Birth year watches

[JParm]

Thinking about getting a birth year watch (1983). Would prefer to keep it under 15k (closer to 10k ideal). Really like my Snowflake and would rather not get rid of it, but I'd probably move it for a birth year Rolex if needed...I think. Everything else in my collection stays.

I saw this from the Davidoff brothers, but it's a bit pricey for me:

http://www.db1983.com/vintage/rolex-...1983?imageID=0

Anyone have opinions on birth year watches? And if you have one, show 'em and give me your thoughts / how you acquired!

Pics of my Tudor for tribute.

[roh123]

Birth year watches are stupid. Saying from experience so please don’t feel offended. Firstly no one knows when things were made and more importantly; it’s a weird way of prioritizing what to get. Very rarely model, year etc matches your preferences. And lastly; once you actually have a match from your birth year you need to find that perfect example. How often does that happen?

I did get the best possible watch in awesome condition from my birth year. Only problem was that it didn’t do anything for me once I had it.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by roh123

Birth year watches are stupid. Saying from experience so please don’t feel offended. Firstly no one knows when things were made and more importantly; it’s a weird way of prioritizing what to get. Very rarely model, year etc matches your preferences. And lastly; once you actually have a match from your birth year you need to find that perfect example. How often does that happen?

Not offended at all and I do appreciate the insight, especially from someone that has had one in the past.

All good points.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by roh123

I did get the best possible watch in awesome condition from my birth year. Only problem was that it didn’t do anything for me once I had it.

Didn't see this until after I replied - that is a gorgeous watch!! Surprised it did nothing for you when you received it, but that's why we're all different I suppose.

[swish77]

I don't like the concept of birth-year watches for a couple of reasons, but if you do pursue one from '83, I wouldn't make it that 1665. It's not a great example. That case has been badly polished. Look at the lower-right lug and crown guards. Not good.

In general, I'd suggest selecting a reference that interests you, and then pursuing the best-condition example you can find (and is within your budget).

Trying to pinpoint a year, which can be futile anyway, greatly restricts the examples you would be able to consider.

Good luck!

[rmagoo57]

It would be nice to have but I don't want a watch that old!!

If you like the idea, go for it! The hunt for a pristine piece from 1983 sounds like a fun challenge. No need to rush it either. I would opt for a Rolex with a 1983 serial number. Here's your chance to pick up a 16013 TT DJ on jubilee and join the club!!

[brockburst]

I have had a similar experience. I typically only bought watches for milestones in my life, and as my collecting, chase, and passion grew, I found myself making up reasons to get them. Enter the birth year discussion here. Interestingly, I also am 1983. As my eye evolved and my tastes cemented, I found myself justifying why I needed to keep the birth year versions, and at one point I owned several:

Circa 1983 Rolex 16800 Submariner
Circa 1983 Rolex 5513 Maxi MK5 Sub - Full Set, acquired basically brand new with MEGA pumpkin patina
Circa 1983 Tudor 94110 Snowflake
Circa 1983 Rolex Datejust White Buckley Dial
1983 Omega Speedmaster

Those are the ones i have owned and consequently sold or am in the process of selling. Per is exactly right, dates are not exact at all. One sub was prob closer to 82 than 83, and the maxi was closer to 84 than 83. Overall I ended up sticking a bunch of cash into an idea and forcing myself to add a reason to collect something. That has never been how I arrived at ownership, so after awhile I have abandoned the idea that I need to own a birth year watch. This has led to a more important and fulfilling collection, especially when some of my most meaningful pieces (gilt 5512 and gilt 1675) have required larger budgets.

Many different opinions no doubt, but unless you really love the model, save for your dream watch no matter when it was made. Condition is more important than any other facet.

[Texex]

Originally Posted by brockburst

I have had a similar experience. I typically only bought watches for milestones in my life, and as my collecting, chase, and passion grew, I found myself making up reasons to get them. Enter the birth year discussion here. Interestingly, I also am 1983. As my eye evolved and my tastes cemented, I found myself justifying why I needed to keep the birth year versions, and at one point I owned several:

Circa 1983 Rolex 16800 Submariner
Circa 1983 Rolex 5513 Maxi MK5 Sub - Full Set, acquired basically brand new with MEGA pumpkin patina
Circa 1983 Tudor 94110 Snowflake
Circa 1983 Rolex Datejust White Buckley Dial
1983 Omega Speedmaster

Those are the ones i have owned and consequently sold or am in the process of selling. Per is exactly right, dates are not exact at all. One sub was prob closer to 82 than 83, and the maxi was closer to 84 than 83. Overall I ended up sticking a bunch of cash into an idea and forcing myself to add a reason to collect something. That has never been how I arrived at ownership, so after awhile I have abandoned the idea that I need to own a birth year watch. This has led to a more important and fulfilling collection, especially when some of my most meaningful pieces (gilt 5512 and gilt 1675) have required larger budgets.

Many different opinions no doubt, but unless you really love the model, save for your dream watch no matter when it was made. Condition is more important than any other facet.

