1981 Datejust as a daily beater?

[davidoxman]

Hi
I’m thinking of buying a 1981 16030 datejust with plexiglass as a daily beater? Anyone got experience of a similar watch used daily, is it tough enough to cope with normal daily grind? Is plexiglass glass able to stand up to everyday wear?
How often would it need servicing?
Any pics would be great
Thanks

[omar-rye]

Plexiglass is of no concern. It’s just cosmetic and can be cleaned up whenever desired with some polishing cream and a cloth. Most importantly, a daily worn beater needs to have waterproof/water resistance, so you’ll need to sort that out on a vintage piece

[Ensign]

Datejusts, all Rolexes actually, are very robust. There are lots of examples of people doing yard work, working on cars, construction even and their watch being just fine. Of course, Datejusts are expensive, so use common sense. Use it, don’t abuse it. Take it off and put it a zipped pocket if you are doing something especially rough.

As far as service, don’t mess with it until it stops working and keeping good time. That’s probably around 15 years. The plexiglass can always be polished or replaced.

[Bxtek]

I guess that would be an okay daily beater, but I am thinking that a more modern watch would better fit the need? Maybe a pre-owned newer Tudor or Omega? Much more modern movements, more modern materials, specifically with the crystal? Also, probably not as much to worry about reliability either, at least for a long while. Since the maintenance history is usually not known with a vintage piece, unless you get it fully checked out, you might be in for some expensive and frequent repairs in the near future?

I currently have a 1601 36mm DJ with an acrylic crystal. I polished out the scratches by hand once in awhile. Easy to do! However, I accidentally hit it hard on a shelf one day and it cracked at the bottom, right where it meets the bezel. Hardly noticeable but I definitely need to get it replaced one day. Until then, I make sure I keep it away from water. I guess my feeling is that vintage is a little too "fragile" for a daily use beater and there are much better options?

[douglasf13]

Sure. I’d personally get it fully serviced, particularly for water resistance, and then have at it without worry.

[yowlie]

Ideal

[GradyPhilpott]

Talk to Jocke about DateJust beaters.

His is legendary!

[Dirt]

I think it would be a great daily beater if it has to be a Rolex