803 Posts: 487	Yes

13 September 2019, 09:29 PM	#6
996marty "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Uk Watch: RolexGMT/Tudor7928 Posts: 4,182	Definitely

14 September 2019, 01:27 AM	#7
Tom1675 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Real Name: Tom Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,187	1983 or so does it for me... the introduction of WG surrounds. To me its something implemented across the sports line and was, imho, a significant cosmetic change. That said, as the years go on I'm probably going to have to move this on to some other metric like lug holes.

16 September 2019, 02:12 AM	#8
tHeTiMeTeLLeR "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: The PNW Posts: 26	In the Rolex world IMO......4-5 digits would be "vintage"........6 digits would not be vintage at this time......although if the industry decided to widely use the word "classic", I think the 5 digits would then move to that category.

16 September 2019, 08:40 AM	#9
Gecko10 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: New Mexico Watch: GMT 1675 Posts: 331	Sure!!

16 September 2019, 08:45 AM	#10
oysterquartz17000 Banned Join Date: May 2019 Location: AWOL Watch: Submariner 16803 Posts: 487	Anything before 1984.

16 September 2019, 10:41 AM	#20
TheWatchStandard "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Los Angeles area Watch: Daytona 16520 Posts: 230	In my opinion, no. But it all depends on the model. But that's all these answers are, opinions.

16 September 2019, 02:47 PM	#22
SubMarine Banned Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Douglas Location: London, UK & USA Watch: Submariner 16610 Posts: 723	Aluminum insert and earlier = vintage, period

17 September 2019, 12:37 AM	#25
Robtayham "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Texas Posts: 532	1979 / 1980 vintage? I think they’re just old. For me, vintage would be older. I don’t think the year of manufacturer is the sole identifier of vintage or not. There has to be both visible external and internal differences.

17 September 2019, 02:00 AM	#26
Verdi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mitch Location: UAE Watch: Big Ben Posts: 2,451	'80s models+plexi = vintage late '80s/early '90s+crystal = neovintage This is in my books. __________________ IG: @watch_idiot_savant

17 September 2019, 04:00 AM	#27
Racer X "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Unknown Posts: 999	While 40 years of age certainly sounds "vintage," I would reserve that term for watches having particular characteristics, like plexi, matte, 4-number ref, tritium, etc., as opposed to the year of production. As I've said before, this is similar to the term "modern" in art and archetecture. Modern art/architecture is not "modern" in the conventional sense of the term as the modernest movement began in, what, the 1930s? I like the idea of a separate term, like "classic" for old watches that do not have the vintage watch characteristics. "Transitional" works for the watches between vintage and modern. We could add in "antique" at some point for the really old references. Of course, there is a huge amount of subjectivity here.

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