Great advice, It's really hard to tell the year a watch was made and be exact. And buying a 30 year old watch also means it very likely has had service and had parts replaced with newer parts.

[HERITAGE82]

I have owned a few birth year pieces and once the novelty wore off they carried no sentimental value so they were sold.

Having something as old as you is a fun reason to buy a watch though :)

I think it’s a cool idea to buy a birth year watch for a milestone birthday like 40 or something.

[JParm]

Thanks for the input, gents. Sounds like people that have actually gone through the process of owning one have, in the end, not felt that it was worth it.

[brockburst]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Thanks for the input, gents. Sounds like people that have actually gone through the process of owning one have, in the end, not felt that it was worth it.

Yeah, although since you love the snowflake you could scratch both by swapping yours to birth year which would also "upgrade" you to a quick set date

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Thanks for the input, gents. Sounds like people that have actually gone through the process of owning one have, in the end, not felt that it was worth it.

Imagine hanging out with your grandchildren one day, checking the time on your beautiful watch and thinking, damn, this is as old as me!!

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Thanks for the input, gents. Sounds like people that have actually gone through the process of owning one have, in the end, not felt that it was worth it.

It’s forced sentimentality, and a weak excuse to buy a watch. Just buy a watch you like.....why would the fact that it was sold the year you were born make it special?

[btinl]

I have two birth year watches (16800/16750) from the same era you are seeking. Honestly, I like the concept of having a mechanical watch that has been ticking for approximately the same amount of time that I've been alive.

[mcch2233]

I actually had fun looking for a birth year sub and still love mine. Seemed like a good way for me to focus my search for a single vintage sub to go with my modern one!

[SDREW22]

Purple dial " Bluesy". This will be my birth year watch

[Dan S]

When I have bought watches from my birth-year, there has been a brief enjoyment from the novelty of it. But it quickly wears off, and ultimately the condition and overall appeal of the watch is the only thing that matters.

[Pongster]

Go for it. I have a BY rolex. But just a 6694.

[JPMickB83]

I’m also a 1983 baby; the closest I could get was a couple 1984 Tudor 76100 Subs (one still has the Lollipop handset). I never wear them, yet I’m tempted to “upgrade” them to a Rolex. This thread is helping to put that idea to bed, and to either learn to appreciate what I have, or sell and get out of the investment.



And a blue one



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[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by JPMickB83

And a blue one



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That denim Blue is stunning. Definitely don’t sell it. Lol

[Andjwhite]

Originally Posted by JPMickB83

I’m also a 1983 baby; the closest I could get was a couple 1984 Tudor 76100 Subs (one still has the Lollipop handset). I never wear them, yet I’m tempted to “upgrade” them to a Rolex. This thread is helping to put that idea to bed, and to either learn to appreciate what I have, or sell and get out of the investment.



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Really love these slightly less popular tudors. Although they are becoming more and more desirable. Beautiful sub.

[pierson]

I looked into my birth year watch and fell in love with the 1675, but the one I wanted was a couple years off. I switched to finding my Birth Decade Watch and bought it. Couldn’t be happier.

[FTX I]

I know this one is no big deal, but I got it in Vienna in 2005 at a nice vintage watch shop that no longer exists there. It was made in 1969 for the italian market only. Fast forward to 2013, I join TRF and I found out birth year watches were a thing. I was born in 1969, so hey I have a birth year watch lol. I love this one for many reasons but the birth year thing means nothing to me. It's just a sales gimmick IMO.

[Old Expat Beast]

A lot of people like birth-year watches, and I can see the appeal. It's nice to wear a watch that has been ticking along the same time as you all these years. How about a nice Seiko dive watch or chronograph? They're more affordable, reliable, and you can tell the exact year, and month, of production from the serial number.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

A lot of people like birth-year watches, and I can see the appeal. It's nice to wear a watch that has been ticking along the same time as you all these years. How about a nice Seiko dive watch or chronograph? They're more affordable, reliable, and you can tell the exact year, and month, of production from the serial number.

that's not a bad idea at all!

Maybe looking outside the Rolex name for this would be the smarter (cheaper) route.

[rushca01]

I want a 16660 birth year, 1983, watch myself in a bad way!

[Andad]

[Speedbird-1]

Originally Posted by Andad

Blimey! Eddie.........That's old!!!

[Sherbie]

Of course some companies will provide extracts from their archives ( some free, some for a hefty fee, ahhem, cough cough, Omega!)

But if you birthday matches their production date, i could see that would be attractive

I have 2 speedmasters from 1983, both with EoA - pity i was born in 1962 !!!




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[ILuvSubs]

I did have a birth year watch (a 5513). It was neat to have a watch the same age as you. However, I would rather have a watch (a Grail) I really coveted.

So in the end I traded it in for something I really wanted, a 1680 Red Sub. No regrets.

If you really like your Tudor Snowflake, I wouldn’t trade it just to get a birth year watch (unless you really like and want the watch irrespective of the year of production). I think you’d regret it.

Just my two cents.

Really nice blue Snowflake by the way! I personally wouldn’t trade that away, unless it was for something better.